Widely acknowledged as a global leader in asset finance, particularly in the maritime sector, Watson Farley & Williams (“WFW”) has added further strength to its already formidable asset finance practice with the addition of Chamber and Partners­-ranked lawyer Alfredo Cabellos as a partner in the Madrid office.

Alfredo joins WFW from powerhouse Spanish firm Uría Menéndez, where he advised clients on the financing and leasing of vessels, aircraft and rolling stock by utilising a variety of structures, from straight operating leases and loan facility agreements to structured finance products. Chambers and Partners ranks him in Band 2 in its “Shipping: Finance” category for Spain, describing him as a “key figure acting for Scandinavian shipowners and Spanish banks on new Spanish tax lease structures”. He also advises other shipowners and offshore companies such as Teekay, Schmidt and McDermott International, and banks such as Nordea, DnB and Royal Bank of Scotland.

Alfredo has also advised on project financing in the renewable energy sector in his career.

Head of WFW Spain María Pilar García Guijarro said: “Given WFW’s heritage the transport sector, especially the maritime practice, has long been an obvious area of expansion for the Madrid office, and we are very pleased to have acquired the services of a market leader such as Alfredo.”

WFW Managing Partner Lothar Wegener added: “Being able to attract a lawyer of Alfredo’s proven pedigree to the firm speaks to the reputation María Pilar and her team have built in the Spanish market, and the strength of the WFW name in the asset finance sector. Alfredo will be a great asset for both the Madrid office and the wider practice.”

Alfredo Cabellos commented: “I view WFW’s asset finance group as a perfect fit for my practice. I look forward to not only growing the firm’s Spanish maritime and wider transport practice, but also helping to continue the growth of the market-leading global sector group.”