Capital Riesgo – Venture Capital

Compact, specialized team that routinely advises domestic and international private equity clients on acquisitions, investments and divestments. Benefits from significant experience of transactions related to sectors such as food and beverage, energy and media. "There is a lot of involvement from senior people on the deals and I really value that”.

Historic presence in the market that leverages formidable reputations of key individuals. Maintains relationships with venture capital firms and important international private equity houses. "I really like the quality and hands-on involvement of the partners" "I feel secure working with the firm - it has a very good image among investors and the lawyers are trustworthy and honest" Peers agree that Francisco Aldavero is "a genuine private equity specialist" who is "dedicated to his clients and hands-on". Sources add: "He knows how to read the negotiation well and is tough".

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.

Araoz & Rueda’s name partner Pedro Rueda is ‘a very able, personable and extremely well-trained professional’. He recently advised [...]; and Francisco Aldavero assisted [...]. The two partners form a ‘reliable and knowledgeable pair’.

The partners at this firm receive strong recommendations from clients with top marks for legal expertise and speed of response.

This firm has broad experience of advising private equity investors, particularly venture capital entities, on a variety of investments and disposals. Practice head Francisco Aldavero is described as "a knowledgeable and experienced lawyer who is very commercial."

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." Alejandro Fernández de Araoz remains an integral part of the practice, particularly for the corporate expertise that he brings to deals.

"Excellent boutique", Araoz & Rueda is "very strong in the M&A/Private equity area". Led by Pedro Rueda, "one of the best lawyers in Madrid", the firm advises on top transactions.Francisco Aldavero is also highly recommended.

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." "Dynamic approach to problem solving". "They have also cross-border M&A expertise". Client 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" say clients.

This compact Madrid firm has a consistently strong reputation for Spanish and international private equity work. 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". Partner Francisco Aldavero is readily identified by peers as one of the top names in the field. Partner Alejandro Fernández de Araoz is present mainly on the M&A aspects of private equity work, and is lauded as "extremely focused and intelligent."

"The team is excellent in all aspects." Under "tough and skilled negotiator" Pedro Rueda and Francisco Aldavero, who is praised for his "excellent industry knowledge", Araoz & Rueda is praised for its "clear and to the point advice" and its ability to "understand points from a technical perspective and in relation to its clients´ needs."

This Madrid firm is one of the most active players in the private equity arena, and is “appreciated by clients for having all the flexibilityof a small firm, which means dedicated partner attention, and the ability to build long-term relationships with clients”. Francisco Aldavero is hailed by sources for his “incredible experience and efficiency – he knows private equity inside-out”. Meanwhile, Alejandro Fernández de Araoz is praised for his “strong negotiation skills and solid technical abilities”.

Generally regarded as “one of the best corporate boutiques in Spain”. Arguably the market’s most admired small firms, Araoz & Rueda is widely regarded as "Spain’s finest corporate boutique, constantly punching above its weight". Name partnersAlejandro Fernández de Araoz and Pedro Rueda are the firm’s best-known corporate stars. Corporate partner Francisco Aldavero is also regarded as "a true corporate lawyer in the traditional sense, he is constantly there when you need him, and a perfect gentleman".

"Pragmatic negotiators who are able to come up with imaginative solutions". This team earns client commendations for the calibre of its top lawyers. It maintains an active and constant presence in mid-sized private equity deals, often assisting venture capital entities. Sources are full of praise for the team’s combination of "excellent quality and competitive fees". Francisco Aldavero is described as a “serious and proactive professional who knows his clients inside out, and has an excellent understanding of the economic landscape” Although best known as a corporate lawyer, Alejandro Fernández de Araoz is also an esteemed presence in private equity. Observers say: “He is highly esteemed from start to finish, and has a solid grasp of the sector”.

The firm receives consistent praise from its clients for the quality of its work. Francisco Aldavero and Pedro Rueda are real leading lawyers for their practice, while Alejandro Fernández de Araoz is described as "hard working with a good knowledge of the law and a charming negotiator – very to the point".

Observers describe the firm as a “terrific independent M&A and private equity boutique, comparable to the top US transactional outfits.” An “extraordinary commercial profile, first-class quality of advice and impressive track record”. The lawyers: “superb and vastly experienced M&A lawyers who are permanently focused on closing the deal” say interviewees.

Araoz & Rueda is one of the most prominent smaller corporate firms in Spain. Highly respected partners Francisco Aldavero and Pedro Rueda have been involved in some of the most significant transactions, involving both listed and non-listed companies.