Latham ready for Spanish launch as Cuatrecasas hire nears

Cuatrecasas corporate partner Jose Luis Blanco has resigned, leaving the way open for him to launch Latham & Watkins’ first Spanish office.

Blanco Ruiz specializes in M&A transactions in the tech sector, working from the firm’s Barcelona base.

Latham is understood to have wanted a foothold in the Spanish market for some time, and would open with a corporate heavyhitter if Blanco signs.

It was revealed last week (www.thelawyer.com, October 26) that Blanco was in talks with Latham, now he is free to sign for the US firm.

He has advised clients such as Procter & Gamble on its €172 million acquisition of Laboratorios Vita, The Carlyle Group in its €130 million acquisition of the Iberian subsidiaries of ConAgra Food.

The Spanish market is bracing itself for a US invasion. Increased private equity and corporate activity this year has made Spain an attractive prospect for international law firms.