Banking and Finance / Restructuring

Our Banking and Finance Department provides legal advice to financial entities, providers of alternative financing (among others, private equity funds, hedge funds and other debt funds), as well as to borrowing companies.

Our advice covers all kind of national and cross-border banking and finance transactions, including corporate finance, acquisition finance, asset finance, design and structuring of syndicated financing, debt restructuring, project & structured finance, acquisition and transfer of secured and unsecured distressed debt, debt restructuring and litigation against credit institutions, investment services companies, collective investment schemes, leasing, factoring, confirming, off balance sheet financing, financial and banking guarantees, derivative transactions, custody and liquidation of securities, private banking, etc.


“Responsive, reliable and friendly team”

– Chambers Europe Guide –

“Very consolidated team, with great experience in the sector and very accessible”

– The EMEA Legal 500 –


 

Specific services

  • Corporate finance.
  • Acquisition finance.
  • Asset finance.
  • Design and structure of syndicated financing.
  • Debt restructuring.
  • Acquisition and transfer of distressed debt.
  • Project & structured finance.

Experience

  • Advice to leading foreign financing entity and the remaining banking pool on the refinancing of the financial debt of a French group specialized in the maintenance and sale of automotive accessories for an approximate amount of € 155,000,000.
  • Advice to two leading financing entities on the negotiation and signing of a syndicated loan for an approximate amount of € 145,000,000 granted to a bottling and selling company subsidiary of a holding company to finance the acquisition of a number of companies in Algeria.
  • Advice to leading precast concrete solutions group on the creation of the Spanish security package arising from the financing granted by two hedge funds for an approximate amount of € 30,000,000.
  • Advice to leading investment group in the construction, purchase, development, leasing and operation of real estate properties on the negotiation and signing of the contracts relating to the Public Financial Support amounting to approximately € 55,000,000 charged to the Solvency Support Fund for Strategic Companies managed by SEPI.

Recommendations

Chambers Europe Guide 2024

Rafael Bazán of Araoz & Rueda is an active banking and finance practitioner who is mandated due to his expertise across various transaction types including debt restructurings and acquisition finance on behalf of both lenders and borrowers.

“Rafael Bazán is highly technical and at the same time practical, which allows him to always find a solution that is adapted to the needs of the client.”

“Rafael has a great ability to resolve stuck and complex issues. He’s organised.”

The EMEA Legal 500 2024

Noted for its experience in NPL, REO and asset portfolio transactions, the ‘proactive, efficient and commercial‘ practice at Araoz & Rueda handles a mix of asset-backed lending deals, debt restructuring, and corporate and acquisition financings. These are all key areas of activity for department head Rafael Bazán, who is trusted by lenders, borrowers, creditors and debtors alike. The group is also well positioned to advise on regulatory matters, with a particular focus on anti-money laundering issues.

Testimonials

‘An incredible team, highly trained and very good disposition.’

‘They know how to communicate, understand the client’s problem and be practical.’

‘Araoz and Rueda’s lawyers are exceptionally talented and experienced. They are very proactive, efficient and commercial. They understand the nuances of a dynamic deal process and, with their experience in the Spanish banking and finance market, they can advise their clients on the best market terms available.’

‘The team at A&R is experienced and engaged. They are reachable, responsive and will help drive a process through.’

Chambers Europe Guide 2023

Rafael Bazán of Araoz & Rueda is an active banking and finance practitioner who is mandated due to his expertise across various transaction types including debt restructurings, acquisition finance and mezzanine loans on behalf of both lenders and borrowers. “We are quite pleased with RafaelBazán’s communication, responsiveness and expertise.”

The EMEA Legal 500 2023

Araoz & Rueda advises both domestic and international banks, financial institutions, and corporates on a range of financial matters, including syndicated loans, debt restructuring, and corporate, acquisition and asset finance. In particular, practice head Rafael Bazán is highly experienced in the sale and acquisition of NPL, REO and asset portfolios.

Chambers Europe Guide 2022

Rafael Bazán of Araoz & Rueda is an active banking and finance practitioner who is mandated due to his expertise across various transaction types including debt restructurings, acquisition finance and syndicated loans on behalf of both lenders and borrowers. He is considered “very responsive, reliable and friendly” by clients.

The EMEA Legal 500 2022

The ‘responsive, easy to deal with and straightforward’ banking and finance group at Araoz & Rueda has particular expertise in the acquisition and sale of NPLs, REOs and asset portfolios. ‘Outstanding’ practice head Rafael Bazán is a well-known name in the Spanish market and also has professional experience in banking. He works directly with all clients, and new names instructing the team this year have included JP Morgan and Terra Firma Capital Management. Javier Sánchez and Juan Viaño are the associate team. Testimonials ‘Very consolidated team, with great experience in the sector and very accessible.’ ‘Rafael Bazan – Outstanding in everything.’ ‘We have worked with this firm for many years and enjoy doing so. They have a very good knowledge of the market we operate in. They are responsive and reliable.’ ‘Alejandro Araoz and Rafael Bazan are both extremely good and commercial in approach. They are very approachable. They understand our sector very well which is very helpful.’ ‘Responsive, easy to deal with and straightforward. Consistently high quality across practice areas.’

Chambers Europe Guide 2021

Rafael Bazán earns considerable praise among interviewees for his experience on both the buy and sell sides of NPL transactions. He also advises on refinancing and financing transactions that often fall within the mid-market range. Clients highlight “his dedication and skill in negotiating with the counterparty.” “He is extremely responsive and knowledgeable,” notes another source.

The EMEA Legal 500 2021

The ‘professional’ and ‘efficient’ team at Araoz & Rueda advises on a range of finance matters, includ-ing corporate, structured, acquisition, project and real estate. As well as providing regulatory expertise, the firm is strong in syndicated financing, debt restructur-ing, distressed debt issues and litigation in the area. ‘Standout’ partner Rafael Bazán leads the practice and has ‘provided top quality advice for years’, particularly in the acquisition and sale of NPLs, REOs and asset portfolios. Testimonials: “Araoz & Rueda is knowledgeable, provides swift responses, is dedicated and proactive.” “Experience and technical knowledge in the operations that are entrusted to them. Also important is the availability and accessibility of team members.” “General knowledge, in addition to being a specialist in the banking business and its regulation.” “Rafael Bazán and Alejandro Fernández de Araoz have contributed both their experience and knowledge of the matters they had to deal with as well as high availability and a great capacity for adaptation and problem solving.” “Superb knowledge and profile.” “Most reliable. Would recommend Araoz & Rueda any day of the week.” “Most professional, friendly, efficient.” “Rafa Bazán is a stand out partner who has provided top quality advice for years.”

Chambers Europe Guide 2020

Rafael Bazán (Tier 2) of Araoz & Rueda is recognised for advising a range of high-profile banks on the sale and acquisition of portfolios, including distressed portfolios. He further assists clients with the financing of takeover bids.

The EMEA Legal 500 2020

Araoz & Rueda advises on a range of finance matters, debt restructuring, leasing, and the acquisition and sale of distressed debt. The firm is also active in litigation against credit institutions, investment services compa-nies and collective investment schemes. Rafael Bazán leads the practice and has particular expertise in transactions involving the acquisition and sale of NPLs and asset portfolios, representing sellers and buyers in major NPL transactions. Testimonials: “Proximity and flexibility” “Very nice and easygoing people” “Availability with senior partners involved”

IFLR 1000 2020

During the research period the firms’ work in banking included advice to borrowers and lenders on acquisition finance, loans and refinancing deals. “The firms’ strengths are availability and commitment”. Partner Rafael Bazán is highly recommended.

Chambers Europe Guide 2018

Clients highlight Rafael Bazán (Tier 2) for his “negotiation skills and excellent knowledge of Spanish regulations.” Interviewees further note that in complex situations “he knows how to manage everyone’s interests.” A recent addition to the team at Araoz & Rueda, he has standout experience on the sell side of distressed loan portfolio transactions. He also assists with corporate finance, acquisition finance and asset finance transactions.

The EMEA Legal 500 2018

Araoz & Rueda’s team was strengthened by the arrival of Rafael Bazán from Baker McKenzie. Highlights included assisting Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank with the Spanish aspects of Sidorme Hotels’ senior facility agreement in the sum of € 504m.

Chambers Europe Guide 2017

Rafael Bazán of Araoz & Rueda has experience of high-profile loan portfolio transactions for key Spanish banking entities including the FROB, Catalunya Banc and Bankia. He also has broader expertise in refinancing, acquisition and asset finance. Clients say: “He is clearly business-oriented and client-focused,” adding: “He is very precise and can advise on a wide scope of financial matters.

The EMEA Legal 500 2017

Araoz & Rueda acts for a variety of corporate and financial clients, including BNP Paribas and LM Group.

IFLR 1000 2017

Araoz & Rueda is recommended in Banking & Finance. The firm advised a borrower in connection with a €200 million loan facility granted to a photo voltaic energy production plant to allow it to undergo refinancing procedures. The team also acted for wine producers in the financing of a new premises.

Chambers Global Guide 2016

Araoz & Rueda offers experience in debt restructuring and refinancing, real estate finance and asset finance. Advises a broad range of entities, such as financial institutions, investment funds and private capital ventures. Guillermo Yuste is noted for his experience in the banking and finance sector, where he focuses on corporate finance, structured finance, acquisitions and debt restructuring in domestic and international transactions.

The EMEA Legal 500 2016

Araoz & Rueda advised LM Group on refinancing issues, including a bond issuance and a revolving loan facility. Guillermo Yuste is the key name.

IFLR 1000 2016

In banking all of the details of Araoz & Rueda’s work in the last year are confidential. One highlight was partner Guillermo Yuste’s advice to the borrower in respect of the negotiation of a loan from a syndicate of banks, to fund a large piece of commercial real estate in Madrid. Other transactions saw the team act on behalf of the borrower in relation to the €160 million refinancing of an energy project.

IFLR 2016

In banking all of the details of Araoz & Rueda’s work in the last year are confidential. One highlight was partner Guillermo Yuste’s advice to the borrower in respect of the negotiation of a loan from a syndicate of banks, to fund a large piece of commercial real estate in Madrid. Other transactions saw the team act on behalf of the borrower in relation to the €160 million refinancing of an energy project.

The EMEA Legal 500 2015

Araoz & Rueda’s “very good and accessible finance specialists” recently advised the borrower, Unitronics, and its majority shareholder, Baring Equity Partners, on the company’s debt refinancing. Practice head Guillermo Yuste is “quick, efficient and professional”.

Chambers Global Guide 2015

Clifford Hendel attracts plaudits for his knowledge of the area as well as his astute advice. He has significant expertise in international finance transactions and is qualified in Spain, the USA and the UK.

Chambers Global Guide 2015

Department head Guillermo Yuste is praised by clients as “proactive and really involved”. He recently advised BNP Paribas on notes issued by Pescanova in the course of insolvency proceedings. Clifford Hendel attracts plaudits for his knowledge of the area as well as his astute advice. He has significant expertise in international finance transactions and is qualified in Spain, the USA and the UK.

Chambers Global Guide 2014

Sources describe Clifford Hendel as “an excellent lawyer whom I thoroughly recommend.” He advised BBAM on the lease of a Boeing 737 aircraft to Calima.

Chambers Global Guide 2014

Sources describe Clifford Hendel as “an excellent lawyer whom I thoroughly recommend”. He advised BBAM on the lase of a Boeing 737 aircraft to Calima. Practice head Guillermo Yuste enters the rankings after earning warm client feedback: “Intellectually he is very good: he really looks at the details, explores all the issues and finds solutions that others wouldn’t have.”

The EMEA Legal 500 2014

At Araoz & Rueda Guillermo Yuste “does an excellent job”.

IFLR 1000 2014

Guillermo Yuste receive strong recommendations from clients with top marks for legal expertise and speed of response.

Chambers Global Guide 2013

Clients admire Clifford Hendel’s superb international understanding of the banking world. Thanks to his 25 years’ experience working in Spain, France and the USA, he is praised as “a truly global lawyer.”

Chambers Global Guide 2013

Clients admire Clifford Hendel’s superb international understanding of the banking world. Thanks to his 25 years’ experience working in Spain, France, the UK and the USA, he is praised as “a truly global lawyer”.

The EMEA Legal 500 2013

Guillermo Yuste is the primary contact in this area and is recommended.

The EMEA Legal 500 2012

Clifford Hendel “is very knowledgeable of the Spanish legal framework” and “willing to put in extra effort to close a transaction”.

The EMEA Legal 500 2012

Top-level service in a boutique fashion”. Araoz & Rueda is “a very good challenger to the larger firms”. Guillermo Yuste made partner in 2011, both he and Clifford Hendel “are very knowledgeable of the Spanish legal framework” and “willing to put in extra effort to close a transaction.

Chambers Global Guide 2012

Expert Clifford Hendel brings his vast global expertise. He is a well-known adviser on international finance deals and joint-ventures.

Chambers Global Guide 2012

International arbitration expert Clifford Hendel is also a well-known adviser on international finance deals and joint-ventures.

Chambers Global Guide 2011

“The team has a strong reputation in this area and has more recently been involved with restructurings”.

The EMEA Legal 500 2010

The “outstanding” Araoz & Rueda is highly regarded for banking and project finance and restructuring work.

Chambers Global Guide 2010

Clifford Hendel is recommended as a key individual. Sources say: “Exceptional technical knowledge coupled with a pragmatic focus on problems, as well as superb commercial relationships and client care”.

Chambers Europe Guide 2010

The firm´s compact size and flexible business model, with emphasis placed on partner-time and a generalist approach, have enabled the banking & finance department to successfully adapt and handle restructuring and project finance commissions. Sources say: “Exceptional technical knowledge coupled with a pragmatic focus on problems, as well as superb commercial relationships and client care”. Clifford Hendel is recommended as a key individual.

IFLR 1000 2010

The firm has established a good profile in financing. “Araoz & Rueda is active in the market. It is very strong in project financing and they have an acquisition financing practice advising the buyers in banking deals”.

Chambers Europe Guide 2009

Sources agree that Araoz & Rueda’s banking and finance team is a name to watch, as it is increasing its presence in local and cross-border transactions, acting for companies as well as international law firms without representation in Spain. Clients applaud the group’s high levels of service and the steady involvement of the partners in transactions. As one commentator elaborates: “The lawyers are incredibly responsive and diligent and they always go the extra mile”.

Chambers Europe Guide 2009

“Clifford Hendel stays on top of all twists and turns of a transaction and is always able to deliver”.

The EMEA Legal 500 2009

“Clifford Hendel is one of the most resourceful lawyers in the market”.

The EMEA Legal 500 2009

Generally regarded as “one of the best corporate boutiques in Spain”, Araoz & Rueda has also built up an impressive banking and finance track record. C

Chambers Europe Guide 2008

Observers comment on the firm’s improved visibility on the Spanish finance scene, with an increasing presence in international financing transactions.

The EMEA Legal 500 2008

Araoz & Rueda remains solid in this sector.

IFLR 1000 2008

Araoz & Rueda has always maintained a strong banking practice and it maintains an impressive client list.

IFLR 1000 2007

The firm enters the rankings on the back of the numerous recommendations of its peers and on the strength of the deals it has recently closed. This year it retains its place among the premier Spanish firm.

The EMEA Legal 500 2005-2006

“…the firm´s finance practice continues to attract plaudits in the market”. “…Araoz & Rueda has a well-regarded finance practice”.

The EMEA Legal 500 2004

The firm has a growing finance practice and is attracting world-class clients.

Publications

Las cuentas en participación como alternativa de inversión

Publication: Capital & Corporate
Authors: Hugo Steunou
Abril 2024

Más flexibilidad en la prohibición ‘absoluta’ del pacto comisorio

Publication: El Economista
Authors: Rafael Bazán
Marzo 2024

Inversiones extranjeras: impacto de la nueva normativa en las financiaciones intragrupo

Publication: Expansión
Authors: Juan Viaño
Marzo 2024

In the media

¿Los bancos financiarán al capital riesgo en las operaciones postcovid?

Rafael Bazán
Septiembre 2020
Araoz y Rueda

El Derecho.com, May 2017

Rafael Bazán
Araoz y Rueda

Cinco Días (newspaper), May 2017

Rafael Bazán

A&R TV

Contacto

Información básica sobre protección de datos:
· Responsable: ARAOZ Y RUEDA ABOGADOS, S.L.P.
· Finalidad: Sus datos serán usados para poder atender sus solicitudes, prestarle nuestros servicios y enviarle información comercial.
· Legitimación: Consentimiento expreso del interesado
· Destinatarios: No se cederán a terceros, salvo obligación legal
· Derechos: Acceso, rectificación, supresión, oposición, limitación, portabilidad
· Puede consultar la información adicional y detallada sobre protección de datos a través del siguiente enlace: http://www.araozyrueda.com/politica-proteccion-datos/