Banking and Finance/ Restructuring

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.’

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 '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.”

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.

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.

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.

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”

Araoz & Rueda offers the 'direct engagement of senior lawyers', with Rafael Bazán the name to note for banking and finance. Notable instructions include advising renewable energy companies Alten and Grupo Ortiz on the refinancing of two photovoltaic projects, and assisting Norwegian debt management company Axactor with the acquisition of two NPL portfolios from Bankinter.

Rafael Bazán (Tier 2) of Araoz & Rueda draws praise for his "very business-oriented" approach in mandates which include debt refinancing operations, NPL deals and acquisition finance. He is adept at advising both borrowing and lending parties. Clients report: "He goes right to the bottom of the matter, he's always available and ready to help: it's a pleasure to work with him."

"Focused on closing deals while ensuring customer's interest as much as possible." "Araoz & Rueda provides high-quality service and delivers on time." "Rafael Bazán and Ainhoa Veiga are great professionals on whom you can trust without any doubt".

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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".

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.

At Araoz & Rueda Guillermo Yuste "does an excellent job".

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."

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

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".

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

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.

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

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

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".

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

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.

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

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”.

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

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

Araoz & Rueda remains solid in this sector.

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

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