Firms To Watch: Corporate and M&A

The commercial practice at boutique Criales & Urcullo works in tandem with the firm’s team of auditors to provide legal, economic and accounting advice to its corporate clients.
Garron Bozo Abogados stands out for its multi-jurisdictional advice on Andean Community law, specialising in corporate law and providing clients with comprehensive advice on a full range of matters.
Founded in May 2022, URENDA & URENDA’s corporate team is led by founding and managing partner Manuel Urenda and provides a personalised service to national and international clients, particularly foreign investors looking to establish operations in Bolivia.

Corporate and M&A in Bolivia

Moreno Baldivieso Estudio De Abogados

The market-leading team at Moreno Baldivieso Estudio De Abogados participates in some of the key corporate and M&A transactions in Bolivia. The firm provides a full corporate service to a large number of national and international companies and corporations from a range of sectors, including telecommunications, mining and energy. Practice head Andrés Moreno combines his experience in corporate and M&A matters with a specialisation in mining. He leads the team along with senior partner Ramiro Moreno and Luis Moreno, who specialises in corporate, finance and tax law, lead the team. Partners René Claure and Daniel Arredondo specialise in corporate, banking and arbitration matters, working alongside René Cuellar, who focuses on public contracting, international transactions and insurance. Teddy Mercado continues to advise some of the firm’s key clients, such as Google and the Claure Group. Senior associates Ines Ayala and Fernando Landa specialise in corporate, M&A and international transactions. Pamela Muñoz and Jose María Navarro are associates who play a key role in the team.

Practice head(s):

Ramiro Moreno; Andrés Moreno; Luis Moreno


Key clients

Google


Space X


The Walt Disney Company


John Deere


Siemens


Apple


Millicom International Cellular


Entravision


Amazon Web Services


Spotify


Work highlights


  • Advised Advent International on a multi-jurisdictional M&A transaction involving the acquisition of a 25% equity stake in Tigre Group.
  • Represented Ovando in an M&A transaction that took place in Bolivia in 2022.
  • Assisted Andean Precious Metals with the bidding process aimed at acquiring Minera San Cristobal.

Indacochea & Asociados

The corporate and M&A team at Indacochea & Asociados handles complex corporate transactions and foreign investment mandates, including M&A, capital increases and incorporations. The firm has experience helping foreign companies to establish operations in Bolivia, as well as assisting such clients with restructurings and liquidations. The team advises local, regional and international clients from various sectors, including agribusiness, pharmaceuticals, and retail, as well as possessing an extensive knowledge of the oil and gas industry. The team of 'very attentive' lawyers is led by Alonso Indacochea and Mariana Pereira. Ana Carola Muñoz is involved in M&A and corporate reorganisations, while Maria José Martinez focuses on the incorporation of companies, corporate restructurings and capital increases and reductions. Senior associate Maria Laura Paz has experience of incorporations and capital increases.

Practice head(s):

Alonso Indacochea; Mariana Pereira


Testimonials

Knowledge of the issues and willingness to resolve queries.

The team is very attentive to the needs of customers. They learned very quickly about the particularities of us as clients and that generated an atmosphere of trust since they make us feel that they know us.

The attention they give us and the ability they have to understand the problems, observations and questions that we ask them. The best quality they have is the quality of their service. They generate trust through a personalised and specific service.

They have introduced a new billing system that includes state of the art technology. I have not seen it in other services.

Key clients

Interconexión Electrica ISA Bolivia


Kimberly Bolivia


Laboratorios LKM


Pfizer Bolivia


Optel


Nexus


Quimpac Bolivia


Andes Films


Baker Hughes


Work highlights


  • Advised client Kimberly on the development of its commercial activity in Bolivia, including a comprehensive review of its commercial agreements and contracts with its distributors and clients.
  • Advised Pfizer Bolivia on the drafting and revision of its contracts with distributors throughout the country.
  • Assisting ISA Bolivia on an ongoing basis with its corporate and regulatory law issues.

PPO Abogados

PPO Abogados’s ‘proactive and diligent’ corporate and M&A team provides a variety of specialised and sophisticated legal services. The firm covers the full range of corporate law matters, including the registration of businesses, preparation of shareholder agreements, and dissolutions and liquidations. The group is often involved in cross-border transactions, assisting both regional and multinational clients, and added to its extensive client base in 2022. The team has an ever-growing knowledge of international matters, such as global compliance policies, international public procurement rules and treaty benefits for investments. Carlos Pinto, Marcial Fernández and Diego Böhrt jointly lead the department. Mattias Garrón is noted for his significant experience in corporate and commercial matters, as well as in project development, M&A and foreign investment. Salomón Eid focuses his practice on transactional, corporate, and finance matters, where he leads the technology practice for the firm. At associate level, recently appointed practice director Delma Paz, and Carolina Arnez, María René Suárez and Ingrid Reese, are all names to note.

Practice head(s):

Carlos Pinto; Marcial Fernández; Diego Böhrt


Testimonials

The PPO corporate team is an ally for us as a company because it helps us with all the consulting at the local level, since we as an inhouse lawyer are in another country and do not know the local legislation in Bolvia. They are close to us as clients, willing to solve and collaborate from a business perspective and not just a legal one.

Marcial Fernandez stands out as our partner and point of contact with the law firm, who perfectly manages the issues, is up-to-date and provides us with efficient and agile solutions for our business.

The PPO practice is very good. It has bilingual professionals who are sufficiently trained to meet the needs of international clients in Bolivia.

Delma Paz and Carlos Pinto have provided us with excellent and world-class service. Highly recommended office for companies with the intention of doing business in Bolivia.

The team is proactive and diligent, they have a centralised customer service scheme, and they are well structured.

The treatment is personalised and empathetic, and is always capable of coordinating joint actions with areas of expertise.

PPO stands out for its broad sense of collaboration and they try to offer personalised attention, which makes them different from other law firms.

The personalised attention with which the leader of the team attended us (Marical Fernández) was important.

Key clients

Unilever


Ballerina


Nestlé


Grupo Bimbo


Grupo Arcor


Indústrias de Aceite


Frigorífico BFC


Chocolates Para Ti


Kromasol


Bebidas Bolivianas


Diageo


Compañía de Cervecerías Unidas (CCU)


Destilería Cuatro Ases


Eastern Airlines


Rohlig Logistics


Interbarge


Latam Airlines


Work highlights


  • Advised Inchcape on the Bolivian aspects of its £1.3bn acquisition of Derco, a multijurisdictional transaction with impact in Chile, Bolivia, Peru, and Colombia.
  • Advise Telecel (TIGO) on the negotiation, preparation, and execution of its television rights contract signed with the Bolivian Soccer Federation (FBF) for the 2021-2024 period.
  • Advised El Dorial in the transformation of the company from an LLC to a corporation, as part of a restructuring plan to obtain greater sources of financing and a corporate governance implementation.

Bufete Aguirre, Quintanilla, Soria & Nishizawa Sociedad Civil – (BAQSN)

Bufete Aguirre, Quintanilla, Soria & Nishizawa Sociedad Civil – (BAQSN) gives advice on all aspects of the corporate structure to clients from a wide range of sectors, including construction, mining and aviation. The corporate and M&A team handles complex restructuring processes, involving both domestic and international clients. Recent areas of growth for the firm include corporate and regulatory assistance for clients in the food, chemical and clothing industries, and advice on the establishment of foreign companies in Bolivia. Practice head Eduardo Quintanilla specialises in corporate and business and mining and energy law. He leads the team alongside Ignacio Aguirre, who offers advice on financing, restructurings and securities. Senior partner Santiago Nishizawa is an expert in M&A, greenfield projects, the structuring of loans and drafting of different kinds of contracts, while Sergio Antelo advises clients from various industries, such as the Latam Airlines Group. Mauricio Torrico, who specialises in corporate and commercial law, provides further support to the team. Franco Piñero is an active member of the group at associate level.

Practice head(s):

Eduardo Quintanilla; Ignacio Aguirre


Testimonials

Friendly, timely, comprehensive and cost-efficient attention, where lawyers go the extra mile in terms of the different advice and support provided. Team members have comprehensive knowledge that allows them to support, even outside their usual practice areas. They are especially careful in the billing and collection process, trying to optimize their clients’ resources at all times.

Sergio Antelo leads his team by example, ensuring that all the advice provided has high standards of quality, timeliness, and cost-efficiency. Sergio has gone the extra mile at all times, becoming an extension of our in-house team. They are concerned with understanding the internal needs of our company and proposing operationally and legally efficient and viable alternatives. The interaction with them is always cordial, which adds to all the previously mentioned virtues and makes it a pleasure to work with them.

The BAQSN team has extensive legal knowledge in all matters that are brought to its attention. It has advantages, both in legal knowledge and much more in the excellent response time and friendly service.

Key clients

Latam Airlines Group


Coca-Cola


Minera San Cristobal


Industrias de Aceite / Alicorp


Bodegajes Temporales Chile


Maxiseguridad


Grupo Disan


Monopol


Monark Bolivia


Empresa Industrial Minera Cbc Lithium Bolivia (CATL BRUNP & CMOC)


Embotelladoras Bolivianas Unidas


Repsol


Work highlights


  • Advising Grupo Disan on the incorporation of a local subsidiary, and subsequent advice on corporate and regulatory matters.
  • Advising Maxiseguridad on the negotiation of services and construction agreements for the implementation of a fire security systems.
  • Advising Monopol on the negotiation of a construction agreement for the implementation of new plant.

Dentons Guevara & Gutierrez

The corporate and M&A team at Dentons Guevara & Gutierrez specialises in advising on and planning efficient structures for business development in Bolivia. The team handles the incorporation of companies and branches, joint venture contracts, and other investment vehicles. The firm also gives M&A advice, performing legal and financial audits, and has experience advising on the preparation of proposals for international public and private tenders. The team is led by Jorge Inchauste, who 'stands out' as an expert in M&A and merger control. Enrique Barrios has experience in all aspects of contract negotiation, administrative matters, and cross border legal structures related to the oil and gas industry. Founding partner Ramiro Guevara has vast knowledge of corporate governance and executive responsibilities, and advises shareholders, boards and managers of Bolivian companies on internal corporate decisions. Rodolfo Mercado has particular experience in the energy sector, while at the senior associate level, Alejandra Guevara advises companies on corporate governance and due diligence procedures.

Practice head(s):

Jorge Inchauste


Testimonials

They have a team ready at all times to provide solutions. The accompaniment they provide is of a very high level. They are very collaborative, maintaining a close relationship with the internal team.

Jorge Inchauste’s knowledge of corporate-commercial matters and his human warmth is admirable; he is a professional who always frames himself in the right place. On the other hand, he is very assertive with the suggestions and advice he gives us. Noelia Parada, unlike her competitors, generates a lot of trust and closeness. We feel very comfortable working with her.

The work that Dentons does in Bolivia is personalised and very professional.

Key clients

Industrias de Aceite


Vamed Engineering


Laboratorios Bagó de Bolivia


Effizienz


Grupo Financiero Bisa


Yellow Pepper


ZTE


Musqux


Accendo Solutions


Xinjiang TBEA Group Company


SantaCruz Silver Mining


Avantica Technologies (Encora)


Cámara Departamental De La Construcción De La Paz (Cadeco)


Petrobras Bolivia


Repsol E&P Bolivia


YPF Argentina


Clínica Foianini


Ransa Bolivia


Roxwell Silver Minera


Work highlights


  • Advised Alicorp on the issuance of securities onto the Bolivian Exchange.
  • Acted for Cervecería Boliviana Nacional (CBN) in multiple judicial and administrative proceedings related to anti-trust and constitutional matters.
  • Advising Laboratorios Bagó de Bolivia on regulatory matters in the pharmaceutical industry.

Ferrere

FERRERE’s corporate and M&A team offers advice on contracts, day-to-day corporate matters and due diligence, while also handling complex regulatory issues and M&A. The team has been involved in several high-value M&A and reorganisation transactions in 2022. The firm has experience advising clients on their interactions with the Bolivian government. The team also offers advice to international clients looking to establish and manage operations in Bolivia. In 2022, the firm has seen an increase in transactions in the agribusiness sector, advising key clients in the industry, such as Cargill. The team is led by Diego Villarroel, who advises domestic and international clients on day-to-day corporate matters as well as M&A, due diligence and documents for all types of commercial transactions. At the senior associate level, Pablo Heredia is involved in the organisation of local and international companies, and in due diligence procedures to assess corporate compliance and implement corporate transactions. Jorge Palza has extensive experience in corporate matters, and offers advice on joint ventures, corporate due diligence, compliance and corporate governance.

Practice head(s):

Diego Villarroel


Testimonials

The team has extensive knowledge of the country’s applicable regulations and the necessary procedures to be able to carry out complex legal structures.

Jorge Plaza dedicates his time and gives importance to the requirements and requests presented. He has extensive corporate knowledge that allows him to efficiently and effectively carry out the procedures that the company requires. He has always shown his availability and time to provide clear and concise advice.

From our perspective, we see a proactive, diligent and committed work team with clients, focused on offering a good quality of services.

It is a firm that is always at the forefront of information and manages a fairly broad network, which is one of its strengths. The attentions are timely, and the quality of the information provided is adequate. The team is proactive and to date it has always provided precise attention, within acceptable times. From the beginning of the relationship, it has helped us with the startup of the company and to date it provides us with all the legal support.

Trained people with up-to-date knowledge. Educated and cordial attention. Good time management. Pablo Heredia is an excellent professional.

I have worked with Pablo Heredia for a long time. His knowledge of corporate law is admirable. He is always ready to help and available for his clients.

The team is well trained and tries to find solutions to all problems, which is what we as a company mainly want. We also receive quick answers that are well-informed. The attitude and predisposition to solve what arises is very noticeable.

What makes them stand out is their knowledge, speed in answering queries and attitude to find solutions to problems. We have worked with Pablo Heredia, who has provided us with excellent support in the labour area, with reports and solutions to our requirements.

Key clients

Cargill


Uber


Darnel Group


Ceva Salud Animal


Cruzimex


Ingenio Sucroalcoholero Aguaí


Plasticaucho Bolivia


Ingener


Procter & Gamble


Boehringer


Laboratorio de Endogenética


Comercializadora Gretel Bolivia


Productos Animales


Grupo Parejas – Tumpar


Zoframaq


Siemens Healthineers


BASF Bolivia


Phoenix Tower International


Suzano


Schlumberger Surenco


Distribuidora Cummins


3M


Industria de Cereales y Derivados del Oriente (INCER)


The Mare Group


South American Inspection Services (SAIS)


Motul


tuGerente


Tele Salud


QBOX Latam


DirectV


Logicalis


Pernod Ricard


Schaeffler


Work highlights


  • Advised Cargill Bolivia on the sale of all its shares in a local company, Aguirre Agro Bolivia (AABSA) to Central Aguirre Portuaria (CAPSA).
  • Advised Productos Animales on the acquisition of 90% of Industria de Cereales y Derivados del Oriente (INCER) through a capital increase.
  • Advised Cruzimex Comercio Exterior on the acquisition of Apego.

Würth Bedoya Costa Du Rels Abogados

Würth Bedoya Costa Du Rels Abogados‘ corporate and M&A team advises clients on a wide range of corporate and commercial matters in Bolivia. The firm handles corporate restructurings, joint ventures and commercial contracts. Recent areas of growth for the group include M&A in Bolivia and venture capital law. The firm has experience advising clients on complex cross-border transactions, and providing regulatory advice to companies operating in Bolivia. The team is led by three lawyers: Mauricio Costa du Rels is an expert in M&A, and has extensive experience in the energy, construction and mining sectors; Fernando Bedoya has been involved in high-stakes transactions, including high-value investments and acquisitions; and associate director Sergio Velasco has participated in due diligence processes, the incorporation of domestic companies, and the establishment of branches of foreign companies. Associate María Pía Arce is involved in incorporations, restructurings and M&A.

Practice head(s):

Mauricio Costa du Rels; Fernando Bedoya; Sergio Velasco


Testimonials

This office is very helpful, always ready to answer.

Great human quality and service.

WBC is a law firm very knowledgeable of the local environment in Bolivia and a very professional team.

Key clients

Laboratorio Maver


Invap


Bizarro Bolivia


Inversiones Marselan


Empresa De Telecomunicaciones Nuevatel


Alamedas


Agroquímica Vancrop


Sociedad Agroindustrial El Valle


Delta Express


Alex Steward International


Corporación Unagro


Work highlights


  • Advised Invap on contractual agreements for nuclear medicine and radiotherapy centres in Bolivia.
  • Advised Bizarro Group on its acquisition of capital shares and organisation of high-profile concerts in Bolivia.
  • Advised Nuevatel on implementation of web-based delivery application and compliance with international trade regulations.

Becerra de la Roca Donoso & Asociados S.R.L.

A 'pro-active group of lawyers' makes up Becerra de la Roca Donoso & Asociados S.R.L.‘s corporate and M&A team. The group has experience advising clients on their interactions with the Bolivian government, as well as providing day-to-day advice on corporate matters and regulatory issues. The firm advises both Bolivian and international clients on range of corporate matters, from due diligence to M&A transactions to corporate disputes. The team is led by Mauricio Becerra de la Roca, who specialises in corporate law. Manfred Arauz Olavarria was promoted to junior partner in May 2022, and is involved in the firm’s most relevant corporate transactions.

Practice head(s):

Mauricio Becerra de la Roca


Testimonials

This is a proactive group of lawyers who respond on time and seek to solve problems instead of amplifying them.

Mauricio is an extremely competent lawyer who meets the expectations of clients.

Up to date legal advice. The team maintains constant communication with the client and provides a timely resolution of queries and requested work.

Preparation and professionalism stand out in the knowledge demonstrated by Mauricio Becerra and Manfred Arauz.

As an American, it was helpful that this firm were bilingual. I felt that they had great knowledge of Bolivian law and seemed to have a lot of resources in different cities in Bolivia, which helped expedite the closure. Mauricio de la Roca was informative throughout the whole process and was quickly available for any questions I had.

Mauricio de la Roca was extremely competent and reliable, and seemed like an honorable person to conduct business with.

The firm is very collaborative and always ready to meet our needs. It is committed to providing an excellent service to clients.

Our main interaction is with Mauricio Becerra de la Roca; he is a person with a lot of experience and knowledge in the commercial area. His team is young, and very efficient in meeting our requirements.

Key clients

Ingenio Azucarero Guabirá


Bicker Bolivian Group


Sin Fronteras


Instituto Ecuatoriano De Enfermedades Digestivas Gastroclínica


Perfect Fit Bolivia


Industrias De Aceite


Inversiones Guabira


Laboratorios Hipra


Sandra Montalvo


Hector Pellegrini


Hermes Group


Opratel Bolivia


ISA Bolivia


Lincoln Electric


Caisy


Caico


Slong Peru


Xynergia Contenidos Bolivia


Work highlights


  • Assisted Ingenio Azucarero Guabira with the amendment of bylaws.
  • Advising Bicker Bolivian Group on a transfer of a package of capital quotas in favour of a German company.
  • Advising Perfect Fit Industries on corporate legal advice on day-to-day matters, including the management of corporate meetings and the drafting of contracts and bylaws.

C.R. & F. Rojas – Abogados

The corporate and M&A team at C.R. & F. Rojas – Abogados provides day-to-day corporate services for multinationals, as well as general commercial advice on foreign investment. Corporate compliance has also become an important practice area for the group. The firm is part of a number of international legal networks, and continued to take on new clients through 2022. The team is led by Diego Rojas, Pablo Rojas, Elizabeth Landivar and María Del Carmen Ballivián. At the associate level, Mery Cuellar and Diego Aguilera are actively involved in some of the team’s most prominent transactions.

Practice head(s):

Diego Rojas; Pablo Rojas; Elizabeth Landivar; María del Carmen Ballivián


Key clients

Finning Bolivia


Herbalife Bolivia


Japan Tobacco International


DHL Bolivia


3M


Accenture


Brasilagro


BNP Paribas


DKT Bolivia


Marriot International


Solar Turbines International


Yummy Inc


Arcor


Central Puerto Aguirre


Work highlights


  • Advised Central Puerto Aguirre on the rebuy of the shares in its joint venture with Cargill Bolivia in Puerto Aguirre.
  • Advised Yummy on the acquisition of Miyaigo, a Bolivian startup in the delivery and logistics field.
  • Advised Amspec on its cross-border acquisition of OTI, assisting, under Bolivian legislation, with a due diligence regarding the local subsidiary.

Medina, Galindo & Richter Abogados S.R.L.

Medina, Galindo & Richter Abogados S.R.L. is a boutique corporate and commercial law firm that assists clients with M&A and the incorporation and fusion of local and foreign companies, and advises foreign companies on participation in public bids and direct retainers by the state. The team is led by Rodrigo Galindo Garrett, an expert in corporate and commercial law, who has experience advising multinational companies operating in Bolivia. He is supported by associate Oscar Molina Ustares, who specialises in domestic and foreign M&A matters.

Practice head(s):

Rodrigo Galindo Garrett


Testimonials

The team is proactive regarding the matters entrusted to it. The lawyers are more diligent than those from other firms to finish the assigned work. Each partner has a specialty; it is, therefore, an interdisciplinary team.

Permanently updated with the new regulations and laws. They also send information quickly to their customers. They are willing to hold informative meetings with their clients.

Key clients

Inypsa Informes y Proyectos


Amtrust Financial Services


Técnica y Proyectos


Cosapi


Gitec – Igip


Constructora Interandes


China State Construction Engineering


Constructora Santa Fe


Constructora Arce Lema


BDO Bolivia


Desarrollador Inmobiliario Salinas


Inmobiliaria Los Cipreses


Bera de Bolivia


Sociedad Ibérica de Construcciones Eléctricas


Grupo Inclam


Kieffer y Asociados S.A. Corredores de Seguros


Master Sense


Practical Action


Vellisimo Center


Hunan Road and Construction Company


Procon Nerium


Marca Verde SAFI


Marco Infraestructura y Medio Ambiente


Rabobank


José Cartellone Construcciones Civiles


CRZ Construcciones


Pagos Electrónicos Khipu


Iberam Re Corredores Internacionales de Reaseguros


Exploraciones Maldonado


Petrodrilling


Frigorífico del Oriente


Compañía de Obras Civiles


Compañía Cervecera Boliviana


Sociedad Industrial Taunus


Dechini Dirección de Proyectos


Projecto Pacu Aquicultura


Grupo Hotelero Rosario


Componente Digital


Constructora Atacama


Desarrollador Inmobiliario Insal


Empresa Constructora Salina


Heinsohn Business Technology


Engecorps Engenharia


Aguilar Consultores


En Victoria


Importadora Kortabaco Bolivia


Construtora Norberto Odebrecht


Zocesur


Work highlights


  • Assisting Amtrust Insurance Spain with the continuous counselling of its subsidiary in Bolivia, Amtrust Gestión de Riesgos, regarding all proceedings in the adjudication of insurance policies, financing of clients and management of corporate governance.
  • Advising Odebrecht Ingeniería & Construcción on closing all companies related to this group in Bolivia.
  • Advised Constructora Interandes on a capital increase operation for the sum of $26m.

Villegas Aldazosa & Asociados Soc. Civ.

The corporate department at Villegas Aldazosa & Asociados Soc. Civ. acts for both national and multinational businesses on incorporation, corporate governance and compliance. The group has experience negotiating, drafting and reviewing complex agreements, and participating in M&A transactions. The firm continued to grow in 2022, taking on new clients from various industries. The team is led by founding partner Gabriel Villegas Aldazosa, who has experience in corporate law, M&A, international agreements, legal business design and corporate planning. He leads the team alongside Sergio Dávila. At the senior associate level, Maria Nydia Gantier focuses on the negotiation and preparation of contracts, M&A and corporate governance.

Practice head(s):

Gabriel Villegas Aldazosa; Sergio Dávila


Testimonials

The firm’s associates are competent people who fully listen to what their clients require, and their delivery deadlines are met.

Key clients

Accor Hotels


Vega Enghenaria Ambiental


Granja Avicola Sofia


Bomchil


Stracon


HRSA Brasil


Thermomix


Shell


Telecel


Tecnología De Alimentos


NGK Spark Plug


Ingeser Spain


Work highlights


  • Provided a legal opinion regarding a complex payment transaction related to intra-group Shell’s financing operations.
  • Assisted Telecel with a regulatory analysis regarding the implementation of easy-access microcredits business, and designed alternative scenarios.
  • Advised Bomchil on a red flag review for a global logistic software international project.

Aguilar Castillo Love

Aguilar Castillo Love entered into the Bolivian market in January 2022 and its corporate and M&A team advises on a range of matters within the practice area, from public-private partnerships and project finance, to corporate governance and the negotiation of complex commercial contracts. The firm provides specialised advice on M&A, through legal audits, and has experience preparing proposals for international public and private tenders. Founding partners José Carlos Bernal and Ismael Franco specialise in assisting start-ups and emerging companies and offer advice to national and international clients on efficient structures for business development in Bolivia through various investment vehicles, such as the incorporation of companies and branches, and joint venture contracts. Bernal is an expert in corporate law and governance, and banking and finance matters. González oversees regulatory advice, tax planning, company incorporation and corporate governance negotiations, with extensive experience in corporate law, start-up and tech law, and tax.

Practice head(s):

José Carlos Bernal; Ismael Franco


Testimonials

The team is reactive, organized and precise. They manage their time very well and plan their work.

They are empathetic, they adapt to the sizes of companies and their needs. We were working with José Carlos Bernal and he advised us efficiently, taking into account our requirements and adapting to our needs, always informing us about the status of pending work.

The Aguilar Castillo Love team is a highly efficient and trained team. What makes them different is the prestige and recognition they have earned in the Bolivian market for the excellence of their services. In addition to being a team with a lot of knowledge and experience, the human part differentiates them, the treatment and the prompt response in everything necessary. The skills of the team and the main partners are their social skills and the ability to weave networks, which makes more and more people know them and invite them to actively participate in strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem, for example. In addition to being neutral, professional and mediating people.

Key clients

GanaValores Agencia de Bolsa


GanaSafi


Fundación para Alternativas de Desarrollo (Fades)


Consorcio TNM CYM


Cal y Mayor


Creotec


Melimel


Drontec


Applikate


Bloomcker


Work highlights


  • Advised GanaSafi on the amendment of its corporate charter, to comply with requirements of the central bank, in order for the company to take part in the payment settlement system of the Bolivian Central Bank.
  • Assisted Fundación para Alternativas de Desarrollo with the sale of a keystone investment through a special purpose vehicle.
  • Advised Bolivian start-up Creotec on a business model structure that would allow the company to offer and assemble prostheses, via complex commercial agreements, with partners in other parts of the world.

ONTIER

ONTIER’s ‘proactive and professional‘ corporate and M&A team handles a wide range of matters for key players in major sectors of the Bolivian market, including retail and TMT. The firm offers advice on project financing, M&A, joint ventures and company incorporation. The team is co-led by managing partner Mauricio Saldaña who specialises in advising multinational companies on their Bolivian operations, and regularly assists clients from the construction and real estate sectors. Practice co-head Hans Voss specialises in commercial, corporate, civil and administrative law. Senior associate Andrea Antelo Salvatierra is an active member of the team.

Practice head(s):

Mauricio Saldaña; Hans Voss


Testimonials

Personalised and very efficient treatment.

Very proactive and professional people.

Ontier has a good team that is knowledgeable, collaborative, and up to date on corporate issues.

Hans Voss has a lot of knowledge in corporate matters. He is always up to date and willing to help or clear up doubts.

Ontier is a global firm and the team in Bolivia has an international mentality, training, and vision, while being able to maintain the local soul in order to adapt and provide support and solutions to clients’ needs in the country. It is a multidisciplinary team that covers the different legal areas to attend to clients’ procedural, labour, commercial, fiscal needs, providing professional and unique attention all in one place. The team is made up of great professionals, with international training and with a track record and honesty that allows absolute security and confidence in their work. It is a team of great professionals and at the same time of great people – they are incomparable.

Training, track record, professionalism, work ethic and honesty are the traits shared by the main partners Hans Voss and Mauricio Saldaña. These abilities are also shared by the rest of the members of the firm, which make you feel that you are in the best hands for any legal need that arises. Legal certainty is key in a country like Bolivia and the Ontier team is a guarantee of having it.

Key clients

In Towers Inversiones


Neurocenter Imágenes Médicas


Agropunto del Oriente


Centric Bolivia


Función Digital Bolivia


Clínica Metropolitana de las Ámericas


Emporio


Work highlights


  • Advised In Towers Inversiones on the signing of the final phases of the construction contracts of the Apart Hotel In Tower with several providers and contractors.
  • Advised Neurocenter Imágenes Médicas on the negotiation and purchase of a medical resonator.
  • Advised Agropunto del Oriente on the restructuring of the company.

Reinicke Ostria - Estudio de Abogados S.R.L

Reinicke Ostria - Estudio de Abogados S.R.L‘s corporate and M&A team provides a ‘personalised service‘, specialising in corporate governance and corporate restructuring. The firm assists clients with the implementation of new governance statutes, rules and regulations. The group regularly advises boards of directors, senior management and committees of both private and public companies. Practice co-head Gody Reinicke Ostria - Estudio de Abogados S.R.L has over 20 years of experience advising major national and international corporate clients and leads alongside Benjamin Reinicke Ostria - Estudio de Abogados S.R.L, who takes a lead role on a range of deals. Erick Reinicke Ostria - Estudio de Abogados S.R.L is another experienced partner to note, and Enrique Reinicke Ostria - Estudio de Abogados S.R.L is also a key name. Senior associate Patricia Caballero supports on the range of work.

Practice head(s):

Gody Reinicke Ostria; Benjamin Reinicke Ostria


Testimonials

‘Personalised work and the willingness to exceed customer expectations.

They have extensive knowledge of the service they provide, the attention was quick and there were several lawyers who were accompanying the process. The most important thing is that they gave me the solution.

The diversity of areas that are offered to the client: if I have several different cases, I count on the same law firm to resolve my difficulties and they, knowing my history, make it easier for me to resolve my procedures and I can fully trust that they will resolve it.

Key clients

Importadora Campero


Cloudreams


NODK


Villaverde


Marco Orellana and Tatiana Orellana


Comercializadora de Servicios Lubrishop


Ceramica Rio Grande


Valle de Los Lagos


Jorge Daniel Scott Thellaeche


Logistica Internacional Escala


Work highlights


  • Assisting Importadora Campero with all corporate and commercial affairs, including due diligence, compliance and the creation of corporate governance.
  • Assisted Cloudreams with the closure of its company in Bolivia, including a capital increase, liquidation, registration of the deed of dissolution and deregistration of the commercial registry.
  • Assisted NODK with manufacturing contracts for parts produced in China, and with a number of joint ventures.

Serrate Paz y Asociados

Particularly active in the construction, real estate and retail industries, the corporate and M&A team at Serrate Paz y Asociados continued to take on new clients in 2022. Another recent area of growth for the firm is corporate governance, and the group assesses the compliance of various clients, particularly from the pharmaceutical sector. The team receives high praise from clients and is led by José Mario Serrate Paz Ramajo, who has in-depth knowledge of the telecoms sector, and is a skilled negotiator in M&A transactions. At the associate level, José Miguel Paredes Sánchez is experienced in M&A and complex international transactions, and is familiar with the Andean Community regulations. María Ximena Callaú Videz specialises in advising foreign companies on international tenders.

Practice head(s):

José Mario Serrate Paz Ramajo


Testimonials

The firm’s differential is in the constant monitoring of the legal situation of the company. It focuses on the analysis of various scenarios until coming up with the ideal step. Regarding technologies, it has already introduced electronic and non-manual invoicing.

Jose Mario Serrate Paz (Jr.) is a potential analyst. He likes to check from a possible extreme situation to the most likely, to prepare and not have any surprises. José Miguel Paredes stands out for writing, fleshing out the arguments in the legal responses to clients.

Serrate Paz & Asociados has the predisposition and promptness to answer certain legal questions related to the line of business, fully interpreting client needs, framed within the environment. It maintains a multidisciplinary work team, focused on customer service and the immediate resolution of queries and business needs.

Key clients

Frigorifico BFC


Hipermaxi


Telecel (Millicom)


Industrias Belen


Terbol


BTL Bolivia


Arrendamientos Belen


Curtiembre Vis Kuljis


Hobo Inversiones


Porta Hnos


Work highlights


  • Advised Terbol in the corporate governance audit process initiated by the AEMP.
  • Advised Vega Engenharia Ambiental in the transition to a new waste manager operator.
  • Assisted Curtiembre Vis Kuljis with internal auditing of its corporate governance compliance.

Urenda Abogados Sociedad Civil

Urenda Abogados Sociedad Civil not only assists local and international clients throughout corporate processes and transactions but is also able to provide clients with accounting advice. Practice head and firm director Juan Carlos Urenda has extensive experience in the Bolivian market and focuses on commercial and administrative law. He co-leads the corporate and M&A team with Mary Isabel Saucedo, who has extensive experience in corporate and banking law. Associate Daniel Álvarez Bernal offers business and tax advice. Manuel Urenda left the team in July 2022 and the firm took on two members of counsel, Javier El-Hage and Carmen Seeghers, in that same year.

Practice head(s):

Juan Carlos Urenda; Mary Isabel Saucedo


Testimonials

The work team is highly assertive in relation to its recommendations. Additionally, it always accompanies us and keeps us updated with current regulations.

Technical knowledge of the law and how to comply and apply it. Constant orientation in the legal and legal environment. Isabel Saucedo and Manuel Urenda.

Excellent relationship, attentive, accurate when advising, quick response time for complex queries.

Work highlights


  • Advised Factor It on a contract for the provision of technology services with the Banco Nacional de Bolivia for different concepts with variable income.
  • Advised Industrias de Muebles Hurtado on exportation of $500,000 worth of garden furniture to Florida.
  • Advised Weidling on a negotiation for the lease and purchase of new offices for $364,000.

Wayar & Von Borries Abogados S.C.

The corporate and commercial department at Wayar & Von Borries Abogados S.C. advises clients from various key sectors, including the construction, mining, oil and gas, and telecommunications industries. Iver Von Borries is head of the Santa Cruz office, and director of the corporate and commercial department. Javier Romero Mendizábal is co-head of the corporate team and has a wealth of experience drafting and analysing corporate documents. Mauricio Dávila is head of the corporate compliance department, and an expert in due diligence. Bernardo Wayar Ocampo is head of the La Paz office, alongside Bernardo Wayar Caballero, who has been involved in the drafting and revision of a number of relevant laws. Associate Cindel Rupp comes with client recommendation.

Practice head(s):

Iver von Borries; Bernardo Wayar Caballero; Javier Romero Mendizábal; Bernardo Wayar Ocampo; Mauricio Dávil


Testimonials

The team, formed by Javier Romero and Cindel Rupp, provides a highly personalised service, with concrete solutions in order to regularise the situation of our subsidiary. The technical knowledge is exceptional, and the team has proven experience in corporate affairs. We trust 100% in the advice, and we are advancing in the proposed objectives.

Good team.

It is a very professional team, comparable to other firms, that is detailed in its advice. It does not settle for general advice, but investigates what is necessary to reach practical conclusions. They are kind people and qualitatively superior to other counsel. Bernardo Wayar and Mauricio Dávila are in charge of the company account.

Key clients

Bomoser


Carlos Caballero


Ferrotodo


Taiyo Motors


Samsung Electronics


Kuehne + Nagel


Panorama Group


Cascade Group


Providence Group


Empresa De Servicios Delosur


Pini Group/Geodata


Zhongan Huali Construction Group


Biogénesis Bagó


Green Energy


Tüv Rheinland Argentina


Maersk/Sealand


Work highlights


  • Advising Carlos Caballero on its transformation into a corporation and the subsequent IPO.
  • Advising Ferrotodo on its transformation into a corporation and subsequent IPO.
  • Advising the franchisee of KFC and Starbucks in Bolivia (Delosur) on the revision and negotiation of contracts with TIGO Bolivia, Delizia, Macro Fidalga, Practipla, Famosa, B&R, Dolly, Unicosto, Coimsa, Sumar, Picnic, Naturez, and LifeBol.