The EMEA Legal 500 2024
Noted for being ‘reactive, pragmatic and solutions-driven‘, Araoz & Rueda manages a busy transactional workload where M&A features alongside PE deals, joint ventures and contractual matters. Its broad service offering is matched by an equally varied client base; companies from the healthcare, pharmaceuticals, infrastructure, media and transport sectors frequently retain the team in an array of corporate and M&A matters. The practice is jointly led by founding partner Pedro Rueda, who is active in buy and sell-side M&A, and the all-rounder Alejandro Fernández de Araoz.
Testimonials
‘Multidisciplinary teams prepared to answer all types of questions.’
‘Closeness, flexibility and high reaction capacity.’
‘Great knowledge of the subject.’
‘Close, committed and very practical team.’
‘They are very reactive, pragmatic and solutions-driven.’
‘I have worked with Laura Vintanel and Maria Nieto. Laura is very business-oriented, always trying to understand clients’ needs. Maria is very organised, efficient and reactive.’
‘The entire team around Alejandro Fernandez de Araoz is absolutely unique. All lawyers are extremely well-trained and helpful. The processes are well structured and I have never worked with a firm that gave faster feedback than Araoz. All lawyers know at least a little German, some even fluently. An absolutely recommendable law firm.’
‘The team is exceptionally experienced, commercial and a pleasure to work with. They are proactive, sensible and very competent in advising clients on negotiations. Unlike other larger firms, they are very down to earth and get things done. I would definitely hire them again on any commercial and M&A project in Spain.’
The EMEA Legal 500 2023
Originally regarded as an M&A boutique, Araoz & Rueda has since evolved into a multi-disciplinary firm though naturally retains corporate transactions as its core pillar. The team is adept in all-manner of deals, from M&A, spinoffs and joint ventures through to private equity, venture capital and capital markets transactions. Sector focus includes health, food and beverage, construction, media and education, among others, with the practice headed by Pedro Rueda and Alejandro Fernández de Araoz. Guillermo Bueno left the firm in 2022.
The EMEA Legal 500 2022
Araoz & Rueda, an independent firm which started out as a corporate transactions boutique, demonstrates a strong capacity to handle a range of transaction types, including M&A, spin-offs, joint ventures, national and international contracts and day-to-day commercial affairs. Pedro Rueda fronts the practice, which is home to specialist knowledge in the health, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, construction, media, transport, logistics and renewable energy sectors.
Testimonials
‘The team was very responsive, even late at night and provided a level of service akin to London City law firms.’
‘The firm provided a very seamless service on a complex M&A transaction, with Pedro Rueda very much leading from the front and being the key contact at all times, obtaining input from specialists as and when needed. Strong, partner led team that anticipated what we wanted and how we like to work. They spend time building the relationship and their style is very much a trusted adviser. They make deals easier, especially for those with less experience of the Spanish market.’
‘Pedro Rueda is very strong, pragmatic, calm, charming and statesman like – someone we were very pleased to have on our side in difficult negotiations. Someone we trusted from the outset. Provided very clear, straightforward advice on complex issues and was always ready with solutions to issues that arose.’
‘Araoz has a team with a lot of experience, they answer any request in less than 24 hours and with an irrepressible quality.’
‘I have already worked with Pedro Rueda; they are all exceptional, considering the experience of each one. Organisation, control of the entire process and responsiveness is common to all.’
‘The main singularity is that they combine the capacity of large firms with the efficiency and craftsmanship of medium-sized firms, always dedicating adequately dimensioned team.’
‘They are all very solid lawyers with great experience, which means that they are always very focused on the economic-business context of the operations with a fluent handling and creativity of the law.’
Chambers Europe Guide 2021
Solid reputation in the mid-cap M&A market. Regularly assists international companies and funds with inbound investment. Popular choice for foreign law firms looking either to refer key clients to a smaller Spanish firm or to work together on transnational M&A projects. Adept in managing the sale of vast real estate portfolios for funds. Client portfolio comprises entities from the life sciences, transportation and TMT sectors. Clients say the experienced team provides an “extraordinary service and very good work” when handling corporate matters. Other interviewees say: “They have everything you need from a boutique. They are reachable and personal, a great firm to deal with.” Work highlights: Represented Kefren Capital Real Estate in the sale of five industrial and logistics properties for EUR57 million to buyers Prologis and Blackstone Group. Pedro Rueda leads the team and enjoys a strong reputation as “a very good lawyer and impressive individual.” He is well equipped to advise on acquisitions and sales of Spanish companies, as well as advising domestic private equity funds on cross-border transactions. Clients are fond of Alejandro Fernández de Araoz ‘s “great experience and common sense” in his approach to transactions. He regularly represents clients in M&A deals in the pharmaceutical, renewable energy and financial services sectors. Israel de Diego assists clients from the technology and real estate industries with acquisitions. Clients say: “He advises according to your needs and adapts to the needs of your company.” Guillermo Bueno is adept at advising international clients and shareholders on the sale of stakes.
Chambers Global Guide 2020
Long-standing Madrid firm that often assists clients with commercial litigation or administrative proceedings, acting for both plaintiffs and defendants. Advises on the termination of contracts, mis-selling claims and real estate disputes, in addition to bankruptcy-related litigation. Has further activity in disputes in the renewable energy sector. The team draws praise for being “very fast in understanding the complexities of the claim and in drafting a very robust defence.” Alejandro Fernández de Araoz has experience in commercial disputes and insolvency litigation. Interviewees dub him “a tough litigator.”
Chambers Europe Guide 2020
The team maintains a consolidated reputation in the mid-cap M&A market. Regularly assists international companies and funds with inbound investment. Popular choice for foreign law firms looking either to refer key clients to a smaller Spanish firm or to work together on transnational M&A projects. Client portfolio comprises entities from the life sciences, transportation and TMT sectors.
Strengths The firm garners praise for its “great experience,” with one source adding that it is “a classic boutique for M&A.”
Clients find further value in the team’s “immediate response and absolute availability.”
Work highlights Assisted Mazuelo Holding with the EUR230 million takeover bid launched over Spanish wine producer Barón de Ley.
Pedro Rueda leads the team and enjoys a strong reputation as “an excellent lawyer.” He offers significant experience in the acquisition and sale of Spanish companies, as well as advising domestic private equity funds on cross-border transactions.
Alejandro Fernández de Araoz is widely known for his experience and draws strong praise from clients for his “commercial vision.” He advises on M&A deals in the pharmaceutical, renewable energy and financial services sectors.
Guillermo Bueno assists with transactions in the manufacturing, construction and automotive sectors. Clients say that he “delivers the product promptly and the quality of work is excellent.”
The EMEA Legal 500 2020
Traditionally known as an M&A boutique, Araoz & Rueda has particular experience in the energy sector, as well as in post-acquisition disputes and shareholder or joint venture conflicts. In addition, the firm acts in a range of corporate and commercial litigation, as well as international arbitration. Eduardo de León advises in disputes before the Spanish courts and in domestic arbitrations, specializing in matters involving administrative law.
Testimonials:
“Deep knowledge of energy law in Spain, especially renewable energy”
“Best price and quality in the energy sector”
“Reputed law firm recognized by public administrations, utilities, developers and banks”
“High success ratio in the disputes managed by this law firm”
“Eduardo de León is a key person for dispute resolution”
The EMEA Legal 500 2020
The ‘engaged, motivated and committed’ Araoz & Rueda is a ‘boutique and specialized firm that provides very unique M&A and corporate services’. The practice handles the spectrum of transactional and corporate work, across sectors including pharmaceuticals, construction, media, logistics and renewable energy. The team is co-led by Pedro Rueda, who has experience advising industrial and financial clients on behalf of the buyer and the seller; Israel de Diego, who is active in domestic and cross-border matters; and M&A and capital markets specialist Alejandro Fernández de Araoz.
Testimonials
“Quick understanding of customer needs. Very good management of equipment and resources”
“True attention to details regardless of the size of the deal”
“Good understanding of what metrics are important for the sector and for the deal itself”
“The firm has good knowledge and vast experience in capital markets and M&A”
“They prove to be fast, responsive, and provide valuable advice and excellent negotiation skills”
“Alejandro Fernandez de Araoz is a responsive, persuasive and multi-skilled lawyer. Over the years he has shown ample experience and a broad knowledge in a different number of fields related to M&A and capital markets”
“The team is extremely committed and results oriented”
“They are really committed, extremely efficient and very knowledgeable lawyers to rely on”
IFLR 1000 2020
Araoz & Rueda is recognized across all financial and corporate areas. The M&A team represented acquirers on deals in the pharmaceutical, energy, beverage, communication, health, construction, transportation and financial services industries.
“I have a good impression of Araoz & Rueda’s work. Among its strengths I would like to stress that they follow the process very close to the client”
“It is a very good firm, I would like to point out the partners’ involvement since the very beginning of any M&A process assessment”
“The firm’s strengths are efficiency and agility”
“The firm has deep knowledge of the needs of the customer. The partners are at front line, flexible and facilitators”.
Partners Pedro Rueda, Alejandro Fernández de Araoz and Israel de Diego are highly recommended.
Chambers Europe Guide 2019
Araoz & Rueda maintains a consolidated reputation in the mid-cap M&A market, habitually advising Spanish and foreign clients on cross-border transactions. Popular choice for foreign law firms looking either to refer key clients to a smaller Spanish firm or to work together on transnational M&A projects. Notable activity on the buy side of M&A transactions. Client portfolio comprises entities from the life sciences, transport and TMT sectors.
Interviewees report the team to be “helpful, knowledgeable, efficient and proactive.”
Pedro Rueda is regarded as “a strong and disciplined negotiator” who has the ability to “cut through to the point of the issue.” He acts on both the buy and sell sides of cross-border M&A transactions, including splits, acquisitions and joint ventures, and is notably active in the financial and industrial spaces.
IFLR 1000 2019
The partners Pedro Rueda and Alejandro Fernández de Araoz receive strong recommendations “Focused on closing deals while ensuring customer’s interest as much as possible” “It provides high-quality service and delivers on time.”
Chambers Europe Guide 2018
Araoz & Rueda regularly advises international and domestic clients on mid-cap cross-border sales and acquisitions. Notable expertise in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors.
Pedro Rueda consistently attracts superb praise for his work on mid-cap M&A mandates. “I can pick up the phone and call Pedro and he’s 100% up to date on every bit of advice we have had,” says one interviewee, while another adds: “He’s involved in everything and can spot issues in the contracts in seconds.” Sources also draw attention to his English language skills and his experience in handling cross-border transactions.
The EMEA Legal 500 2018
Under the leadership of Pedro Rueda, Araoz & Rueda’s corporate team advised leading SMS corporation Esendex on the acquisition of SMSPubli Mobile Marketing. Other clients include Clínica Baviera, Osborne Group and Richemont Group.
Chambers Global Guide 2017
Established Madrid firm assisting clients with administrative proceedings, including claims linked to environmental and planning matter. Also active in commercial cases involving M&A and telecommunications law. As well as litigation, the department includes practitioners who have an extensive track record in key international arbitration courts.
Strengths (quotes from clients):
“The team approaches every matter as if were the only one they had”.
“The lawyers know perfectly how to focus each situation and what the best solution for each case is”.
Sources really appreciated Alejandro Fernández de Araoz’s “strategic vision, absolute loyalty to the client and maximum involvement in the matters”. He is highlighted for his particular expertise in commercial and transactional matters.
IFLR 1000 2017
The partners Pedro Rueda and Alejandro Fernández de Araoz receive strong recommendations from clients with top marks for legal expertise.
Chambers Global Guide 2016
Strengths (quotes from clients) “One advantage is that you work very closely with the partners; in most big firms it is not so easy to work with the partner but in the case of Araoz & Rueda, you can work directly with the senior lawyer”.
Alejandro Fernández de Araoz of Araoz & Rueda has a tremendously broad practice that encompasses contentious and non-contentious commercial issues. Clients describe him as a “tough negotiator,” adding: “He is very intelligent and knows how my business works very well.”
The EMEA Legal 500 2015
Araoz & Rueda’s Alejandro Fernández de Araoz and Clifford Hendel represented ENI in judicial and arbitral proceedings against Unión Fenosa Gas over corporate governance issues. Eduardo de León heads the team.
Chambers Global Guide 2015
Alejandro Fernández de Araoz of Araoz & Rueda has a wide-ranging practice encompassing capital markets, M&A, litigation and arbitration. He is regarded by sources as an accomplished practitioner in this field.
Chambers Global Guide 2014
Clients say Alejandro Fernández de Araoz is “an expert in litigation; he has a lot of experience and much prestige in this area”.
The EMEA Legal 500 2014
Alejandro Fernández de Araoz is a highly recommended lawyer for litigation.
Chambers Global Guide 2013
Alejandro Fernández de Araoz is “an all-rounder who brings useful corporate knowledge to his litigation work.”
Chambers Global Guide 2013
Alejandro Fernández de Araoz is viewed as an excellent practitioner in all areas of corporate work, with sources saying he “does a stellar job.”
The EMEA Legal 500 2013
Araoz & Rueda is ‘doing very well at the moment’. Alejandro Fernández de Araoz is recommended.
The EMEA Legal 500 2012
Araoz & Rueda’s “performance is outstanding and is definitely worth the money”. Alejandro Fernández de Araoz is an excellent litigator.
Chambers Global Guide 2012
Alejandro Fernández de Araoz maintains a diverse practice which covers public law, capital markets, M&A and dispute resolution. Clients say “not only is he very able but he also enjoys his job. He understands matters in depth and is discreet and incisive”.
Chambers Global Guide 2012
“Tier” 2 (of 5): Multilingual practitioner Alejandro Fernández de Araoz has expertise in a variety of practice areas. As well as a proven corporate background, he is visible on litigation and insolvency matters.
Chambers Global Guide 2011
“Tier” 2 (of 5): Alejandro Fernández de Araoz is a corporate all-rounder rated by clients for his diligence and dynamic approach to problem solving.
Chambers Europe Guide 2011
“Tier” 3 (of 4): Alejandro Fernández de Araoz receives praise for his expertise and professionalism.
The EMEA Legal 500 2010
“Client-oriented Alejandro Fernández de Araoz is not only a natural team leader but also a skillful and capable litigator – the value he adds is truly remarkable.”
Chambers Global Guide 2010
“Tier” 2 (of 5): Alejandro Fernández de Araoz is respected by peers as “one of the best generalists in the market”.
Chambers Global Guide 2010
Alejandro Fernández de Araoz is lauded by clients for his “talent at resolving complex problems, and in-depth knowledge of a number of areas of law.”
Chambers Europe Guide 2010
“Tier” 3 (de 4): Alejandro Fernández de Araoz is present mainly on the M&A aspects of private equity work, and is lauded as “extremely focused and intelligent”.
IFLR 1000 2010
“Tier” 3 (of 4): “Working with Araoz & Rueda was excellent. Alejandro Fernández de Araoz is bright. This is as good a firm as you can get in the local market.”
Chambers Global Guide 2009
“Tier” 2 (of 4): Versatile lawyer Alejandro Fernández de Araoz is a “fantastic adviser for any corporate matter and is tough in negotiations”.
Chambers Europe Guide 2009,
“Tier” 3 (de 4): Alejandro Fernández de Araoz is praised for his “strong negotiation skills and solid technical abilities”.
Chambers Europe Guide 2009
Peers recommend Alejandro Fernández de Araoz. Clients hail “his through preparation and impeccable manner when speaking in court”.
The EMEA Legal 500 2009
Alejandro Fernández de Araoz is one of corporate best-known litigators at Araoz & Rueda, collecting high praise for his strong experience in both international and domestic disputes.
The EMEA Legal 500 2008
At Araoz & Rueda Alejandro Fernández de Araoz has built impressive expertise as a corporate litigator.
Chambers Global Guide 2008
“Tier” 2 (of 4): “Alejandro Fernández de Araoz is “permanently focused on the clients’ best interests, provides a personalised service and ensures a fast response at all times.”. “Alejandro Fernández de Araoz is also an esteemed presence in private equity. He is highly esteemed from start to finish, and has a solid grasp of the sector”.
Chambers Global Guide 2008
“Fernández de Araoz is a determined lawyer who never gives up”; “he gets deeply involved in every matter and is always willing to answer questions”; “a distinguished international Spanish arbitrator”.
IFLR 1000 2008
Alejandro Fernández de Araoz is described as “hard working with a good knowledge of the law, and a charming negotiator – very to the point”.
Chambers Global Guide 2007
Tier” 2 (of 4): “Alejandro Fernández de Araoz is a superb and vastly experienced M&A lawyer who is permanently focused on closing the deal”.
