Firms To Watch: Competition and antitrust

The competition and antitrust department at Aninat Abogados is led by knowledgeable senior counsel Cristián Reyes, whose experience includes leading the FNE’s legal and litigation divisions for over three years.
Bofill Escobar Silva Abogados' competition and regulated markets practice is led by experienced partner Vanessa Facuse, a former head of the FNE’s litigation division; her private practice is focused on antitrust matters, competition law and regulated markets.
KennedysRadoslav Depolo heads up the Santiago office’s competition and regulation practice (in addition to his leadership of the commercial and corporate team), with his competition law practice covering both compliance and representation before the competition authorities.
Garrigues Chile launched its competition department in August 2019 when Mario Ybar  arrived as counsel and competition practice head after 15 years at Chile’s FNE, where he oversaw hundreds of investigations and was its first-ever mergers head.

Competition and antitrust in Chile

Carey

Fielding ‘a very strong free competition team that is constantly up to date‘, Carey‘s sizeable 18-strong antitrust practice consistently acts in the Chilean market’s most high-profile cases before both the Antitrust Court (Tribunal de la Libre Competencia/TDLC) and the Supreme Court. The group is also sought out for its assistance with investigations before Chile’s National Economic Prosecutor (Fiscalía Nacional Económica/FNE). Other areas of strength range from merger control processes to voluntary consultations with the TDLC, internal audits, regulatory compliance programmes and the development of codes of good practice. The practice is jointly led by Claudio Lizana , who routinely litigates major antitrust cases, as well as advising on merger control processes; Lorena Pavic, an ‘absolutely phenomenal‘ antitrust litigation and merger control regime specialist (and the current director of the Universidad Católica de Chile’s Centre for Antitrust Studies); and ‘excellent lawyer' José Pardo, who was promoted from associate to partner in November 2021. Since publication, Lizana has left to establish his own firm - effective as of December 2022.

Practice head(s):

Lorena Pavic; José Pardo

Testimonials

The lawyers are available and proactive without being invasive – they always deliver extremely valuable contributions and outperform other firms in terms of knowledge of our business and speed of response.

Knowledge of local and international matters, the search for solutions, and knowledge of different industries and markets.

A very strong free competition team that is constantly up to date on the latest trends, papers and news; and they work in a very coordinated way both internally and with external teams.

A strong team with good business sensitivity, and excellent knowledge of the law and the latest jurisprudential developments.

The free competition team is committed, informed, diligent and very thorough in its work.

Lorena Pavic is an exceptional antitrust attorney – absolutely phenomenal and very up to date on commercial matters, with a strategic view of the business that is rarely seen.

Lorena Pavic is capable of reaching consensus within multidisciplinary teams, even when the scenario may be adverse or complex.

José Pardo is an excellent lawyer, who is a very good communicator and able to anticipate future risks within different areas.

Key clients

Cencosud

Mastercard International

Enap

Kantar IPOBE Media Chile

Nestlé

Bayer

WOM

Grunenthal

Fiat Chrysler

Kraft Heinz

Work highlights

  • Acted for Mastercard International on a public consultation proceeding before the TDLC concerning the tariff system implemented by Transbank.
  • Assisted Fiat Chrysler Automobiles with a mandatory notification before the FNE, in relation to its cross-border merger with Peugeot.
  • Assisted Nestlé with a mandatory notification before the FNE in relation to its acquisition of La Fête Chocolat.

Claro & Cia.

The large, 18-strong practice at full-service legal heavyweight Claro & Cia. has an enviable track record in high-profile cases involving horizontal and vertical integration, collusion and price discrimination issues. It is also widely respected for its expertise in merger control filings and settlement agreements, with clients additionally appreciative of the team’s regular interactions with Chile’s antitrust authorities. The antitrust practice is co-led by highly-rated litigator Cristóbal Eyzaguirre and José Miguel Huerta, an expert in government proceedings and investigations concerning mergers and cartels. Also integral to the department are litigation, arbitration and antitrust expert Santiago Bravo (at partner level since 2020); and Álvaro Vives (elevated to the partnership in January 2022), who assists with merger-control matters, regulatory issues, cartels and abuse of dominance work. At associate level, Juan Pablo Celis (government enforcement proceedings and investigations into merger control and cartels), and Tomás Kreft (who focuses on litigation, arbitration and antitrust law), are the names to note.

Practice head(s):

Cristóbal Eyzaguirre; José Miguel Huerta

Key clients

Compañía Sudamericana de Vapores

LATAM Airlines Group

Empresas CMPC

CMPC Tissue

Agrosuper

Samsung

Compañía Cervecerías Unidas

GrandVision

Entel PCS Comunicaciones

Banco Itaú Corpbanca

Biomar

Work highlights

  • Represented CSAV in a successful leniency application before the Chilean Antitrust Agency.
  • Assisting LATAM with obtaining regulatory approvals for its partnership and joint venture agreement with Delta Air Lines.
  • Represented CMPC in a leniency procedure before the Chilean Antitrust Agency (following a cartel in the tissue paper market).

FerradaNehme

The ‘extraordinarily good‘ 19-strong competition law team at FerradaNehme – ‘a benchmark in Chile‘ – routinely handles heavyweight investigations and antitrust litigation. The practice is also sought out for its expertise in M&A clearances, voluntary procedures, anti-dumping, safeguarding and compliance. The department is co-led by famed specialist Nicole Nehme (‘very clear in her analysis‘), whose 360-degree practice includes proceedings before Chile’s Supreme Court a well as the TDLC; Benjamín Mordoj, who advises clients on a preventive basis, as well as acting in cases involving cartels, abuse of dominant position cases and concentration operations; and highly rated litigator Diego Hernández. The enviable second line of practitioners comprises former FNE lawyer Mabel Ahumada, and competition and unfair competition litigation expert Tomás Pérez, who were both made partners in May 2021. At director level, Josefina Campos advises on matters involving joint ventures and mergers, as well as abuse of dominant position cases; Catalina Íñiguez assists with preventive advice, litigation, investigations and concentration operations; Raffaela Corte is routinely involved in mandates involving both regulated and non-regulated markets; and Beatriz Hidalgo is a competition law and regulations specialist. Former of counsel Carolina Oñate moved to UK regulator Ofcom in July 2021.

Practice head(s):

Nicole Nehme; Benjamín Mordoj; Diego Hernández

Testimonials

The lawyers have great free competition knowledge and really get involved in our business.

It is an extraordinarily good team and very solid, and its advice is excellent.

More rich in soft skills than other highly competent firms that are more arrogant in their relationship with the Authorities, which is counterproductive.

Ferrada Nehme is the most validated practice in Chile for free competition issues.

Nicole Nehme, Benjamín Mordoj and director Josefina Campos have become a benchmark in Chile, even for the National Economic Prosecutor’s Office itself and the Court for the Defense of Free Competition. It shows in the deference they have in relation to the team’s opinion.

Nicole Nehme is very clear in her analysis, a good strategist, and creative when tackling complex problems – great depth of analysis and knowledge.

Benjamin Mordoj and Catalina Iñiguez are exceptional. Benjamin is a good partner, while Catalina is one of the brightest directors I have ever met and a hard worker.

I would highlight the lawyers Beatriz Hidalgo and Diego Hernández for their professionalism in matters involving free competition regulations in Chile, as well as their willingness, collaboration and availability to attend to their clients’ queries quickly and in a timely manner. These qualities have meant it is a pleasure working with them, and their explanations are very clear and professional.

Key clients

Delta Air Lines

Cargill

Liberty Latin America

Microsoft

Transbank

Nestlé Chile

Nestlé

Pegasus Aviación

Enjoy

Plaza

Compañía de Petróleos de Chile (Copec)

Empresas Oxxean

Falabella

Compañía Siderúrgica Huachipato

Lotus Producciones

Farmacias Ahumada

Gasco GLP

Laboratorios Biosano

LG Electronics

Transelec

Ferrocarril del Pacífico

Colbún

Prosegur Compañía de Seguridad

Cintac

SAAM

San Antonio Terminal Internacional

Work highlights

  • Assisted Delta (before both the FNE and TDLC) with various aspects of a transaction with LATAM Airlines Group, which included the acquisition of LATAM’s shares by Delta, a joint venture agreement and a codeshare agreement.
  • Assisted Liberty Latin America with a merger-control proceeding before the FNE for the approval of a joint venture agreement.
  • Represented Transbank in two proceedings before the TDLC, one of which sought a declaration that the company’s new self-pricing system for operating under a four-party scheme was consistent with competition law.

Pellegrini & Rencoret Abogados

The nine-member, ‘highly specialised‘ practice at boutique law firm Pellegrini & Rencoret Abogados handles heavyweight cases and investigations involving cartels, mergers, exclusionary practices and regulatory proceedings. The group is also sought out for its expertise in designing compliance programmes; its recent caseload includes advising on major merger-control proceedings before the FNE, including acting for América Movil in relation to its merger with Liberty Latin America. The practice is jointly led by former President of the Antitrust Commission of the Chilean Bar Association, Julio Pellegrini, whose track record includes impressive victories before the Supreme Court; and antitrust litigation and regulated markets specialist Pedro Rencoret. The second line of key advisers includes Diego Ramos (a partner since late 2020), who has substantial experience in litigating before the Competition Court and the Supreme Court; and at associate level, senior María Jesús Cifuentes and Fernando Gazzella, who are both active antitrust litigators. Younger associate Catalina Sierpe joined the firm from the FNE in August 2021.

Practice head(s):

Julio Pellegrini; Pedro Rencoret

Testimonials

A team of highly specialised lawyers, who are very dedicated and available.

The team is always proactive and fully available for all enquiries; and during the pandemic, the lawyers showed total flexibility.

The team has professionals with vast track records and experience – great personalised attention, as the partners are the ones who attend to clients’ requirements or lead the teams.

Extensive knowledge and preparation in their specialisms, which delivers confidence in their advice and recommendations. It is also an office that is characterised by its cordial treatment and excellent client service.

A law firm with great, clear and solid advice, and with quick responses – my recommendation for any case with antitrust issues. It provided the best legal service to my company, and the lawyers understand our business, focus on mitigating risks, and provide advice that gives us peace of mind at a market price.

The outstanding partners are Julio Pellegrini, Pedro Rencoret and Diego Ramos, who are all very good!

Diego Ramos has a great way of explaining difficult topics.

Julio Pellegrini and Pedro Rencoret stand out as experts of the highest level. In addition to their expertise, they have exceptional knowledge of this practice area.

Key clients

América Movil

Empresas Gasco

Larrain Vial

Compañía Minera Salares del Norte

Agrosuper

Inmobiliaria Pasmar

Cajas de Chile

Parque del Recuerdo

Derco

Gildemeister

Vitapro

Farmacias Ahumada

Claro Chile

Solvtrans Chile

Automóvil Club

Sun Dreams

Easy Taxi

Banco Bice

Banco Security

Banco Internacional

Empresas Copec

Minera Collahuasi

CMPC

Work highlights

  • Advised América Movil before the FNE, in relation to its merger with Liberty Latin America.
  • Acted for Empresas Gasco in several proceedings and investigations before the FNE.
  • Acted for financial services company Larrain Vial in a case brought before the Competition Court by the FNE, which alleged infringements to interlocking directorates.

Baker McKenzie Chile

The eight-member practice at Baker McKenzie Chile has a successful track record in private litigation claims before the TDLC, including follow-on class actions initiated by consumers seeking damages for cartel conduct. The team is also sought out for its expertise in merger-control filings (particularly as regards international mergers), compliance and internal investigations. Recent highlights include defending high-profile companies, such as Cencosud and Essity, in follow-on class actions. Prominent antitrust litigator Rodrigo Díaz de Valdés leads the dispute resolution and antitrust practice groups; while senior associate and former FNE antitrust division deputy head, Juan Ignacio Donoso is exclusively dedicated to antitrust matters and has substantial experience - particularly as regards cartel and abuse of dominance cases.

Practice head(s):

Rodrigo Díaz de Valdés

Testimonials

A team with a strong business sense and high-level risk assessment skills.

Great availability from the partners when attending to the affairs of the company.

Key clients

HP

Motorola

Cencosud

GSK

Knight Therapeutics

Viña Concha y Toro

Sumitomo Chemicals

Colgate-Palmolive

Grupo Security

Natixis

Sika

MSD

Continental

Aguas Antofagasta

Black & Decker

NYK

Daimler

Essity

Weir

Summerland Varieties

Profovi

Work highlights

  • Representing Cencosud in three follow-on actions submitted by consumers and consumer associations against Cencosud and other retailers, which seek compensation for a hub-and-spoke cartel.
  • Representing Motorola in an unfair competition complaint filed against Pegasus, which concerned a former employee (who currently works at Pegasus) allegedly, illegally extracting Motorola’s strategic and confidential information.
  • Acted for Ingredion in the mandatory merger-control procedure before the FNE, in relation to the merger of its corn wet milling business with Arcor.

Barros & Errázuriz

Barros & Errázuriz's competition and antitrust practice is routinely sought out for its experience in both TDLC cases and FNE investigations. Other key areas include concentration notifications and compliance programmes. Clients also benefit from the team’s deeper industry expertise particularly in the in telecoms, media, pharmaceuticals, energy, retail, and food and beverage sectors. Luis Eduardo Toro is a specialist in competition and antitrust matters, in addition to commercial arbitration; and founding partner and dispute resolution expert José Tomás Errázuriz is also on hand for competition and antitrust proceedings. Also key to the group, José Luis Corvalán assists with antitrust investigations before the FNE and TDLC procedures; and Francisco Bórquez is experienced in investigations into cartels, unilateral conduct and concentration operations. Both Corvalán and Bórquez were elevated to the partnership in April 2021.

Cariola Díez Pérez-Cotapos

The 11-strong, ‘very dedicated free competition practice‘ at Cariola Díez Pérez-Cotapos straddles the full range of both non-contentious and contentious competition work. The team’s expertise covers merger-control matters, along with cartel and abuse-of-dominance cases. Clients additionally benefit from the group’s retail industry expertise, as well as its ability to leverage the firm’s enviable IP credentials for competition issues. The competition practice is led by ‘excellent lawyerJuan Cristóbal Gumucio, who is highly rated for his experience in merger control, contentious antitrust cases involving cartels and unilateral conduct, and compliance programmes; corporate law specialist Gerardo Varela provides additional partner-level support. Within the associate pool, seniors Camila Rojas and Catalina González both regularly advise on merger transaction and compliance work, while Cristóbal Lema and José Manuel Donoso also maintain active competition practices.

Practice head(s):

Juan Cristóbal Gumucio; Gerardo Varela

Testimonials

A team that certainly covers the client’s needs in an integral way.

They penetrate and understand very well the particular needs of our business and take these into consideration when delivering legal recommendations – this is important when it comes to our operations.

Excellent and very dedicated free competition practice with deep knowledge.

They keep us updated on the issues that affect us, both in terms of jurisprudence and new laws that affect our business.

Great for the empathy with which the lawyers carry out their tasks.

This highly specialised team resolves highly technical aspects, and shows dedication and commitment to meeting deadlines – leaves us very satisfied with the quality of professionals at the firm and we feel part of the internal team.

Juan Cristóbal Gumucio is an excellent lawyer, who provides practical and applicable advice that demonstrates deep knowledge of the matters, as well as an understanding of the needs of our business.

Juan Cristóbal Gumucio and senior associate Camila Rojas know the matters on which they advise in depth, as well as the jurisprudence and approach of the authorities, which allow them to pre-empt potential conflicts.

Key clients

AT&T

WarnerMedia

Turner

CHV

CDF

Fonterra

Soprole

The Coca-Cola Company

American Airlines

Maxximiza

Iansa

Ripley

AZA

GNL Chile

Unilever

Sandvik

Emmerick

Tension

Sonacol

Santillana

Banmédica

Nutreco

Maersk

Cámara Innovación Farmacéutica

Sacyr Agua Santiago

Ole Communications

BHP

Caja Los Andes

New Hope Ecotech

Econeu

Cognita

Enel

Work highlights

  • Acted for AT&T WarnerMedia (before the FNE) in relation to its combination with Discovery.
  • Representing CDF in an alleged abuse-of-dominance case brought by the FNE and VTR.
  • Advised WarnerMedia’s subsidiary Turner on obtaining FNE approval for its sale of Chilevisión to Viacom CBS Network International.

Contreras Velozo

The six-member competition and regulation department at Contreras Velozo handles collusion, abuse of dominance, non-contentious proceedings, follow-on damage litigation and competition-associated strategic business advice. The group is also active in merger control work; while on the investigation front, it has experience handling investigations involving the banking, food, telecoms, healthcare, ports and construction sectors. The practice is jointly headed by former TDLC judge Javier Velozo, who ‘has a very strategic vision of the issues‘; and competition risk management, litigation and merger-control specialist Pablo Pardo, whose ‘technical knowledge on all subjects is outstanding‘. At associate level, both Francisca Lobos and María de Los Ángeles Figueroa are former FNE lawyers.

Practice head(s):

Javier Velozo; Pablo Pardo

Testimonials

The Contreras Velozo team specialises in competition and antitrust law issues – the lawyers know the industry, its actors and the regulations, and they are always up to date with new developments, which means peace of mind for clients.

Javier Velozo and Pablo Pardo fully address the issues, and always prioritise the most relevant aspects, which allows an easy understanding of the complexities of free competition’s economic and legal aspects.

Javier Velozo and Pablo Pardo are excellent lawyers, who provide an excellent service.

Javier Velozo is very clear in his comments, recommendations and suggestions, making sure that all issues are understood in a clear and easy way.

Javier Velozo has a very strategic vision of the issues and his analysis is very sharp. This is complemented by his vast knowledge of all the jurisprudence on free competition issues.

Pablo Pardo is a great scholar and his technical knowledge on all subjects is outstanding.

Key clients

Movistar

Mercado Libre

Empresas Carozzi

Camanchaca

Exacta

ICHA

Embotelladora Andina

Eukor

Detroit

Sanofi-Aventis

Mercado Pago

Fivana

Chilealmonds

Integra Metrics

Work highlights

  • Representing entrant payment operator Mercado Pago in various antitrust non-contentious proceedings.
  • Represented Movistar in three related antitrust non-contentious proceedings before the TDLC, all of which were crucial for the deployment of 5G networks.
  • Defending Eukor at the TDLC against a follow-on damages litigation case, where an association of consumers filed a class action against six firms that were condemned in a collusion investigation.

Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uría

Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uría's 'team guarantees that its advice and responses to enquiries are timely, accurate and reliable'. The seven-strong practice routinely participates in major, global merger-control transactions that impact upon Chile; and its recent track record also includes acting in major cartel investigations and proceedings before the TDLC. Heading up the department, Ignacio Larraín has ‘very broad and in-depth knowledge of both Chilean and European competition law' and is an expert in potential cartels, abuse of dominance issues, merger control matters, TDLC procedures, investigations and compliance programmes. At associate level, Catalina Montero 'demonstrates excellent communication skills'. However, former senior Álvaro Espinosa moved in house at Mercado Libre in June 2021, and Gabriel Budnik is currently undertaking an LLM at UC Berkeley.

Practice head(s):

Ignacio Larraín

Testimonials

The PPU team guarantees that its advice and responses to enquiries are timely, accurate and reliable.

The lawyers are permanently available to their clients – great experience, knowledge and efficiency.

Great availability and attention outside of working hours.

The PPU competition law team is a highly professional and very competent unit. In a recent competition law compliance project, its lawyers demonstrated great legal knowledge and competence, while also providing very practical advice. Also, the English language skills of each team member stand out, thereby ensuring that nothing gets lost in translation.

Quick response times made working with the team a very pleasant experience.

Ignacio Larraín has a very broad and in-depth knowledge of both Chilean and European competition law, along with strong industry experience, which he is able to demonstrate.

Ignacio Larraín and associate Catalina Montero deserve special credit. They are highly responsive, understand both the law and how to engage with the regulators to advocate on behalf of clients, provide sound guidance, and are a pleasure to work with.

Strong support was provided by the very knowledgeable Catalina Montero, who demonstrates excellent communication skills with the client.

Key clients

Comercializadora Nutreco Chile

Banco Santander

The Walt Disney Company

HAL Optical Investments

Discovery

Valmet Oyj

Neles Corporation

Suez

Banco de Crédito e Inversiones

Indra Sistemas Chile

Compañía General de Electricidad

Work highlights

  • Assisted Discovery with the regulatory aspects surrounding a transaction involving the acquisition of the business, operations and activities that constitute the WarnerMedia segment of AT&T.
  • Advised Suez and Veolia Environnement in relation to their worldwide merger transaction in the water treatment industry, which involved antitrust issues.
  • Advised HAL in relation to a worldwide merger transaction, which involved antitrust-related issues.

Prieto Abogados

The 'excellent' four-member practice at Prieto Abogados routinely assists with contentious and non-contentious cases before the TDLC and represents clients before the FNE in cartel, abuse of dominant position and other potential competition law breaches. The ‘very complete team' also fields specialists in FNE-led merger control reviews and compliance programmes. Leading the antitrust group, Benjamín Grebe assists with preventative work, merger issues, FNE investigations and cases before the TDLC; his recent caseload includes alleged abuse-of-dominance and cartel claims. In September 2021, competition law and regulation specialist Andrea Von Chrismar was promoted to counsel from senior associate, while associates Santiago Errázuriz and Daniella Ibaceta round out the antitrust team.

Practice head(s):

Benjamín Grebe

Testimonials

Great proximity to the client, which is essential so as to maintain trust over the years; and the use of technology has been implemented very well.

Prieto is a law firm that promotes the promotion of young, motivated people, who complement the more experienced partners well.

The strong point of the Prieto competition team is that it knows our business; and when it comes to matters that it does not know (because they are very specific or technical), the lawyers learn them quickly. I also consider it positive that the lawyers focus on finding an effective solution for their clients. In addition to the above, I think the case-monitoring methodology is positive, because the team is always monitoring what happens in cases and is efficient in communicating news.

Excellent, professional team, in which Benjamín Grebe stands out for the accuracy of his analysis, rapid and complete immersion in the issues, professional rigour and support through excellent reports.

Benjamín Grebe, and the professionals who accompany him, deliver confidence through their assessments and recommendations.

Prieto has a very complete team, where Benjamín Grebe and counsel Andrea Von Chrismar both have experience in the free competition world, and are able to predict accurate results.

Benjamín Grebe and his team are expert lawyers, who give us the greatest confidence when dealing with free market competition matters.

This professional team, particularly Benjamín Grebe, demonstrates assertiveness, good communication with the client, and commitment to providing good and complete advice speedily. Its long history of working with my company has generated a bond of trust that makes the firm’s work highly valued.

Key clients

Engie Energía Chile

Watt’s

Puerto Central (DP World Chile)

Aguas Andinas

Pedidos Ya (Delivery Hero)

NYK Line

Banco Internacional

Fundación Chile

Consalud

Mall Plaza

Work highlights

  • Successfully defended Watt’s food and milk processing company against a lawsuit filed before the TDLC by Fedeleche (the main milk trade association in Chile) for alleged abuse of dominant position in the dairy market.
  • Assisted Puerto Central (now DP World San Antonio) with a consultation procedure heard before the TDLC to set the conditions for a port-train intermodal station project.
  • Advised Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK Line) on compliance with measures imposed by the Supreme Court, further to a condemnatory decision in an antitrust lawsuit filed by the Chilean Competition Authority against six maritime transport companies, including NYK Line.

Ugarte & Correa

Competition and dispute resolution boutique Ugarte & Correa fields a 12-strong practice that covers the full scope of antitrust work, including litigation, merger-control matters and investigations. It is also expert in negotiating agreements with the FNE, along with compliance and internal audits. Clients further appreciate the firm’s antitrust-related sector expertise in mining, telecoms, healthcare, agriculture, energy, pharmaceuticals and technology. Leading the practice, José Joaquín Ugarte is a widely respected antitrust practitioner, whose recent track record includes acting for valuables transportation-company, Brink’s Chile, in a price-fixing cartel case, where the FNE is requesting record fines. Associates Marcelo Moreno (litigation, arbitration and antitrust) and Marcelo Mayor (litigation, arbitration and free competition) joined the firm in 2021 from Cariola Díez Pérez-Cotapos and FerradaNehme, respectively, while former senior associate Diego Vergara moved in house at Falabella in April 2021.

Practice head(s):

José Joaquín Ugarte

Key clients

SCA

Brink’s

Pfizer

La Fête Chocolat

Daewoo

Work highlights

  • Representing Brink’s in a cartel case in which record fines are being pursued.
  • Assisted La Fête Chocolat with negotiating its sale to multinational Nestlé, pursuant to which the FNE approved the acquisition without conditions.
  • Represented SCA (now Essity) in the (reportedly) largest-ever cartel case filed before the Chilean Antitrust Court.

Albagli Zaliasnik

The regulated markets and public and competition law group at Albagli Zaliasnik handles preventive advice, antitrust compliance programmes, merger control issues and investigations before the FNE, along with matters before Chile’s competition and Supreme Courts. The 'innovative' practice is jointly led by name partner and litigation-group director Gabriel Zaliasnik, whose caseload includes antitrust cases; and civil litigation and arbitration leader Ariela Agosin, who, additionally maintains an active IP practice. Energy, oil and gas and natural resources expert, Antonio Rubilar, was promoted to director in May 2021, while senior associate Matías Edwards    is a September 2020 returnee from the FNE.

Practice head(s):

Ariela Agosin; Gabriel Zaliasnik

Testimonials

AZ has an innovative communication style that is easily distinguished from other law firms.

The way it has modernised its legal practice without the advice losing quality  is noted. The team is also made up of young people who allow the companies they advise to have a more genuine vision of the changes that the country and the world have been experiencing.

They are very concerned to understand our business, and make practical and applicable recommendations.

Great availability and determination.

The knowledge and prestige of the partners, including Gabriel Zaliasnik, are great assets to the firm. The associate lawyers also have a lot of knowledge of their respective areas, along with an excellent disposition to resolve queries in relation to the work entrusted.

Key clients

Abbott Laboratories

WOM

UNACEM

AES Andes

Nexus Chile

The Not Company

Lundbeck Chile

Genomma Lab

Rappi Chile

ENAP

Unicon Chile

GasValpo

Empresas La Polar

Megalabs Chile

Loginteg

Unifood Holdings

Dimerc

Work highlights

  • Represented WOM on the mandatory merger-control process for the subsidiaries of Liberty Latin America and América Móvil (VTR and Claro Chile).
  • Acted for Abbot Laboratories Chile in a consultation proceeding before Chile’s Competition Court, filed by Chilean wholesale distributor Socofar, in relation to allegedly discriminatory pricing practices.
  • Successfully acted for UNACEM (and its whole economic group) before the National Economic Prosecutor’s Office, on the merger control process concerning its acquisition of Spanish cement consortium Cementos La Unión.

Bulnes, Urrutia & Bustamante

Bulnes, Urrutia & Bustamante consistently advises on the full diet of antitrust work, including litigation before the TDLC and Supreme Court. The practice also routinely assists with FNE investigations; merger-control matters, and the design and implementation of compliance programmes. The principal figures are name partners Felipe BulnesEnrique Urrutia and José Manuel Bustamante, all of whom have significant antitrust litigation and advisory experience, particularly in the energy, construction and finance sectors.

Correa Squella

The six-strong department at Correa Squella stands out for its ports-sector specialism, with the practice group highly regarded for maritime logistics-related competition issues. The group is also experienced in contentious competition work involving the retail sector, such as its representation of Redtec in an abuse of dominant position lawsuit against Walmart Chile. The team is co-led by founding partner Juan Ignacio Correa, a regulatory and free competition disputes specialist; and younger partner Jorge Sepúlveda, who focuses on civil lawsuits, free competition and arbitration. The associate to note, Tamara De Beer routinely assists with competition law matters involving the ports sector.

Practice head(s):

Juan Ignacio Correa; Jorge Sepúlveda

Testimonials

Stands out for its passion in defending clients.

A diverse team that specialises in port issues, damages and free competition.

Experience and adaptability when proposing alternatives to ongoing problems.

Great availability and clarity of concepts.

The team performs very skilfully in regulatory and antitrust issues.

A diverse team, which allows the lawyers actively to participate in private disputes of public interest.

Juan Ignacio Correa stands out for his litigation skills and associate Tamara De Beer for her knowledge of free competition legislation and meticulous work.

Jorge Sepúlveda is appreciated for his specific knowledge of damages.

Key clients

Luzparral

Chilquinta

Empresa Portuaria San Antonio

Empresa Portuaria Chacabuco

Empresa Portuaria Puerto Montt

Redtec

Empresa Portuaria Austral

Work highlights

  • Defended utilities-sector corporations Luzparral and Chilquinta against a claim for alleged abuse-of-dominance in the electricity market.
  • Advised Empresas Portuarias Chacabuco, Puerto Montt, and Austral on three consultation processes concerning the conditions to be imposed on port concessions.
  • Represented Redtec in an abuse of dominant position lawsuit against Walmart Chile.

Estudio Lewin Abogados

Standing out for fielding several former FNE lawyers, Estudio Lewin Abogados' 'practical and quick' 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 Nicolás Lewin, whose broad practice covers the gamut of antitrust and competition work; and Fernando Araya, who handles matters in both the regulated and non-regulated sectors. Also integral to the group are counsel Marco Mercado, a former chief compliance officer at Falabella; and key associate Manuel Abarca, who is experienced in abuse of dominant positions and the analysis of joint ventures.

Testimonials

A young team, with a more open approach, and it adjusts to new realities with cheaper billing.

The lawyers are very good at analysing emerging markets, such as online market platforms, social networks and personal data use.

The lawyers are practical and quick to understand the business.

A highly specialised free competition law service.

Nicolás Lewin has assisted me on several occasions, directly and indirectly; and in all cases, satisfactory results have been obtained.

Nicolás Lewin is great for his ability to solve complex issues in a simple way and transmit clarity to the client.’ 

Morales & Besa

With ‘a proven track record and experience in ​​antitrust‘, Morales & Besa‘s practice covers a broad range of competition and antitrust matters, including complex phase II merger-review procedures, as well as cartel litigation. The group is also developing its expertise in regulated markets, such as port concessions. Heading up the group is the former head of the FNE’s anti-cartel unit, María José Henríquez, who ‘always provides solid advice on complex issues‘. Henríquez’s recent experience includes pre-merger reviews, litigation and antitrust investigations. Key support is provided by associate Benjamín González whose practice centres on competition law and compliance matters. Former associate Claudia Arce left the firm in May 2021.

Practice head(s):

María José Henríquez

Testimonials

The team works in an orderly manner, and with speedy responses and great support.

A very cohesive legal team that gives accurate and punctual advice that is of extraordinary quality.

Stands out for its excellent response times, sense of client service, and the extraordinary quality of its associates.

Excellent treatment of clients – one always feels in receipt of first-class advice.

Morales and Besa’s team has a proven track record and experience in ​​antitrust, including lawsuits, compliance and M&A, among others.

Lawyers with specialised training, both in the public and private spheres.

The partner María José Henríquez has extensive experience in the field, and stands out both for her general and strategic outlook, as well as her detailed analysis of the issues in question.

María José Henríquez always provides solid advice on complex issues and has exceptional professional qualities.

Key clients

SMU

Naviera Orca Chile

Caleta Bay Mar

San Vicente Terminal Internacional

Servicios Portuarios Reloncavi

IGT Global Solutions

Glencore

Coordinador Nacional Eléctrico

Empresa Lipigas

San Antonio Terminal Internacional

Peugeot

Work highlights

  • Advised Peugeot on the filing before the FNE of the merger with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.
  • Acted as local counsel to Glencore on the pre-merger review process conducted by the FNE regarding the acquisition of Anglo American’s and BHP’s shares in a coal mine joint venture.
  • Advised SMU on the merger clearance concerning the sale of 100% of its equity in OK Market to FEMSA Comercio.

Ortúzar, Vergara & Boetsch Abogados

The 'very strategic' five-member team at boutique law firm Ortúzar, Vergara & Boetsch Abogados assists clients with a broad array of competition law issues, in relation to transactions, investigations, litigation, compliance programmes, and day-to-day matters. The practice is co-led by civil, commercial and antitrust litigation specialist Álvaro Ortúzar; Nicolás Vergara, who is 'great for his industry knowledge‘; and Juan Sebastián Valdés, an expert in cartels, abuse of dominance investigations, antitrust damages and compliance programmes. Diego Navarrete, a partner since 2020 and increasingly active in antitrust work is also an integral part of the practice, as is associate María Elena Pinares, whose broad disputes practice includes proceedings before the TDLC, and the notification of concentration operations before the FNE.

Practice head(s):

Alvaro Ortúzar; Nicolás Vergara; Juan Sebastián Valdés

Testimonials

They are very strategic and work very well as a team.

A well-prepared team that is friendly and with good availability.

An office where the partners serve clients directly with strong litigation levels.

The lawyers provide very competent advice, which gives us total confidence in the quality of the service.

Very competent and available. They know our business and give clear, precise and concise answers that are comprehensible for non-lawyer clients.

Alvaro Ortúzar is appreciated for his intelligence and strategic vision, and is always able to anticipate upcoming situations.

Nicolás Vergara is great for his industry knowledge and execution abilities.

Juan Sebastián Valdés is a good litigator for antitrust matters – strong industry knowledge and strategic vision.

Key clients

Empresas Ariztía

Banco BCI

Sociedad Nacional de Pesca

Celulosa Arauco y Constitución

Compañía Marítima Chilena

Transportes Delfos

Banco Itaú

Work highlights

  • Representing Banco BCI in an antitrust action filed by the FNE, which claims that Banco BCI abused its dominant position by excluding a participant from an insurance bidding process involving over 90,000 mortgage loans.
  • Representing Ariztía in an antitrust damages claim filed by consumer associations.
  • Represented Forestal Arauco in a merger control proceeding before the FNE.

Urenda, Rencoret, Orrego y Dörr

Urenda, Rencoret, Orrego y Dörr houses a 'very good' six-strong competition group that has broad experience in matters involving the Competition Court and FNE investigations. It also handles merger-control assessments and notifications; international unfair-competition matters (such as anti-dumping and safeguarding cases); and the implementation of compliance programmes. The team’s sector specialisms range from energy, mining, steel and food, to healthcare, pharma, technology, construction and real estate. The recent caseload of practice co-heads Nicholas Mocarquer and Gonzalo Rencoret includes abuse-of-dominance investigations and merger-control analysis. Associate Bernardita Schmidt is also active in competition law matters.

Practice head(s):

Nicholas Mocarquer; Gonzalo Rencoret

Testimonials

The service is very good, with a lot of support given to clients, and they take the time to explain complex matters.

The dedication and availability stand out.

Direct involvement from the partner in charge, and understanding of our business and the market with continuous accompaniment.

Availability, amiability and good management of expectations from committed lawyers.

Key clients

Dow

Sony

Gerdau

Nexus

SQM

International Flavor & Fragrances

Ferrero Group

BHP

Corteva

Eli Lilly

Inmobiliaria Mall Viña del Mar

Work highlights

  • Represented Grupo Marina in a proceeding before the Competition Court, which concerned competition conditions in the commercial centre/mall sector.
  • Represented Nexus in a proceeding initiated by the Competition Court to assess the competition conditions in the payment-card industry.
  • Advised International Flavor and Fragances on a competition filing in Chile for its acquisition of sole control of Dupont’s nutrion & biosciences business line.

Yrarrázaval, Ruiz-Tagle, Ovalle, Salas & Vial

Yrarrázaval, Ruiz-Tagle, Ovalle, Salas & Vial's six-member practice consistently acts for domestic and foreign corporations (as well as trade associations) on antitrust matters; its experience includes participating in a plethora of TDLC cases. Of particular note is the team's expertise in the antitrust aspects of public infrastructure bids. The practice is co-led by Gerardo Ovalle, who routinely handles complex competition cases, in addition to assisting with the development of competition-related compliance programmes; experienced litigator Fernando Salas, whose experience includes cases concerning interlocking issues; and litigation and compliance expert Anibal Vial.

Practice head(s):

Gerardo Ovalle; Fernando Salas; Aníbal Vial

Testimonials

Excellent attention, speed ​​and clarity.

It is a very dynamic team that combines the experience of its most senior members with the energy and talent of the younger members very well.

The free competition practice is very complete and ranges from advice on merger control processes, to complex litigation and defences; and it compares very favourably to other firms, particularly because of the involvement of its partners who are on top of every detail of the advice or litigation in question, and are extremely affordable.

What makes them stand out is their proximity, excellent availability, great legal knowledge and concern for details, an issue that is fundamental in this profession.

One of the great differences when compared to competitors is the excellent availability of the partners and their permanent involvement in cases. Partners Gerardo Ovalle and Aníbal Vial stand out.

Gerardo Ovalle is characterised by his availability to answer questions readily; and in addition to his solid legal knowledge, he always anticipates matters that might be of interest.

Key clients

Cámara Chilena de la Construcción

At-Pac

Clariant

Work highlights

  • Representing Cámara Chilena de la Construction before the Competition Tribunal in a matter concerning the public construction market.
  • Advised Cámara Chilena de La Construction on a non-contentious matter where the Competition Tribunal required its opinion on the healthcare construction market.
  • Advised Clariant (in Chile) on its worldwide effort to highlight the importance of competition.

Bordoli Doren Abogados

Bordoli Doren Abogados is a competition, regulated markets and public procurement boutique that handles preventive advice, litigation, concentration operations and audits; and the firm’s sector expertise ranges from energy, telecoms and public transport, to ports and healthcare. Another key area is free competition-related personal data treatment. At name partner level, Carla Bordoli and Cristián Doren both have substantial experience in assisting with FNE investigations, as well as TDLC cases.

Work highlights

  • Representing maritime trade association Armasur in a case brought by Norway’s Solvtrans concerning alleed anti-competitive behaviour in the live-salmon transportation market.
  • Representing Walmart in non-contentious hearings before the Chilean Antitrust Court (TDLC), concerning relevant changes in the existing model of the means of payment industry and the ending of the current Transbank system.
  • Representing an insurance company and a broker in an antitrust action brought by the FNE against Banco BCI for abuse of its dominant position in excluding a participant from an insurance bidding process.

Coeymans, Edwards, Poblete & Dittborn

The five-strong antitrust and regulated markets department at the growing Coeymans, Edwards, Poblete & Dittborn (CEP&B) is active in both TDLC and FNE proceedings. It also advises on the antitrust aspects of joint ventures and other business agreements, as well antitrust audits and compliance. The practice is co-led by name partner Juan Enrique Coeymans, whose recent track record includes cartel and abuse of dominance cases, along with compliance work; and civil and commercial litigation specialist María José Larraín, a former founding partner of Vial Larraín who joined CEP&B in mid-2020. Rounding out the group is associate and dispute resolution expert, María José Berger.

Practice head(s):

Juan Enrique Coeymans; María José Larraín

Key clients

Socofar

American Tower Corporation

KDM Empresas

Global Dominion Access

Navimag Ferries

Work highlights

  • Successfully defended Socofar (owned by Mexico-based multinational FEMSA) against an abuse of dominant position claim brought by three franchisees.
  • Advised Global Dominion Access on the antitrust issues surrounding its joint venture with Sacyr.
  • Advised KDM on a the potential free competition implications of a private tender to which it had been invited by Empresa Intermunicipal Metropolitana de Disposición y Tratamiento de Residuos Sólidos Domiciliarios.

DLA Piper Chile

DLA Piper Chile's 'highly technical' competition practice has significant experience in merger control work, with clients particularly benefiting from the group’s leveraging of the Santiago office’s corporate and  M&A credentials. The team also routinely acts in cartels, and abuse-of-dominance and unilateral-conduct investigations. The practice is jointly led by experienced partner Felipe Bahamondez, whose regulatory expertise covers antitrust law, and whose recent caseload includes representing Uber in an antitrust case brought by taxi drivers; and counsel Sofia O’Ryan (‘a young professional with a bright future'), who is highly focused on competition law.

Practice head(s):

Felipe Bahamondez; Sofía O´Ryan

Testimonials

A young and highly technical team that is well prepared and provides personalised advice.

Excellent office with excellent professionals who identify the needs of clients – and most importantly resolve them.

Personal, unconditional attention and professionalism at its best.

The DLA Piper Chile competition team stands out for being highly committed to its clients. They are concerned with fully understanding our business in order to generate strategies that are consistent with its particularities.

The team adapts to our ways of working, allowing us to collaborate in a very fluid way.

Counsel Sofía O’Ryan stands out as a young professional with a bright future.

Sofía O’Ryan is a lawyer who has solid knowledge not only of competition matters. but also of how antitrust law institutions in Chile function, which allows her to provide fundamental strategic advice. In addition, Sofía is constantly up to date on the latest developments at an international level, which helps us to project possible future scenarios. She also gives us practical advice that we can easily implement.

Key clients

Uber Technologies

American Tower Corporation

Work highlights

  • Defended Uber against a lawsuit filed by two different groups of taxi drivers, which alleged violations of the Chilean Competition Act.
  • Assisted American Tower Corporation with antitrust matters during the due diligence and merger control assessment for the purchase of 30,722 telecoms towers.

Dentons Larrain Rencoret

Dentons Larrain Rencoret's 'very dynamic' antitrust practice routinely leverages the firm’s broad regional presence, which facilitates collaboration with antitrust colleagues in Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, Peru, Ecuador and Uruguay. In recent highlights, the group represented financial cooperative Coopeuch in an Antitrust Court case, which sought to determine the interchange fees for card payments. The department is led by Santiago Ried, who has extensive experience in antitrust litigation, merger control work, FNE investigations and compliance matters; with key support at senior associate level provided by dispute-resolution team coordinator Marcelo Alarcón, who focuses on civil, commercial, and antitrust-related disputes.

Practice head(s):

Santiago Ried

Testimonials

A good team of lawyers who understand the importance of teamwork, so as to find the best solutions to issues.

Permanent and timely attention, with excellent knowledge and handling of work.

Transparency and absolute trust along with creative solutions.

Very dynamic and with good performances in court.

Santiago Ried leads the team very well.

Key clients

Coopeuch

Alstom

Fresenius Medical Care

Volkswagen

Metso

Transap

Biofoods

Enroll

Achiga

RMC

Work highlights

  • Represented financial cooperative Coopeuch in an Antitrust Court case that sought to determine the interchange fees for card payments.
  • Representing railway company Transap in an antitrust procedure filed by competitor Ferrocarril del Pacífico before the Antitrust Court.
  • Representing global provider of mining services and equipment provider, Metso, in an unlawful competition and damages case, which was filed against competitor AYCA.

Echeverría Ilharreborde Scagliotti

The competition law department at Echeverría Ilharreborde Scagliotti fields founding partner Pedro Echeverría, a former Claro & Cia. senior associate, whose free competition expertise includes defending clients against abuse of dominant position and collusion claims. Echeverría also assists with concentration operations and compliance programmes, among others. At associate level, Camila Appelgren and Juan Pablo Wiegand also both advise on free competition issues.

Gana y Galvez Abogados

Gana y Galvez Abogados is a boutique litigation legal practice that has extensive experience in defending and representing its clients before the TDLC (in both contentious and non-contentious procedures). It also frequently acts before the FNE, while clients additionally look to the team for ongoing preventive advice. Highly-regarded name partner and antitrust, litigation and telecoms expert, José Miguel Gana, directs the firm’s ​​civil, commercial and free competition litigation practices; fellow partner Ruben Urrutia focuses on competition-related disputes.

González & Rioseco

Antitrust, arbitration and litigation boutique González & Rioseco routinely assists with major TDLC and Supreme Court proceedings. The practice also houses specialists in FNE investigations and merger-control matters, while clients additionally benefit from the firm’s banking, telecoms and maritime industry specialisms. The group’s principal practitioners are name partner Andrés Rioseco, who assists international and domestic corporations with antitrust-related proceedings, investigations, M&A, audits and compliance; and experienced antitrust associate Valentina Guevara. Providing additional name partner-level support is contentious specialist Francisco González, who has experience in antitrust cases.

Guerrero Olivos

Handling both antitrust litigation and M&A-related competition work, Guerrero Olivos' eight-strong team has sector specialisms in mining and metals, energy distribution, retail, and food and beverages. The department is co-led by senior partner Pedro Pellegrini, who is experienced in advising on competition-related corporate risks and defence-side investigatory proceedings; constitutional and administrative law specialist Eduardo Cordero; and public law expert José Gabriel Undurraga. Key associate support is provided by Juan José García, a former member of the FNE’s litigation division; and Alejandra Leiton, whose experience includes merger filings and the implementation of antitrust compliance programmes for multinational companies.

Practice head(s):

Pedro Pellegrini; Eduardo Cordero; José Gabriel Undurraga

Testimonials

This area of competition is very well supported by the firm’s corporate group, which is a very good complement, especially for concentration cases.

Associate Juan José García does a very good job, handling financial matters very well.

Key clients

Naturgy Energy Group

Femsa Comercio

OXXO Chile

Empresas Carozzi

Instituto de Normalización Previsional

Grenergy

Natixis, New York Branch

Antofagasta Minerals

MITTA

Western Union International

Randstad

Work highlights

  • Advised Naturgy Group on the merger-control process concerning the sale of shares in its affiliate, Compañía General de Electricidad, to China’s State Grid International Development.
  • Advised FEMSA on a merger-control process concerning its acquisition of the OK Market convenience-store chain.
  • Advises Empresas Carozzi on competition, regulatory and compliance matters in the region (on an ongoing basis).