Best Equity Capital Markets Lawyers in Porto

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Founded in 2018
English
Banking & Finance Equity Capital Markets Acquisition / Leveraged Finance +10 more
F+AS - Ferraz e Aguiar Soares, Sociedade de Advogados, SP, RL, is a distinguished Portuguese law firm with offices in Lisbon and Porto. The firm's team comprises seasoned lawyers, each with an average of 18 years of legal practice, ensuring that clients receive counsel from experienced...

Founded in 2019
English
MOC - Marques & Oliveira Cortez, Sociedade de Advogados, established in 2019, is a Portuguese law firm dedicated to providing legal services that distinguish themselves from traditional practices. The firm comprises a young, proactive, and dynamic team with over fifteen years of professional...

Founded in 2024
English
Angelina Teixeira e Associados - Sociedade de Advogados, SP, RL, is a distinguished Portuguese law firm renowned for its comprehensive legal services across multiple practice areas. The firm's expertise encompasses Administrative and Public Procurement Law, Compliance including GDPR and Privacy,...
Think Legal
Porto, Portugal

English
Think Legal is a distinguished law firm based in Portugal, renowned for its comprehensive legal services across various practice areas. The firm's team of seasoned attorneys brings extensive experience and in-depth knowledge to each case, ensuring clients receive expert guidance tailored to their...

English
Cerqueira Magro Advogados is a distinguished law firm with offices in Portugal and Switzerland, offering comprehensive legal services to Portuguese-speaking clients with interests in both countries. The firm's team possesses in-depth knowledge of the professional and business cultures in the...
Machado, Sarmento Advogados
Porto, Portugal

Founded in 2019
English
Machado, Sarmento Advogados (MSAd) is a distinguished Portuguese law firm with offices in Porto and Lisbon, offering comprehensive legal services across various practice areas. The firm specializes in administrative law, banking and financial law, commercial and corporate law, international trade...

English
bcp - Sociedade de Advogados, S.P. RL. is a distinguished law firm located in Porto, Portugal, at Rua Eugénio de Castro, nº 280, Sl 129, 1º andar, 4100-225. The firm offers a comprehensive range of legal services, catering to both national and international clients. With a team of experienced...
QUOR Advogados | Porto
Porto, Portugal

English
QUOR Advogados | Porto stands as a distinguished legal practice delivering comprehensive solutions across a broad spectrum of legal areas, including business law, civil law, divorce, employment, personal injury, real estate, and tax matters. The firm’s experienced team of lawyers combines...
Porto, Portugal

English
Porto Legal Advogados is a distinguished law firm committed to delivering comprehensive legal services across various practice areas. The firm has established a robust network of highly skilled professionals, ensuring clients receive expert guidance tailored to their specific needs. With a focus on...

English
ADVOGADOS - MANUELA BRÁS MARQUES E DANIEL BRÁS MARQUES is a distinguished law firm based in Porto, Portugal, renowned for its comprehensive legal services and commitment to client advocacy. With nearly 25 years of professional experience, the firm offers expertise in various legal domains,...
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About Equity Capital Markets Law in Porto, Portugal

Equity Capital Markets (ECM) law refers to the set of legal rules, regulations, and practices that govern the process of companies raising capital by issuing shares or other equity instruments through public offerings, private placements, or listings on stock exchanges. In Porto, Portugal’s thriving financial sector, ECM activity primarily revolves around the issuance and trading of shares on Euronext Lisbon, the main stock exchange that serves the country. The legal framework in Porto follows both Portuguese and European Union (EU) regulations, ensuring high standards for transparency, investor protection, and market integrity. Whether you are an entrepreneur, a company founder, an investor, or an institutional participant, understanding the legal framework governing equity capital markets is crucial for successful participation.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Legal advice is invaluable when navigating the complex world of equity capital markets. Here are common situations where seeking guidance from a specialized ECM lawyer in Porto is essential:

- Planning an initial public offering (IPO) or secondary offering of shares - Structuring private placements and negotiating with investors - Drafting or reviewing prospectuses, shareholder agreements, and regulatory filings - Ensuring compliance with local and EU securities laws - Responding to regulatory investigations or enforcement actions - Advising on disclosure requirements or insider trading issues - Handling mergers, acquisitions, or restructurings involving listed companies - Managing minority shareholder rights and corporate governance - Resolving disputes between shareholders, directors, or between companies and investors - Advising foreign investors or companies entering the local market

Local Laws Overview

Equity Capital Markets in Porto operate under a robust legal framework combining Portuguese national law and EU directives. The primary Portuguese legislation includes the Portuguese Securities Code and regulations set by the Comissão do Mercado de Valores Mobiliários (CMVM), which is the Portuguese Securities Market Commission. All entities conducting ECM activities must comply with:

- Prospectus requirements for public offers of securities - Ongoing disclosure and reporting obligations for listed companies - Market abuse and insider trading regulations, aligned with the EU Market Abuse Regulation (MAR) - Takeover and squeeze-out rules - Corporate governance standards as mandated by both local and EU norms - Licensing and registration of intermediaries, such as investment banks and brokers - AML (anti-money laundering) and KYC (know your customer) obligations - Shareholder rights and mechanisms for dispute resolution

Given the cross-border nature of ECM transactions in Portugal, EU rules such as the Prospectus Regulation and the Transparency Directive also apply, ensuring harmonization and investor protection across the European financial market.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the role of the CMVM in equity capital markets?

The CMVM is the regulatory authority overseeing securities markets in Portugal. It supervises market players, enforces compliance, authorizes offerings and listings, and protects investors’ interests.

Do I need regulatory approval to issue shares publicly in Porto?

Yes, a company must obtain approval from the CMVM to issue shares through a public offer. A prospectus, reviewed by the CMVM, is mandatory and must contain detailed information about the company and the offering.

What is a prospectus and when is it required?

A prospectus is a legal document providing essential information to potential investors about an equity offering. It is required for public offerings and must be approved by the CMVM before shares can be marketed or sold to the public.

Can foreign companies list shares on Euronext Lisbon?

Yes, foreign companies can list their shares in Portugal, subject to meeting listing requirements and regulatory approvals. They must comply with Portuguese and applicable EU laws.

What are the main compliance obligations for listed companies?

Listed companies must comply with ongoing disclosure requirements, such as regular financial reporting, inside information disclosure, and corporate governance standards. They are also subject to market abuse regulations.

How are insider trading and market abuse regulated?

Insider trading and market abuse are strictly prohibited. The MAR sets out clear rules, and the CMVM actively monitors and enforces these laws, imposing significant penalties for non-compliance.

What legal options exist if shareholders disagree with company decisions?

Dispute resolution mechanisms are available, including negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and litigation. Portuguese law guarantees certain rights for minority shareholders, including the right to challenge company resolutions in court.

Are there specific tax implications for equity offerings in Portugal?

Yes, equity offerings may trigger both corporate and individual tax obligations, depending on the structure of the transaction and the residence status of participants. Professional tax advice is highly recommended.

Is it possible to conduct a private placement instead of a public offering?

Yes, private placements are common and generally subject to lighter regulatory requirements compared to public offerings. However, they must still comply with relevant exemptions and disclosure obligations.

How can a lawyer assist with cross-border ECM transactions?

A lawyer can coordinate compliance with Portuguese, EU, and other relevant jurisdictions, draft and negotiate international agreements, and help navigate differing listing and disclosure standards across markets.

Additional Resources

When seeking further information or assistance regarding equity capital markets in Porto, consider these resources:

- Comissão do Mercado de Valores Mobiliários (CMVM) - Portugal’s securities market regulator - Euronext Lisbon - the official stock exchange - Bank of Portugal - the national central bank overseeing financial stability - Portuguese Bar Association (Ordem dos Advogados) - for finding licensed lawyers - Portuguese Tax Authority (Autoridade Tributária e Aduaneira) - for tax matters - European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) - for information on EU-wide securities regulation - Local chambers of commerce and business networks

Next Steps

If you are considering raising capital, investing, or encountering regulatory or compliance matters related to equity capital markets in Porto, it is advisable to:

1. Gather all relevant documents concerning your business or investment. 2. Research and consult potential legal advisers with proven expertise in equity capital markets. 3. Prepare specific questions or topics you wish to address to ensure productive consultations. 4. Schedule an initial meeting with a lawyer to assess your needs and options. 5. Follow your lawyer’s guidance regarding compliance, filings, and negotiation strategies. 6. Stay informed about regulatory updates and ongoing obligations if you proceed with an offering or transaction. Timely advice from a specialized ECM lawyer will help you structure your transactions, minimize legal risks, achieve compliance, and accomplish your business objectives with confidence.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in Porto through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including Equity Capital Markets, experience, and client feedback. Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters. Get a quote from top-rated law firms in Porto, Portugal - quickly, securely, and without unnecessary hassle.

Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation. We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.