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.
Real estate in Argentina
Zang, Bergel & Viñes Abogados
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