According to satisfied clients, Baker McKenzie S.A.S.’s corporate and M&A practice stands out for its ‘willingness to help solve client problems’ as well as its commitment to providing ‘almost immediate attention’. As a sizeable Bogotá platform in a global firm, the team is additionally distinguished by its popularity with multinational clients, who routinely engage the group to lead on the local, sometimes regional, aspects of headline-grabbing, multi-jurisdictional deals. A former Senior Vice President at Brookfield Asset Management, Andrés Crump fronts the M&A and private equity groups and is particularly noted for his experience in the infrastructure and power spheres. Among his recent transactions, the ‘cool and calm’ Crump advised Akzo Nobel on the acquisition of Grupo Orbis, which involved co-ordinating the acquisition of over 20 companies across the Latin American region. Clare Montgomery spearheads the companies, restructuring and investment unit and recently advised a multinational tobacco company on the implementation of a merger between two Colombian subsidiaries. Rounding out the senior partner group is high-profile transactional expert Jaime Trujillo, who enjoys a strong regional reputation for his M&A, finance and private equity expertise. Among its younger partners, recently promoted Natalia Ponce de León stands out for her ‘high levels of responsibility, knowledge, availability and attitude’. The group also draws on a capable second line of corporate and M&A-focused associates, including seniors Alexandra Montealegre, Isabel Torres and Adriana Combatt, as well as intermediates Karen Santamaría, Juliana Gómez and Paola Gonzalez. Associate Juliana Tobón left the firm to go on study leave in August 2022.
Corporate and M&A in Colombia
Baker McKenzie S.A.S.
Practice head(s):
Andrés Crump; Clare Montgomery; Jaime Trujillo
Testimonials
‘The team at Baker McKenzie provides quick responses to the requests that we make on a permanent basis — and always with a very good disposition. Additionally, it knows the operation of our company, a fact that facilitates the legal advice that it offers us.’
‘The lawyers who attend us are accessible through various communication channels such as WhatsApp, email, phone, etc., a situation that allows us to receive almost immediate attention. The team always attends to our requests impeccably, particularly Clare Montgomery and associate Karen Santamaría.’
‘The team has a high level of technical knowledge in our industry (electric power) and compares favourably with teams from other law firms. Our experience has been excellent, both professionally and personally. Its treatment of clients, availability, knowledge, and recommendations and strategies are outstanding.’
‘Andrés Crump, as a partner and team leader, has been a great support in the projects we have executed. His cool and calm personality has been a welcome novelty for me. Andrés’ personality has pleasantly surprised me and I have personally found it valuable in projects with difficult negotiation processes and a high load of stress.’
‘On the other hand, Natalia Ponce de León stands out for her high levels of responsibility, knowledge, availability and attitude. When a quick consultation is required, she always look for availability to attend a call or a meeting.’
‘The attention of Baker McKenzie’s corporate team is very good. Its willingness to help solve client problems, its ability to look for different solutions and alternatives and its client management are all noteworthy. It has been a pleasure for me to work with Clare Montgomery and associate Paola Gonzalez.’
‘Clare Montgomery’s availability to serve clients is something I would like to highlight. It is not usual for the partners of leading firms to be available to clients; without a doubt, Clare is an exception.’
Key clients
Akzo Nobel
STEAG
Abertis Infraestructuras
Jochen Kurt Horst Raute Pahde and Thomas Christian Peters Raute Grupo Empresarial Coltrans
Vela Software
B Braun Avitum
Teka Capital
APM Terminals
Snowflake Inc
British American Tobacco
Work highlights
- Advised Akzo Nobel on the acquisition of Grupo Orbis.
- Advised STEAG on the sale of its equity interest in Compañía Eléctrica de Sochagota to Crasodel Spain.
- Advised Abertis Infraestructuras on the sale of its equity interest in Concesionaria Vial de los Andes and Constructora de Infraestructura Vial in favour of majority shareholder, Estudios Proyectos e Inversiones de los Andes.
Brigard Urrutia
Few firms in the market can equal Brigard Urrutia’s track record in transformative M&A deals, with the 23-lawyer team routinely involved in many of the most high-profile transactions to hit the Colombian market. The group’s ability to lean on a host of complementary practices from across the wider full-service firm equips its lawyers with a ‘comprehensive vision in consulting’ and ensures that it is sought after for complex mandates that require extensive cross-departmental collaboration. As a case in point, senior M&A expert Sergio Michelsen Jaramillo recently teamed up with next-generation partner Tomás Holguín, as well as the capital markets and competition practices, to advise Votorantim on the sale of its 82.42% stake in Acerías Paz del Rio. In a significant first-of-a-kind investment transaction, Michelsen also paired up with Jaime Robledo to advise Canada’s CPP investments on its $334m acquisition of a 19.3% stake in D1, which notably marked its first direct investment in Colombia. Darío Laguado Giraldo , chairman of the corporate and M&A practice, led on several infrastructure-related transactions over the past year, including advising Telefónica, and its subsidiary Colombia Telecomunicaciones, on the agreements by which Colombia Telecomunicaciones and KKR will establish the country’s first independent wholesale open access digital infrastructure company. Other senior names include corporate finance veteran Carlos Fradique-Méndez; aviation and real estate-focused specialist Álvaro Cala; senior partner Carlos Urrutia; and Fernando Alfredo Castillo. The sizeable department also fields a capable bench of corporate-dedicated non-partners, including director Ángela García Páez, prolific senior associates Paola Ordoñez and Andrea Camila Cruz, and associate Laura Ricardo Ayerbe. Since publication, Ordóñez and Mónica Gutiérrez Velasco have both been promoted to practice directors (as of December 2023), but Laguado has left the firm - effective as of April 2024.
Practice head(s):
Sergio Michelsen; Jaime Robledo
Testimonials
‘BU’s corporate and M&A areas have important strengths, such as knowing our business very well; its very timely responses; good management and relationship with our parent company; strong understanding of the internal procedures between the parent company and us as a subsidiary.’
‘Álvaro Cala knows our organisation very well; we value his years of experience, knowledge of our culture and business; and his willingness to support us.’
‘Fernando Alfredo Castillo is very skilled and a very good business structurer.’
‘We value the team for its comprehensive vision in consulting.’
‘Lawyers demonstrated strong knowledge of our company and its work dynamics.’
Key clients
Grupo Casino – Casino Guichard Perrachon
Colombia Telecomunicaciones
Emergent Cold
Inchcape
Celsia
Credibanca
Xignux
Grupo Nutresa
Grupo SURA
Droguerías y Farmacias Cruz Verde
Inversiones Infraestructura De Telecom Latam
Productora Nacional Avicola
Votorantim
Emergent Cold
BlackRock
Itau Corpbanca
Claro & Compañía
Auna Group
CAF – Development Bank of Latin America
UPS
Work highlights
- Advised Habi on raising $200m through a series C round with investors including SoftBank, Homebrew, Tiger Global and Inspired Capital.
- Advised CPP investments on its first direct investment in Colombia, with its $334m acquisition of a 19.3% stake in D1.
- Acted as local counsel to CFG Partners Colombia on its purchase of the portfolio of payroll loans, and other assets, of Alpha Capital and Vive Créditos Kusida.
Gómez-Pinzón Abogados (GPA)
Lawyers at Gómez-Pinzón Abogados (GPA) find favour with sources for their ‘willingness to help and find solutions for the business’. The firm’s ‘very well-structured diversity and inclusion programme’ also strikes the right note with clients, and is evidenced here by a strong female partner-led team. With involvement in many of the year’s marquee deals in Colombia, the group is a particularly dominant player in the public M&A sphere — across all market segments. Lina Uribe García heads the group and is widely recognised for her expertise in the private equity arena; she recently paired up with Natalia García Arenas to advise KKR on the acquisition of a majority stake in Alamo Holdco, the sole shareholder of Onnet Fibra Colombia. In one of the market’s most high-profile set of transactions, Juan David Quintero advised the Gilinski Family, through Nugil and JGDB Holding, on the structuring and implementation of seven consecutive unsolicited tender offers. Ana Cristina Jaramillo also put in a good recent performance and secured key roles in a string of cross-border transactions, which included acting for China’s JCHX Mining Management on its acquisition of a 50% stake in Cordoba Minerals’ Colombian subsidiaries. The group further benefits from the extensive corporate expertise of energy and natural resources head Patricia Arrázola, director María Isabel Romero de la Torre, and experienced counsel María Fernanda Restrepo. At associate level, seniors Paola Valderrama, Emanuela Guevara, Juan Pablo Caicedo and Francisco Pamplona are the names to note. In July 2022, director Daniel Fajardo left for an in-house position at Engie, while partner Felipe Mariño departed the firm in December 2022.
Practice head(s):
Lina Uribe García; María Isabel Romero de la Torre
Testimonials
‘This firm has many strong points. Notably, the team is an ally for us as clients and not an obstacle as I have noticed in other firms. Gomez-Pinzon Abogados gets into the client’s business to help us find solutions with their great legal experience, making our work very easy.’
‘One of the novelties that Gomez-Pinzon Abogados brings, and that I would like to highlight, is around the issue of diversity. The firm has a very well-structured diversity and inclusion programme, which makes us feel calm about having a supplier that invests in these initiatives.’
‘The plus of GPA’s lawyers is their closeness to the client, always with the best willingness to help and find solutions for the business — they do not say ‘we can’t do this’, as I have seen in other firms.’
‘I highlight Natalia García Arenas and senior associate Francisco Pamplona because I feel that they are allies of our company. They have great technical knowledge that they complement with their positive attitude. They are always aware of our needs and help us to solve the different challenges presented to us.’
Key clients
VIP Green Mobility
Diaco
Didi Mobility Information Technology
Ecopetrol
IHC Capital Holding
Carmeuse Lime & Stone
Mercantil Colpatria
Electribus Bogotá Fontibón II
Davita
Grupo Pisa
Sapore
Team Foods Colombia
Avista Colombia
Merqueo
JCHX Mining Management
Nexans Participations / Nexans
Nugil and JGDB Holding (Colombian companies owned by the Gilinski Family)
Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co
IDB Invest / IDC Ventures
Egis Consultoria
Work highlights
- Advised the Gilinski Family, through Nugil and JGDB Holding, on the structuring and implementation of seven consecutive unsolicited tender offers.
- Advised IHC Capital Holding on an unsolicited tender offer of shares.
- Advised Nexans Participations and Nexans on the acquisition of a leading Latin American cable manufacturer.
Martínez Quintero Mendoza González Laguado & de la Rosa
‘A first-rate team that is focused on seeking transactional solutions’, Martínez Quintero Mendoza González Laguado & de la Rosa attracts glowing reviews from sources for its lawyers’ ‘experience and knowledge in everything related to M&A’. Distinguished by its extensive global network and increasingly prominent position in infrastructure-related deals, the comprehensive practice covers the full life-cycle of corporate and M&A matters, with notable experience in cross-border work. Among the names to note, key partner Felipe Quintero had a banner year, which included advising Macquarie Asset Management on the acquisition of 50% of Odinsa’s road concession business in Colombia. In another significant infrastructure highlight, corporate and finance specialist Juan Manuel de la Rosa advised John Laing on the acquisition of two electric bus concessions in Bogotá from Somos K Fondo Ashmore Andino II – FCP, and Ashmore Andean Fund II. Outside of the infrastructure sphere, managing partner Camilo Martínez utilised his dual practice strengths in corporate and financial law to represent Grupo Aval Acciones y Valores in a spin-off process of certain of its assets in Panama and Central America before the Superintendence of Finance and the Colombian Stock Exchange, as part of the reorganisation process of Banco de Bogota and Grupo Aval. At senior level, the department also includes Felipe Aristizabal, who was promoted to partner in January 2023, and restructuring and insolvency specialist Nicolás Polanía. The deep corporate bench additionally draws on directors Juan Camilo Varón and Juan Carlos Gambín (‘a young and brilliant lawyer’), as well as senior associates Daniela Duarte, Natalia Bernal and María Alejandra Cabrera. Since pubication, the practice has been notably strengthened with the hire of Dario Laguado Giraldo -formerly chair of the corporate and M&A practice at Brigard Urrutia, (effective April 2024); and subsequently left the DLA Piper network to which it previously belonged the following month.
Practice head(s):
Camilo Martínez; Felipe Quintero; Felipe Aristizábal; Juan Manuel de la Rosa
Testimonials
‘A firm with experience and knowledge in everything related to M&A. Its partners and directors have the best technical and personal skills, so we know that its advice creates negotiations under the best possible conditions.’
‘Lawyers stand out for their knowledge and commitment to the client, including providing key recommendations and alerts at the right times, added to a cordial treatment at all times, even in the complex situations of a normal M&A negotiation.’
‘I especially emphasise the work of Juan Camilo Varón, director of the firm, who played a fundamental role in one of the two operations we carried out in 2022. Likewise, we cannot fail to mention our partner Camilo Martínez, for his experience and help when it is most needed.’
‘Excellent lawyers and professionals, focused on achieving the closing of the transaction and safeguarding the interests of their clients. Excellent response times and quality of deliverables. Excellent ability to negotiate.’
‘Juan Manuel de la Rosa has invaluable knowledge in his area of practice, he is a partner who gets involved in each transaction and both he and his team are characterised by: excellent response times; extensive knowledge of their area of practice; strong negotiation skills; rigor, discipline and excellence.’
‘It is a first-rate team that is focused on seeking transactional solutions and that is always taking care of the client’s interests. It is a firm that is characterised by seeking pro-deal solutions, looking for alternatives to bring transactional closures to a successful conclusion.’
‘We recommend it for the experience of the team; as well as for its creativity in the solutions presented. The quality of the professionals in its different practices is exceptional.’
‘The availability of partners to personally attend to processes is a differentiator. We highlight Camilo Martínez, Juan Manuel de la Rosa and senior associate Juan Carlos Gambín, who is a young and brilliant lawyer with whom I have worked on several complex transactions.’
Key clients
Advent International
Banco de Bogotá
Centro Editorial El Tiempo S.A. and Printer Colombiana
Cerberus
Cognita Holdings
Crehana Education
Esadinco
Financiera Juriscoop
Fundación Mundo Mujer
General Atlantic – Colombia
Grupo Aval Acciones y Valores
Grupo Bancolombia
Grupo EDS Autogas and Fueltrans
Haina Investments
IDCV Fuel Merqueo
John Laing
Lenus Capital Partners
Linzor Capital Partners
Loto del Sur
Macquarie Capital
Macquarie Asset Management
Shareholders of Masivian
Monashees
Parque Arauco
Patria Investments
Rendifin
Samercol
Shareholder of Pharmalab PHL Laboratorios
Southern Cross Group
Steward Health Care
Supermercados Xtra
Terranum
Transportes Vigía
Waterlogic
Lexzau, Scharbau & Co KG and Leschaco Iberia
Work highlights
- Advised Rendifin on the takeover bid for up to 15% of the shareholding of BAC Holding International.
- Advised John Laing on the acquisition of two electric bus concessions in Bogotá from Somos K Fondo Ashmore Andino II – FCP, and Ashmore Andean Fund II.
- Advised Macquarie Asset Management on its agreement with Odinsa and Grupo Argos, to acquire 50% of Odinsa’s stake in airport concessionaires Opain and Corporación Quiport.
Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uría
Ranking among Colombia’s most dominant corporate practices, Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uría earns plaudits for its ‘specialised lawyers committed to corporate issues’. The international-facing group combines a formidably deep domestic bench with a strong regional network that takes in offices in Chile and Peru; it also benefits from platforms in Europe through its partnership with Iberian powerhouse, Uría Menéndez. Despite being managing partner, M&A heavyweight Martín Acero remains highly sought after by sources for his ‘personalised attention’; he recently advised Ferro and Gema de Inversiones on the acquisition of a 17.64% stake of Hojalata y Laminados. Claudia Barrero is also a go-to corporate specialist and recently teamed up with the firm’s Peru and Chile offices to advise Latam company, Quelaris Internacional, on its acquisition by IMCD Group. In another multi-jurisdictional highlight, Felipe Cuberos advised Inversiones Kaufmann on the acquisition of the Mercedes Benz truck and bus division in Colombia from Daimler. Other key partners include: Juan Carlos Rocha, who blends strength in corporate and real estate matters; Hernando Padilla, who sits in the banking, capital markets and corporate practices; and up-and-coming corporate and restructuring specialist Nicolás Tirado, who recently advised Kaufmann Ventures on the seed round it led in Colombian start-up, Velocity-X. Among the group’s sizeable band of associates, principals Luz María Mercado, Juan José Castaño, David Beltrán and Juan Guillermo Nur all stand out for their broad corporate and M&A activity. Senior associates Paula Buriticá and Alejandro Medina left in May 2022 and November 2022, respectively.
Practice head(s):
Martín Acero; Juan Carlos Rocha; Claudia Barrero; Felipe Cuberos; Hernando Padilla; Nicolás Tirado
Testimonials
‘It is very important to have specialised lawyers committed to corporate issues and company reorganisation processes, who have all the resources (lawyers, tax experts, etc.), so that they can offer their customers a comprehensive service, as is the case with PPU.’
‘The team’s approach to clients is agile, responsive, and due to its way of working as a team, allows relevant issues to have direct line of contact with the heads of the area, who are aware of the development of the advice they have provided to us.’
‘The corporate and M&A team adds value through its partners’ special knowledge of the culture and ways of doing business in China; knowledge that, as our parent company is based in China, represents an invaluable comparative advantage over other law firms.’
‘Martín Acero provides personalised attention, obviously accompanied by his team, and gives us greater reliability in all aspects of the process. We highlight the personal and professional qualities of Mr Acero, his knowledge and management of the issues, as well as his professionalism.’
‘Nicolás Tirado, is effective, agile and, as a result, the entry of our company into the country was obtained in record time.’
‘We highlight the team for its extensive knowledge of the legislation but also for its ability to act strategically with risk mitigation. Lawyers are extremely technically qualified with extensive business knowledge. We consider PPU as a business partner of extreme relevance for the continuity of our local business.’
‘In terms of innovation, PPU has collaborated in making our contracts more accessible to our clients, ensuring legal regularity. It also supports us with simplified due diligence for greater business security, risk mapping and rapid action.’
‘PPU lawyers are differentiated by strengths such as: knowledge of the business; ability to quickly assess risks in an initial look at the cases; ability to work closely with the client’s business and then act as if they were inside the business; and extremely competent and available for support.’
Key clients
Alpha Capital and Vive Créditos Kusida
Siemens
Quelaris Internacional
United Parcel Service Co (UPS)
Talma Servicios Aeroportuarios
Fondo de Capital Privado Colombian Infrastructure Equity Fund
Burger King Corporation
Ferro Limited and Gema de Inversiones
Grupo Energía Bogotá
Pepsico Alimentos
HPX Corporation
Alpha Holding
Cititrust Colombia
Nestlé
Grupo Argos
Alpha Holding
Goldman Sachs & Co
Fondo de Capital Privado CIEF
Inversiones Kaufmann
Work highlights
- Advised Kaufmann Ventures (Güil) on the seed round it led in the Colombian start-up, Velocity-X.
- Acted as Colombian Counsel to Alpha Capital and Vive Créditos Kusida on the sale of their payroll loans portfolio, and other assets, to CFG Partners Colombia.
- Advised Inversiones Kaufmann on the acquisition of the Mercedes Benz truck and bus division in Colombia from Daimler.
Posse Herrera Ruiz
Posse Herrera Ruiz impresses sources with its ability to ‘combine the network, resources and sophistication of a top-tier firm, with boutique-level personalised service’. The comprehensive practice covers the waterfront on corporate and M&A issues and is active across all industry sectors, with particularly strong recent performances in the energy and natural resources, life sciences, and construction and infrastructure spheres. High-profile founding partner Jaime Herrera secures praise for his ‘dedication in every part of the process’; he recently acted as Colombian counsel to Cinven on the acquisition of Bayer Environmental Science Professional. José Alejandro Torres co-heads the team alongside Herrera, and also heads the infrastructure and public law groups; he advised Unilever Colombia on the sale of a food-processing factory and business located in Cali to the local subsidiary of Upfield. Jaime Cubillos ‘constantly explores alternatives for the client’ and paired up with recently promoted partner Susana Gómez (‘a tremendously skilled attorney’) to advise Better Schools, the majority shareholder in Redcol Holding, on an investment and strategic alliance with Cognita Holdings. Gómez also paired up with Gabriel Sánchez to act as Colombian counsel to CorpGroup on the share-purchase agreement to sell its stake in Itaú CorpBanca Colombia. Other senior names include Oscar Tutasaura, whose practice spans a mix of transactional, and compliance and white-collar crime work. The department additionally draws on the growing expertise of several corporate and M&A-focused associates, including Catalina Noreña, Christian Diaz Ordoñez and Camilo Lovera; Santiago Osorio left to undertake his LLM in August 2023.
Practice head(s):
Jaime Herrera; José Alejandro Torres
Testimonials
‘PHR’s practice stands out for its ability to combine the network, resources and sophistication of a top-tier firm, with boutique-level personalised service and responsiveness.’
‘Jaime Cubillos stands at the very top of the corporate law ecosystem in Colombia when it comes to the ability to lead the most complex transactions without sacrificing client service. He has second-to-none client skills and has remained as available and responsive as he was when he was a junior partner.’
‘We have more recently worked with Susana Gómez and witnessed her transition from associate into a partner of the firm. She is a tremendously skilled attorney that has very quickly grown to become a key element of PHR’s services to our company.’
‘This is an excellent law office with a very capable and efficient team. We have worked with other firms and consider Posse Herrera Ruiz to be the best. We would definitely recommend this firm to any new clients.’
‘We have worked directly with Jaime Herrera and his dedication in every part of the process is fundamental to achieving success. He is a true leader. We have also worked with associate Santiago Osorio, who has been very diligent, accessible and a fundamental part of the team.’
‘The team strives to understand the interests of the parties and seek the best possible agreement in a consistent manner. It is also concerned with exploring alternatives for the client, trying to strengthen its position in the negotiations.’
‘Jaime Cubillos constantly explores alternatives for the client, is meticulous in the construction of agreements, reads the evolution of the negotiations and sets the pace according to the client’s needs.’
‘Susana Gómez always demonstrates the best willingness to work, she detects relevant risks in the negotiations and proposes alternatives for client protection.’
Key clients
Cinven
TPB Acquisition Corporation
CorpGroup
Odinsa
Redcol Holdings
Aligned Data Centers
Mubadala Group
Norfund
GSRV Holdings
Medical Properties Trust
Unilever Andina
Gestion y Tecnicas del Agua
Saint Gobain
HDI
Hapag Lloyd
Auvik Networks
HIG Capital
Grupo Orbis
Work highlights
- Acted as Colombian counsel to Cinven on the acquisition of Bayer Environmental Science Professional.
- Acted as Colombian counsel to TPB Corporation on its business combination agreement with Lavoro.
- Acted as Colombian counsel to CorpGroup on the share purchase agreement to sell its stake in Itaú CorpBanca Colombia.
Dentons Cardenas & Cardenas
Dentons Cardenas & Cardenas’s full-service corporate practice routinely advises domestic and multinational clients on M&A, joint ventures and corporate restructurings. With the ability to handle transactions across all key market segments, the team has recorded a significant uptick in activity relating to the mining, real estate and technology spheres of late. Seasoned M&A specialist and department co-head Eduardo Cárdenas brings to bear an impressive CV of involvement in corporate matters, which includes a stint as Microsoft Corporation’s senior regional counsel for Latin America. Mauricio Borrero co-leads the practice and recently advised Upfield Colombia on the acquisition of certain assets in Cali. Jorge Neher spearheads the firm’s energy practice for Latin America and the Caribbean and remains a popular choice for energy and natural resources-related deals; he advised Aris Gold Corporation on a merger process with GCM Mining Corp, under which GCM acquired all the outstanding Aris Gold shares it did not already own. The team also includes managing partner Bernardo Cárdenas, who splits his practice between corporate and M&A, and banking and finance; and energy specialist Santiago González. Key associates include senior Santiago Miramón, who is noted for his growing experience in corporate reorganisations, M&A, and corporate governance issues; and real estate associate director María Paula Álvarez. Associate Felipe Molano left the firm in February 2023. Since publication, Miramón has been raised to the partnership - effective as of April 2024.
Practice head(s):
Eduardo Cárdenas; Mauricio Borrero
Testimonials
‘We highlight the quick response to questions raised and its willingness to lead activities that may require other teams in the firm. We also value its legal knowledge and ability to organise cases.’
‘It is worth highlighting its strong knowledge and ability to employ it in contractual negotiations. The team keeps up to date on specific issues in the sector to provide us with updates and emerging risks.’
‘The relationship is always supportive and friendly. The response times are good, which helps us to keep on top of processes.’
‘A multidisciplinary and broad team that is always available to deal with our issues. Lawyers are highly trained and efficient. Fees are reasonable. In short, a varied and large team with the ability to react in a timely manner.’
Key clients
Sun Valley Capital
Abai Colombia
Applus Servicios Tecnológicos
Bank Of America Merrill Lynch
Tc Transcontinental Packaging
Petroquímica Comodoro Rivadavia (PCR) Investments
PIO Puertos Inversiones Y Obras
New Stratus Energy
Perenco Colombia
Minerales Camino Real / Royal Road Minerals
Ambulancias Aéreas De Colombia
Sociedad Portuaria Puerto Bahía
Upfield
Deva Capital Investment Company
Fondo De Inversión Colectiva Inmobiliario De Renta Davivienda Corredores
Danarius Minerals Corp
Western Atlas Resources
Rio Tinto Zinc
Work highlights
- Advised the real estate investment fund of Davivienda Corredores on the acquisition of the fiduciary rights held by INMOVAL’s collective investment fund.
- Advised Aris Gold Corporation on a merger process with GCM Mining Corp, under which GCM acquired all the outstanding Aris Gold shares it did not already own.
- Advised Deva Capital Investment Company on the assignment of all fiduciary rights held in Colombian and Peruvian trusts to JCAP CFG Holdings.
Garrigues
The Bogotá-based corporate team at international firm Garrigues’ scores highly with sources for its ‘ability to understand the profile and expectations of a large foreign client’. An increasingly prominent player in multi-jurisdictional transactions, the group’s recent work spans deals in the USA, Spain, Mexico, Germany, Brazil, Australia and the Netherlands, among others. Department co-head Ignacio Londoño has over 25 years of experience in corporate transactions and recently paired up with the competition practice to advise Viva Latinamerica shareholders, Viva Air Investments and Pangaea Three Acquisition Holdings I, on the sale of the company to Avianca Group International, a UK-based holding of Colombia-based airline Avianca. Fellow group co-head Andrés Ordóñez has a strong cross-border element to his practice, with a focus on advising strategic investors and private equity funds; he acted in conjunction with the banking and finance team to advise Prosus and PayU on its acquisition of Tecnipagos, a Colombian payment getaway company. Principal Associate Cristina Copete (‘careful to give precise answers’) is also recommended. In April 2023, the group received a significant boost to its restructuring and insolvency offering with the return of Guillermo León Ramírez as a counsel after five years at the Superintendencia de Sociedades’ insolvency unit. Associate Mateo Gómez Mazuera left to join Banco Itaú in March 2022.
Practice head(s):
Ignacio Londoño; Andrés Ordóñez
Testimonials
‘I think the team stands out for its ability to understand the profile and expectations of a large foreign client like us. Particularly in regards to response times, precision in legal analysis, knowing how to differentiate commercial from legal points, risk mitigation and legal diligence, among others.’
‘Andrés Ordóñez and associate Cristina Copete are very good lawyers. The transaction in which we worked together presented particular complexities given the situation of the target and they were always prompt in their responses but, at the same time, careful to give precise answers.’
Key clients
Viva Air Investments and Pangaea Three Acquisition Holdings I
PayU Global
Prosus
FCC Aqualia
Doble Calzada Oriente
Castro Tcherassi
Constructora Conconcreto
Procopal
Andean Telecom Partners
Nubank
Aena
Comsa Corporación
Krealo
Patria Investments
Macquarie Capital
Bancolombia
BikeExchange
Quirónsalud
Clínica Medellín
Galileo Quattro
Baring Private Equity Asia
Skandia Colombia (Old Mutual)
Titularice S.A. Sociedad Titularizadora de Activos No Hipotecarios
Cubico Sustainable Investments
Solarpack
Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira (UTP)
Inchcape Group
Consorcio Express
Mercado Pago
Ilunion
Work highlights
- Advising Viva Latinamerica shareholders, Viva Air Investments and Pangaea Three Acquisition Holdings I, on the sale of the company to Avianca Group International, a UK-based holding of Colombia-based airline Avianca.
- Advising Prosus and PayU on its acquisition of Tecnipagos, a Colombian payment getaway company, via PayU (another payments getaway it already owns).
- Advising FCC Aqualia on the acquisition of Saur Colombia from French multinational Saur, including six concessions for water production and distribution.
Lloreda Camacho & Co.
‘A team that really stands out from the rest’, Lloreda Camacho & Co. is commended by sources on the back its ‘creative solutions and business-friendly approach’. A popular referral choice, the group routinely links up with global, particularly USA-based, firms to advise on the local leg of major, cross-border transactions. As a case in point, the group acted as local counsel to Anglo American, through lead counsel Shearman & Sterling, on the London-based mining company’s $294m sale of its 33.3% interest in the Cerrejón joint venture to Glencore. The transaction was led by M&A co-head Andrés Hidalgo, highlighted for knowing ‘when to insist and when to loosen the rope in a negotiation’, in conjunction with the mining and natural resources team. Department co-head Santiago Gutiérrez is noted for his broad transactional practice, which draws on his activity in the corporate, finance, capital markets, and real estate spheres; he paired up with Hidalgo to advise Grupo BC on its acquisition, through its Colombia subsidiary Lexer Colombia, of 51% of the outstanding shares of Gesti. Other key contacts include Nadia Sánchez, who was raised to associate practice director in April 2023 and provides exclusive support to the corporate and M&A group; and experienced senior associate Vanesa Gonzalez, who is ‘always aware of the details’.
Practice head(s):
Santiago Gutiérrez; Andrés Hidalgo
Testimonials
‘The advice from Andrés Hidalgo and associate Vanesa Gonzalez is excellent. Andrés’ great ability is that he is capable of understanding the client’s business, going beyond legal advice to understand the need to provide comprehensive advice.’
‘In my opinion, the advice provided compares favourably with the advice of other firms. What caught my attention the most is that the advice they provide is very fast and also personalised. The contact with the lawyers is immediate and very easy, which makes it easier for the transaction to flow.’
‘Andrés Hidalgo understands the client’s needs and is always looking to go the extra mile. He knows when to insist and when to “loosen the rope” in a negotiation. His response is very fast and above all his professional quality is impeccable.’
‘Vanesa Gonzalez is very organised, she has the entire transaction in her head, she is always aware of the details and is careful in her way of expressing herself and drafting any legal document. Her customer service is very good.’
‘This firm has a work team made up of highly qualified lawyers. The team’s treatment of the client and flexibility to accommodate their requirements stand out.’
‘The lawyers of this firm are highly trained. They have solid training and experience that they demonstrate through their advice.’
‘It is a team that really stands out from the rest, due to its response times, creative solutions and “business-friendly” approach, which is not so common in the Latin American market.’
‘Andrés Hidalgo is a superstar in every sense of the word – an incredible person and professional. With international-level legal knowledge and great local knowledge but at the same time very practical.’
Key clients
Enel
Biomax
Live Nation
Softtek
Anglo American
Grupo BC
América Móvil (Claro)
Archroma
Roche
Finalsite
Work highlights
- Acted as local counsel to Anglo American (alongside Shearman & Sterling), on the $294m sale of its 33.3% interest in the Cerrejón joint venture to Glencore.
- Advised Enel X and Enel Colombia on the latter’s sale (through its Colombian subsidiary AMPCI Ebus Colombia Holdings) of 80% of its equity interest in Colombia ZE, and the indirect interest in Bogota ZE, to AMP Capital.
- Advised Biomax on the acquisition from Grupo Uribe of 100% of its equity interest in Grupo EDS Autogas and Fueltrans, two significant players in the gas and gasoline retail sphere.
CMS Rodríguez-Azuero
CMS Rodríguez-Azuero’s corporate and M&A practice demonstrates robust experience across all of Colombia’s key industry sectors, with particular expertise in heavily regulated industries such as financial services — including fintech — technology, life sciences and retail. The group also differentiates itself through its ability to plug into the wider firm’s extensive international network for support in multi-jurisdictional matters. Juan Camilo Rodríguez spearheads the group and recently showcased the team’s strong cross-border credentials with his advice to Elektrophoenix on the acquisition of a Colombian engineering company. The group additionally includes corporate and energy specialist Leopoldo Olavarría, who was promoted to partner in March 2023. Key names at associate level include corporate associate director Felipe Molano, who arrived from Dentons Cardenas & Cardenas in February 2023, and intermediate associate Lina Barreto. Two recent departures saw former associate practice director Camilo Caicedo become a paralegal at Foley Hoag LLP in Washington DC, while senior associate María Garrido was appointed Head of Legal at Finkargo.
Practice head(s):
Juan Camilo Rodríguez
Testimonials
‘The firm is clearly an expert in the field and is concerned with solving the legal problems raised. Lawyers not only focus on issuing advice but are also committed to decision making, involvement with the client, and accessibility.’
Key clients
IMCD Group
Elektrophoenix
Scania
Dr Reddys
Bold.Co
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ)
Elanco Animal Health Incorporated
Alan Bursztyn
IDEMIA
CTI Group
Nueva Elektra del Milenio
Work highlights
- Advised Elektrophoenix on the purchase of 100% of the issued and outstanding shares in a Colombian engineering company.
- Advised Bold.co on structuring a $55m funding round led by New York-based private equity player, Tiger Global Management.
- Advised a multinational insurance company on underwriting due diligence.
Cuatrecasas
Cuatrecasas’ team is lauded by sources for its ‘in-depth knowledge and experience’ coupled with its ‘direct and personalised service’. Following the international firm’s Bogotá launch in January 2021, its corporate offering has risen to become a key contender for major deals in Colombia, particularly in the energy and infrastructure spheres. In response to its growing market presence, the team boosted its senior firepower in December 2022 with the hire of Felipe Mariño from Gómez-Pinzón Abogados (GPA); he brings a strong record in real estate, energy, and infrastructure-related work. Juan Felipe Vera continues to lead the department and maintains a broad transactional practice that spans M&A, private equity and real estate; he recently advised Bancolombia Banca de Inversión on its joint venture with Celsia to create an investment platform to develop solar generation projects. The practice also draws on several impressive associates including seniors Carolina Trejos Robledo and Fabio Ardila, as well as intermediate Andrés Felipe Saldarriaga. Principal associate Pablo Martínez left in August 2022 to study abroad.
Practice head(s):
Juan Felipe Vera
Testimonials
‘In-depth knowledge and experience in M&A. “The devil is in the details” is impeccably fulfilled.’
‘We value lawyers for their in-depth knowledge and experience, added to a high commitment to work, 24×7. I highlight associate Carolina Trejos Robledo.’
‘The main advantages of Cuatrecasas, and the corporate and M&A team, are its direct and personalised service and, at the same time, high flexibility, and an ability to simplify problems and achieve results.’
‘The strengths of the team is simple: lawyers offer solutions, they simplify problems, and they achieve results.’
Key clients
Bancolombia Banca de Inversion
Bancolombia
AC Capitales
CountourGlobal
Astara
Summum Projects
Hoya Optical Labs of America
Majorel
Sterling
Vass Consultoría De Sistemas
Essity
Work highlights
- Advising Bancolombia Banca de Inversión on the alliance with Celsia, through a joint venture, to create an investment platform to develop solar generation projects and facilitate the supply of energy generated by alternative sources.
- Advising AC Capitales Infrastructure Fund II on the acquisition of 30% of Doble Calzada Oriente.
- Advising Astara (formerly SK Bergé) on acquiring the controlling interest in Ovando.
Muñoz Tamayo & Asociados
‘Really excellent in the corporate arena’, Muñoz Tamayo & Asociados prominent market reputation is evidenced by the independent firm’s frequent involvement in cross-border deals. In particular, it maintains longstanding relationships with a host of foreign investors, including private equity funds, and is also a popular choice for global law firm referrals. Name partner Diego Muñoz Tamayo leads the department and is widely recognised for his record in public and private M&A, and privatisation transactions. The group also includes Felipe Trías, whose practice encompasses corporate and M&A, banking and finance, and foreign exchange law-related matters. Among the team’s recent highlights, Muñoz Tamayo and Trías paired up to advise Capital International Private Equity Funds on the $344m sale of its stake in discount supermarket chain, D1. Sources also recommend senior associate Juanita Esguerra (‘ready to respond to requests at all times’), who joined in July 2022 from Sodexo. In May 2022, senior associate Alonso de Reyes left to join Baker McKenzie in London, while senior associate Amparo Montes joined the legal team of EssilorLuxottica in October 2022.
Practice head(s):
Diego Muñoz Tamayo
Testimonials
‘This law firm is really excellent in the corporate arena and is also outstanding in the area of commercial negotiation and contracts.’
‘Diego Muñoz Tamayo and associate Juanita Esguerra have taken great efforts to assist our company with corporate and compliance matters in Colombia. They are outstanding, maintain best industry practices, and are ready to respond to requests at all times.’
Key clients
Capital International Private Equity Funds
AMP Capital
Dataprom Equipamentos E Serviços De Informática Industrial
Rentokil Initial
Glencore International
Essilor International
Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan LLP
Kuaishou
Kushki
S&B Engineering and Construction
América de Cali (in reorganisation)
Work highlights
- Advised Capital International Private Equity Funds on the $344m sale of its share capital in discount supermarket chain, D1.
- Advised AMP Capital on its investment in two concessionaire companies that were awarded contracts by Empresa de Transporte del Tercer Milenio – Transmilenio for the provision of electric buses and the operation and maintenance of the associated infrastructure.
- Advised Dataprom Equipamentos e Servicos de Informatica Industrial on various matters related to its participation in the implementation and operation of the collection system for Cartagena’s mass transportation system.
Serrano Martínez CMA
The mid-October 2023 merger of Correa Merino Agudelo Abogados and Serrano Martínez saw the emergence of Serrano Martínez CMA, which – with offices in the key Bogotá and Medellín markets – is undoubtedly at its strongest in the corporate/M&A sector. Additionally able to draw on the firm’s capabilities in competition, labour and employment, real estate and tax law (among other areas), the corporate practice impresses with it’s ‘experience‘, ‘expertise’ and ‘unique and refined strategic approach’. The former CMA team has long been sought after for its specialist knowledge in the emerging market and venture capital spheres, and expertise representing start-ups and investors, while the group from the former SM has developed a reputation for sophisticated mid-market transactions; the combined team also has extensive experience acting for mature domestic and multinational corporations in traditional M&A transactions and general corporate matters. Co-leading the practice, Camilo Merino is recommended for his ability to ‘artfully adapt to complex situations which gives him an excellent strategic edge’, while Juan Diego Martinez provides advice that is ‘clear, to the point and practical’, and is noted for a practice that spans M&A, joint ventures, restructurings and contentious matters. At associate level, key support comes from seniors Sebastián Morales Agudelo, who joined in April 2022 from pension fund, Protección; and Alejandro Medina, a November-2022 hire who joined from Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uría and has a focus on domestic and cross-border M&A. Corporate and M&A-focused intermediate, Valentina Castillo B, is also noted.
Practice head(s):
Juan Diego Martínez; Camilo Merino
Testimonials
‘The service is quite personalised, which generates added value for the client as well as reliability. The support is constant and agile throughout the process, no matter how long it may be.’
‘A superb law firm. I was really impressed from the beginning and I’m happy having chosen them as our law firm.’
‘The team’s main strengths are a deep knowledge of the law within each specialty (corporate, labour, tax, etc), its unique and refined strategic approach, and its great commitment to clients and the work they do. They have walked the extra mile to solve every issue that we have confronted so far.’
‘Camilo Merino’s depth of knowledge and experience is quite remarkable, but most importantly he is able to quickly and artfully adapt to complex situations which gives him an excellent strategic edge. Camilo has a strict commitment to the law, and nicely balances this with creative solutions.’
‘The support of the team throughout the process is exceptional. The firm’s best quality is that throughout the process the lead partner is attentive to every detail and constantly monitors the client.’
‘A young firm with good experience and expertise from its entire team, which allows it to provide high-quality services at competitive prices. It is especially recommended for clients and transactions in the mid-market.’
‘In particular, Juan Diego Martinez, who is the person we have had the opportunity to work with, is always available and with an exemplary attitude to help, solve problems and take the matter forward.’
‘A team of reliable, responsible professionals who study every case thoroughly to perform their best with very high results. Each member of the team shares the same values and commitment to their job.’
Key clients
Vanti
Primax Colombia
Chevron Petroleum Company
Tether Education
Pagos Automáticos de Colombia
Olímpica
Sociedad Portuaria Olefinas y Derivados (Orbia Group, formerly Mexichem)
Éticos Serrano Gómez
Crediseguro
Keralty
Solenis
Laboratorio Clínico Hematológico
Adage Tech Holdings
Chambers of Commerce of Medellín for Antioquia, Cali and Barranquilla
Fluvip
Conconcreto
Incandescent Technologies
CI Uniban
New Ventures Capital
Kiwi International Payments
BTG Pactual
Glasst
Materiales EMO
Textiles Lafayette
El Callao Holdings
Work highlights
- Advised Primax Colombia on the sale of its lubricant business unit, and also on a follow-on transaction involving the sale of the inventory of the business unit.
- Advised the shareholders of Home Sale on the sale of 51% of the company’s shares to Merama.
- Advised Fluvip Ventures on a $10m stock-for-stock swap to acquire Peruvian company Quantico Trends, and its subsidiary in Mexico.
Contexto Legal S.A.
Medellín-based Contexto Legal S.A. houses a broad corporate and M&A offering, which provides ongoing advice to several leading domestic and multinational companies, including Grupo Bio Papel, Evonik, and IFF: International Flavors & Fragrances. The group also stands out for its extensive experience in designing and implementing restructuring schemes. Guillermo Villegas Ortega heads the department and is noted for his significant in-house experience gained during corporate positions at Banco de Colombia, Grupo Corona and Grupo Orbis, among others. Additional key contacts include Sara Marcela Aldana, who is the associate director of the corporate team; and Felipe Restrepo Rincon, who is the associate director of the dispute resolution practice.
Practice head(s):
Guillermo Hernán Villegas
Testimonials
‘Lawyers are good professionals, who are objective in their work, and accompany us as a company in the different legal needs that arise. They are polite, friendly and generate trust.’
’We definitely feel that the firm is our ally. It recognises our corporate spirit and aligns with it. We receive high standards of confidentiality and security in consulting.’
‘The team stands at the forefront of new developments. It feesl part of our company and quickly identifies our needs.’
Key clients
Comfenalco Antioquia
Arkema Colombia
Agua Bendita
Compañía de Créditos Rápidos-Rapicredit
Premex
Grupo Biopapel (Scribe Colombia)
OneLink (Webhelp)
Compañía Colombia de Cacao
Avícola Nacional
Laboratorio Médico Echavarría
Lubrival
Vicunha Colombia
Abrasivos de Colombia
Clinica del Campestre
Mantos Andinos (Grupo Edil)
Crown Colombiana
Farmfolio
Choucair Cardenas Testing
Manufacturas Muñoz (Muma)
The Forest Company
Grupo Eds Autogas
Evonik Colombia
Bearing Technologies
Cueros Vélez
Prebel
OfficePartners360
Marketing Personal
Intergastro
Motoborda
Libera Supply Chain
Mane Sucursal Colombia
International Flavors And Fragrances Colombia
Strategic Data
Talma Servicios Aeroportuarios
Juancho te Presta
Work highlights
- Advised Scribe Colombia — and its Mexican holding, Grupo Bio Pappel — on foreign exchange regulations, corporate governance and contractual matters, among others.
- Advised Evonik on day-to-day corporate matters, including foreign exchange regulations, contracts and corporate governance issues.
- Advised Choucair Cardenas Testing on general corporate matters.
Esguerra JHR
Esguerra JHR’ corporate practice is ‘very agile in its responses, without losing depth in the analysis’, according to some. The team benefits from its ability to lean into the wider firm’s formidable regulatory offering to specialise in advising on transactions involving heavily regulated industries, including financial services, life sciences, infrastructure and energy, among others. Led jointly by Juan Pablo González, whose practice spans corporate, capital markets and finance work, and Andrés Parias, who handles a mix of transactional and compliance matters, the department also includes corporate and finance partner Verónica Arango Lux. December 2022 saw former associate Maria Clara Londoño leave for Bancolombia, but in January 2023, the group welcomed the arrival of associate Felipe Nova Delgado from ONGC Videsh. Since publication, the firm has merged with tax specialist firm Jiménez, Higuita, Rodríguez & Asociados (Tax & customs) to become Esguerra JHR – effective as of February 2024.
Practice head(s):
Juan Pablo González; Andrés Parias
Testimonials
‘The team is very agile in its responses, without losing depth in the analysis.’
Key clients
Protección AFP
AdCap Colombia, Comisionista de Bolsa
Payc
Banaplast
Inversiones de Gases de Colombia (INVERCOLSA)
Grupo de Inversiones Suramericana
Ecopetrol
EPS SOS
Sociedad Portuaria Regional de Buenaventura (SPRBUN)
Work highlights
- Advised Protección AFP on its spin-off process, through which the insurance company Asulado Seguros de Vida was incorporated.
- Advised the shareholders of AdCap Colombia, Comisionista de Bolsa on the negotiation process to sell 100% of its shares to Progresión Sociedad Administradora de Inversión.
- Advised the shareholders of Payc on the sale of 100% of its shares to Egis Consultoría.
Gamboa, García, Roldán & Co.
The ‘multidisciplinary and diverse team’ at Gamboa, García, Roldán & Co.’ is considered unique by some for its ‘ability to understand and work from the client’s perspective’. Equipped to advise clients from all industry sectors on corporate issues, from incorporations through to M&A and MBO processes, the group is particularly well versed in matters concerning the food supply, technology, and automotive sectors. With over two decades of deal-making experience, name partner Daniel García has a focus on corporate and real estate transactions; he co-heads the practice with the ‘technically very good’ Juan Felipe Roldán, who specialises in cross-border transactions - including foreign direct investment. The team also includes corporate partner Monica Pastor and key associates Carlos Eduardo Delgado and Nicolás Mora Barrero. In July 2022, associate Mónica González Pineda joined from Muñoz Tamayo & Asociados.
Practice head(s):
Daniel García; Juan Felipe Roldán; Mónica Pastor
Testimonials
‘Gamboa, García & Cardona Abogados has a multidisciplinary and diverse team, comprised of both men and women professionals, which demonstrates solid knowledge and great practicality. Lawyers are flexible and adapt to customer needs. Deliver on time.’
‘The team’s ability to understand and work from the client’s perspective makes it unique. The team listens and adapts its work to the exact need, additionally, to the extent that they take care of their clients, they proactively anticipate situations and advise comprehensively.’
‘We value that the team takes great care of the client, and the client’s needs, in an integral way, and it does it with a genuine interest in generating holistic relationships where it can contribute as a team on different fronts.’
‘The team provides 100% personalised attention. Juan Felipe Roldán has attended us since 2021 and his advice has been fundamental.’
‘GGCA is very strong in corporate law and M&A. Especially, Juan Felipe Roldán, who is a very good lawyer in these matters.’
‘Juan Felipe Roldán is a very competent lawyer in corporate law and M&A and he is very practical and technically very good.’
Key clients
Finsocial
Exagon Impact Capital
Shareholders of Procibernética
PPC Temkin Flexible Packaging, subsidiary of private equity funds managed by Morgan Stanley
Digitex Informática Internacional
Cosco Shipping Colombia
Corporación Maresa (Ecuador)
Jiangling Motors Colombia
Jokr
Avient Switzerland (formerly PolyOne Corporation)
Bogotá Coque (Colombia branch)
Athenex Inc (and certain of its subsidiaries)
WESCO International (formerly Anixter Inc)
V V Technology (VIVO Worldwide)
Work highlights
- Advised Exagon Impact Capital on the potential purchase of a majority interest in the Colombian Temporal Union Andired and Infraestructura y Servicios de Colombia.
- Advised Jokr on the acquisition of Mercado & Plaza.
- Advised the managers of Procibernetica on a leveraged management buyout,
Holland & Knight
‘Attentive, judicious and always willing to provide top-level advice’, Holland & Knight shored up its corporate offering in May 2023 with its absorption of former tier four-ranked firm, Cuberos Cortés Gutiérrez Abogados. Among the new additions, the department welcomed Gustavo Cuberos, a founding partner at his previous firm, Alba Malagón, who is noted for her experience in cross-border transactions, and next-generation partner Julia Velásquez. The department continues to be steered by executive office partner Enrique Gómez-Pinzón, who splits his time between Bogotá and Washington DC. The team also draws on the senior level expertise of transactional energy specialists José Vicente Zapata and Ines Elvira Vesga, while associates Natalia Cuberos, Diana Paola Serrano and Isabella Díaz provide support. Former department co-head Lucas Saffon-López left the firm in May 2022.
Practice head(s):
Enrique Gómez Pinzón
Testimonials
‘The lawyers at H&K Colombia are attentive, judicious and always willing to provide top-level advice to their clients. In my case, I am located in Mexico City and its support in Colombia is very important to me; they act diligently with the issues laws entrusted to them.’
‘The team knows our business model very well. They are very flexible and are available to support us before regulatory and other government bodies, as well as with our clients.’
‘We value lawyers for their knowledge of our business model, relationship management skills and availability.’
Key clients
QWS Holding
Banco General de Panama
Cemex Colombia
Lenovo (Asia Pacific) Colombia branch; and other companies of the Lenovo Group
Hemisphere Media Group
Productos Ramo
Taikai USA Switchgear
Concentradora Petrolera de Mexico
Getinge Colombia
EXL Services
Locatel Colombia
PUIG Colombia
Elca Cosmeticos Colombia
Plintron Colombia
Panorama
Accor Hoteles
Parra Rodríguez Abogados
Arguably best known for its firm-wide focus on aviation finance, Parra Rodríguez Abogados also provides ongoing corporate advice to its impressive raft of aircraft clients. Outside of the aviation sector, the team enjoys close relationships with domestic and international companies in the manufacturing, life sciences, and technology spheres, among others, with its membership of the Multilaw network proving particularly fruitful in relation to multi-jurisdictional matters. The corporate and M&A department is led by high-profile aviation finance veteran Bernardo Rodríguez Ossa, who also handles corporate transactions. Key support comes from corporate and tax partner Álvaro Parra and junior associate Juliana Agulo Buitrago. Former associate practice director Daniela Martínez Silva moved in house at Genfar in February 2023.
Practice head(s):
Bernardo Rodríguez Ossa; Daniela Martínez Silva
Pinilla González & Prieto Abogados
A client of Pinilla González & Prieto Abogados’ corporate and M&A group awards it the ultimate accolade with the assertion: ‘you know it will get the job done’. The firm’s signature real estate offering translates into a practice that primarily represents companies in the construction and infrastructure sectors on transactional matters. That being said, the team also demonstrates growing activity in the life sciences, energy, and technology fields. Founding partner Felipe Pinilla maintains a broad corporate practice, which combines his skill sets in the corporate, tax, and dispute resolution areas. Pinilla co-heads the department alongside Camilo Andrés Hermida and up-and-coming partner Julian Felipe Rojas, who handles a mix of corporate, estate planning and foreign investment. Associates Lina Maria Ospina and Maria Fernanda Ortiz are also recommended.
Practice head(s):
Felipe Pinilla; Julian Felipe Rojas; Camilo Andres Hermida
Testimonials
‘Working with this team makes us, both as a company and as a family, very comfortable and at ease. The team’s competence is without question and you know it will get the job done.’
‘Even though one knows that, at its core, this is a professional relationship, you feel as though you are working with partners who have your best interests at heart. Julian Felipe Rojas is one of the reasons we trust Pinilla González & Prieto Abogados with our business.’
‘It is a team with great knowledge. Lawyers demonstrate a high level of commitment to their clients and provide permanent support. I highlight the team’s constant interest in finding ways to provide excellent service.’
‘Julian Felipe Rojas is an exceptional advisor; his analytical skills and practicality make him an excellent lawyer, while his support and commitment gives us great confidence.’
Key clients
PCG Constructora
IHS Group Colombia
La Primavera Desarrollo y construcción S en C en Liquidación Judicial
Grupo Metro de Bogotá
Consultimer Group
Fideicomiso Lagos de Torca
Fundación Centro Colombo Americano.
Universal Linc de Colombia
Ab Inbev Middle Americas
1st Class Colombia
Stackpath
Proenfar
Grupo Amarey Nova Medical
Calidad Inmobiliaria
Coltefinanciera
ATC Sitios de Colombia
Partners Fund Colombia
Work highlights
- Advised IHS Group Colombia on the execution of contracts for the acquisition and commercial exploitation of assets to enable it to carry out business in Colombia.
- Advised Empresa Metro de Bogotá on the development of its non-tariff business portfolio.
- Advised Grupo Amarey Nova Medical on distribution agreements for health products with multinational companies.
Solvere
In February 2023, Solvere was formed through the combination of legacy firms Calderon Mejía Abogados, Castro Estudio Jurídico and Lauda Legalto. Tomás Calderón fronts a newly merged team that is ‘always able to come up with a resolution’, according to sources. Among its recent highlights, the group advised key client Allflex Europe (Colombia branch) on a string of matters, including on a private contracting process with the Colombian Association of Pork Farming for the supply of plastic ear tags for pig marking. The team also includes associate Diana Camila Martínez-Arbeláez, who provides support to the tax, corporate and litigation departments.
Practice head(s):
Tomás Calderón
Testimonials
‘What makes this practice unique — even though our communication has been, and continues to be, virtual only — is that responses are effective and, whatever the task may be, the team is always able to come up with a resolution.’
‘Members of the team usually take the initiative to arrange all of the necessary administrative work beforehand, which leads to the processing of transactions running more smoothly and more timely.’
‘I really like that the firm makes reminders of legal obligations that have been contracted with them on previous occasions. Technology, and its implementation, is definitely another feature to highlight.’
Key clients
Hotelbeds (Club Turavia, Colombia branch)
Publicaciones Semana
Super Wow
Permian Global Colombia
Work.r Colombia
Mechero Gas / Termomechero Llanos / Termo Mechero Aguazul
Ingesaenz
Allflex Europe
South American Investment Latin
KEOS (Teamsourcing de Colombia / 724 Media / Clip Clap)
Cold River Investments
CI Global Multi Commodities
Grupo LCG
Cartagena Suites de Manga
Termomorichal
Draeger Colombia
Tensoreye
Norton Rose Fulbright
Inversiones Colombianas Arauco
Gastronomía Italiana en Colombia
Arete Latin America (Colombia)
Ruby Servicios
SAAB Colombia
Merqueo
Hoteles E & M
Bercomex America
Liberty
SAAB Seaeye
Corporación Financiera Azuaga
Dack Trading
Permian Global Research
Termo Mechero Llanos
Alphanumeric Systems
On The Road Colombia
CG BPO
Cael
Termoriente
Erazo Muñoz
Mechero Gas
Allflex Europe Sucursal Colombia.
Search Engine Business
Faro Energy
Helvex Colombia
Hybrid Colombia
Mantenimiento Aseo Servicios
Corporación Mundial De La Mujer Colombia.
Interoceanic Business
27 Zero Studio
Intelbras
Erazo Muñoz Hotel
Engflow
Grupo Helvex
Agrifol
Work highlights
- Advised Alphanumeric Systems on corporate, tax and FX regulation in relation to the provision of working capital to its affiliate company in Colombia Alphanumeric Services.
- Advised Allflex Europe (Colombia branch) on the private contracting process with the Colombian Association of Pork Farming for the supply of plastic ear tags for pig marking.
- Advised Helvex Colombia regarding a corporate reorganisation to regain control of the company.
BBGS Abogados
Praised for its ‘comprehensive management of corporate issues’, BBGS Abogados houses a full-service corporate practice. Equally adept in transactional and compliance issues, the group acts for a wide scope of domestic, regional and multinational clients and demonstrates strength in the retail, TMT, and consumer goods and services sectors. Among the key names, Monica Serrano ‘stands out for her knowledge of the law and the industry’. Serrano co-heads the department together with Luis Felipe Barrios, who specialises in corporate, entertainment and private client work. Senior associate Natalia Manrique is also recommended.
Practice head(s):
Luis Felipe Barrios; Mónica Serrano
Testimonials
‘We recommend the firm for its comprehensive management of corporate issues, its ability to provide responses quickly and the fact that our requirements are addressed by partners directly.’
‘Mónica Serrano stands out for her knowledge of the law and the industry.’
Key clients
Forus Colombia
Blush-Bar
HMC Capital Colombia
Smith & Nephew Colombia
HBO LAG Servicios Internacionales
Turner International Colombia
Servicios Bolívar
Servicios Bolívar Facilities
Mypeople Consultores Organizacionales
Corporación para el manejo Posconsumo de Electrodomésticos Red Verde
Work highlights
- Advised Servicios Bolívar and Servicios Bolívar Facilities on various compliance matters.
- Advised Mypeople Consultores Organizacionales on the sale of 100% of the company’s shares to USA-headquartered Prosci Inc.
- Advised Forus Colombia on the merger between Forus Colombia, Lifestyle Brands of Colombia and UA Colombia.
Brick Abogados
Brick Abogados’ maintains a keen focus on transactional work, with the corporate department representing the largest group in the seven-partner firm. Demonstrating robust expertise across all key areas of practice, from incorporations, through to M&A and spin-off processes, the team is particularly active on behalf of clients in the life sciences, financial services, energy and technology sectors. Senior partner Juan Diego Rodríguez possesses extensive experience in corporate and commercial work, including foreign exchange regulations. Rodríguez co-heads the group together with fellow senior corporate specialist Jorge Castaño, and Santiago Arias, who has an emphasis on the health and technology industries. Senior associate Carlos Kure provides support.
Practice head(s):
Juan Diego Rodríguez; Santiago Arias; Jorge Castaño
Testimonials
‘Very agile boutique law firm, with strong M&A and Tax capabilities. Throughout our work with Brick, we noticed that they repeatedly gave the opportunity to junior lawyers to present and discuss their work, which is a strong indication of focus on developing/nurturing talent.‘
‘Juan Diego Rodriguez and Santiago Arias – both senior partners, very responsive and diligent. Juan Manuel Idrobo – senior tax partner, very detail-oriented, knowledgeable and up to date.‘
‘It is a highly capable team, agile to make the processes walk, and solve. In particular, I like that they are very attentive to all the steps that are required to finalize a transaction and/or project, they are in control. They constantly bring proposals to the table, and add value by seeking simplification. Additionally, they are nice people who make you feel confident. Finally, the administrative part is easy to carry, quite organised.‘
Key clients
Refinancia
Preflex
Clínicos Programa de Atención Integral
Colnotex
Former Shareholders of Acesendo
Grupo Lareif
Desarrollo de Energía Renovable
Mas Equity Partners
Spectrum Propiedades
Autoland
Work highlights
- Advised Preflex on the purchase of all the circulating shares of Pegaucho, including representation before the SIC to obtain authorisation to perform the transaction.
- Advised Refinancia on the sale of certain portfolios of non-performing loans to trust fund, FAP JCAP CFG.
- Advised Desarrollo de Energía Renovable and PCH San Marcos on the corporate internal restructuring process through which the former company merged with, and absorbed, the latter company.
Chalela | Abogados
Energy-related matters are a mainstay of Chalela | Abogados’ corporate and M&A practice, in line with the boutique firm’s specialist industry focus. That being said, the team has recorded a growing share of deals involving the real estate, technology and financial services sectors of late. With strong expertise in the heavily regulated industries, founding partner Federico Chalela can turn his hand to the full range of corporate matters, including M&A, restructurings, and corporate litigation. Associate practice director Julián Fernandez, who has a focus on corporate and commercial issues, is also recommended. In October 2022, associate Andrea Gutierrez left to become legal director at Renting Tuio.
Practice head(s):
Federico Chalela
Deloitte Asesores y Consultores
Deloitte Asesores y Consultores’ practice advises on a wide scope of corporate transactions, commercial issues, compliance matters, intellectual property law and foreign exchange regulations, with its activity in the latter sphere particularly noteworthy. The firm’s comprehensive national platform, which includes offices in Bogotá, Barranquilla, Cali and Medellín, as well as its extensive global network is reflected in its diverse client roster, which includes leading domestic and multinational companies. Experienced corporate and commercial partner Juan Germán Osorio heads the team, with support from legal manager Esteban Jimenez and senior associates Santiago Castellanos and Juan Felipe Vivas.
Practice head(s):
Juan Germán Osorio
Testimonials
‘Deloitte’s lawyers have good expertise on the issues consulted: Juan German Osorio, Esteban Jimenez and Juan Felipe Vivas.‘
‘This team remains open to creating new and better ways of collaboratively work with our company.‘
‘The team led by Juan German Osorio is characterised by a permanent openness and immediate accessibility within reach of a call. This is valuable because we do not like to be a # ticket waiting for anyone’s attention as happens at other firms.‘
Key clients
Canacol Group
Nestle de Colombia
Suramericana
Championx Colombia
Mazda de Colombia
Natura Cosméticos – Avon Colombia
Hilton Worldwide Manage Branchco
DSV Solutions, DSV Air and Sea
Givaudan Colombia
Congrupo
Inteligence Bussines Recovery Colombia
Work highlights
- Provided ongoing advice to the Canacol Group of companies on foreign exchange regulation and corporate law matters.
- Advised Nestlé de Colombia on foreign exchange regulations.
- Provided ongoing advice to ChampionX Colombia on various corporate and foreign exchange matters.
DG&A-Abogados
Attracting strong reviews from sources, DG&A-Abogados secures acclaim for its ability to provide ‘solution-driven brainstorming focused on in-country realities’. The team additionally stands out for its niche strength in the retail sector, including in complementary areas such as franchising, which sees it provide ongoing corporate and commercial advice to major domestic and multinational brands such as D1, American Apparel Colombia and Tugo. Managing partner and department head María Del Rosario Gómez impresses with her ‘extensive experience in the retail business’, while former associate practice co-ordinator Maria Isabel Molinares - who provides ‘detailed and thoughtful analysis’ - was raised to the partnership in January 2023. Associate Juan Carlos Fresen, who supports the corporate and administrative law teams, is also noted. Associate Santiago Adarve left for Dentons Cardenas & Cardenas in June 2022.
Practice head(s):
María del Rosario Gómez; Maria Isabel Molinares
Testimonials
‘We value the team for its willingness and professionalism. Lawyers are very personable; their warmth and integrity makes them unique.’
‘The firm has always been attentive to solving any legal problem that we present to the organisation.’
‘I am the managing partner of an international law firm. DGA has acted as my Colombia office for the past 15 years. Together, we have handled corporate, government relations, litigation, real estate and regulatory issues. DGA is a small, woman-owned firm with superlative talent.’
‘Key strengths include : thorough, detailed and thoughtful oral and written analysis. Excellent negotiation skills. Solution-driven approach. Practical and pragmatic advice. Responsive (rare in Latam). Timely and deadline conscious. Across the board availability. Excellent English language skills.’
‘All my work is led by María del Rosario Gómez and senior associate Maria Isabel Molinares, who stand out for their detailed and thoughtful analysis tailored to the client’s specific situation and needs; and pragmatic, solution-driven brainstorming focused on in-country realities and challenges.’
‘The service and answers to the queries requested by the client are always answered in a timely and concrete manner. We appreciate the willingness of the team to meet customer requirements.’
‘I have a permanent relationship with Maria del Rosario Gomez, a partner of the firm. She has extensive experience in the retail business, which corresponds to the sector in which our company is located. Maria’s responses to our requirements are always very timely.’
Key clients
D1
Outsourcing Servicios Informaticos
Schneider Electric de Colombia
Texmodas
Century Sports
Tugo
VFS Colombia
Selina Group
Eventos Efectivos y Producciones
Makita Colombia
Fit for all
Celplan Colombia, in liquidation
Terumo Colombia Andina
American Apparel Colombia
Atheltic Sport
SPLA Different
Bogotá Occidente
Bioempak
Chilco Distribuidora de Gas y Energía
Ochurus!
Yop Colombia
Translegal
International Tourism Group
Corporación de Crédito Contactar
Opciones Administrativas
Nuvant
Crep Protect
Work highlights
- Provided ongoing advice to D1 (formerly Koba Colombia) on commercial contracts, including agreements with suppliers and lease agreements.
- Advised Texmodas Group on various corporate, compliance and contentious matters, including commercial contract drafting.
- Advised Outsourcing Servicios Informáticos on contracts with public entities, and other commercial and corporate matters.
Goh
Goh’s corporate and M&A group is now under the leadership of tax, energy and foreign trade specialist Juan Pablo Godoy, following the departure of former department head Jaime Moya in February 2023. The firm subsequently hired new senior partner Antonio Núñez in March 2023, who joins from the Attorney General’s Office and brings experience in corporate, finance and business law. With robust recent activity in the energy, technology, financial services and infrastructure spheres, the team is well positioned to advise on the full scope of corporate law work, including compliance issues, M&A and complex restructurings. The practice has aslo seen change at the associate level with the departure of former director Álvaro Sabbagh in August 2023 following that of associate Steffany Serebrenik in March.
Practice head(s):
Juan Pablo Godoy
Key clients
OHLA Progress Enablers
Cardinal Health
Snetor
IG Networks
Grupo Sanford
Nieto Abogados
Lawyers at Nieto Abogados provide ‘personalised attention at the highest level’, according to sources. With a focus on domestic clients and heavily regulated industries, the group is well positioned to advise companies in the energy, telecoms, media, and food and drink industries on M&A, joint ventures, public bidding procedures and other corporate and commercial issues. Firm founder Luis Eduardo Nieto co-heads the practice together with Paula Duarte; together they are highlighted as ‘extremely rigorous, methodical and organised’. Senior associate Manuela Chávarro provides key support. Former fellow senior Juan Sebastian Gaviria left to undertake his LLM in August 2022.
Practice head(s):
Luis Eduardo Nieto; Paula Duarte
Testimonials
‘This is an extremely professional and competent office, which provides personalised attention at the highest level. As a client, it is very important that the most capable people and directors get involved in your work, and this is what the team at Nieto Legal Abogados does. That’s the big difference.’
‘The team maintains the philosophy and orientation of giving everything for the client, and that is highly valued.’
‘Luis Eduardo Nieto and Paula Duarte are extremely rigorous, methodical and organised in their legal practice. Both are very creative and always meet very high-quality standards.’
Key clients
Mayagüez
Conagra Foods Incorporated
Dicermex (en Reorganización)
Ingenio San Carlos
Refractarios Magnesita Colombia
Corporación Financiera GNB Sudameris
ETB – Empresa de Telecomunicaciones de Bogotá
Santiago Cárdenas
AGP Agentes Portuarios
Frontier Agencia Marítima
Seaboard Overseas Colombia
Rotam Agrochemicals Colombia
UPL Colombia
Le Pain Quotidien – LPQ Restaurantes
G Barco
Hospidemics
Identica
Instrumentos y Controles
TCBuen
Mezclas Biomix
Work highlights
- Advised Grupo Gilinski on the acquisition of Publicaciones Semana.
- Advised Grupo Gilinski on the acquisition of El País.
- Advised UPL and Arysta on the merger of Colombian vehicles.
Paniagua & Tovar Abogados S.A.
Long-established boutique firm Paniagua & Tovar Abogados S.A. continues to cement its mid-market footprint, recently winning first-time engagements from clients such as Netherlands-based shipbuilder, Damen Naval, and Spain-headquartered solar company, Energy Silva. The team covers the full life cycle of corporate work, with particular experience in company incorporations, M&A, joint ventures, and restructurings — it also handles contentious and compliance matters. Corporate specialist Michael Moreno fronts the team and is noted for his broad industry experience. Junior associate Daniela Ruiz Londoño provides dedicated practice support. Former associate Luis Felipe Orozco left to join Brigard Urrutia in June 2022.
Practice head(s):
Michael Moreno
Testimonials
‘The service received from Paniagua & Tovar Abogados is excellent both for compliance with schedules, and for its strength in knowledge of different areas. The people who assisted us in the team are excellent: Mario Felipe Tovar, Michael Moreno, Carito Caita Correa, Daniela Ruiz and Edwin Sánchez.’
‘Michael Moreno – gives excellent practical legal advice.’
‘Team Strengths: – Focused on customer needs. They do not assume, they always listen to be able to offer solutions that adjust to the true needs of their clients. Its service packages are not fixed but are co-created with the client. – Very good technical management of the issues to be handled in the services to be provided.– Multidisciplinary team which further enriches the service to be provided. Lawyers with different areas of specialisation, which enriches the service provided and gives clients the assurance that they are in good hands.– Very empathetic and helpful. Excellent service and human quality.– Very timely response times.– Very practical billing. agile and transparent. Sending invoices to the mail for electronic payment, which facilitates payment and traceability. – Very good response time to requests. Always available to serve the customer.– Very personalized service.- Recognized and respected team in the sector. Very creative in solving problems.‘
Key clients
Aus Inversiones
Porfenc Argentina
Weg Colombia
Caria Fl
Damen Naval
Energy Silva
Jhon Matallana Buitrón / Indufrial
Giftmen
Work highlights
- Advised WEG Colombia on the negotiation, structuring and execution of agreements for the supply of goods and services related to the generation of renewable and non-renewable electric energy.
- Advised the investors of Porfenc Argentina on matters connected to a corporate conflict with a local partner in Colombia.
- Advised Damen Naval on the negotiation and execution of a contract for the design of vessels for the Colombian Navy.
Scola Abogados
From its bases in Barranquilla, Bogotá and Cali, Scola Abogados’s corporate and international business law unit takes in a range of transactional, corporate compliance, intellectual property, tax planning, and contentious matters. The group routinely handles work across all of Colombia’s key industry sectors, with a particularly strong recent showing in the life sciences field, where it counts Laboratorios Bussié, Sesderma Colombia, and Annar Diagnostica Import as clients. The full-service team is led jointly by Carolina Solano, who brings to bear extensive international experience; Carolina Munar, who is recognised for her record in the pharmaceuticals and chemicals sectors; and litigator Pedro Munar. Corporate associate Angie Paola Monroy is also noted.
Practice head(s):
Carolina Munar; Carolina Solano; Pedro Munar
Key clients
Impulsando
Inelec International
Poma Colombia
Corporacion Club La Hacienda
Sesderma Colombia
Valrex / Ondina
Annar Diagnostica Import
Coltanques
Constructora Domus
Administradora Country
Biotronitech
Nipro Medical Corporation
Laboratorios Bussié
Chiper
Corporación PCR
Sanulac
Biologische Heilmittel Heel
Heel Colombia
Value Added Information Technologies Solutions
Gloria Colombia
Efecty
Fisiomedica
Corporación Social de Cundinamarca
Work highlights
- Advised Poma Colombia on structuring contracts with its subcontractors.
- Advised Laboratorios Bussié on the structuring, review, and negotiation of contracts with its clients and suppliers, among other matters.
- Successfully defended Sesderma Colombia in trade mark infringement litigation brought by a national pharmaceutical laboratory.
UH Abogados
A firm fixture in the growing Medellín market, UH Abogados recorded a significant uptick in technology and venture capital-related work over the past year, in line with the city’s increasing attractiveness to VC funds. The team, which is praised for providing ‘clear and informed opinions’, also stands out for its experience in the health and infrastructure spheres. Carlos Henao spearheads the department; his practice focuses on corporate, M&A, real estate and commercial law. The group also draws on the experience of transactional real estate and retail specialist Carolina Uribe and corporate and commercial associate Daniela Vélez.
Practice head(s):
Carlos Henao; Carolina Uribe
Testimonials
‘We value the team for its ability to understand the client as well as the personalisation of its advice and support. It is a close, practical team used to dealing with highly complex issues. Its support provides peace of mind and confidence.’
‘Lawyers demonstrate extensive knowledge of the context and aspects that can influence the different processes. They remain close to the client, know the industry and the client, and provide clear and informed opinions.’
‘The UH team is of high legal strength, but its best hallmark is its quality of service. We particularly value its ability to understand business and join the client’s team to achieve results. It is a team that generates professional and personal confidence, speeding up negotiations and above all building alternatives.’
‘We recommend Carlos Henao and associate Daniela Vélez for their strength in M&A negotiations and transactions; deep legal knowledge; high level of preparation for difficult negotiations; and clarity in the pursuit of objectives.’
Key clients
Bancolombia
Intellias Colombia
Finaktiva
Valor+
Microplast – Antonio Palacio & Compania
STLTH International
Renault Sofasa
Avofruit
Puntos Colombia
Auralac
Ecosistemas Digitales
RCI Colombia
Almacenes Flamingo
Haceb Whirlpool Industrial
Somerauto
Ecosistemas Digitales
Caja de Compensación Familiar de Antioquia (Comfama)
Doctus
Congregación de los Hermanos de las Escuelas Cristianas
CI Banafrut
Work highlights
- Advised CI Tropical and CI Banafrut as investors in a multi-purpose port terminal to be constructed in the region of Urabá, known as the ‘Puerto Antioquia Project’.
- Advised the shareholders of El Colombiano and various investors on the sale and purchase of a 56.6% stake of El Colombiano.
- Advised Home Capital on the negotiation with Bancolombia of a simple agreement for future equity (SAFE).
Advocat
Advocat’s team maintains its focus on the retail, energy and technology sectors, where it handles corporate and M&A work for key clients such as Suramerica Comercial (Dollarcity), National Oilwell Varco and Yuno. María Isabel Rodríguez is noted for her growing experience in cross-border matters, including co-ordinating regional advice to global companies. Rodríguez co-heads the group together with María Claudia Armenta, who is recognised for her record in the real and real estate spheres; and Francisco Cabal, who specialises in energy and natural resources. At associate level, intermediate Alejandra Ortiz is the key contact.
Practice head(s):
María Isabel Rodríguez; María Claudia Armenta; Francisco Cabal
Key clients
Movile
British Council
Suramerica Comercial (Dollarcity)
Nabors
Cyclelogic Colombia (Sinch)
National Oilwell Varco
Petroworks
Cartonera Nacional
Andritz Group
MPC Energy
Paladin Realty Partners
Neogas
Tate & Lyle
Finesa
Jobandtalent
Dimel
Biotope
Genproducts
Bichopolis (Biobee Company)
Johanna Ortiz
CXC
Crusardi
Bergé Vigía
Ingenio Pichichí
Yuno
Hitter
Anida Colombia
Functionary Colombia
Clip (Centro Logístico Industrial del Pacífico)
CFG Partners
Beat
Viral Code
AR Construcciones
Monstarlab
Blossom Technologies
Work highlights
- Advised Hitter on its acquisition of Hungry Mob Burgers and Fries.
- Advised Movile on an investment in Mensajeros Urbanos.
Diaz Reus International Law Firm & Alliance
Miami-headquartered Diaz Reus International Law Firm & Alliance is distinguished by its focus on corporate compliance matters. In particular, its international platform and team of dual US and Colombia-qualified lawyers ensures it is a popular choice to advise domestic and regional companies on US compliance and anti-corruption regulations. Bogotá office head Marcela Blanco maintains a broad practice that spans commercial, corporate, compliance, and white-collar crime work. The team also includes associate Marcelo Buendía Vélez, who specialises in compliance and white-collar crime issues, including investigations, litigation, tax crime and anti-money laundering matters.
Practice head(s):
Marcela Blanco; Michael Diaz Jr.; Marta Colomar-García
Key clients
Collaboration Betters the World – Positive Thinking Company
BVP – Birdseye International Corp
Karisma Hotels & Resorts
Grupo CTO
HAE Group
Disargen Oil Services
Tradesio
Santiago Velez & Asociados Corredores de Seguros
Allianz Seguros
Allianz Seguros de Vida
Taller Empresarial
Eduardo Cabello
Fabucredit Corp
Incomser
Work highlights
- Advised Grupo CTO on regulatory matters, and in reaching a settlement agreement with a former director of the company regarding several disputes.
- Advised Positive Thinking Company – Collaboration Betters The World on various matters, including corporate, contractual, and foreign investment issues.
- Advised Birdseye International Corp on various corporate, contractual, and foreign investment matters.
Gallego Abogados
Ten-lawyer strong boutique Gallego Abogados has a emphasis on advising mid-market European and Colombian companies on corporate and M&A matters. In particular, the team is differentiated by its niche focus on representing German-speaking clients on local business law issues. Founding partner Helmuth Gallego fronts the group and is recognised for his activity in corporate, commercial and arbitration work. The group also includes firm deputy director Mónica Gutiérrez, whose practice spans corporate, tax and foreign investment; and senior lawyer Martha Neme, who has extensive experience in securities law.
Practice head(s):
Helmuth Gallego
Testimonials
‘It is a very competent and professional team, they are always aware of legal updates and their implications for industries.‘
‘Their greatest strength is their cordial and professional treatment.‘
‘The Gallego Abogados team is made up of a group of competent professionals who know the sector and the legislation in the field of action of Soluciones Integrales VER. Strong points: 1. Experience. We have the peace of mind of the solidity and experience of the firm. 2. Multidisciplinary team. It is made up of a group of professional experts in each subject. 3. Focused on results: Gallego Abogados is an ally in the development of our businesses. Seeks to generate added value. Skills: 1. Trust: As a company we feel safe and supported by the legal advice provided by Gallego Abogados. 2. Efficiency and greater responsiveness. 3. They are experts on the subject. 4. They are empathetic and always look for solutions. Gallego Abogados is a firm that has experience, is diverse and inclusive; and compare favourably with other firms. Its founding partner is empathetic to our needs.‘
‘What makes the lawyers at Gallego Abogados stand out is the professionalism and punctuality of their responses. Always attentive to answer us, they fulfill professional commitments, they are proactive and purposeful. Dr. Helmuth Gallego, as a founding partner, is a very well-prepared, correct person who provides advice in a timely and accurate manner. We have the peace of mind that his expertise is at our service. Dr. Mónica Gutierrez, as legal deputy director, not only provides us with legal advisory services, but also always seeks to keep us informed of regulatory developments, of what benefits and does not benefit the company. She always seeks to go one step further in a professional manner for the benefit of the client. Dr. Hasley Romero supports us in the review and participation of contractual processes. She is a person who knows the subject, who always seeks the success of the processes.’
Key clients
Busch Vaccuum Mexico
MA Lighting Latinoamerica
Soluciones Integrales Ver
Abo Wind Aktiengesellschaft
Herrenknecht Colombia
Wacker Colombia
Eglo Colombia Iluminación
Deutsch-Kolumbianische Industrie- und Handelskammer / Cámara de Industria y Comercio Colombo-Alemana
German Embassy
Sistema de Fachadas Colombia
Fundación UOC Colombia
Vitronic Dr-Ing Stein Bildverarbeitungssysteme
Hafele Colombia
Human Forest
Marcon Global Services
CNV Internationaal
Work highlights
- Advised an international client on the sale of an energy project in Colombia.
- Advised a client on the structuring and sale of carbon credits under the REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) scheme.
KPMG Colombia
KPMG Colombia fields a full-service corporate and M&A practice, which sources highlight for its ‘in-depth knowledge’. The group’s comprehensive global platform ensures it is frequently engaged by multinational clients to advise on cross-border issues, including local incorporations, M&A deals, spin-off transactions, corporate due diligence, and company dissolutions. Director Martín Escobar Hoyos leads the practice and is noted for his broad international experience. The team also draws on the expertise of infrastructure and public law partner César Barrero Berardinelli and corporate-focused senior associate Felipe López Ramírez.
Practice head(s):
César Barrero Berardinelli; Martín Escobar Hoyos; Cristina Carrizosa Calle
Testimonials
‘It seems to me that KPMG offers a good service. The team has access to lawyers in the different areas of the law in which our company requires support.’
‘We are satisfied with KPMG, which is why we have been with it for several years and have not contacted other law firms to make a comparison. Most important, is the team’s in-depth knowledge of almost all issues and the disposition of the office to serve us.’
Key clients
C I Toyota Tsusho de Colombia
Aspen Colombiana
Tierras de Colombia
Editorial Santillana
Telefónica Cybersecurity Tech Colombia
Gas Natural Servicios Integrales and Gas Natural Servicios Económicos
Work highlights
- Advised Toyota on the structuring, drafting, and negotiation of a joint venture between it and an agricultural company for the distribution of Colombian flowers to different jurisdictions.
- Advised the founding partners of Tierras de Colombia on the incorporation of a new entity in the real estate market.
- Advised Editorial Santillana on the spin-off of one of the local legal entities of the business group.
Sanclemente Fernández Abogados S.A.
Sanclemente Fernández Abogados S.A. secures praise for its ‘cross-practice and cohesive support’, which sources assert ensures holistic advice. The firm’s premier energy and natural resources offering is reflected in its corporate client roster, which is mainly comprised of companies operating in the oil-and-gas, logistics and infrastructure sectors. That being said, the life sciences industry continues to be a growing focus for the group. Group head Diana Sanclemente is a transactional energy specialist with a broad corporate and commercial practice. Other key contacts include Ignacio Giraldo and José Gabriel Fernández, both of whom bring strong energy industry experience, and associate Marcela Mosquera.
Practice head(s):
Diana Sanclemente
Testimonials
‘The attitude of Sanclemente Fernández Abogados’ team is very positive. Lawyers are always willing to provide support on queries and concerns. There is cross-practice and cohesive support among the teams, so you do not feel that you depend on a single person, but rather you feel supported by the firm.’
‘In general, the people we have dealt with seem to be very professional and expert. They not only respond to you, but are focused on ensuring that you understand the advice they give you.’
‘The closeness, easy communication and kindness of the members. In addition, the response to the requirements is normally given in a timely manner. In our case, the contact is with Ignacio Giraldo, Diana Sanclemente and Teresita Cardona.‘