Firms To Watch: Competition and antitrust

Led by senior counsel, and former FNE legal and litigation head, Cristián Reyes, Aninat Abogados' competition practice covers matters before the Chilean Antitrust Court, Supreme Court claims, FNE investigations, compliance programmes and anti-competitive conduct-related lawsuits.
In March 2023, Barros Silva Varela & Vigil incorporated José Manuel Bustamante as a partner to lead its antitrust practice; formerly at Bulnes, Urrutia & Bustamante (where he was name partner), his track record covering major FNE investigations, Competition Court proceedings and antitrust compliance issues.
Headed up by former FNE litigation chief, Vanessa FacuseBofill Escobar Silva Abogados' competition practice acts for defendants and third parties in antitrust law-related FNE procedures, as well as contentious and non-contentious proceedings before Chile’s Competition Court and Supreme Court.
Bofill Mir Abogados has placed itself firmly on the map for competition and anti-trust matters with the September-2023 hire of Manfred Zink as director of the firm's nascent antitrust and economic regulation practice; his experience includes almost a decade at various department's of the Fiscalia Nacional Economic, Chile's Antitrust Agency.
In August 2022, CMS Carey & Allende recruited former Honorato | Delaveau senior associate Carolina Veas as a partner and competition practice head; she has a particular focus on corporate and antitrust matters (notably those involving digital markets).
Launched in December 2022, the antitrust and competition practice at boutique firm Estudio Lizana is co-led by Claudio Lizana (collusion cases, Antitrust Court and Supreme Court litigation, merger control, and abuse-of-dominant-position investigations); and competition law expert María Elina Cruz (the pair were formerly at Carey where Lizana was practice co-head and Cruz an associate).
The competition practice at Garrigues Chile is led by experienced counsel (and former FNE mergers division leader) Mario Ybar, whose practice focuses on antitrust, litigation and M&A work.
In addition to leading the Santiago commercial and corporate team, Kennedys' experienced partner Radoslav Depolo is a competition law specialist, who acts before Chile’s competition authorities and courts, as well as providing counsel on competition law-related advisory matters.

Competition and antitrust in Chile

Carey

The 13-strong antitrust and regulated markets department at full-service firm Carey acts on the full array of competition issues. The ‘available and flexible' team is particularly focused on cartel and abuse-of-dominance investigations before Chile’s National Economic Prosecutor (Fiscalía Nacional Económica/FNE), along with major merger-control clearances. It further assists with both contentious and non-contentious procedures before the Antitrust Court (Tribunal de la Libre Competencia/TDLC), as well as Chile’s Supreme Court. Additionally, the practice has extensive experience in advising companies on antitrust and regulatory internal audits, and the design of antitrust compliance programmes and codes of practice. Following the departure of former co-head Claudio Lizana in December 2022, the group is co-led by antitrust, regulation, and litigation expert Lorena Pavic (‘the best antitrust lawyer in Chile'), whose caseload routinely comprises TDLC and Supreme Court litigation, as well as multi-jurisdictional merger cases before the FNE; and recently-promoted partner José Pardo, whose experience includes representing clients from the food, transportation, manufacturing, retail, energy, technology, mining, and pharmaceutical sectors before Chile’s TDLC.

Practice head(s):

Lorena Pavic; José Pardo


Testimonials

Knowledge of both local and international aspects.

A comprehensive view of clients’ businesses and depth to the analysis, while always looking for safe and innovative alternatives.

A team that is available and flexible.

Lorena Pavic is the best antitrust lawyer in Chile – her experience, intelligence, analytical skills and creativity are endless.

Carey’s team is very professional, with in-depth technical and specific knowledge of antitrust law. They are always up to date on relevant cases and sentences as well as with regulatory updates. They adjust to the internal reality and quickly understand the lines of business and its specificities.

Both Lorena Pavic and Jose Pardo are very close and very professional lawyers, simple and very concrete. They do not give ambiguous opinions, which is much appreciated and they support their argument very well. They are studious, respond effectively and timely.

Key clients

Cencosud


Enap


Bayer


Codelco


WOM


Work highlights


  • Advised DPDHL Group and JF Hillebrand on the mandatory ex-ante notification before the FNE, in relation to DPDHL Group’s cross-border acquisition of JF Hillebrand Group.
  • Advised ThyssenKrupp Industrial Solutions (TKIS) on a mandatory ex-ante notification before the FNE, which concerned FLSmidth & Co’s acquisition of TKIS’ mining sector-related plant technology and industrial solutions.
  • Assisted ENAP with FNE investigations.

Claro & Cia.

Fielding a sizeable, 23-strong free competition and economic regulation practice, Claro & Cia. is consistently sought out for high-stakes matters involving collusion, price discrimination, and horizontal and vertical integration issues. The firm also houses a go-to team for complex merger-control work. The principal figures are renowned litigation and arbitration specialist Cristóbal Eyzaguirre; and José Miguel Huerta, whose track record encompasses high-profile investigations into mergers and cartels. The second line of key advisers features antitrust, litigation and arbitration practitioner Santiago Bravo, a former international associate at Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton's New York office; and Álvaro Vives (a partner since early 2022), whose antitrust experience includes government investigations and judicial proceedings involving cartels, abuse of dominance, merger control and regulatory recommendations. Within the associate pool, Juan Pablo Celis assists with government enforcement proceedings and investigations, while Tomás Kreft's practice covers antitrust law, in addition to litigation and arbitration.

Practice head(s):

Cristóbal Eyzaguirre; José Miguel Huerta


Key clients

FL Smidth Germany


Compañía Sudamericana de Vapores


Empresas CMPC


CMPC Tissue


Agrosuper


Samsung


Banco Itaú Corpbanca


Biomar


Empresas Lipigas


Consorcio Financiero


Cristalerías de Chile


Work highlights


  • Advised FLS Germany Holding on its acquisition of Thyssenkrupp’s mining business, which transaction was unconditionally cleared by the Chilean Competition Agency under the merger-control procedure.
  • Represented CSAV in a successful leniency application before the Chilean Competition Agency.
  • Represented CMPC in a leniency procedure before the Chilean Competition Agency, pursuant to the operation of a cartel in the tissue paper market.

FerradaNehme

FerradaNehme's sizeable 21-strong competition law team is consistently mandated for high-profile cartel and unilateral practices cases, as well as complex merger reviews. The firm also houses a highly-rated competition compliance department. The ‘extraordinarily competent, intelligent and dedicated team' is co-led by name partner and ‘simply brilliant' competition and regulatory law expert Nicole Nehme, whose extensive litigation practice covers proceedings before the TDLC, lower and higher courts, and the Supreme Court; Benjamín Mordoj, who focuses on the interaction between competition law and regulation issues; widely-respected litigation specialist Diego Hernández; and former FNE lawyer Mabel Ahumada (a partner since 2021). A second tier of key associate practice directors is composed of Catalina Íñiguez, Beatriz HidalgoJosefina Campos and Raffaela Corte, all of whom maintain broad competition practices. Currently heading the firm’s telecoms-related TDLC and FNE actions and investigations, of counsel Sebastián Dufeu is also noted. Former partner Tomás Pérez left the firm in December 2022.

Practice head(s):

Nicole Nehme; Benjamín Mordoj; Diego Hernández; Mabel Ahumada


Testimonials

Beyond the unquestionable professional quality of the team, what makes FerradaNehme different is that it is a cutting-edge firm.

The involvement of partners is deep. They can be counted on at all times and their advice is highly valued at a strategic level.

An extraordinarily competent, intelligent and dedicated team.

Very dedicated to work, detail and jurisprudence, and always available outside office hours, including weekends.’

‘Great capabilities – the level is truly remarkable.

Great commitment.

Extensive experience of the Regulator and the business world.

Nicole Nehme is simply brilliant – she leads a team of very intelligent people, but her soft skills, lack of ego, objective and multi-dimensional take on problems and tremendous experience make her unique.

Key clients

Delta Air Lines


Liberty Latin America


Microsoft


Activision Blizzard


Cargill


Cervecería


Prosegur Compañía de Seguridad


Falabella


Transelec


Enjoy


Plaza


Transbank


Metrogas


VTR Comunicaciones


Ferrocarril del Pacífico


Pegasus Aerogroup


Colbún


CAP


Compañía Siderúrgica Huachipato


Empresa de Servicios Sanitarios de Los Lagos


Laboratorio Biosano


LG Electronics Inc Chile


Compañía de Petróleos de Chile Copec


Farmacias Ahumada


Lotus Producciones


Gasco GLP


Nestlé


Empresas Oxxean


SAAM


San Antonio Terminal Internacional


Novo Nordisk Chile


G&N Brands


Sodimac


Work highlights


  • Advised Liberty Latin America on the merger-control proceeding before the FNE for the approval of a joint venture agreement with América Móvil.
  • Successfully advised Microsoft and Activision Blizzard (ABK) on a merger-control proceeding before the FNE for the approval of ABK’s acquisition by Microsoft.
  • Acted for Cargill (parent company of Ewos Chile Alimentos) against the FNE’s cartel claim before the TDLC against Biomar, Skretting, Vitapro and Ewos.

Pellegrini & Rencoret Abogados

Boutique legal practice Pellegrini & Rencoret Abogados houses a 10-strong competition and antitrust team with enviable expertise in cases and investigations involving exclusionary practices, cartels, leniency programmes, mergers, and regulatory matters. The group is also highly active in the design and implementation of multinational and domestic companies’ compliance programmes. Headline highlights include assisting América Móvil (AM) with obtaining FNE approval in October 2022 for the combination of AM’s Chilean operations with Liberty Latin América’s Chilean business. Co-heading the department, Julio Pellegrini is a former President of the Antitrust Commission of the Chilean Bar Association, whose experience comprises major successes before the Supreme Court; fellow name partner Pedro Rencoret's specialisms cover exclusionary practices, cartel investigations and mergers; and Diego Ramos routinely litigates before the Competition Court and the Supreme Court. At associate level, senior María Jesús Cifuentes acts in antitrust litigation; while at the more junior end, Catalina Sierpe is a former FNE lawyer and Javiera Durand is a 2022 hire from Carey.

Practice head(s):

Julio Pellegrini; Pedro Rencoret; Diego Ramos


Testimonials

The Pellegrini team is always at the forefront of litigation and free competition matters.

Dedicated lawyers who are always available with innovative legal theses that are effective.

A practical and realistic vision that allows clients to achieve their objectives.

Key clients

Agrosuper


British American Tobacco Chile Operaciones


Cambiaso Hermanos


Cencosud


Cervecería Chile


CMPC Tissue


Coca Cola Embonor


Compañía Cervecerías Unidas


Embotelladora Andina


Embotelladoras Chilenas Unidas


Empresas Carozzi


Empresas Demaria


Evercrisp Snack Productos de Chile


Ideal


Industria de Alimentos Dos en Uno


L’Oréal Chile


Natura Cosméticos


Nestlé Chile


Productos Fernández


Procter & Gamble Chile


Sodimac


Tresmontes Lucchetti


Unilever Chile


Viña San Pedro Tarapacá


Watt’s


Banco BICE


Banco Security


Banco Internacional


Farmacias Ahumada


Empresas COPEC


América Movil (Claro Chile)


Inmobiliaria Santander


Ebanx


Solvtrans Chile


Geobrugg


Prosegur


Automotores Gildemeister


Derco


Work highlights


  • Advised América Móvil on its merger operation with Liberty Latin América, which required FNE approval.
  • Advised 25 of the largest companies in Chile, which requested the TDLC’s approval of a joint venture.
  • Represented three different banks (Banco Bice, Banco Internacional and Banco Security) in lawsuits that each of them filed before the Competition Court against state-owned bank Banco Estado.

Baker McKenzie Chile

Baker McKenzie Chile's nine-strong Santiago antitrust practice is best known for multijurisdictional merger-control issues, global cartels, antitrust compliance, and competition litigation. Acting across the spectrum of antitrust work, the group also assists with compliance and internal investigations. Clients additionally benefit from the team’s leveraging of the firm’s global competition practice, which facilitates access to approximately 320 lawyers across 47 jurisdictions. The group is led by longstanding antitrust expert Rodrigo Díaz de Valdés, whose track record includes major victories before both the Competition Tribunal and the Supreme Court; with additional, key, partner-level support provided by fintech and TMT sector specialist Diego Ferrada and litigator Ignacio Naudon. Associate Juan Ignacio Donoso is a former FNE antitrust division deputy-head, whose practice covers merger-control proceedings, compliance, and abuse-of-dominance and cartel investigations.

Practice head(s):

Rodrigo Díaz de Valdés


Key clients

HSBC Bank


Minera Altos Punitaqui


HP


Motorola


Cencosud


Cargill


Knight Therapeutics


Viña Concha y Toro


Sumitomo Chemicals


Colgate-Palmolive


Grupo Security


Enagás


MSD


General Electric


Aguas Antofagasta


Black & Decker


NYK


Daimler


Essity


Weir


Summerland Varieties


Continental


MSD


Work highlights


  • Representing Cencosud in follow-on actions (submitted before the Competition Tribunal by consumer association Agrecu and the Chilean Consumer Service) for compensation for damage caused by a hub-and-spoke cartel.
  • Representing tissue company Essity in follow-on actions submitted by a consumer association (Conadecus) and the Chilean Consumer Service, which are seeking compensation for damages arising from a cartel in the tissue sector.
  • Representing Motorola in an unfair business complaint filed against Pegasus (representative of Hytera in Chile) and a former Motorola employee, who currently works at Pegasus.

Barros & Errázuriz

The ‘dynamic‘ competition and antitrust department at full-service firm Barros & Errázuriz acts in major cases before the TDLC, in addition to assisting national and international clients with FNE investigations. It is also highly specialised in concentration notifications before the FNE and increasingly active in its assistance to companies seeking to prevent future anti-competitive conduct (through reviews of commercial policies, establishing of business protocols and/or implementation of compliance programmes). The department is led by litigation and arbitration expert Luis Eduardo Toro; Francisco Bórquez heads up the firm’s merger-control practice; and José Luis Corvalán's track record encompasses domestic and international arbitration and competition matters before the TDLC. In the firm’s associate ranks, senior Catalina Villalobos (mergers, litigation and anti-competitive practices) is a 2021 recruit from the FNE; and Josefina Poblete also maintains an active antitrust practice.

Practice head(s):

Luis Eduardo Toro; Francisco Bórquez; José Luis Corvalán


Testimonials

B&E’s free competition team is excellent.

A dynamic team that is very up to date with international trends.

Good networks and chemistry with the FNE, knowing better than anyone the new procedures and trends in free competition. Very active since the modernisation of the free competition laws in Chile.

In addition to its networks and up-to-date knowledge, the team is dynamic and understands commercial and economic matters very well. This is characteristic of B&E in general.

Excellent lawyers, with a real understanding of business and economic issues.

The team is highly competent and flexible, allowing coverage of all needs in diverse situations and a changing business environment.

The team assigned to us had extensive experience and capacity in competition matters. Their advice allowed us to ensure compliance with current regulations on this matter. We especially highlight the close advice provided by the lawyers Luis Eduardo Toro and Francisco Borquez.

Key clients

ACS Servicios Comunicaciones y Energía


Cobra Montajes, Servicios y Agua


Comisión Nacional de Energía


Servicios Visa International


Aceros Aza


Kimal Consortium


Pacific Mining Parts


Asset Administradora General de Fondos


Americar


Colmena Golden Cross


Derco


Pacific Mining Parts


Work highlights


  • Assisted Servicios Visa International with its defence before the Chilean Competition Tribunal of three lawsuits filed by payment facilitators (in relation to the cross-border acquiring rule).
  • Advised Colmena Holding before the FNE on the acquisition of Colmena Salud by a competing company, and on its appeal before the Chilean Competition Tribunal.
  • Defended Comisión Nacional de Energía against a lawsuit filed by two hydroelectric companies for the issuance of a technical rule.

Cariola Díez Pérez-Cotapos

Cariola Díez Pérez-Cotapos' 14-strong competition team has been active in both contentious and non-contentious matters of late, including on large-scale merger controls and high-stakes cartel and unilateral conduct-related litigation. It has also assisted with complex procedures concerning the pharmaceuticals industry and TV-rating measurement tools. The practice also acts for the firm's large consumer goods client base and additionally benefits from the firm’s notable specialism in IP. Juan Cristóbal Gumucio, an expert in merger control issues, cartels, unilateral conduct, and compliance programmes; and M&A partner Gerardo Varela, who also assists with competition law matters, are the principal practice figures. At associate level, seniors Camila RojasCatalina González and Cristóbal Lema are all highly involved in merger-control issues, while José Manuel Donoso currently advises on competition law work, in addition to corporate matters.

Practice head(s):

Juan Cristóbal Gumucio; Gerardo Varela


Testimonials

A team with business vision and that proactively seeks to provide solutions to customers and put their needs first.

Excellent professional and personal quality. Cristobal and Camila are excellent lawyers and Juan Cristobal an experienced partner in the practice. All of them are very close to their customers and provide timely and dedicated service.

Although this is a matter on which we consult less frequently than others, it is a subject on which we depend a lot on our external counse, as it is a very specific matter that requires the support of expert advisors. I have the highest opinion of the team. I want to especially highlight the partner in charge with whom I see most of the issues: Juan Cristobal Gumucio. He is an excellent professional both technically and judiciously, always very well informed of the current contingency, with a great analytical capacity of the situations, in addition to having a very close relationship with his clients.

Key clients

AT&T


WarnerMedia


WarnerBros


Discovery


Turner


CHV


CDF


Fonterra


Soprole


The Coca-Cola Company


American Airlines


Google


Iansa


Ripley


AZA


GNL Chile


Unilever


Sandvik


Emmerick


Tension


SONACOL Santillana


Banmédica


Nutreco


Skretting


Digital Bridge Group


Cámara Innovación Farmacéutica


Sacyr Agua Santiago


Ole Communications


Maersk


Caja Los Andes


New Hope Ecotech


Econeu


Cognita


Work highlights


  • Advised WarnerMedia and AT&T on the merger-control procedure for the sale of WarnerMedia to Discovery.
  • Acting for Comercializadora Nutreco Chile in an alleged cartel case before the Competition Court.
  • Acting for Canal del Fútbol in an alleged abuse of dominance case before the Competition Court.

Contreras Velozo

Contreras Velozo's seven-member competition and regulation practice has a strong market reputation for its antitrust litigation credentials, which span collusion, abuse of dominance, non-contentious proceedings and follow-on damages litigation. With ‘availability, quality and service that stand out', the group is also notably active in merger-control work, with its experience covering the banking, food, telecoms, construction, healthcare and ports sectors in particular. The team is co-led by former Competition Court judge Javier Velozo (‘great commitment to the cases he takes on'), whose track record includes FNE investigations; and antitrust and regulated markets expert Pablo Pardo. Former FNE lawyer Francisca Lobos is the associate to note. María De Los Ángeles Figueroa returned to the FNE in May 2022.

Practice head(s):

Javier Velozo; Pablo Pardo


Testimonials

Contreras Velozo offers a correct and efficient service.

Availability, quality and service that stand out.

The Contreras Velozo team has the right people to support the needs of clients.

Key clients

Movistar


Mercado Libre


Empresas Carozzi


Camanchaca


Exacta


ICHA


Eukor


Sanofi-Aventis


Mercado Pago


Integra Metrics


Club Deportes Copiapó


Marina del Sol


DYGA


Work highlights


  • Represented Empresas Carozzi in two merger-control investigations in relation to the acquisition of ice-cream companies Bresler and San Francisco de Loncomilla.
  • Representing Eukor in a class action filed by a Consumer Association, which is claiming compensation for the so-called car-carrier cartel.
  • Representing Mercado Pago in several non-contentious proceedings conducted before the Competition Court, as well as before the recently-created Interchange Fees Fixing Committee.

Prieto Abogados

Full-service firm Prieto Abogados fields a ‘great' five-strong team that regularly acts in contentious and non-contentious TDLC cases. It also assists clients before the FNE in cartel and abuse-of-dominant-position investigations, as well as merger-control reviews and the analysis of concentration operations. The group additionally provides pre-emptive advice to clients, in relation to contracts, antitrust protocols, reports and compliance programmes. Benjamín Grebe, whose practice covers preventive advice, FNE investigations and TDLC cases; and ‘very precise‘ counsel Andrea Von Chrismar, an expert in markets where economic regulation intersects with competition law, co-head the practice. Notable expansion at associate level includes the 2022 recruitment of Vicente TapiaJavier Albornoz and Carolina Soto from Australis Seafoods, Deloitte Legal Chile and Andes Iron, respectively. Former associates Daniella Ibaceta and Santiago Errázuriz recently exited for the TDLC and LLM studies at New York University, respectively.

Practice head(s):

Benjamín Grebe; Andrea Von Chrismar


Testimonials

A great team.

Prieto Abogados stands out for its teamwork. Its open-space office system speaks very well of a strategy of synergy between the senior lawyers and the younger ones, and it helps a lot during horizontal work. In this sense, Prieto greatly stands out.

The office has great talent and the good treatment of its lawyers is appreciated, which distinguishes it from other law firms where family and work life are not seen as separable.

Prieto Abogados gives clients full confidence.

Prieto Abogados stands out for the good level of its service, fluid communication and the quality of the information received, along with other soft skills that lead to a good cooperative relationship between clients and the advisers.

Benjamín Grebe’s seniority transmits tranquility and solid legal strategy.

Andrea Von Chrismar’s advice is very precise.

Key clients

Engie Energía Chile


Watt’s


NYK Line


DP World Chile (Puerto Central)


Banco Internacional


Aguas Andinas


Consalud


Mall Plaza


Total Energies


Luval


Esmax


Enex


YPF


Liqui Moly


Metro


Work highlights


  • Assisted Metro with a prejudicial action before the Competition Tribunal against Transbank, which related to payment means and charges.
  • Acting for Banco Internacional in contentious procedures involving alleged anticompetitive conducts, such claims initiated by cryptocurrency exchange companies.
  • Advised Aguas Andinas on a non-contentious procedure concerning the FNE’s request for the price fixing of nationwide sanitary services.

Ugarte & Correa

Boutique law firm Ugarte & Correa routinely acts for domestic and international clients in high-stakes antitrust matters being conducted in Chile. The team’s areas of expertise encompass litigation, merger-control work, investigations and compliance. In recent highlights, the group represented Brink’s in a major cartel case, in which the largest fines in Chile’s history are (reportedly) being pursued by the FNE. The practice draws on three principal figures: cartel, abuse-of-dominant position, merger control and unfair competition specialist José Joaquín Ugarte; dispute resolution expert Pablo Correa; and domestic and international arbitration practitioner Liat Tapia (at partner level since January 2022). At associate level, the practices of Marcelo Moreno and Marcelo Mayor include antitrust work.

Practice head(s):

José Joaquín Ugarte; Pablo Correa; Liat Tapia


Key clients

Albemarle


Brinks


Essity


La Fête


Work highlights


  • Representing Brink’s in a cartel case, in which the FNE is (reportedly) pursuing the largest fines in the history of Chilean competition regulation.
  • Successfully represented Pesquera Quintero in a proceeding in which it challenged the validity of a dawn raid.
  • Successfully represented SCA in a groundbreaking cartel case.

Albagli Zaliasnik

Albagli Zaliasnik‘s seven-strong public law, competition law and regulated markets practice fuses expertise in antitrust law, regulatory matters, complex litigation and preventive antitrust advice, with prolific IP and technology specialisms. Typical work for the ‘efficient and agile' team encompasses compliance programmes, merger-control issues, market studies conducted by the FNE, antitrust and cartel investigations, and lawsuits before Chile’s Competition Court and the Supreme Court. The department is co-led by name partner Gabriel Zaliasnik and Ariela Agosin, whose broad litigation practices include antitrust law. The track record of key senior associate Matías Edwards includes high-profile cases involving the retail, pharmaceuticals, energy, and telecoms markets.

Practice head(s):

Ariela Agosin; Gabriel Zaliasnik


Testimonials

The team transmits confidence and knowledge in its work.

Delivers a quality, efficient and agile service.

Modernised its service, offering permanent updates through the web, and with a very valuable approach.

Clients highlight the professionalism and talent of Ariela Agosin and her team.

Key clients

La Polar


WOM


Nexus Chile


Abbott Laboratories


NotCo


Gasvalpo


AES Andes


UNACEM


ENAP


Loginteg


Áreas Chile


Work highlights


  • Assisted WOM with antitrust lawsuits that were filed by several telecoms operators.
  • Assisted Nexus Chile with the acquisition of Colmena before the FNE, Chile’s Competition Court and The Supreme Court.
  • Assisted Abbott Laboratories with proceedings before the Chilean Competition Court for alleged discriminatory practices during the sale of drugs in the public sector and at a retail level.

Bulnes & Urrutia Abogados

Advising on a vast range of antitrust matters, Bulnes, Urrutia & Bustamante is known as Bulnes & Urrutia Abogados further to the March 2023 departure of former name partner José Manuel Bustamante. The current practice is regularly sought out to litigate TDLC and Supreme Court cases and is also expert in significant merger control work, FNE investigations, and compliance programme implementation. Both remaining name partners, Felipe Bulnes and Enrique Urrutia, are also experienced in major energy, construction and finance sector-related antitrust litigation.

Correa Squella

Correa Squella's eight-member practice has substantial experience in antitrust, competition and regulated markets matters. The team particularly stands out for its ports concession sector-related expertise, while recent highlights also include abuse-of-dominant-position matters in the retail market. The group is jointly led by founding partner Juan Ignacio Correa and Jorge Sepúlveda, whose broad disputes practices include significant competition law work; and Carolina Squella, who in addition to leading the firm’s real estate and corporate practices, is present in competition and antitrust matters. From the associate ranks, Tamara De Beer assists port companies with competition proceedings; and senior Josefina Méndez (a late 2022 re-hire after working for the Presidential delegation of Maule) provides additional regulated markets and competition experience.

Practice head(s):

Juan Ignacio Correa; Jorge Sepúlveda; Carolina Squella


Testimonials

The firm is characterised by being very professional and with total availability to clarify doubts.

Clients like their work because of the insights and ideas they bring to the issues.

The lawyers have performed well in the antitrust sector, with notable cases in the area of infrastructure.’

Key clients

Telefónica Móviles Chile


Empresa Portuaria San Antonio


Empresa Portuaria Chacabuco


Empresa Portuaria Puerto Montt


Redtec


Empresa Portuaria Austral


Empresa Portuaria Valparaíso


Luzparral


Work highlights


  • Defending Luzparral against a claim for alleged abuse of dominance in the electricity market.
  • Represented Empresa Portuaria San Antonio at the Supreme Court in a case that concerned the logistics sector.
  • Represents Redtec in an abuse-of-dominant-position lawsuit against Walmart Chile.

Morales & Besa

Covering the full range of antitrust and competition law work, Morales & Besa fields lawyers with backgrounds in both private practice and at the antitrust agencies. The three-member team is particularly active in complex merger-review procedures, as well as high-profile cartel litigation. It is also a notable presence in regulated-market matters -such as maritime transportation and ports- and is developing its caseload in relation to the regulation of the payments market. The department is led by former FNE anti-cartel unit head, María José Henríquez, an ‘extremely detail-oriented' expert in pre-merger reviews, and FNE and Supreme Court litigation. Benjamín González is the associate to note.

Practice head(s):

María José Henríquez


Testimonials

Solid knowledge and detail.

María José Henríquez’s client service is extremely detail-oriented.

Morales & Besa has a very effective antitrust team, with high technical knowledge and a very good relationship with the authorities. They stand out for the speed and legal depth of the products they deliver. It is first class advice.

The competition team at Morales & Besa stands out for its closeness to the client and business vision, in addition to always working in a manner oriented towards results. Its lawyers are always up to date with the latest authority criteria, which is especially valued. María José Henríquez leads the team very effectively and delivers solutions in highly complex cases. It is very pleasant to work with her and her team since she gives a feeling of closeness and great technical knowledge.

Key clients

Sociedad Concesionaria Nuevo Pudahuel


IGT Global Solutions Corporation Chile


Falabella


San Vicente Terminal Internacional


Caleta Bay Mar


Naviera Orca Chile


Servicios Portuarios Reloncaví


Stars Investments Asesoría de Inversiones


Work highlights


  • Advised Stars Investments Asesoría de Inversiones on the pre-merger filing for the acquisition of control of Niu Foods.
  • Successfully advised San Vicente Terminal Internacional (SVTI) on non-contentious proceedings initiated by Empresa Portuaria Talcahuano – San Vicente, which requested the elimination or amendment of vertical restrictions that had been applied to SVTI.
  • Representing the concessionaire of the main national airport (Sociedad Concesionaria Nuevo Pudahuel) in an abuse of dominance lawsuit before the Competition Tribunal (filed by the operator of an off-site parking lot).

Ortúzar, Vergara & Boetsch Abogados

Boutique legal practice Ortúzar, Vergara & Boetsch Abogados acts on the gamut of competition work. Its scope of expertise ranges from transactions, litigation and compliance programmes, to investigations before the regulatory agencies. The ‘knowledgeable' team is jointly led by Álvaro Ortúzar (currently focused on appellate advocacy before the higher courts); Nicolás Vergara, whose practice encompasses antitrust work; and cartel and abuse-of-dominance-investigations' specialist, Juan Sebastián Valdés. A partner since 2020, Diego Navarrete has also developed an active antitrust practice. At associate level, Manuela Ugarte Enrione joined during 2022 after completing her studies, while María Elena Pinares departed to pursue an LLM in London.

Practice head(s):

Alvaro Ortúzar; Nicolás Vergara; Juan Sebastián Valdés


Testimonials

Partners that are involved in the issues and 100% available.

Knowledgeable about this area and with good judgement.

Willing to know the market in which the client works and the particularities of its industry.

Key clients

Banco BCI


Sociedad Nacional de Pesca


Empresas Ariztía


Salcobrand


Celulosa Arauco y Constitución


Forestal Arauco


Camanchaca Pesca Sur


Work highlights


  • Representing Banco BCI in an antitrust action filed by FNE, which claims that Banco BCI abused its dominant position by excluding a participant from an insurance-bidding process for over 90,000 mortgage loans.
  • Representing Ariztía in an antitrust damages claim filed by Conadecus and FOJUCC.
  • Assists Celulosa Arauco y Constitución with its compliance programme and a range of antitrust and competition matters.

Urenda, Rencoret, Orrego y Dörr

The six-member competition team at Urenda, Rencoret, Orrego y Dörr has a strong track-record in Competition Court cases, as well as investigations before the FNE. The group is also active in merger-control assessments and notifications, along with commercial agreements and distribution policies. It is additionally experienced in international unfair competition matters, such as anti-dumping and safeguard cases, and the implementation of compliance programmes. The practice is co-led by Nicholas Mocarquer, a member of the Chilean Bar Association’s Competition Commission since 2019; and Gonzalo Rencoret, whose broad practice includes competition law matters. Key associate Bernardita Schmidt is particularly active in investigations and merger clearances.

Practice head(s):

Nicholas Mocarquer; Gonzalo Rencoret


Key clients

Dow


Sony


Gerdau


SQM


ADM


Ferrero Group


BHP


Corteva


Eli Lily


Thomson Reuters


Grupo Marina


Work highlights


  • Assisting Grupo Marina with a Competition Court proceeding, which concerned a retail trade association claim involving the competition conditions for the commercial centre sector and the contracts between malls and retailers.
  • Advised Banco de Chile, Scotiabank Chile, Banco de Crédito e Inversiones, Itaú Corpbanca, Banco Estado and Nexus on the merger-control approval of the sale of all the shares of Nexus to Indra.
  • Assisting AGSA with an unfair competition claim against three other real estate companies.

Yrarrázaval, Ruiz-Tagle, Ovalle, Salas & Vial

An extraordinary team in terms of free competition', Yrarrázaval, Ruiz-Tagle, Ovalle, Salas & Vial's practice regularly advises corporations and trade associations on major antitrust matters, including high-stakes cases before the Chilean Antitrust Court. The team is particularly noted for its advice on the antitrust aspects of public infrastructure bids, while also being active in the development of competition-related compliance programmes. The group is co-led by experienced litigators Gerardo Ovalle (‘very professional'), Fernando Salas and Anibal Vial, who all handle complex cases before the Chilean Competition Tribunal. The department can also draw upon the experience of senior partner Arturo Yrarrázaval, a former Antitrust Court judge.

Practice head(s):

Gerardo Ovalle; Fernando Salas; Aníbal Vial


Testimonials

An extraordinary team in terms of competition matters, and the lawyers are always up to date.

High levels of competition and antitrust specialisation from the lawyers that make up this firm.

Business-oriented mentality, direct and immediate contact, and specialism in competition law.

Key clients

Cámara Chilena de la Construcción


At-Pac-Doka


Clariant


Mapam


Work highlights


  • Representing Cámara Chilena de la Construction before the Competition Tribunal in a law recommendation case concerning the public construction market.
  • Assisted Cámara Chilena de La Construction with non-contentious matters, where the Competition Tribunal requires its opinion on the health construction market.
  • Advising Clariant in Chile on its worldwide effort to highlight the importance of competition.

DLA Piper Chile

DLA Piper Chile's ‘always up-to-date' three-member competition department is increasingly active in merger-control work, where the team routinely leverages the expertise of its corporate and M&A colleagues. Other areas of strength include compliance programmes and internal investigations. The practice is further noted for its client portfolio of technological companies, platforms and digital markets. The principal figures are Felipe Bahamondez, who leads the Santiago office’s regulated markets and antitrust practice group (and is experienced in FNE investigations and merger-control procedures); and counsel Sofia O’Ryan, an expert in merger control, unilateral conduct and horizontal agreements.

Practice head(s):

Felipe Bahamondez; Sofía O’Ryan


Testimonials

Great interest in learning about clients’ industries and the companies they advise, so as to know not only the problem but also how clients work in order to propose viable solutions for the short and long term.

Very comprehensive vision, and given the team’s knowledge it is capable of delivering quick solutions, considering blocking points to move forward in an agile manner.

It partners with clients’ internal teams so as to understand how internal processes work.

Always up to date, keeping teams informed about what is happening both locally and internationally.

Key clients

Innergex Renewable Energy


Patria Investments Colombia


Uber Technologies


Work highlights


  • Advised Innergex Renewable Energy on a merger-control procedure before the FNE, which concerned the purchase of shares of Aela Generación and Aela Energía.
  • Advised Patria Investments Colombia on two merger-control procedures before the FNE.
  • Successfully represented Uber Technologies in an unfair competition lawsuit filed by two different groups of taxi drivers.

Dentons Chile

Dentons Chile's niche, three-strong antitrust department is nonetheless able to leverage the firm’s antitrust specialists in Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, Perú, Ecuador and Uruguay. The Santiago office handles high-profile cases before both the Chilean Antitrust Court and the Supreme Court, as well as merger-control work. Acting for industrial services, infrastructure, retail and finance clients, the litigation practice of department head Santiago Ried covers antitrust and unlawful competition matters.

Practice head(s):

Santiago Ried


Testimonials

Dentons in Chile has a good antitrust practice, through its partner Santiago Ried.

Santiago Ried’s dedication to matters is very good, proactive and with a very timely response.

Key clients

SumUp


Transap


Metso


Coopeuch


Achiga


Amazon Web Services


Volkswagen


Inverpolonia


Patria


Grupo Extremo Sur


Eventos y Publicidad Tomate


UPL


Capilla Lenclos


Work highlights


  • Representing global payments fintech, SumUp, in high-profile abuse-of-dominant-position litigation against card payments operator Transbank.
  • Represented railway company Transap in an antitrust case concerning the competition conditions of a railway station project.
  • Representing Chilean fast food and restaurant trade association, ACHIGA, in a high-profile Antitrust Court case against shopping malls, which concerns abusive clauses in lease agreements.

Echeverría Ilharreborde Scagliotti

Echeverría Ilharreborde Scagliotti's competition law practice is noted for its particular expertise in the consumer goods industry. The team also advises on the competition law aspects of the transportation sector. Founding partner Pedro Echeverría focuses his practice on abuse-of-dominant-position matters, cartel cases and merger-control work; and providing key associate-level support, Camila Appelgren assists with the implementation of internal antitrust guidelines and compliance programmes.

Practice head(s):

Pedro Echeverría


Testimonials

Great knowledge of this area and solid understanding of clients’ business, which helps deliver a great service that is of very good quality’

‘Pedro Echeverría is a lawyer with extensive knowledge in free competition – always analyses business situations, while putting the theoretical into practice.’

Key clients

Coca-Cola Andina


Turbus


Sky Airline


Sociedad de Inversiones en Infraestructura


Laboratorios Saval


Caren


Salinas y Fabres


Cristalerías Toro


Anglo American Sur


Re-Ciclar


Coca-Cola Embonor


Compañía Cervecerías Unidas


Coca-Cola Andina


Servicios de Información Yapp


Jedimar Inversiones


Empresa Nacional del Petróleo


ENAP Refinerías


Work highlights


  • Advises Coca-Cola Andina (Embotelladora Andina) on its day-to-day competition law matters.
  • Advising AB Chile on the design of the bidding process for the sale/purchase of after-market PET plastic, and discussions with the authorities on the competitive effects of the Extended Producer Liability Act and the Single-Use Plastics Act.
  • Advises Turbus (and its related companies) on day-to-day competition law matters.

Estudio Lewin Abogados

Fielding several former FNE lawyers, Estudio Lewin Abogados’ team is consistently sought out for its expertise in merger control, cartel claims, compliance programmes, internal investigations and antitrust damages actions. The firm fields two principal practitioners: name partner Nicolas Lewin (‘a tremendous lawyer‘) has a broad practice that covers the gamut of antitrust and competition work; while Fernando Araya, handles matters in both the regulated and non-regulated sectors. Key associate Manuel Abarca is experienced in abuse of dominant positions and the analysis of joint ventures. However, former counsel Marco Mercado left the firm in August 2022.

Practice head(s):

Nicolás Lewin


Testimonials

It is a very close team, easy to talk to to solve any doubts you have. They are very aware of current events and practical improvements that are appearing.

Nicolás Lewin is a tremendous lawyer, with a lot of knowledge and who is capable of applying that knowledge to practical cases, without staying in theory. It is a great help to analyse situations with potential different paths and to be able to assess each one of them. He is always available to talk and contribute with his opinions.

It is clear that for them all customers are equally important.

Work highlights


  • Advising energy company CGE in a discriminatory pricing case before the Competition Tribunal brought by Minera Altos de Punitaqui.
  • Advisng Blumar Seafoods as an interested party in the price-fixing case filed by the FNE before the Competition Tribunal against salmon food producers Biomar, Skretting, Ewos and Vitapro.
  • Advisng DyC Servicios Logísticos in the procedure before the TDLC regarding the conditions for the Barrancas Terminal project – a port-train intermodal station project in the Port of San Antonio which will be operated by DP World San Antonio formerly: Puerto Central).

Guerrero Olivos

The eight-member practice at full-service firm Guerrero Olivos houses specialists in antitrust litigation, M&A-related competition matters and investigatory proceedings. It is also on hand for compliance work. Heading the team, Pedro Pellegrini advises multinational corporations -such as AES Andes- on internal antitrust compliance guidelines and corporate protocols. Pellegrini is supported by associate Juan José García, whose experience includes Antitrust Defence Tribunal and Supreme Court litigation, in relation to illicit collusive practices, gun-jumping, and merger-control enforcement issues.

Practice head(s):

Pedro Pellegrini


Key clients

EIG Global Energy Partners


Fluxys


D&D


Empresas Carozzi


Cantabria


FEMSA


AES Andes


ENAP


Fundación Arturo López Pérez


INN


Work highlights


  • Advised EIG Global Energy Partners and Fluxys on the acquisition of an 80% equity stake in GNL Quintero, which included obtaining approval from the regulator.
  • Advised FEMSA on the merger approval of the acquisition of all the shares of OK Market from SMU Holding.
  • Advised food and drinks producer Empresas Carozzi on the acquisition of Lecherías Loncomilla, which included successfully obtaining clearance from the Chilean Antitrust Office.

Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uría

The September 2023 departure of practice head Ignacio Larraín  -taking associates Catalina Montero  and Camilo Larrain (among others) with him- sees the competition team at Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uría now led by capable associate director Gabriel Budnik, who can draw on a decade's experience. He is supported by juniors Pablo Antonio Aguayo and Catalina Commandari.

Practice head(s):

Gabriel Budnik


Testimonials

‘Speed, precision and efficiency.’

‘Excellent communicators, providing clients with regular updates, legal insights, and detailed explanations of the steps taken to achieve clients’ objectives.’

Work highlights


  • Acting for Comercializadora Chile Nutreco before the TDLC, in relation to the FNE’s charge of an alleged cartel in the salmon feed industry.
  • Acting for Banco Santander-Chile in three different collective abuse of dominance claims currently being litigated before the TDLC.
  • Acting for Banco Crédito e Inversiones (BCI) in a lawsuit filed by Arcadi against BCI and eight other banks for allegedly engaging in anti-competitive conduct.