We have a team highly specialised in all aspects of private equity and the particular issues arising from all kind of transactions: LBOs, MBOs, MBIs, etc. in a broad range of sectors. Our clients are leading private equity funds, both Spanish and international, seeking a highly specialised and partner-led legal advice.
Our team advises on all aspects of a transaction, from initial due diligence, structuring, preliminary negotiations, drafting and negotiation of contracts and ancillary documents, up to the succesful completion of the transactions. Our private equity team works in close collaboration with other areas of practice in order to offer our clients a comprenhensive legal advice.
“Strong abilities to handle difficult situations, defend their customer’s position and get the transaction done”
– Chambers Europe Guide –
“They combine the capacity of large firms with the efficiency and craftsmanship of medium-sized firms”
– The EMEA Legal 500 –
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.’
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