Firms To Watch: Real estate

Estudio Ortiz & Asociados is active in real estate transactions, development and redevelopment projects, public-private initiatives and litigation matters; commercial real estate specialist Carolina Villar  heads up the practice.

Real estate in Argentina

Zang, Bergel & Viñes Abogados

The market’s stand out firm for real estate matters, Zang, Bergel & Viñes Abogados brings to bear considerable experience in the sector – particularly as regards the hospitality and construction industries, where it advises medium and large developers and investors on planning, the structuring of contracts and development matters, among others. The team’s core activities include the acquisition, construction, development, commercialization and sale of real estate assets for agricultural, commercial, residential uses, across urban, suburban and rural areas in Argentina and abroad. Real estate disputes are an additional area of strength for the group. Fernando Aguinaga specialises in real estate, agribusiness, and competition and insurance matters; he co-leads the team with Juan Manuel Quintana, who focuses on corporate law and M&A in the real estate sector. The pair are supported by Pablo Vergara Del Carril, who also handles corporate and M&A matters in relation to real estate; and experienced senior associate Inés Poffo.

Practice head(s):

Fernando Aguinaga; Juan Manuel Quintana

Testimonials

‘It is clearly the best real estate team in Argentina.’

‘Fernando Aguinaga and Inés Poffo make an outstanding team.’

Key clients

Austral Gold Argentina

Banco de Crédito y Securitización  (BACS)

Banco Hipotecario

Banco Itaú Unibanco

Carlos Casado

Constructora San José

Cresud

DF Entertainment

Emprendimiento Recoleta

Fenix Entertainment Group

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones

IRSA Propiedades Comerciales Propiedades Comerciales

NH Group Hotels

Ogden Argentina

Radio Victoria Argentina

Unión Argentina de Rugby

Werthein Investment Management Group

Grupo Dinal

Work highlights

  • Advised IRSA on the $1.8bn Costa Urbana real estate development project.
  • Advising the Argentine Rugby Union on the acquisition of a property for the National Rugby Center.
  • Advised Grupo Dinal on a project to tokenize real estate assets.

Baker McKenzie

Alejandra Bugna leads the real estate practice at Baker McKenzie and is experienced in the drafting and negotiation of acquisition agreements, and assisting with the development of real estate and traditional construction projects across Argentina. Bugna’s multidisciplinary team brings together expertise in acquisitions, sales, commercial finance, environment, tax and disputes. The practice group focuses on residential and commercial leasing, as well as providing expertise in the hotels, resorts and tourism sector. Construction, development and real estate transactions specialist Martin Roth is another key name in the area; he is ‘characterised by his commercial approach' and the 'high quality of the presentation of his works and the analysis he carries out’.

Practice head(s):

Alejandra Bugna

Testimonials

‘I emphasize Martin Roth his speed, willingness and clarity to explain the issues. He is attentive, very polite and focused on finding solutions.

‘A cordial and very attentive relationship with all the parties involved stands out.

‘The plus is knowing how to mediate with parts of different cultures, languages, etc. The role of Alejandra Bugna and team in this is remarkable, since she knew how to transfer the idiosyncrasy and local issues to a complex client when it comes to understanding the operation in these latitudes.

‘Martin Roth apart from his ability gave us peace of mind, security keeping us abreast all the time of the progress of the negotiations in a kind, clear and respectful way this point was really important for us to feel accompanied both by Martin and by the entire Baker Mckenzie studio to be able to travel this path.

‘Baker McKenzie has multidisciplinary teams that are constantly in communication with each other, which makes the service provided fit the needs of my company without it being necessary for me to communicate with each of the lawyers separately. In these teams, diversity and inclusion prevail.

‘Martin Roth stands out for his availability, response time, and creativity and effectiveness in the solutions and strategies he proposes to mitigate risks and protect the interests of my company. Martín Roth is also characterised by his commercial approach and the high quality of the presentation of his works and the analysis he carries out.

‘For my work activity, I am in constant contact with prestigious law firms, and what I must highlight about Baker McKenzie is the speed of response and attention both with regard to clients, as well as service providers, the latter being my particular area. Internal communication is fluid which is demonstrated in the ease in the resolution of the processes.

‘Martin Roth, as well as his colleagues, is a remarkable lawyer in the legal area due to the efficiency, dedication and speed in his attention in the matters we have dealt with, especially in the Real Estate and corporate market. Its proposals and analysis are innovative and I highlight its constant updating in its field of action.

‘The Baker Mckenzie studio works as a team, my experience was different from other law firms, Martin Roth was always very attentive, decisive, and conciliatory. The handling of his English is excellent which made us have a fluid communication with the client who was outside the country.

‘Martin Roth, was at all times predisposed, empathetic and resolute. my experience working with him was 10/10.

Key clients

Abbott Laboratories – Laboratorio Internacional Argentino

HP Inc

Delegación Argentina de la Union Europea

Marriott International Inc

Caruso & Asociados / Jardines de la Facultad

CyC Arquitectura / CyC Emprendimientos

Closure Systems International

Familia Andoro

Knock Out International (OR Promotions)

Familia Taccone

Accenture

Ingredion Incorporated

Finsa Argentina

GlaxoSmithKline

Cummins

Koch Industries

Abbvie

Cisco Systems

AppDirect

Spectrum Brands

Rio Tinto

Work highlights

  • Advised Ingredion Incorporated on the negotiation of a joint venture with Arcor to which both companies will contribute properties, the scope of which takes in Argentina, Chile and Uruguay.
  • Assisted Rio Tinto with the analysis of the real estate implications of a transaction which consisted of Rio Tinto entering into a binding agreement to acquire the Rincon lithium project in Argentina from Rincon Mining.
  • Advised Delegación Argentina de la Unión Europea on the acquisition of a real estate property that was under construction in the City of Buenos Aires.

Beccar Varela

A ‘great connoisseur of the market’, Pedro Nicholson co-leads Beccar Varela‘s real estate team in conjunction with M&A specialist Pedro Silvestri; together they provide ‘great management of all the legal issues of a real estate development in Argentina’. The practice represents real estate owners, project developers, property managers, lenders and investors active in a range of projects across sectors, including commercial offices, housing, shopping centres, hotels, condominiums, mixed-use developments and industrial plants. As well as advising on real estate matters such as land use, zoning, environmental and permitting regulations, the practice can draw from multidisciplinary expertise within the firm to assist with acquisitions, sales, financing and the restructuring of assets.

Practice head(s):

Pedro Nicholson; Pedro Silvestri

Testimonials

‘I believe that what distinguishes BV’s real estate team is that not only does it have a commercial knowledge of the market and enormous experience, but they always have the ability to find the legal solution to the different problems that the client is having in an area as complex as real estate in our country.

‘The team really makes a difference. And the customer support is also really excellent. Being a woman, I not only feel very comfortable with the two partners of the team (Pedro Nicholson and Pedro Silvestri) but also with the lawyers of the team.’

‘Great management of all the legal issues of a real estate development in Argentina, with what this implies in a very complex economy, unpredictable and with a lot of uncertainty.

‘The partner in charge, Pedro Nicholson, is a great connoisseur of the market and a specialist in the complex issues of the country with a proactive attitude proposing solutions.

Key clients

Mday Loteos

The Related–Hotel IQ

CasaQuadra

JB Developers

Grupo Puente

Fundación Respirar

Finlays–Casa Fuentes

Coppel

Slak Esports

Plaswag

Work highlights

  • Assisted MDay with the implementation of a system of crowdfunding to finance three different real estate projects in the north of the country.
  • Advised The Related–Hotel IQ on the completion of internal rulings for the development of buildings in Puerto Madero.
  • Advice to CasaQuadra on the legal framework for the structure of residential projects to be financed with green bonds.

Marval O’Farrell Mairal

Providing ‘a lot of knowledge of the real estate sector', Marval O’Farrell Mairal handles pure real estate transactions as well as real estate issues related to M&A deals. The team’s strength lies in purchase, sale and lease transactions, along with real estate development, construction and financing - particular specialisms being conservation projects in Argentina and AAA office buildings in downtown Buenos Aires. The real estate practice can also call on the firm's market-leading banking, corporate and tax departments when needed. Hernán Slemenson focuses on real estate financing, development, sale, purchase and leasing transactions, as well as restructuring. He co-leads the team with Diego A Chighizola, whose fortes are real estate development and financing.

Practice head(s):

Hernán Slemenson; Diego Chighizola

Testimonials

‘The most valuable thing about the team is that they have a lot of knowledge of the real estate sector, that greatly facilitates the relationship with the client since it is not necessary to explain the by less of the business.

‘What has surprised me the most is the quick responses I have been given to the issues on which we have worked together. It was not necessary to claim anything from them, but they quickly had everything ready.

Key clients

Hilton Hotels Corporation

InterContinental Hotel Group

Edmond Safra

Faena Group

The Guggenheim Nicklaus Partners Fund

Pegasus Real Estate Fund

Adecoagro

Bank of America Merrill Lynch

JPMorgan Chase Bank

ABN Amro Bank (Argentina branch)

Nassef Sawiris (NNS)

Honeywell

Tompkins Conservation and Rewilding Argentina

The Butler Conservation Fund and The Wyss Foundation

Lojas Renner

Pernod Ricard (Argentina)

Citromax (Argentina)

Work highlights

  • Advising Edmond M Safra on commercial real estate projects in connection with the development and construction of AAA office buildings in downtown Buenos Aires.
  • Advise Tompkins Conservation and Rewilding Argentina on complex legal issues related to creating national and provincial parks in the largest privately-owned land holding for conservation purposes.
  • Advising The Butler Conservation Fund and The Wyss Foundation on conservation projects in Argentina; involving the terms of land acquisition and setting up protected areas under different regimes, with mandatory conservation obligations.

Nicholson y Cano Abogados

Particularly known for its expertise in the shopping centre and retail segment, Nicholson y Cano Abogados is active across the spectrum of real estate matters, including investment, acquisitions, financing, construction and development, as well as mixed-use developments and subsequent commercial exploitation. With long experience in the sector, Agustín Pérez Cambiasso is the key name to note. Former senior associate Sofía Schiariti moved in house at Accenture in May 2022.

Practice head(s):

Agustín Pérez Cambiasso

Other key lawyers:

Agustín Pérez Cambiasso

Key clients

Grupo Pegasus

HSBC

Cargill

Colegio San Andrés

Farmacity

Bellamar Estancias

Swiss Medical Group

Club de Polo La Reconquista

CEDU (Cámara de Emprendedores y Desarrolladores Urbanos)

PedidoYa

Club Universitario de Buenos Aires

Proyecto Terravista

Proyecto Terralagos

Nuevas Marinas del Plata

Pérez Alati, Grondona, Benites & Arntsen

Active in residential, urbanization and industrial projects in the Buenos Aires area, Pérez Alati, Grondona, Benites & Arntsen provides expertise throughout the project lifecycle, from the drafting of preliminary sales contracts and obtaining of permits and approvals from national, provincial and municipal authorities, to construction agreements, financing, lease contracts and sales. Guillermo Quiñoa specialises in real estate and construction law; he co-leads the practice in conjunction with Santiago Daireaux, whose forte is M&A and financing transactions; and Pedro Eugenio Aramburu, who undertakes M&A, private equity, venture capital, corporate law, and project and corporate finance. Another key name in the team is associate Cristian Chang, who advises on real estate, notarial and registry matters and construction law.

Practice head(s):

Guillermo Quiñoa; Santiago Daireaux; Pedro Eugenio Aramburu

Key clients

Cencosud

Coppel

International Monetary Fund

Anheuser-Busch InBev (Experiencias Cerveceras)

Merck Sharp & Dohme

Falabella Argentina

Bodegas Esmeralda

Dow Chemical Argentina

Sumitomo Chemical

Grupo Luksic (Chile)

Work highlights

  • Advised Dow Chemical Argentina in connection with the purchase of the “Bouchard Tower” building and several units of “Boston Tower”, both first class buildings with Leed certification.
  • Advised Mercado Libre, the largest Argentine and Latin American e-commerce site, on the negotiation, closing and amendments of built-to-suit lease contracts for its headquarters in Buenos Aires.
  • Advised International Monetary Fund in connection with the lease of residential properties for its members and staff in the City of Buenos Aires.

Bomchil

Bomchil’s real estate experience spans project finance, trust formation, the development and construction of multi-scale projects, and operating agreements. The practice can also draw from the full-service firm’s strengths in financing, taxation, environmental issues, and zoning and regulatory matters. Transactional real estate specialist Fermín Caride co-leads the team in conjunction with Adrián Furman, who focuses on domestic and international corporate and M&A projects.

Practice head(s):

Fermín Caride; Adrián Furman

Key clients

Albwardy Investment

Pereiraola

PATGO

La Nación Group/Buenos Aires Arena

Integración Turística Hotelera

PepsiCo de Argentina

Northbaires

The Ally Inversiones Inmobiliarias

HIT

Meliá Hotel Iguazú

Landmass

Uppergrowth

Elektrogen de Argentina

Work highlights

  • Assisted NorthBaires and Banco Itaú Argentina with a transaction that entailed the purchase of two property projects by NorthBaires from local counterpart TGLT, and in the replacement of the very same properties which were collateral granted by TGLT to Banco Itaú.
  • Advised Integración Turística Hotelera on the negotiations of a new franchise agreement with Marriott International for the “Sheraton Mar del Plata.”
  • Advised Elektrogen on an asset acquisition for the establishment of its new logistical hub and the development of an industrial park in the city of Berazategui, Province of Buenos Aires.

Brons & Salas

Recommended for its ‘exhaustive knowledge of real estate regulations', Brons & Salas handles rural land acquisitions, installation and start-up matters, operating permits, and construction and infrastructure projects, as well as advising on the limitations on land acquisitions and ownership by foreigners. The wider firm adds expertise in tax, labour, environmental, M&A, corporate, dispute resolution and intellectual property law to its real estate experience. Spearheading the team, Mariano Del Olmo is well regarded for his ‘deep knowledge of the real estate law area and his practical approach is remarkable’.

Practice head(s):

Mariano del Olmo

Testimonials

‘The team delivers great work, often within tight deadlines. They constitute a trustworthy team in Argentina.

‘The key word is trust – we trust that partners will do their utmost for us.

‘Exhaustive knowledge of real estate regulations.

‘They have the necessary knowledge and they quickly carry out the solutions.

‘Mariano del Olmo is an excellent lawyer who cares a lot about the client and understanding their situation, in a market that is not easy to understand.

‘Mariano del Olmo’s deep knowledge of the Real Estate Law area and his practical approach is remarkable.

‘I highlight Mariano del Olmo as a professional with in-depth knowledge of legislation and a strong practical approach and great responsiveness.

Key clients

Solar Turbines International

Fortescue Metals Group

Simbiose Industria e Comercio de Fertilizantes e Insumos Microbiologicos

BMS International (affiliate of the Brunstad Christian Church)

Louise Nilsson / Carl-Oskar Nilsson

Grupo Peñaflor

Bencich Group

Papel Prensa

Hyatt

Hotel Casino Tandil

Balanz Capital

Opus Group Worldwide

Global Investment Holding

Conagra Foods

Agrium

Agroservicios Pampeanos

Work highlights

  • Advised and is advising Fortescue on the purchasing of more than 300,000 hectares of rural land in the Province of Chubut, Argentina, for the purposes of developing renewable green energy.
  • Advised WPP Group on the purchasing of its Class AAA, LEED-certificated flagship building in Buenos Aires.
  • Advised Simbiose on a deal with the Bayer Group that consists primarily of the acquisition of the Biagro business in Argentina and Brazil.

Bruchou & Funes de Rioja

Advising developers, lenders, investment banks, and real estate funds and trusts, Bruchou & Funes de Rioja provides experience across the spectrum of legal requirements and regulations related to real estate transactions and development activity. The team is particularly prominent in the office and residential (apartment buildings and luxury condominium developments) segments. Exequiel Buenaventura specialises in general corporate advice, cross-border deals and the structuring real estate projects and transactions. He is ably supported by senior associate Pilar Marcó, whose strengths are M&A and real estate law.

Practice head(s):

Exequiel Buenaventura