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Jesús Zapata

Partner
Country Managing Partner, Spain
Managing partner Jesús Zapata is well respected and ‘really good at pinpointing any shortcomings that might arise.’
— Chambers Europe 2022
Madrid
About

Jesús Zapata is Managing Partner at DLA Piper Spain and a partner in the Financing, Projects and Restructuring department. He has more than 25 years of experience helping and advising clients on complex banking and financial legal issues, participating in significant transactions in the sector, both nationally and internationally. He also has extensive experience in corporate, acquisition and project financing.

Recently, Jesús has advised financial institutions on the debt refinancing of Spain's leading retailer, El Corte Inglés, and on granting USD 500 million to Gas Compression Services to finance an oil platform in Mexico.

Previously, he worked as legal counsel for one of Spain's largest banks and as a solicitor in several global law firms.

Areas of FocusFinancial ServicesRestructuring
Professional QualificationsAbogado registered with Ilustre Colegio de Abogados de Madrid

EXPERIENCE

  • Refinancing of El Corte Inglés' debt, worth more than EUR 2 billion.
  • Refinancing of Pachá.
  • Refinancing of the NH Hotel Group's debt, worth more than EUR 250 million.
  • Financing of the acquisition of Grupo Famosa by Sun Capital Partners.
  • Restructuring of the financing granted to Accesos de Madrid Concesionaria Española, S.A. and Alazor Inversiones, S.A. for the construction and operation of the R3 and R5 toll motorways in Madrid.
  • Advising financial institutions and subsequently distressed debt funds in the insolvency proceedings of the R3 and R5 radial toll motorways.
  • Financing of USD 500 million granted to the company Servicios Compresión de Gas for the financing of an oil platform in Mexico.
  • Restructuring of the debt of listed company Renta Corporación, S.A.
  • Restructuring of the debt of Grupo Peyber.
  • Financing of the acquisition of Veinsur, S.A. by Ibersuizas and subsequent restructuring of the same.
  • Restructuring of the financing granted to Alteco Gestión y Promoción de Marcas, S.L.U. and Mag-Import, S.L. in connection with the takeover bid launched by Metrovacesa, S.A. for 60.39% of its share capital.
  • Financing for the construction and operation of a multicrystalline silicon wafer manufacturing plant.
  • Financing for the construction, operation and maintenance of a desalination plant under concession in Alicante (Spain).
  • Financing project for the construction and operation of a shopping centre in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (Spain).
  • Syndicated loan with senior and second lien tranches and mezzanine financing, granted to Grupo Siro for the refinancing of its debt, financing of fixed asset acquisitions and working capital requirements.

Awards and recognition

  • The Legal 500 (Banking and Finance) – Top Ranked
  • Chambers and Partners Europe (Banking and Finance) – Ranked 
  • Chambers and Partners Europe (Project Finance) – Ranked 
  • Chambers and Partners Global (Banking and Finance) – Ranked
Education
  • Universidad Complutense Madrid, Law degree
  • ICADE, Master in Tax Advice

Publications and media

Memberships And Affiliations

  • Madrid Bar Association

My latest insights

News
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DLA Piper advises on the EUR400 million refinancing of Minor Hotels

6 November 2025

News
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DLA Piper advises Grupo Cobra on the Completion of Central-West Orana Renewable Energy...

7 April 2025 .3 minute read

News
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DLA Piper Strengthens its Restructuring team with the appointment of new partner

18 February 2025 .3 minute read

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Phone

+34 913 19 12 12
(Work, Madrid)