Marval O’Farrell Mairal’s marquee corporate and M&A practice is a consistent presence in Argentina’s largest and most sophisticated M&A deals, advising international and local corporates and private equity firms on a wide-range of cross-border and domestic transactions in multiple sectors. In recent years the firm has become increasingly prominent in pan-regional deals, coordinating transactions across Latin America, mirroring work historically led by US firms in the region. The size and range of expertise within the practice is unmatched and sees the firm called on to provide advice on day-to-day business matters, corporate structures and restructurings, with close integration with the highly-rated tax department a further differentiator. Highly experienced and respected corporate lawyers Pablo Artagaveytia and Pablo Viñals Blake co-lead a team of exceptional depth and experience. Firm chairman and formidable M&A lawyer Santiago Carregal; veteran transactional specialist Pablo Garcia Morillo; and private equity and venture capital expert Diego Krischcautzky are key figures in the group. The department’s roster of senior lawyers also includes Diego Chighizola, who has a strong practice in agribusiness and real estate transactions; and Barbara V Ramperti, an M&A lawyer with particular expertise in the acquisition of new business lines, joint ventures and reorganisations. A younger generation of partners – including María Macarena García Mirri and María Laura Bolatti Cristofaro – provide further high level support, with the practice also able to call on the vast experience of the iconic Héctor Mairal for strategic advice and counsel. María Virginia Canzonieri, who focuses on commercial and corporate law matters and M&A transactions, is a key figure at associate level.
Corporate and M&A in Argentina
Marval O’Farrell Mairal
Practice head(s):
Pablo Artagaveytia
Pablo Viñals Blake
Testimonials
‘The difference with Marval is that the team is highly qualified, dynamic and has a structure that allows any project to be pushed forward. In turn, it has the widest range of specialties. The partners are very committed to their customers.’
‘Barbara Rampert is creative, efficient, responsive and knowledgeable. Ricardo Ostrower stands out for his analytical thinking, efficiency, knowledge and strategic insight.’
‘Diego Krischcautzky is experienced, pragmatic and open to debate.’
‘Compared to other firms, the speed and quality of the work provided by Marval is at another level.’
‘Excellent professionals who are attentive to client needs.’
‘Pablo Viñals Blake is indeed an outstanding human being. On one hand he is highly sophisticated and sharp, on the other, he has a great sense of humor combined with an extraordinary ability to negotiate.’
‘Diego Krischkautzky and Macarena Garcia Mirri formed a solid team, achieving effective advice that contemplated various edges and interests that covered not only Corporate issues but also complex legal situations.’
Key clients
Merck Sharp & Dohme Argentina
Edmond M Safra
Danone
Nike
Adecoagro
Mondelez
Diagnósticos de Ámerica
Stellantis Group
Lamb Weston International
Boulan
Work highlights
- Assisting Merck Sharp & Dohme Argentina with the reorganisation of its business with particular attention on the local structure of transactions made in the transfer of shareholding and a potential demerger.
- Advised Danone on the search and creation of a strategic alliance for its water and flavoured water business in Argentina, which took two years and led to the creation of a joint venture between Danone and CCU.
- Advising sports giant Nike on the sale and restructuring of its business in Argentina and Uruguay.
Beccar Varela
Beccar Varela is a ‘trusted partner’ that multinationals, private equity firms and local SMEs turn to for support on the structuring of complex acquisitions and disposals of controlling and minority stakes, corporate reorganisations, spin-offs, and joint ventures. In addition to its active transactional practice, the team also provides day-to-day corporate advisory support to a large portfolio of domestic and international clients in a range of sectors, with its expertise in technology, financial services, agribusiness and energy particularly noted. Heavyweight M&A lawyer Roberto Crouzel co-leads the practice alongside standout transactional expert María Shakespear; ‘outstanding’ M&A lawyer Alejandro Poletto; and respected private equity and private client adviser Ramón I Moyano. Ricardo Castañeda, previously with YPF, has deepened the firm’s energy and power expertise, with natural resources department head Roberto Fortunati also making a valuable contribution. Other key partners include experienced cross-border M&A lawyer Tomás Allende; corporate and banking all-rounder Carolina Serra; and Lucía Degano, who runs the firm’s regional office in the free trade zone in Uruguay. Counsel Eugenia Radaelli (M&A, corporate advisory and banking & finance) spearheads the practice’s second line with senior associate Luciana Liefeldt another key contact.
Practice head(s):
Roberto Crouzel; María Shakespear; Ramón Moyano; Alejandro Poletto
Testimonials
‘Beccar Varela has a prestigious team made up of experienced professionals and young talent. They deliver concrete, efficient customer-focused results.’
‘The lawyers have a great willingness to consult and provide superior technical attention.’
‘The team is excellent. They approach complex matter from all possible perspectives.’
‘Alejandro Poletto is an outstanding lawyer who puts his clients first and is totally dedicated to delivering the best possible outcome. A trusted partner and adviser.’
‘Maria Shakespeare is the professional with whom we have had the most contact in the law firm. She has assisted us in every consultation we have had and has given us her professional support with total dedication. Unlike other professionals we have worked with throughout the year, Maria has been able to provide us with a response in record time, with remarkable detail and professionalism.’
‘The personal treatment and warmth in the professional attention, especially Roberto Crouzel, María Benson and Carolina Serra.’
Key clients
PPRO
Profitwell
Indorama Ventures
BAF LatAm Credit Fund
UPL
Publicis Groupe Holdings
Sura
Simplimove
The Central America Bottling Company
Omya
Ualá
Charles Taylor Limited
Tiger Global
Work highlights
- Advised PPRO, an international Fintech company that provides digital payments infrastructure to business and banks, on its acquisition of Qubits.
- Advised Profitwell, a tech company dedicated to data analytics with a novel pay-as-you-use model, on a merger transaction with Paddle.
- Advised Indorama Ventures, a petrochemical company and the world’s largest producer of PET resins, on the acquisition of the Brazilian company Oxiteno.
Bruchou & Funes de Rioja
Bruchou & Funes de Rioja advises local and international clients on large, complex domestic and cross-border transactions across a wide range of sectors, including energy, industrials, financial services and agribusiness. The team’s deep bench of talent is also regularly called on for day-to-day support on corporate matters. Veteran transactional lawyer Mariano Luchetti, who also has a notable energy practice, co-leads the department alongside respected oil-and-gas specialist Javier Galli and María Winschel, who focuses on corporate law and governance matters. Firm founder and chairman Enrique Bruchou continues to support the leadership team, drawing on more than three-decades' worth of high level experience. ‘Sharp and creative’ M&A lawyer Estanislao Olmos and real estate expert Exequiel Buenaventura bring further senior level expertise to the table, with an ambitious cohort of younger partners, including Santiago Balbi and Florencia Angélico (who was raised to the partnership in 2022) also prominent. While Pablo Falabella left the firm to move in house at YPF, a high quality cadre of senior associates provide ample back-up, with Nicolás Dulce and Hernán Alal among the key names. Since publication, Dulce has been raised to the partnership - effective as of March 2024.
Practice head(s):
Mariano Luchetti; Javier Rodriguez Galli; María Lucila Winschel
Testimonials
‘The team is extraordinary. There is a good mix of partners with experience and associates with knowledge, experience and potential. They are practical and direct. They have good personal chemistry, which makes work easier. They are always available to give critical and objective advice or analysis. Definitely recommended.’
‘Estanislao Olmos is outstanding. A sharp and creative lawyer with experience handling complex M&A operations. Nicolás Dulce and Hernán Alal are smart, robust and very practical.’
‘The Bruchou & Funes de Rioja team is truly excellent. In all sensitive transactions they are professional and emphathetic. They are always available their advice is always impeccable.‘
‘Bruchou’s team is technically very solid and collaborative.’
‘They stand out for their knowledge of the market, their experience from previous deals and their ability to transfer learning and experience to each new project. Mariano Luchetti, José Bazán, Pablo Muir, Agustina Rocca and Franca Stafforini stand out.’
Key clients
Grupo Werthein
José M Alladio e Hijos
Founding shareholders of Navent
Compañía Cervecerías Unidas
Arcor
Amwins Global Risks
Vista Oil & Gas
Digital House
Netrix
American Industrial Partners
Cinven Group
TravelX
Intive
Supercanal
Bakelite Synthetics
Willis Tower Watson
Central Puerto
Parque Eólico Arauco
GlobalLogic
MSU Energy
YPF
Delver Agents
Equinor
Work highlights
- Advised Compañía Cervecerías Unidas on a strategic alliance between its water business and Aguas Danone de Argentina, allowing both companies to enrich their beverage offer and strengthen their operations in the country.
- Advised Central Puerto on the acquisition of strategic power thermal generation assets from Enel Group.
- Advised US digital services company GlobalLogic on the acquisition of Argentine counterpart Hexacta, which involved the transfer of ten product development centres across five countries.
Mitrani Caballero & Ruiz Moreno Abogados
Mitrani Caballero & Ruiz Moreno Abogados is known for its work on large, complex transactions in Argentina and abroad, with an experienced team that advises a domestic and international client base on M&A, strategic alliances, joint ventures and green field investments. The firm is a prominent presence on big ticket agribusiness and oil-and-gas deals, and is also active in the manufacturing, healthcare and technology sectors too. Clients equally turn to the team for support on corporate matters, including commercial and licensing contracts and cross-border business reorganisations. Practice head Diego Parise has extensive transactional and capital markets’ experience and firm founder Cristian Mitrani additionally adds his vast experience to the group. Siro Astolfi, who has considerable expertise in competition and anti-trust matters as well as an outstanding corporate transactions’ track record; and Aixa Sureda, whose practice is focused on restructuring, private equity and M&A, add further heft to the practice’s senior ranks. Younger partners Mercedes Rodríguez Giavarini and Carlos Eliçabe are other key names; with Fiorella Belsito and recently promoted senior associates Bruno Fiorino and Melina Goldberg leading a capable second line.
Practice head(s):
Diego Parise
Testimonials
‘Mitrani, Caballero & Ruiz Moreno stands out for its professionalism, responsibility and empathy with the client. They transmit confidence, security and dedication to the work entrusted.’
‘We have had a stellar collaboration with firm. The team is supportive and constantly innovative.’
‘I have been always impressed by the proactiveness of the entire team and the responsiveness on very short notice requests.’
‘The team integrates the best practice and lessons learned in global M&A into the local legal context.’
‘I mostly interact with Aixa Sureda, who demonstrates speed, precision and flexibility whenever required.’
‘A very good team with a lot of professional experience.’
Key clients
Adium Pharma
Agco
Air Bag One
Aluar
Alumini Engenharia
Avex
Ball Corporation
Bosch Rexroth
Brenntag
Bunge
CEPAS
CNH Case New Holland
Deutsche Rück
Essilor
Farm Frites
Fratelli Branca
Geopark
Grupo Alfa / Alpek
Grupo Beltran
Grupo Casino
Grupo Río de la Plata
Grupo Televisa
HDI Seguros
Hexagon
Hubix
Hutchinson Ports
Ibel Group
Isringhausen
ITBA
IWG
Japan Tobacco
Kia Motors
RHI Magnesita
Laboratorios Raffo
Mitsui & Co
Manufactura de Motores Argentinos
Molinos Agro
Molinos Río de la Plata
Novartis
Practia
Pepsico
Quadminds
Raízen Argentina
Red Surcos
Softbond
Robert Bosch Argentina Industrial
Schreder
Siegwerk
SITA
Svitzer
Swarco
Swvl
Tecpetrol
Tenacta
Tenaris
Ternium
TMH International
Ulterra
Unilever
UPL
Uranium One
Viesgo
Whyline
Worlee
Work highlights
- Advising agribusiness group Bunge on a joint investment with Viterra and Asociacion de Cooperativas Argentinas into Vicentin, after the latter’s preventive insolvency procedure filing.
- Acted as Argentine counsel to KCA Deutag on the acquisition of the onshore drilling business of SAIPEM, an Italian drilling services company with operations across Latin America.
- Advised Tenaris on the acquisition of Benteler North America Corporation’s steel and tube manufacturing business.
Pérez Alati, Grondona, Benites & Arntsen
Pérez Alati, Grondona, Benites & Arntsen handles complex, cross-border deals for corporate and private equity clients across a wide range of sectors, leveraging its office network in Chile and New York to cover pan-regional and domestic Argentine transactions . Energy and agribusiness have been particularly active areas of work during the last 12 months, with the team also prominent on fintech and healthcare matters. In addition to its strong M&A capability, the practice provides extensive corporate advisory coverage, supporting clients on day-to-day corporate, tax, antitrust, environmental and regulatory issues. The team continues to draw on the vast experience of veteran transactional lawyer Jorge L. Pérez Alati, who co-leads the practice alongside respected M&A lawyer (and "go-to" name for private equity clients), Santiago Daireaux; and Eugenio Aramburu, an experienced M&A practitioner who has worked on multiple buyouts and cross-border deals. Transaction-focused Tomás Pérez Alati is another key name, taking up senior roles on the practice’s most important deals following his promotion to partner in 2022. The firm strengthened its second line with the June 2022 hire of Nicano Berola (from Zang, Bergel & Viñes Abogados) as a senior associate; he focus on corporate matters, M&A, venture capital, and mining and natural resources.
Practice head(s):
Jorge Pérez Alati; Santiago Daireaux; Eugenio Aramburu
Testimonials
‘They have multidisciplinary teams that interacts very efficiently.’
‘They are precise in their answers. They react very quickly to our queries and they are available 24/7.’
Key clients
Pointstate
Victoria Capital
Linzor Capital
TGLT
Satus Ager
Etex Group
CCU
ZX Ventures
Phoenix Global Resources
International Finance Corporation
Lilac Solutions
SeSocio Group
Grupo Gaman
Work highlights
- Advised Lucens Capital on the acquisition of oilfield services company Summum Energy.
- Advised on the sale of Grupo SeSocio to Blockchain.com.
- Advised Grupo Gaman on the acquisition of travel agency Lloyd Viajes & Eventos.
Salaverri, Burgio & Wetzler Malbran
Salaverri, Burgio & Wetzler Malbran’s team of experienced M&A lawyers act for local and international clients in sophisticated, cross-border corporate transactions, with private equity and multi-jurisdictional deals prominent. The practice is well-known for its expertise in the power and energy sectors, but is also active in agribusiness, financial services and industrials. Practice head Diego Salaverri is a respected M&A lawyer who is well-known for the depth of his energy practice. Clients single out prolific M&A practitioner Tomás Arnaude for ‘outstanding drafting and negotiation skills’, while Martín Fernández Dussaut ‘stands out for his ability to find creative solutions to very complex problems’. The ‘exceptional’ Pablo Fernández Pujadas, who is also active in banking and finance; and Elena Sozzani, bring additional partner-level M&A expertise to the table. The practice can also call on the substantial expertise of firm co-founder and dispute resolution specialist German Wetzler Malbran. Experienced M&A associate Josefina Ryberg leads the second line.
Practice head(s):
Diego Salaverri
Testimonials
‘The quality of work and service is excellent, always with clear and timely answers.’
‘Tomás Arnaude is an excellent lawyer in M&A and corporate matters. Outstanding drafting and negotiation skills, very business oriented and super diligent in his work.’
‘A great team with knowledge on all fronts necessary to carry out an M&A, who always defend the interests of their client as if they were part of the internal team.They really add value.’
Key clients
Grupo ST
Aleph Group
Pampa Energía
Shawcor Canada Holdings
Arca Continental
Sophia Capital Partners
Transportadora de Gas del Sur
Inversora Juramento
WarnerMedia
Honeywell
Work highlights
- The firm acted as M&A counsel to Ceva Santé Animale Societé Anonyme on the acquisition of Productos Veterinarios, an animal health products business, and Biotecnofe, a biotech start-up developing innovative animal health products.
- Acted as M&A counsel to Shawcor Canada Holdings on the sale of Socotherm Americas, a producer of anti-corrosion coating systems.
- Acted as M&A counsel to Eduardo Tapia on the acquisition of a controlling stake in Delta Asset Management, the Argentine mutual fund manager.
Allende & Brea
Allende & Brea is regularly called on by foreign companies for advice on complex transactions and exit strategies from Argentina, including disposals and carve-outs. The firm works across a broad range of industries, with insurance, agribusiness and technology among its areas of particular expertise. Vastly experienced corporate lawyer and firm managing partner Valeriano Lynch heads the team in tandem with Santiago Sturla, who advises clients on a broad range of corporate matters, including M&A, shareholder conflicts, financing and restructuring. Dispute resolution and restructuring expert Diego Botana and Raul Fratantoni, who has a strong tax background and an active portfolio of family-owned company clients, are other key senior names. Corporate all-rounder Tomás de Cío, transactional-focused Marcos Patron Costas, and life sciences specialist Fernando Martínez Zuviría all provide further partner-level expertise.
Practice head(s):
Valeriano Guevara Lynch; Santiago Sturla
Testimonials
‘The levels of personal engagement and professionalism are superior to other firms.’
‘The team’s knowledge is above average. Valeriano Guevara Lynch, Nicolás Procopio and Jorge Mayora are agile and offer practical solutions.’
Key clients
AB Energy
Advertio
Affle International
Airbnb
American Airlines
Avis International
Bratschi
Capvis Equity
CBRE Richard Ellis
Codere
Cognizant
Compañía Hispanoamerica de Servicios
Continental Exchange Solutions
Coursera
Dellner
DLocal
Emirates
Entravision
Ferrero
FMC
Galaxy Resources
GE Digital
Generali
Glaxo
Grupo Fortabat
Hyatt
Infor
Intel Coporation
Intrials
Joyo Technologies
Kapow
Kodak Alaris
Lazard
Lenovo
Logicalis
Lojas Renner
Mastercard
Mercedes-Benz
MetLife
Naspers
OLX
PriceWaterhouseCoopers
Prosus Services
QBE
Reckitt Benckiser
Rexam
Remote
Sherwin Williams
Siemens
Solvay
Sporting Media
Syngenta
The British Council
Uniao Quimica Farmaceutica
Used German Machines
Winter Channel
Work highlights
- Advised Daimler on the spin-off of its commercial truck and bus business from its passenger car and van business.
- Advised Masisa, a listed Chilean wood products company, on the sale of its Argentine subsidiaries to Proener.
- Advised Syngenta Argentina on the sale of a portion of its sunflower seed business to Nuseed.
Baker McKenzie
Baker McKenzie’s global network sees the firm frequently called on for advice on complex, multi-jurisdictional transactions, with the firm equally comfortable handling smaller, domestic deals. The team supports clients from a wide range of industries (including mining, software and energy), providing regulatory, documentation, compliance and transactional support. Well-known transactional lawyer Gustavo Boruchowicz has built up an impressive roster of high-profile media and entertainment clients; he co-leads the practice with Roberto Grané, who has a long track record advising buyers, targets and investment banks on M&A deals, spin-offs and joint ventures in Argentina and regionally. The practice also calls on the services of banking and finance department head Francisco Fernández Rostello, energy specialist Ezequiel Artola, and Martin Roth - who is active in real estate and TMT.
Practice head(s):
Gustavo Boruchowicz; Roberto Grané
Testimonials
‘The personalised attention is the most remarkable point that differentiates the practice from the rest. Roberto Grané stands out.’
‘Baker McKenzie has been very responsive, clear and able to come up with smart suggestions throughout the project we worked on together. They have demonstrated great knowledge of the business landscape and applicable laws and were of great help throughout our project.’
‘Martin Roth, Francisco Rostello and Geraldine Mirelman demonstrated responsiveness, ability to adapt to cultural differences and often came up with smart suggestions.’
Key clients
Accenture
Advent International Corporation
Alba Capital Partners
Amcor
Antalis Finance
Archer Daniel Midland Co.
Biotoscana Farma
Cables Epuyen
Clayton, Dubilier & Rice
Emerson Electric
Energicon
Federal Express Corporation
GanFeng Lithium
Harley-Davidson
Dale Play
Getty Images
Grundfos
Ingredion Incorporated
Merck & Co
Ole Communications
Rio Tinto
Sika AG
Soda Stereo
Spectrum Brands
Temasek Capital Management
The Kraft Heinz Company
Underwriters Laboratories
Vale
Visma
Zenvia Mobile Serviços Digitais
Work highlights
- Advised Advent International on the acquisition of the remaining 49% of Prisma Medios de Pago, Argentina’s leading payments company, from a group of 14 Argentinian banks and Visa International.
- Assisted Rio Tinto on its entry into a binding agreement to acquire the Rincon Lithium Project in Salta, Argentina from Rincon.
- Advised GanFeng Lithium on an asset deal to acquire the Pozuelos-Pastos Grandes project in Salta province from Argentina Litica Resources.
Bomchil
Bomchil provides domestic and international clients with a full-service corporate offering covering transactional as well as day-to-day advice. The firm focuses on building long-term relationships with core clients to provide an integrated, seamless service. Practice head Adrián Furman regularly acts as lead counsel in local and international corporate matters and transactions for a diverse range of clients in a variety of industries. M&A and restructuring expert Tomás Araya, and Patricio Martin – who is known for his financial services expertise – are the other key senior names. Young partner Máximo José Bomchil and senior associate Francisco Zappa are also key team members. Since publication, Zappa has been raised to the partnership - effective as of January 2024.
Practice head(s):
Adrián Furman
Testimonials
‘There is a connection from the firm with the needs of the business. This is not just isolated legal advice.’
‘The team builds genuine closeness with the client.’
‘The Bomchil work team is characterized by having a superlative professional level, which also has great knowledge of the market and the constantly changing local reality. Over the years it has evolved, keeping up with the implementation of various technological changes.’
‘Although the level of professionalism and great capacity of all the lawyers in the firm is uniform, the work of Adrián Furman is especially noteworthy, who on numerous occasions has given ample evidence of his talent, knowledge of the market, outstanding professional capacity and personal warmth.’
Key clients
PepsiCo
AT&T
AMC Networks Latin America
DirecTV Argentina
Paramount Global
Televisión Federal – Telefe (a Paramount Global subsidiary)
American Express
Grupo La Nación
Nutrien
Huawei
Sodexo
Milkaut
Araucaria Energy
Essilor International
Ecosecurities
M.S. Technologies
Litoral Gas
Energy Consulting Services
Work highlights
- Advised LG Stream, an entity controlled by Oaktree Capital Group, on acquisition of energy consultancy TIBSA Inversora.
- Advised ABB on all Argentina law matters regarding the spin-off of its turbocharging division.
- Advised Paramount Global and Telefe in two separate transactions involving the sale of certain assets of Channel 7 of the province of Neuquén and Channel 8 of the province of Tucumán.
DLA Piper Argentina
DLA Piper Argentina specialises in complex, cross-border M&A deals, primarily advising international corporates and private equity investors on Argentine and Latin American transactions. Leveraging the global platform of its parent, the ‘agile’ practice is regularly called on to advise on the impact of local antitrust, corporate finance, intellectual property and tax law on international deals. The firm has been particularly active on private equity deals, with agribusiness, oil-and-gas, financial services, energy and technology among the sectors covered. The team is co-led by the ‘excellent’ Martin Mittelman, who has a strong energy and natural resources practice; and the ‘exceptional’ Antonio Arias, a standout M&A lawyer who also co-heads DLA Piper’s Latin America regional venture capital and technology group. The team can also call on the experience of capital markets lawyer and banking and finance head Marcelo Etchebarne, with private equity and venture capital senior Juan Pablo Reverendo the key contact at associate level.
Practice head(s):
Antonio Arias; Martin Mittelman
Testimonials
‘They are very agile and practical. Martin Mittelman is excellent.’
‘DLA Piper has become a strong player in the M&A market in Argentina and Latin America and has grown exponentially in recent times.’
‘Antonio Arias has become one of the most prestigious transactional lawyers of his generation, and is undoubtedly a very relevant partner in the M&A market. He has had an exceptional year. Very active both in Argentina and in the region. He is a dealmaker with a clear commercial vision, who fully understands his client’s needs.’
‘Excellent communication skills; technical knowledge and customer orientation.’
Key clients
Proofpoint
IFF (International Flavors & Fragances)
NTT
Banco Itaú
Digital Agency/Rocket Insight
Banco Votorantim
Brasil Foods/Sadia
Vicentin
Edenor
Booking
3i Group
The Carlyle Group
Cornerstone
CIVC Partners
Amazon
Intellias
Salesforce
Royal Bank of Canada
Tyson Foods
Province of Mendoza
Work highlights
- Advised Avenga International, an IT service provider backed by Oaktree and Cornerstone, on the cross-border acquisition of US and Argentine entities of IncluIt Group, an Argentine-based startup.
- Advised Advent International, on the acquisition of a 25 percent stake in Brazilian construction materials manufacturer Tigre Group, which has important assets and presence in Argentina.
- Advised Advent International on the acquisition of a majority stake in Neoris, a technology consultancy and digital transformation service, headquartered in Argentina.
Martínez de Hoz & Rueda
Best known for its formidable presence in energy M&A, Martínez de Hoz & Rueda’s efforts to widen its presence in other sectors has reaped dividends, with the number of non-energy transactions exceeding energy-related M&A work for the first time since the firm’s inception. Moreover, the firm has established a new corporate governance structure (as of August 2023) to further align its dual commitments to ongoing growth and institutionalisation. While oil-and-gas mandates remain the single biggest generator of fee income, the practice has successfully won an increasing volume of transactional and day-to-day corporate work in the financial services, consumer and technology industries among others. Practice head Fernando Zoppi is an experienced M&A lawyer and handles all types of M&A transactions, advising private equity and VC players, energy companies and telecoms groups among others. Partner Tomás Dellepiane’s all-round corporate experience is complemented by an active M&A practice, with the team also able to call on finance practice co-head Martín Lepiane and highly-respected energy lawyer José Martínez De Hoz for additional senior back-up. Transaction-focused associate Marcos Blanco leads the practice’s second line, which has been bolstered with the April-2022 hire of Sofia Reymundo, previously with Tanoira Cassagne Abogados.
Practice head(s):
Fernando Zoppi
Testimonials
‘The lawyers are easy to understand and focus on how to find solutions.’
‘A responsive team with good international contacts.’
‘Fernando Zoppi is a great lawyer, with US training and experience and solid business accumen.’
‘A strong M&A team, with an unmatched expertise in the oil and gas sector.’
‘Very good team that complements each other well and always gives answers on time.’
‘Dedicated professionals, with knowledge and resources.’
Key clients
ExxonMobil
Trafigura
Inter-American Investment Corporation
Cabify
HynewGen
Delta Patagonia
Pan-American Energy
Bodegas López
WintershallDEA
Neoen
Imerys
Megeve
Fibrazo
WonderBrands
Reciqlo
Cross Capital
Grupo CAPEX/CAPSA
Evo Payments
Fortescue Metals Group
Work highlights
- Represented EVO Payments, the global payment processing business, in the acquisition of assets in Argentina and other countries in Latin America from the Wobiz Group.
- Assisted e-commerce aggregator Wonder Brands with a cross-border transaction involving the acquisition of 65% of the capital stock of Latin American e-commerce platform Electroventas.
- Assisted Patagonia Energy with a complex transaction involving the acquisition of a shale concession in the Aguada del Chivato-Aguada Bocarey block (located in the Vaca Muerta), from Medanito.
O'Farrell
O'Farrell represents clients in high value, complex M&A transactions as well as supporting a long-standing, loyal roster of multinational clients with comprehensive advice on all aspects of business law. The firm’s long track record and deep expertise in energy and electricity make these key sectors for the practice, although it also has a strong presence in automotive, healthcare, construction, real estate, entertainment, agribusiness, food-and-drink and TMT. Outstanding energy lawyer Uriel F. O'Farrell co-leads the practice with banking and finance specialist Sebastián Luegmayer and versatile corporate lawyer Ernesto Genco, whose practice covers foreign investments, start ups, joint ventures, reorganisations, M&A, corporate conflicts and general corporate advice. The practice has seen the departure of Juan Pablo Fratantoni , who has taken up an in-house role at YPF.
Practice head(s):
Uriel O’Farrell; Ernesto Genco; Sebastián Luegmayer
Testimonials
‘Excellent professionals. They advise us on everything we need and with efficiency and always engage in a very good way.’
‘They really know the company and stand out for having excellent communication skills.’
‘The team is first class, with a great predisposition to answer our queries. The are responsive and provide good customer service at a high professional level.’
‘Ernesto Genco and Jeronimo Ocampo provide great advice, with a determination and focus on solving problems.’
Key clients
Ford Motor Company
YPF Energía Eléctrica
Pampa Energía
Comunicaciones y Consumos
Naturgy
Grupo Concesionario del Oeste
Eni
Brown International Corporation
Atlas Pacifi
Luthi
Sinclair
Dräger Argentina
Energía San Juan
Agua Negra
Enaex Argentina
Latinoamericana de Energía
Nokia-Alcatel
Stream Flo
Hattrick Energy
Quad Graphics
Huawei
Amazon Web Services
Farmacity
Louisiana Pacific
Amadeus IT Group
Vestas Development
Work highlights
- Advised the foreign shareholders of Ford Argentina on a range of capital contribution, forex regulation and contract termination matters.
- Assisting Farmacity on the acquisition natural foods company The Food Market.
- Provided comprehensive advise to Stream Flo on all legal matters, in particular in the corporate aspects of drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a variety of contracts.
Tavarone, Rovelli, Salim & Miani
Tavarone, Rovelli, Salim & Miani handles the complete range of corporate work from M&A, joint ventures and corporate restructurings to day-to-day corporate matters. The firm is known for its work on complex transactions, with the retail and energy sectors prominent, and has also carved out a niche in wealth management work, handling corporate matters for high net worth individuals and families. The ‘precise, concise and fast’ Juan Pablo Bove, who is active in private equity and M&A, leads the practice alongside well-reviewed transactional lawyer Federico Martín Otero. Experienced banking and finance practitioner Federico Salim, and corporate all-rounder Julián Razumny, are other senior contacts, although the practice has seen the departures of Agustín Griffi and Pablo Tarantino to take up in-house counsel roles at long-standing family office client, Grupo Werthein.
Practice head(s):
Juan Pablo Bove; Federico Otero
Testimonials
‘The team combines sophisticated legal advice with a personal approach. They understand cultural challenges when working on cross-border transactions.’
‘Federico Otero exceeds our best expectations. Juan Pablo Bove is precise, concise and fast.’
‘They are always up to date on legal developments. Super reliable.’
‘They promptly respond to all of our requests and provide top-notch advice. The best law firm we have worked with in Argentina.’
‘Knowledgeable and proactive lawyers who understand the client’s business.’
‘The team perfectly understand our business and work accordingly, recommending smart and convenient solutions.’
Key clients
Roch
Grupo Pérez Companc
Cargill
Gerardo Werthein family office
Elawan Group
Enel
Open Pass
Caja de Ahorro y Seguro
La Estrella S.A. Compañía de Seguros de Retiro
Grupo Albanesi
Calcaterra family office
CMF Banco
Empresas CMPC
Sisal Entertainment
Cinépolis Group
Alicorp Group
Fiserv
Bibank
San Cristobal Group
DLL Leasing
Bitso /Nvio Pagos Argentina
Aerodoc
Vitalcan
Cloudhesive Argentina
Grupo La Cabrera
Aurum Valores
Club Atlético River Plate
Invertir en Bolsa
Vaas
Cepas Argentina
Dreamco S.A.
Tozzi Green
Work highlights
- Counsel to UK energy group SCC Power on the acquisition of Argentine electricity generation assets from Canadian power plant company Stoneway Capital Corporation for $530m.
- Counsel to Fabio Calcaterra in the sale of a 25% equity interest in his joint venture with J.R. Simplot.
- Counsel to Kamay Ventures in the deployment of financing in three start-ups during 2022.
Alfaro-Abogados
The internationally-oriented Alfaro-Abogados leverages its desks in New York and Beijing to provide a uniquely-positioned service to strategic investors and investment funds doing business in Argentina. The firm takes an inter-disciplinary approach to support its international client base, with a broad corporate offering that includes cross-border M&A, tax, regulatory and labour issues. Experienced M&A lawyer and firm founder Carlos Alfaro leads the practice alongside María Florencia Sota Vázquez, a corporate and immigration law expert. The firm has also boosted its ranks with the hire of former Marval O’Farrell Mairal corporate, M&A and mining-focused senior associate Andrés Villarreal as a partner.
Practice head(s):
Carlos Alfaro; María Florencia Sota Vázquez
Testimonials
‘They are focused on the client’s requirements and circumstances, and are capable of explaining legal issues in a way that is clear to a company’s management team. Carlos Alfaro stand outs.’
Key clients
Climate, Controls & Security Argentina
Praxair Argentina
Salentein Argentina
Latin Resources
Compañía General de Combustibles
Ecolab
Terumo Corporation
Atex Argentina
Aguia Branca
Ajinomoto Do Brasil
Maxim Group
Work highlights
- Advised Climate, Controls & Security Argentina on its merger with Onity.
- Completed the registration of Praxair Argentina and Grupo Linde Gas Argentina following a merger.
- Providing day-to-day corporate support to Salentein Argentina.
Brons & Salas
Brons & Salas advises clients on day-to-day corporate matters, corporate litigation and a wide variety of domestic and international transactions and M&A. The team draws work from corporates in multiple industries, including viticulture, energy, automotive, media, insurance and pharmaceuticals. Guillermo Malm Green, who also fronts the firm’s environmental law department, co-leads the practice with real estate team head Mariano Del Olmo. Compliance expert Florencia Askenasy is another key partner name, with Laura Conde the main contact at associate level.
Practice head(s):
Guillermo Malm Green; Mariano del Olmo
Testimonials
‘Knowledge of the area, of the practice, and of the relevant validated criteria in corporate matters; Ezequiel Casañas, Florencia Crivelli and Guillermo Malm Green.’
Key clients
Grupo Peñaflor
WPP
Godrej Consumer Products
Stanley Black & Decker
Bencich Group
Papel Prensa
Balanz Capital
General Motors
The Clorox Company
Kimberly Clark
Associated British Foods
Tetra Pak
Shandong Gold Mining
Mercedes-Benz
Toyota
Energizer
AstraZeneca
Fortescue Metals Group
Simbiose Industria e Comercio de Fertilizantes e Insumos Microbiologicos
Polaris
Whirlpool
Work highlights
- Advised Prime Sistemas de Atendimento ao Consumidor on the negotiation and execution of a stock pledge agreement and the restructuring of its Latin American subsidiairies.
- Providing advice to German stationery manufacturer Edding on the sale of the stockholding in its Argentine affiliate.
- Provided advice to the García Mansilla Family on the purchase of Argentine agribusiness company Establecimiento María Teresa.
Estudio Bunge
Estudio Bunge has a strong M&A practice and has been an active player in corporate, private equity and venture capital transactions across a range of industries, including real estate, insurance, maritime, consumer goods and logistics. The firm has seen an uptick in deal activity during the last 12 to 18 months, and has benefitted from boosting its corporate expertise with the lateral hire of Pedro Menendez San Martin (as a partner), and the internal partner promotions of Agustín César Bunge and Silvia Ludtke. Experienced litigator Diego Bunge leads the practice, with corporate lawyer Cristian Lacoste and civil and commercial contract law expert Carlos Noguiera rounding off the senior team. Since publication, the firm has further strengethened the team with the December 2023 hires of Eduardo Adragna and Humberto Guardia Mendonca as of counsel; the pair bring experience in a range of practices including regulatory and administrative matters, competition, international trade, and maritime and aviation law.
Practice head(s):
Diego Bunge
Testimonials
‘An excellent group of professionals who deliver excellent client service.’
‘Very committed to the client. They work fast and in great detail and are flexible.’
Key clients
Nordelta
Monster Energy
adidas
Michelin
Red Hat
The Not Company
Limoneira Company
Supercemento
Iron Mountain
Hospital Italiano
Merama
DYOPSA
Ganadera Aguapey
Dredging International
Resuelve tu Deuda
Ipsos
Morgan Advanced Materials
Sea Shepherd Conservation Society
Meridian Group
Valle de las Leñas
Interocean
Jefferson Sudamericana
Busbud
Work highlights
- Advised Mexican e-commerce company Merama on the acquisition of online retailer Meibi.
- Advised on the sale of Argentine agribusiness company Ganadera Aguapey.
- Advised start ups Busbud and NotCo on domestic matters connected with their funding rounds.
Dentons Rattagan Arocena
Dentons Rattagan Arocena, the Argentine outpost of eponymous global parent Dentons, leverages its powerful international ties to support multinational clients on regional and global transactions as well as commercial contracts, shareholder agreements, corporate restructurings and day-to-day corporate matters. The practice has a large leadership team that includes energy specialist Michael Rattagan; fintech lawyer Ricardo Balestra; Santiago Oliva Pinto, who covers data privacy and corporate law; compliance and finance lawyer Roberto Bauza and corporate all-rounder Analía D’Oria. M&A and aviation lawyer Juan Martin Arocena is another senior name, with the second line led by counsels María Cecilia Tuccillo and María Paula Morelli, and associate Lourdes Penida. Since publication, David Macchi (a May 2023 associate hire from Tavarone, Rovelli, Salim & Miani) has been promoted to counsel - effective as of January 2024.
Practice head(s):
Michael Rattagan; Ricardo Balestra; Analía D’Oria; Santiago Oliva Pinto; Roberto Bauzá
Testimonials
‘Deep knowledge of the Argentine landscape and determination to solve issues. Clear communicators who are always available.’
‘We have worked with Analía D’Oria and Nicolás Arida. They always go the extra mile.’
‘Professional, reliable, efficient, client friendly.’
Key clients
Tacco Calpini
CSI Holdings
Braskem Argentina
MicroStrategy Brasil
Biomet Argentina
MSD Argentina
Localiza
Piano
Kuraray
Faena Hotels
Infosys Consulting
Mercosur OnLine
Panini
Velcro Argentina
NeoSecure
Volkswagen Argentina
Inchcape Argentina
Work highlights
- Providing legal advice to Volkswagen Argentina on various commercial matters, including the monitoring of trade marks in 20 jurisdictions.
- Advising Infosys Consulting on the negotiation of an inter-company line of credit.
- Advised a family-owned IT company on the negotiation, structuring and implementation of a complex internal corporate reorganisation.
Estudio Garrido Abogados
Estudio Garrido Abogados has a strong private equity and venture capital track record, advising on venture capital funding rounds and M&A deals in a variety of sectors, including oil-and-gas and food-and-drink. The practice is led by transactional experts Gustavo Garrido, Diego Garrido, Raúl Granillo Ocampo and Lucas Granillo Ocampo.
Practice head(s):
Gustavo Garrido; Raúl Granillo Ocampo; Lucas Granillo Ocampo; Diego Garrido
Key clients
Advent International
Tienda Nube
Aqua Capital
Celulosa Argentina
L Catterton
Tarkett
Technysis
Luigi Bosca
Susana Balbo
Work highlights
- Represented Quintana Wellpro, an oil drilling service company, in the acquisition of JH Servicios Petroleros.
- Advised L Catterton on the acquisition of additional minority stakes in Dominio del Plata, a wine producer that operates under the brand Susana Balbo.
Hope, Duggan & Silva
Hope, Duggan & Silva supports companies in a range of sectors – including banks, financial institutions, mining and natural resources companies – with a full service offering covering regulatory, transactional and day-to-day corporate matters. Respected M&A veteran Juan Duggan leads the practice with ‘excellent professional’ Rufino Arce. Nicolás Ricciardi and Gotardo Pedemonte, who acts on a range of transactional, capital markets and corporate matters, bring further senior experience; with Milagros Pontoriero, who joined from Bruchou & Funes de Rioja in September 2022, one-to-watch at associate level.
Practice head(s):
Juan Duggan; Rufino Arce
Testimonials
‘Highly trained professionals who are always willing to answer all our concerns. Great to work with.’
‘Rufino Arce has excellent theoretical knowledge and people management skills. Florentina Cora is solid and intelligent, with good technical ability.’
‘What makes the practice unique technical expertise in M&A and public and administrative law. The team is responsive and transparent.’
Key clients
Mayekawa
Rappi
Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria
Industrial and Commercial Bank of China
Casino Groupe
Xylem
Los Antilopes
Siemens
Koch Industries
Pyxus International
Minera Santa Cruz
International Container Terminal Services
CEPASI
Omnicom
Work highlights
- Advised Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria and its local affiliates on complex corporate matters including issues to be discussed and approved the annual shareholder meeting.
- Advised Koch Industries and its Argentine affiliate on an Argentine divestment.
- Advised Xylem on capital injections into its Argentine affiliate, Xylem Water Solutions Argentina.
Leonhardt & Dietl
Boutique firm Leonhardt & Dietl specialises in cross-border corporate M&A, commercial law and dispute resolution, with international companies its primary focus and accounting for two-thirds of the firm’s turnover. The German-speaking business community in Argentina is a particularly important demographic, with the team equally comfortable handling matters in German, English and Spanish. High levels of partner interaction in all engagements is an important differentiator for the firm, which uses networks and strategic alliances to support clients with flexible competitive rates. The team is co-led by Federico Carenzo, a transactional expert who is also strong in agribusiness and antitrust matters; and ‘strategic thinker’ Ramiro Santurio, whose practice areas include M&A, business contracts and pharmaceuticals and entertainment law. The team can also call on veteran M&A lawyer Enrique Schinelli Casares; Federico Leonhardt, who has worked extensively in Germany; former American Airlines and Allianz in-house lawyer Martin Dietl; and media and advertising industry expert Maria Del Pilar Gutierrez. Founding partners Thomas Leonhardt and Rodolfo Dietl remain active as of counsels.
Practice head(s):
Federico Carenzo; Ramiro Santurio
Testimonials
‘A very solution-oriented and well-connected firm. As a European company they speak our language and have a great understanding of European culture.’
‘Martin Dietl is exceptional.’
‘The firm is reliable and trustworthy. Direct collaboration with clients.’
Key clients
Reckitt Benckiser Argentina
Novo Nordisk Pharma Argentina
Allianz Argentina Compañía De Seguros
CLAAS Argentina
Fresenius Medical Care Argentina
Dr Schar Argentina
Pförtner
Deutsche Welle
Karcher
Symrise
Fischer Argentina
Honeywell
Giesecke+Devrient (G+D)
Bloomberg
Festo
Mann+Hummel Argentina
Doehler
Pfisterer
Schott Envases Argentina
HELM Argentina
VEKA Argentina
Häfele Argentina
Pelikan Argentina
Multivac Argentina
Heinr. Böker Baumwerk
Work highlights
- Advised Novo Nordisk in connection with the capitalisation of inter-company receivables.
- Advised on the merger of CIL and COFCO, acting as board members and statutory auditors for the companies in the relevant meetings.
- Advised on the formation of a Carbon Credit Project Developer to provide financing to create and certify carbon credits in different jurisdictions.
Naveira Truffat Martínez Abogados (NTMA)
Naveira Truffat Martínez Abogados (NTMA) is a market leader in distressed transactional work, which emanates from its core bankruptcy and restructuring practice, but has continued to successfully expand its mainstream corporate offering. The firm has proven itself adept at handling complex deals that require a combination of bankruptcy, complex litigation and corporate expertise, but has also gained traction in vanilla deal processes, winning work from clients in the oil-and-gas, tech, retail and pharmaceutical sectors. Although transactions are a key area of focus, day-to-day corporate work has become an increasingly important source of fee income. The practice is co-led by Agustin Ferrari, who joined the firm as partner in 2021 and has spearheaded the team’s growth in the wider corporate market; and seasoned insolvency and dispute resolution specialist Oscar Martínez, who has extensive experience in distressed and non-distressed transactional matters. Tax and corporate structuring of counsel Javier Malamud brings additional corporate knowledge and capability to the table, with Valentin Martinez and Juan Sabia noted for the corporate law aspects of their practices. The team can also call on litigation and restructuring veteran Rafael Mallo, who has significant commercial law expertise, for additional senior input.
Practice head(s):
Agustin Ferrari; Oscar Martinez
Testimonials
‘The NTMA team is excellent. From day one we had a great experience. The team was led by Valentín Martínez who accompanied us at all times on the advice provided.’
‘The professional attention and the professional and personal bond that they build is noteworthy. In this way, the work carried out was much more efficient compared to other experiences we have had with other firms. We wish to highlight the work of Valentín Martínez who guided us throughout the process.’
‘NTMA’s corporate and M&A practice has recently established itself with a notable presence in the market. Leveraged on the experience with their traditional clients and the drive of the new generations that lead this practice, they have established themselves as a new alternative in a highly competitive market. The drive and high level of involvement of the partners is combined with an important track record in leading local and international firms.’
‘Agustín Ferrari stands out for his training at the best studios in Argentina and the United States. Having participated in numerous resonant transactions throughout his career, with studies at one of the most prestigious universities in the United States and his accumulated experience in New York firms, Agustín is highly qualified to practice and provide services in this area. I am aware of the high quality of his products as well as his orientation and focus on the business.’
Key clients
Dromex Biotech
Polditos
Tubhier/Fromar
Amarilla Gas/Cañuelas Gas
Final Frontier Group
Grupo Cladd
Grupo Vireyes
Grupo Newsan
Dial Database Marketing
Medanito
Exmed
Mutt Data
Sur Pacifico
Frigonorte
ID Supply Chain
Crediserv/Fincredit COOP/Ukesy
Cremer y Asociados
Ginevra Construction Group
P&P Health
Grupo Vineys
Work highlights
- Advised laboratory operator Dromex Biotech on its sale to Megalabs.
- Assisted beverages company Polditos and its shareholders on a corporate restructuring and the subscription of common stock by the Ostry family, the former owners of Petrolera San Jorge.
- Assisted steel pipes companies Tubhier and Formar on their merger, as well as a debt restructuring with a syndicate of local and international banks.
Nicholson y Cano Abogados
Nicholson y Cano Abogados is best known for its expertise in corporate and M&A transactions, advising multinational clients on deals in a variety of sectors, with consumer, energy and agribusiness particular areas of strength. The practice also draws on expertise from other teams to support clients on a range of forex, regulatory, contractual and commercial issues. María Fraguas, an experienced transactional lawyer, co-leads the practice alongside energy expert Nicolás Perkins. Naldo Dasso, who has a strong consumer practice, and banking and finance head Carlos Marcelo Villegas, are other key senior figures.
Practice head(s):
Maria Fraguas; Nicolás Perkins
Testimonials
‘A decisive and responsive team with clear ideas and firm decisions.’
‘A high quality operation and excellent team of professionals who are great to work with.’
‘A professional team that stays up to date on issues of great importance. Dynamic, responsive and consistent.’
‘I make special mention of Nicolás Perkins who stands out for his extensive knowledge of the market. He is one step ahead.’
‘María Fraguas and Andrea Schnidrig have great technical and analytical capacity.’
‘A great quality is that in addition to being a team of excellent professionals, they are great people and it shows in their daily dealings – they are always attentive to the slightest query. They cover all areas providing complete support on all our needs with extensive experience; Mariana Guzian, Eduardo Kock, Juliana Cabrera, Santiago Nicholson and several more.’
Key clients
Adidas
Arcelor Mittal
Atos
Cargill
HSBC
JP Morgan
Ledesma
Mitsubishi Corporation
Pegasus
Prudential
Qatar Petroleum International
Sancor
Schlumberger
Verizon
Whirlpool
Worldline
YPF
Chevron
Despegar.com
General Motors
Globalstar
PPRO
Telefonica
Universal Assistance
Sogefi
Pedidos Ya
Cerveceria Y Malteria Quilmes
Aesa
Stahl Chemicals
Garovaglio y Zorraquin
Grupo La Mantovana
Sulzer Turbo Services Argentina
Work highlights
- Advised Grupo Matba Rofex on the acquisition of Lumina Americas, a financial services company.
- Coordinated the wind up of Santa Juana Limited’s Uruguay business.
- Advised Stahl Chemicals in the restructuring of their distribution and agency agreements.
Salaberren & Lopez Sanson (SyLS)
Corporate and tax boutique Salaberren & Lopez Sanson (SyLS) is known for its ‘clearly defined areas of expertise’ and high levels of senior partner engagement at all times. Handling a mix of domestic and cross-border mandates, the firm serves a carefully-curated list of long-standing local and international clients. Food and drink and agribusiness are two areas of strength, with technology another area of deep expertise that has accounted for a material share of the firm’s work during the last 12 to 18 months. The well-networked and respected M&A practitioner Rafael Salaberren co-heads the practice with Juan Manuel Campos Alvarez, who has a strong venture capital practice. Moreover, since research concluded, the firm has announced its opening of an office in Montevideo, Uruguay, in conjunction with well-known local practitioner, former Posadas, Posadas & Vecino partner, Eduardo Ferrari – effective as of June 2023.
Practice head(s):
Rafael Salaberren Dupont; Juan Manuel Campos Alvarez
Testimonials
‘The team is very good. The firm has clearly defined areas of expertise and a comprehensive view of cases and clients.’
‘They are differentiated by the direct involvement of the most senior partners. This delivers superior results within shorter time frames. Rafael Salaberren and Sebastián López Sansón stand out.’
Key clients
The Coca-Cola Company
Grupo Insud
Kaszek Ventures
Mercado Libre
Interenergy Holdings
Excon Constructora (Chile)
Delivery Hero
Kerry Ingredients
Auth0
Pampa Energía
The Yield Lab
BigTime Studios
General Catalyst
Monashees
Moken League Studios
Tiger Global
Work highlights
- Represented Grupo Insud in the acquisition of an agricultural company focused on dairy farming from its German and Swiss owners
- Represented Coca-Cola in the reorganisation of the WABI project globally, advising on different structures in different countries to support implementation.
Tanoira Cassagne Abogados
Tanoira Cassagne Abogados provides a diverse client base of entrepreneurs and multinationals with an integrated, interdisciplinary service and demonstrates strong expertise in M&A, corporate divestments, dispute resolution, compliance and day-to-day corporate matters. IT services, agribusiness and financial services are among the firm’s most active areas. Well-known consumer and disputes lawyer Santiago Javier Monti leads the practice alongside Rafael Algorta, who has extensive restructuring and litigation expertise; transactional lawyer Alejandro Ciero; and Leopoldo García-Mansilla, who advises local and multinational entities from different industries on corporate matters and M&A. The firm strengthened its senior bench in 2023 with the promotions of Luis Merello and Lucia Rivas O’Connor to the partnership. Both handle a range of new business, start-up and venture capital matters.
Practice head(s):
Santiago Monti; Rafael Algorta; Alejandro Ciero; Leopoldo García-Mansilla
Key clients
BASF
Nestlé
Bayer/Monsanto
The Walt Disney Company
Philips Argentina
Signfy
HS Timber
Unilever
Remax
Cabify
Mercado Libre
The Planet Group
Bridgestone
Fábrica Austral de Productos Eléctricos
Genomma Laboratories
Gaucho Group Holding
Codorniu Argentina
Saint Gobain Argentina
La Bragadense
Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires
CHS de Argentina
Itochu Corporation
Morgan García Mansilla
British American Tobacco Argentina
Vitol Argentina
Vitco
3M Argentina
Citibank
Coto CICSA
Genomma Laboratories
Work highlights
- Provided legal advice to Geopagos on the acquisition of certain assets from Contextus.
- Advised Geopagos on the Argentine aspects of of an investment in the business from American fund Riverwood.
- Advised Paru Group on the sale of a 50% shareholding.
Zang, Bergel & Viñes Abogados
Zang, Bergel & Viñes Abogados is best known for its market-leading real estate expertise, but is also active in agribusiness, media, mining, oil-and-gas and technology. The team has strength in M&A matters, advising on cross-border and domestic transactions, and also handles restructurings and an array of general corporate matters. Transactional expert Pablo Vergara Del Carril co-leads the team with María Laura Barbosa, who has a strong corporate affairs practice, advising clients on commercial and legal strategy in Argentina. Juan Manuel Quintana, who covers real estate, agribusiness and technology, is another key name.
Practice head(s):
Pablo Vergara del Carril; Laura Barbosa
Testimonials
‘The team knows the market and provides a multidisciplinary service of enormous quality. Great professionals.’
‘Pablo Vergara and Daniel Vergara are professional, dedicated and responsible. They have enormous market knowledge and absolute dedication. Essential partners for international companies that want to work in Argentina.’
‘The corporate and M&A area team is a very professional group that manages interpersonal relationships very well with all client contacts, as well as consultation issues in said area. They have a very good response and always trying to meet the concerns and doubts of the client. Pablo Vergara del Carril is the team leader and his reputation is a plus for us.’
Key clients
IRSA
DF Entertainment
Austral Gold
NH Hotels
Netflix
Constructora San José
Cresud
Radio Victoria Argentina
Bitfarms.
Eurolatam Group
Banco de Crédito y Securitización
Agrofy Global
Alpha Media
OGDEN Argentina
Unión Argentina de Rugby
Hotusa – Eurostars Hotel Company
Farmacity
Carlos Casado
Work highlights
- Advised DF Festival on a joint venture agreement with C3 LLC for the organisation of the 7th edition of Lollapalooza in Argentina.
- Advised DF Festival on an agreement with Primavera Sound regarding the licensing for the first Primavera Sound Festival in Argentina.
- Advised Argentine real estate giants IRSA and IRSA PC on their merger and reorganisation.
Abeledo Gottheil Abogados
Abeledo Gottheil Abogados provides local and foreign clients with a full service corporate offering, handling M&A, disposals, demergers, joint ventures, restructurings, corporate governance and regulatory compliance matters. The practice is co-led by M&A and antitrust specialist Javier Fernando Gelis; Pablo Pinnel, who advises foreign clients on compliance and corporate establishment; and corporate and M&A practitioner Joaquín Estanislao Martínez. The firm strengthened its senior roster in 2023, raising consumer defence, data protection and privacy specialist Natalia Soledad Vannucci to the partnership.
Work highlights
A&F | Allende • Ferrante | Abogados
A&F | Allende • Ferrante | Abogados is known for its work for companies owned by foreign shareholders, providing support across acquisitions, divestitures, company director responsibilities, and corporate registrations and reporting. Founding partner Lisandro Allende has vast corporate law, contracts and dispute resolution experience, and has advised on a number of complex transactions during his long career. He co-heads the department with Mariana Miglino, who handles company law and tax matters as well as transactional work.
Practice head(s):
Lisandro Allende; Mariana Miglino
Testimonials
‘Specialisation in each subject and seniority are the plus. Emilio Fontana and Lisandro Allende stand out.’
‘The team stands out for its great diligence. It is a dynamic and diverse team that is very good at addressing issues.’
‘The lawyers at this firm have extensive years of experience addressing problems in very different circumstances.’
Key clients
Kainos Group
Motorola
Voith Hydro
Tudor Funds
The Lycra Company
Carrefour
Arkema
Alta Genetics
ADP
The Marketing Store Worldwide
Crowdar
Tendencyes Innovations
Tester and Devices
Lion Ventures
Asociación escuelas Lincoln
Telefónica de Argentina
Work highlights
- Advised Alta Genetics on the restructuring of inter-company debts through the capitalisation of a local subsidiary.
- Advised Arkema Group on reshaping the board of directors for three subsidiaries in Argentina.
Barreiro, Oliva, De Luca, Jaca, Nicastro
Barreiro, Oliva, De Luca, Jaca, Nicastro handles a range of corporate and transactional matters, including M&A, contract negotiations, dispute resolution and franchising. The practice is led by firm co-founders Nicolás Jaca-Otaño and Gonzalo Oliva Beltrán.
Practice head(s):
Nicolás Jaca Otaño
Beretta Godoy
Beretta Godoy has experience handling cross-border transactions and has a strong presence in the mining sector, where its expertise assisting Canadian and Chinese companies setting up in Argentina has been a point of differentiation. Tax, foreign exchange and labour matters are also covered. Juan Sonoda, who is well-versed in energy and natural resources law, leads the practice.
Practice head(s):
Juan Sonoda
Key clients
Yamana Gold
Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt
CGGC – China Gezhouba Group Corporation
BIDR
China Energy Engineering Tianjin Group
Toyota Boshoku America
CRRC
Ganfeng Lithium
AAJ Computers Services
Heil Trailer International
Inpet
Inelectra
Perrigo (Omega Pharma)
Alpha Lithium Corporation
Jinyuan EP
Work highlights
- Performed legal due diligence on the Argentine operations of Pan American Silver, supporting Norton Rose with its work as counsel to Yamana Gold following an offer to acquire the business by Pan American Silver.
- Advising on the integration between Minera Agua Rica and Minera Alumbrera as part of the merger between Yamana, Glencore and Goldcorp.
- Advised Alpha Lithium on the preparation and signing of the documentation to complete its acquisition and the restructuring of its mineral rights in Argentina.
Cerolini & Ferrari Abogados
Cerolini & Ferrari Abogados is known for providing domestic and international clients across a range of sectors with general corporate advice on day-to-day matters. The firm is particularly strong in the consumer and technology industries and is regularly called on by multinationals seeking support for their Argentine subsidiaries. Clients single out practice head Agustín Cerolini for his ‘excellent technical knowledge’ and ‘pro-business approach’.
Practice head(s):
Agustín Cerolini
Testimonials
‘The Cerolini team offered us an overview of the different options open to us. It helped us to have a decision framework to see how to move forward instead of already giving us conclusive answers.’
‘Good business knowledge, a practical approach and speed in responses.’
‘The firm has a very talented team. They have great technical knowledge in very specific areas, which makes them stand out favourably from other firms. Their processes are fully transparent. We always had great predictability on costs and how billing would proceed.’
‘Agustín Cerolini provides answers in a clear and concise way. We were never able to have that kind of communication with other law firms.’
‘A very professional and proactive team, with a great capacity to coordinate processes.’
‘The lawyers are available 24/7 and vert responsive. Agustin Cerolini is unique in his pro-business approach to all legal and regulatory issues.’
‘Agustin Cerolini has excellent technical knowledge. He interprets the needs of the company and proposes solutions.’
Key clients
Waynicoin
Catapult Sport
Eficasia Argentina
Ahern Argentina
Corpag (services) Buenos Aires
Perficient.
Proficio Investment
Workana
Banco de Servicios Financieros
Electrolux Argentina
Get Vaas
Tunnelconsult Engineering
Grupo de Servicios y Gestiones
Xerox Argentina
Work highlights
- Ongoing advice to Eficasia Argentina, a part of Mexican group Iké, on daily contractual and corporate needs, including the drafting and negotiation of agreements and issuance of memorandums and legal opinions.
- Advised First Plus Soft on the drafting and revision of corporate and contractual agreements, as well as registrations and fillings before Argentine authorities.
- Advised Electrolux Argentina on the preparation of a memorandum covering various governance matters, director responsibilities and other legal and fiscal requirements.
Lorente & Lopez Abogados
Best known for its extensive bankruptcy and restructuring track record, Lorente & Lopez Abogados is also building a reputation for the ‘dynamism’ of its broader corporate offering. The firm’s energetic ‘young team’ handles a range of work – including contracts, equity sales, M&A and corporate carve-outs – for local and foreign clients. Firm co-founder and versatile transactional lawyer Diego López Ugolini co-leads the practice with Martín Rozental, who has particular expertise in real estate and venture capital matters.
Practice head(s):
Diego López Ugolini; Martin Rozental
Testimonials
‘A very good team of professionals who provide excellent corporate assistance.’
‘The partners are personally and take care of all the client’s legal needs.’
‘A young team with great dynamism. Efficient advice, with a great understanding of the client’s needs.’
Key clients
Sancor Seguros
Andritz Group
Bionexo
Dreams Group
Cristamine
Akiabara
Tata Consultancy Services
Banco del Sol
Banco del Chubut
Trepat Automóviles
Impresora Internacional de Valores
Noble Seguros
Bingo Oasis
Work highlights
- Advised Blackburn Network on a project finance deal with Sion.
- Assisted Cristamine with a spinoff arrangement to separate its glass and fracking businesses.
- Advised Andtritz on the Entidad Binacional Yacyreta (EBY) public tender in order to take on an infrastructure project related to the Yacyretá dam.
MBP Partners - Abogados
Boutique firm MBP Partners - Abogados is known for its ‘dedicated’, ‘exceptional’ service and expertise across M&A, regulatory, governance, tax planning and general corporate law matters. Technology and financial services are notably active areas, alongside commodities and construction. Firm co-founder Victoria Bengochea, who is prominent on banking and finance matters, leads the corporate offering with key support coming from Karina Damiano, who was raised to the partnership in 2022 and handles corporate reorganisations, legal audits, due diligence, conflict resolution and oil-and-gas regulation. Well-regarded compliance specialist and co-founder Ignacio Meggiolaro is another important senior contact.
Practice head(s):
Victoria Bengochea
Testimonials
‘MBP Partners is a very dedicated law firm. The lawyers are responsive, efficient, and very receptive to collaborating with our in-house legal team, and it is always a pleasure to work with them. They are exceptional at their work.’
‘Commitment and dedication. They quickly understood the drivers of the business and our needs.’
‘The team is composed, including but not limited to Victoria Bengochea, of very dedicated, experienced and very professional people. They always give us the best support along with the most diligent attention to our needs. The team is very well prepared to handle any situation that comes their way.’
Key clients
GCDI
AWM Valores
ECTP Engelhart
Expansion Capital
Dana Incorporated Group
BTG Pactual
Mota-Engil Group
Ceibo Digital
Ripio Group
Galicia Seguros
Medanito
Work highlights
- Assisted GCDI in rebranding proceedings and obtaining relevant regulatory authorisations and clearances.
- Worked with asset manager AWM Valores on a deal involving a group of local investors and the acquisition of a local broker dealer. The transaction entailed due diligence, negotiations with the sellers and obtaining local authority clearances to operate in the market.
- MBP advised ECTP Group on the divestment of its business in Argentina, including a sale to local investors, and the liquidation and de-registration of foreign vehicles.
Estudio Ortiz & Asociados
Estudio Ortiz & Asociados handles transactional and general corporate matters for local and international clients. The firm’s corporate practice is co-led by Jorge Ortiz, who is best known for his work on complex, cross-border M&A deals, and experienced corporate generalist Vanesa Mahia.
Practice head(s):
Jorge Ortiz; Vanesa Mahia
Richards, Cardinal, Tützer, Zabala & Zaefferer
Richards, Cardinal, Tützer, Zabala & Zaefferer is called on by domestic and international corporates in the manufacturing, construction, food production and software sectors (among others), for advice on transactions and general corporate matters. Name partner Jorge Tutzer, who has significant M&A, corporate, restructuring and tax experience, co-leads the team alongside active compliance, fintech and financial services lawyer Hernan Camarero.
Practice head(s):
Jorge Tützer; Hernán Camarero
Severgnini, Robiola, Grinberg & Tombeur
Severgnini, Robiola, Grinberg & Tombeur is known for its work on transactional matters for clients in the consumer, retail, food and manufacturing sectors. The corporate team is led by Carlos Tombeur, whose expertise spans banking, capital markets, consumer and antitrust matters, and litigation. Other senior names include Matias Grinberg, Francisco Lagger and Javier Tarasido.
Practice head(s):
Carlos Tombeur
Wiener Soto Caparrós
The energy sector and consumer matters are among the key areas for Wiener Soto Caparrós, which is called on for advice on cross-border investments and reconciling differences between common law and civil law jurisdictions. Other active areas include infrastructure, transport and natural resources, with the team known for its work for international clients on operational, commercial and governance matters impacting Argentine subsidiaries. Argentina-based US attorney and firm founder Laurence Wiener handles a variety of corporate finance and cross-border investment mandates; he co-leads the practice alongside fellow co-founders, Gonzalo Soto (previously with Coca-Cola Andina); and Mariela Del Carmen Caparros, a compliance expert who works in highly-regulated industries, including banking, mining and consumer food products. Clara Pujol is an experienced associate.
Practice head(s):
Laurence Wiener; Mariela del Carmen Caparrós; Gonzalo Soto
Testimonials
‘The firm shows knowledge of the business, professionalism and deep knowledge of general corporate law. Always available to give us legal support.’
‘Gonzalo Manuel Soto, and Clara Pujol are clear, precise and efficient.’
Key clients
Ferro Corporation and Ferro Performance Materials
Coca-Cola Andina
McCain Foods
Frost & Sullivan
Avient Corporation
Smit International
Furukawa Electric
Maricopa Orchards
Regus Management de Argentina
Insituform
Park Place Technologies
RAGT Semences
Libertad
Rubik
Work highlights
- Advised RAGT Semences on the acquisition of local seed breeder Tobin.
- Advised on the dissolution and wind-up of Smit International’s subsidiary in Argentina.
- Privately negotiated the assignment of quotas from Insituform Technologies Netherlands to Packsix Corporation.