The M&A Department is the biggest within our firm and a large number of our lawyers work and are specialised in this area, having a solid experience in both national and international transactions. This together with the high degree of specialisation acquired during the last almost 30 years, has made our firm one of the leading independent law firms in Spain in M&A, with recommendations in numerous legal directories and magazines.
Our M&A team is agile, dynamic and flexible and is always led by a partner directly committed to and involved in the client’s issues and needs and with the necessary experience and capabilities to handle the most complex transactions. This enables us to be more efficient in the minimum possible time contributing to the successful culmination of the transactions and exceeding our clients’ expectations.
We have been involved in many important national and international transactions, together with other leading law firms and companies, representing both national and international clients in numerous sectors such as agro-alimentary, pharmaceutical, chemical and mining, telecommunications, leisure, transport and logistics, health, wind and solar energy industries, services, etc.
We advise industrial and financial clients, both on the buyer’s and the seller’s side, including the drafting and negotiation of contracts as well as Due Diligence in:
“Strong abilities to handle difficult situations, defend their customer’s position and get the transaction done”
– Chambers Europe Guide 2023 (Banda 1, Highly Recommended Firm: Corporate/M&A: Mid-Market) –
“They combine the capacity of large firms with the efficiency and craftsmanship of medium-sized firms”
– The EMEA Legal 500 2023 –
Araoz & Rueda enjoys an excellent reputation in the mid-cap M&A market (Tier 1, Corporate/M&A: Mid-Market).
Clients say:
“Araoz & Rueda has advised us on a number of complex deals, both on their nature and timing. They have continually proven to provide practical and business-oriented advice.”
“They are quick, responsive and practical in their advice.”
“Araoz & Rueda has dealt with procedures of extreme complexity and impact on the business in a very satisfactory way.”
“Araoz & Rueda were very useful in the legal advice and how to proceed and deal with a certain situation.”
Pedro Rueda (Tier 1) leads the team and is well equipped to advise on mid-market acquisitions and sales of Spanish companies, as well as assisting domestic private equity funds with cross-border transactions.
“His level of responsiveness could not be better.”
“We feel that we are in safe hands given the way he conducts business and represents our interests.”
“I like his approach. He’s very quick in his feed-back.”
“He is straightforward in finding a solution.”
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.’
Araoz & Rueda enjoys an excellent reputation in the mid-cap M&A market. The law firm regularly assists international companies and funds with inbound investments and is a 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. The team is also adept in assisting clients with the acquisition of companies. Its client portfolio comprises entities from the life sciences, transportation and TMT sectors. “They have very strong abilities to handle difficult situations, defend their customer’s position and get the transaction done.” “They have a very good ability to work under pressure.”
Pedro Rueda leads the team and is well equipped to advise on mid-market acquisitions and sales of Spanish companies, as well as assisting domestic private equity funds with cross-border transactions. “Pedro Rueda is capable of summarising situations, building the conditions to close agreements, and has proper negotiation skills.” “He is practical, tough when needed, realistic and commercial.” “I trust his judgement and you can discuss things with him very openly.”
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.
Araoz & Rueda enjoys an excellent reputation in the mid-cap M&A market. The law firm regularly assists international companies and funds with inbound investments and is a 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. The team is also adept in managing the sale of vast real estate portfolios for funds. Its client portfolio comprises entities from the life sciences, transportation and TMT sectors. Strengths: A source says: “My perception is that Araoz & Rueda lawyers are excellent in every way. They are always attentive and totally dedicated to customers.” Other clients add: “Araoz & Rueda always provides impeccable work.” Work highlights: The team advised Eni on its EUR240 million acquisition of Aldro Energía. Notable practitioners: Guillermo Bueno is adept at advising international clients and shareholders on the sale of stakes. Interviewees say: “Guillermo is attentive to every little detail, transmitting tranquillity and confidence to his clients.” Pedro Rueda leads the team and enjoys a strong reputation as “technically brilliant, a great negotiator, capable of finding creative solutions.” He is well equipped to advise on acquisitions and sales of Spanish companies, as well as assisting domestic private equity funds with cross-border transactions.
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.’
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.’
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.
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 ‘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”
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
The firm maintains a consolidated reputation in the mid-cap M&A market, habitually advising Spanish and foreign clients with cross-border transactions. The team is particularly active in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, energy, media, transport and logistics. “A prompt and effective team, I find them to be technically excellent and responsive” “They have good knowledge of other jurisdictions and are great in negotiations” Corporate/M&A: Sources widely consider Pedro Rueda to be a “pragmatic and efficient” practitioner who has “great language and negotiation skills”. As head of the department, he has extensive experience in M&A, joint venture and other corporate matters. He regularly works with clients in the financial and industrial sectors. Private Equity: Compact, specialized team that routinely advises domestic and international private equity clients on acquisitions, investments and divestments. Also offers significant experience assisting venture capital entities with a range of investments. Sector expertise includes transportation, energy and healthcare. Pedro Rueda is a key contact for this practice area. Strengths: the team’s “quality, efficiency and high level of service” is singled out by market sources.
“A boutique firm with specialized lawyers who are focused on clients’ needs”. “I value the lawyers’ excellent treatment of the client and the defence of the clients’ needs”. Clients appreciate that Pedro Rueda “handles the work himself and if you call you always get an answer from him directly.” He has a long-standing reputation among peers as an experienced corporate and M&A lawyer working for mid-sized and some larger Spanish industrials. One source further notes Rueda’s ability to “resolve conflicts and find solutions”.
Under the leadership of Pedro Rueda Araoz & Rueda has built a significant reputation in private equity work, and regularly acts for foreign investors and Spanish corporations in significant acquisitions and divestments.
Foreign mid-market investors and Spanish corporates instructed a team on a number of acquisitions and divestments. The group acted for 3i on the €590m sale of its stake in Everis to NTT. Other clients include Aurum Mining and Baring Private Equity Partners. Pedro Rueda and Francisco Aldavero are the practice co-heads.
Foreign mid-market investors and Spanish corporates instructed a team on a number of acquisitions and divestments. The group acted for 3i on the €590m sale of its stake in Everis to NTT. Other clients include Aurum Mining and Baring Private Equity Partners. Pedro Rueda and Francisco Aldavero are the practice co-heads.
Practice head Pedro Rueda has extensive experience across joint ventures, M&A transactions and sales of assets.
“Tier” 2 (de 5). Practice head Pedro Rueda receives strong market feedback: “He’s an extraordinary lawyer. Technically his advice is impeccable, he’s very involved in the deals and his professionalism and rigour are exceptional”.
Francisco Aldavero assisted […]. He is ‘reliable and knowledgeable’.
Araoz & Rueda’s name partner Pedro Rueda is ‘a very able, personable and extremely well-trained professional’.
Francisco Aldavero receives strong recommendations from clients with top marks for legal expertise and speed of response.
Alejandro Fernández de Araoz is viewed as an excellent practitioner in all areas of corporate work, with sources saying he “does a stellar job.”
“Tier” 2 (de 5). Practice head Pedro Rueda impresses clients with his strong commercial sense and negotiation skills: “He has excellent chemistry with everyone, from clients to shareholders. He can see situations from everyone’s point of view.”
Araoz & Rueda has a busy mid-market Corporate/M&A practice. Pedro Rueda is a name to note.
Araoz & Rueda has a busy mid-market Corporate/M&A practice. Francisco Aldavero is a name to note.
“Excellent boutique, very strong in the M&A/Private Equity area”. Pedro Rueda is “one of the best lawyers in Madrid”.
“Excellent boutique, Francisco Aldavero is highly recommended”.
“Tier” 2 (de 5). Pedro Rueda is a very recommended lawyer in the area of Corporate/Mergers and Acquisitions.
“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.
Leading lawyer – “Tier” 1 (of 4) – (fourth year appearing as one of the best five lawyers in Spain) in Private Equity: This domestic firm is well known for its work on mid-market private equity deals, and has an impressive roster of clients. Sources identify practice head Francisco Aldavero as a leader in this field: “He has focused on private equity throughout his whole career. He is definitely a specialist”.
“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.
“Tier” 2 (de 5): Pedro Rueda is highly recommended, with a demonstrated cross-border M&A expertise.
“Tier” 4 (de 5): Francisco Solchaga concentrates on M&A and enjoys a successful practice in the renewable energy sector.
Leading lawyer – “Tier” 1 (of 4) – (third year appearing as one of the best five lawyers in Spain) in Private Equity: The firm continues to win praise from clients. Sources say: “Excellent service from a knowledgeable and very fast team. The lawyers know what they must concentrate on and how best to structure and negotiate a deal.”Clients enthuse that partner Francisco Aldavero”has a lot of private equity experience and focuses on the key aspects of each transaction. He is proactive and anticipates the problems we might face”.
“Pedro Rueda is a tough and skilled negotiator”.
“Francisco Aldavero is praised for his excellent industry knowledge”.
“Tier” 2 (of 5): Alejandro Fernández de Araoz is respected by peers as “one of the best generalists in the market”.
“Tier” 4 (de 5): Francisco Solchaga is a younger partner who has caught the eye of several clients.
“Tier” 2 (de 5): Pedro Rueda is lauded for “being so easily able to put himself in the client´s shoes”.
Leading lawyer – “Tier” 1 (of 4) – (second year appearing as one of the best five lawyers in Spain) in Private Equity: Clients have the highest praise for the practice, emphasising above all the impressive level of partner time devoted to each case, and the lawyers´ deep knowledge of the field. “They are real experts in private equity, they know everything about it”. Francisco Aldavero is readily identified by peers as one of the top names in the field.
“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”.
“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.”
“Tier” 2 (de 4): “Pedro Rueda knows the market like the back of his hand and can adapt to his clients’ needs.”
“Tier” 2 (of 4): Versatile lawyer Alejandro Fernández de Araoz is a “fantastic adviser for any corporate matter and is tough in negotiations”.
Leading lawyer – “Tier” 1 (of 4) – (appearing as one of the best five lawyers in Spain) in Private Equity: “They have all the flexibility of a small firm, which means dedicated partner attention, and the ability to build long-term relationships with clients”. Francisco Aldavero: hailed by sources for his “incredible experience and efficiency – he knows private equity inside-out”.
“A true corporate lawyer in the traditional sense, he is constantly there when you need him, and a perfect gentleman.”
“Tier” 2 (of 4): “Francisco Aldavero is a serious and proactive professional who knows his clients inside out, and has an excellent understanding of the economic landscape”.
“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”.
“Tier” 2 (de 4): “Forceful and hard-working Pedro Rueda is known for his fantastic negotiation skills and experience”.
Alejandro Fernández de Araoz is described as “hard working with a good knowledge of the law, and a charming negotiator – very to the point”.
“Tier” 2 (de 4): “Pedro Rueda is a superb and vastly experienced M&A lawyer who is permanently focused on closing the deal”.
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”.
“Tier” 2 (of 4): “Francisco Aldavero has a profound knowledge of the legislation applicable to private equity transactions and is able to optimise resources and focus on the important commercial and legal issues that ensure the success of a transaction”.
“Tier” 2 (of 4): “Clients praise Francisco Aldavero for his 100% dedication”.
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