Antonio Sanchez-Pedreño Kennaird’s practice focus is currently centered on the resolution of conflicts arising from acquisitions, mergers, shareholder relations and shareholder agreements, separation of family-owned business conglomerates, joint ventures, investment contracts and other legal relations as a result of his extensive experience in major international acquisitions, mergers and investments, usually involving multiparties. He speaks Spanish and English.
ADR Experience
In addition to JAMS International, Antonio Sanchez-Pedreño is a practicing arbitrator with the following organizations:
- Corte Española de Arbitraje (CEA) (Spanish Arbitration Court)
- Corte de Arbitraje de la Cámara de Comercio de Madrid (Madrid Chamber of Commerce Arbitration Court)
- Corte de Arbitraje del Ilustrísimo Colegio de Abogados de Madrid (Madrid Bar Arbitration Court)
Representative Matters
- Has been appointed as sole arbitrator by the Spanish Arbitration Court, the Madrid Chamber of Commerce Arbitration Court, and the Madrid Bar Arbitration Court.
- Among other actions before the Spanish courts and arbitral chambers, assisted in the resolution of conflicts which had been submitted to arbitration with the International Court of Arbitration:
- Claim brought for misrepresentation in an acquisition. Arbitration was under ICC management, held in Madrid, Spain. Case was settled before an award was issued.
- Claim brought for breach of contract, essentially failure to comply with the obligation to purchase under an option to sell. Case was won with costs (75%).
- Has participated as lead lawyer in many disputes and contractual conflicts with the general objective of reaching satisfactory settlement.
- Extensive experience in the field of mergers and acquisitions, with specific exposure to complex joint ventures, consortium agreements, private equity transactions, and cross-border acquisitions. Substantial experience in conflicts arising from such arrangements, including breach of purchase/investment contracts, consortium break-ups, and separation of shareholders.
Among other transactions, he advised as lead partner in the following operations:
- Acquisitions
- Advised on the acquisition and/or sale of majority and controlling minority holdings in many companies, including the acquisition of Gervasio Portillo S.A. (transport), Recoletos Grupo de Comunicación S.A (press), Grupo ONO S.A. (telecommunications), Vale Music S.A. (music and entertainment), a business/asset sale of cardboard producing facilities in Valencia, a money brokerage financial entity in Madrid, and Tabacalera Nacional, S.A. (a group of tobacco producers and distributors in Perú). The clients were generally private equity funds and industrial/financial companies. Transactions generally involved due diligences, acquisition contracts, side arrangements, supply and purchase contracts, management contracts and fee structures, guarantees, shareholder agreements, and complex investment structures.
- Mergers and joint ventures
- Participation of AirTouch International (subsequently Vodafone Spain) in the consortium to bid for the second Spanish cellular license (Airtel). Negotiations to reach a shareholder majority control arrangement several years after. Subsequent negotiations leading to the acquisition of 100% of the company. The various transactions involved substantial negotiation, drafting of contracts, and dealing with various courts challenges.
- Telecinco S.A. in its investment as a controlling partner in a joint venture consortium to acquire several TV stations in the U.S. Special features: arranging a transnational consortium (Spain, Mexico, and the US), and establishing an FCC compliant structure.
- Worldwide joint venture of the business of Mediaplanning S.A., a major Spanish centro de medios with the French listed company Havas S.A., and subsequent merger.
- Merger of the Spanish listed company Campofrio S.A. with the U.S. listed company Smithfiled (co-lead).
Background and Education
- Mediator and Arbitrator, JAMS International, engaged in the practice and development of conflict resolution alternatives, 2011
- Accredited mediator with the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution (CEDR), 2009
- Partner, Baker & McKenzie; head of the private equity department, 2005-2010
- Partner, Linklaters; head of the corporate department in the Madrid office, 2000-2005
- Partner, Cuatrecasas (1992); head of the corporate department of the Madrid office, 1989-2000
- M.C.J., Master’s Degree in Comparative Jurisprudence, University of New York, 1984
- LL.M., Master’s Degree in Common Law, University of London, 1983
- Graduated in law, Madrid Complutense University, Spain, 1981
Events
| DATE | TITLE |
|---|---|
| 18/4/2012 | JAMS International panellists to speak at 14th Annual Spring Conference for ABA Dispute Resolution | Washington, DC, United States |
