Headrick Rizik Alvarez & Fernández's experience in both domestic and cross-border transactions is reflected in an impressive client roster of large local and multinational companies. The team is skilled in M&A, corporate reorganisations, foreign investments and the creation of joint ventures, as well as advising on day-to-day corporate issues and regulatory and compliance matters, with a recent focus on e-commerce and data protection. At the head of the sizeable team, Jaime Senior is highly regarded for his expertise in transactions in the energy sector, and Sarah De León has a broad practice spanning M&A, contracts and distribution agreements, joint ventures and foreign investments. Eileen Jiménez, who stands out for her advice on M&A and distributorship agreements, Mary Fernández and newly promoted partners Fernando Marranzini and Carolina Silié are also key contacts.

OMG advises a wide range of domestic and international clients on M&A, the structuring of foreign direct investments and the establishment of free trade zones, as well as commercial and regulatory matters including distribution and sales agreements and import and export issues. The firm also draws on a number of international affiliations, as part of the Legus network and the Eversheds Sutherland Latin America Alliance, to provide multi-jurisdictional services. The practice is led by firm president Leonel Melo, legal strategy co-ordinator Esperanza Cabral, who stands out for her expertise in M&A and restructurings, Johanna Soto, who advises on M&A, restructurings, foreign investments and estate planning, commercial department head Laura Piantini and senior director Gloria Gassó, who focuses on cross-border corporate transactions, including M&A and joint ventures. The practice was bolstered in August 2021 with the addition of senior consultant Melissa Valdez from Squire Patton Boggs.

Pellerano & Herrera stands out for its strength in advising international clients, acting for a wide-ranging roster of multinational companies from the technology, pharmaceuticals, telecoms and fashion sectors, among others. The team has particular expertise in assisting multinational companies with entering the Dominican market, as well as advising on foreign investments, local and cross-border M&A, and corporate restructurings. In addition, the firm entered a collaboration agreement with global firm Andersen Legal in August 2021, expanding its international reach. The practice is led by managing partner Ricardo Pellerano, who is experienced in high-profile transactions in the banking, real estate and tourism sectors in particular, and Alessandra Di Carlo, who is noted for her expertise in cross-border deals. Carolina Leon is also recommended for her advice to international clients on M&A and foreign investments.

Guzmán Ariza advises on corporate transactions across a wide range of sectors, including real estate and tourism (drawing on firm-wide expertise in these fields), construction, media and entertainment, and food and beverages. The team handles foreign investments and M&A, and has particular strength in assisting clients with cross-border restructurings. Fabio Guzmán Saladín, who has longstanding experience in M&A, restructurings and day-to-day corporate matters in the aviation, banking, construction, energy, real estate and tourism sectors, among others, co-chairs the practice with Alfredo Guzmán Saladín, who takes the lead on corporate and commercial matters from the Punta Cana and La Romana offices. Alberto Reyes is also a key contact, particularly for advising film production companies on corporate matters.

Jiménez Peña has significant experience advising multinational corporations, major local companies and foreign private equity groups on their operations in the Dominican Republic, including assisting with inbound investments, M&A and corporate reorganisations. In addition, the team advises international clients on incorporations and the commercialisation of their products in the Dominican market. Among the team’s areas of expertise are the energy, agribusiness, e-commerce, banking and consumer goods sectors. At the helm of the practice, founding partner Luis Julio Jimenez handles major corporate and commercial matters for domestic and international clients, Marcos Peña Rodríguez stands out for his expertise in the energy sector, Vilma Veras is particularly active in the retail and hospitality sectors, and Katherine Rosa focuses on energy-related M&A.

Medina Garnes Abogados‘ strengths lie in multi-jurisdictional M&A and corporate reorganisations, as well as the incorporation of local subsidiaries of international companies. The team’s broad client base spans the banking, energy, mining, infrastructure, telecoms and hospitality sectors, among others. Alexandra Sánchez, who handles M&A and corporate structuring, leads the team with founding partner Fabiola Medina Garnes, while Marielle Garrigó, whose experience includes cross-border M&A, private equity and venture capital deals, is on temporary leave to advise the Superintendence of Banks of the Dominican Republic. Melissa Silié, who was promoted to partner in June 2022 and is experienced in M&A and restructuring, and senior associate Patricia Álvarez, a corporate finance and governance expert, are also key names to note. Since publication, Garrigó has left the firm - effective February 2023.

Pellerano Nadal is highly regarded for its advice to major local and multinational clients on high-profile domestic and cross-border transactions, including M&A, joint ventures and foreign direct investments, as well as day-to-day corporate matters. Notable areas of strength include the energy, mining and aviation sectors. Practice head Luis Rafael Pellerano is highly experienced in M&A and other international transactions, with an emphasis on the energy and natural resources sectors. Senior counsel Urania Paulino frequently advises on foreign investment, M&A and international trade, as well as distribution and commercial issues, and senior associate B Génesis Rodríguez has expertise in regulatory and compliance matters. Since publication, Paulino has been raised to the partnership, and -in a notable February 2023 hire- the firm has incorporated Marielle Garrigó – formerly of Medina Garnes Abogados – who arrives from a role as special counsel at the Superintendencia de Bancos de la República Dominicana

Pereyra & Asociados frequently assists both domestic and international clients with multi-jurisdictional transactions, including M&A and corporate restructurings. In addition, the team advises on the launch and winding-down of companies in the Dominican Republic, free trade zone matters, commercial contracts and franchise agreements, and regulatory and compliance issues. Its broad client base spans the energy, financial services, food and beverages, manufacturing and aviation sectors, among others. Luis Miguel Pereyra, who is experienced in M&A and foreign investments, with expertise in the energy, aviation, telecoms and mining sectors, leads the team with Emma Mejía Batlle, who is particularly noted for her advice on commercial matters.

Advising clients from highly regulated sectors, including renewable energy, insurance, finance, telecoms and free trade zones, is a key area of expertise for Biaggi Abogados. The team handles the full life cycle of corporate projects from due diligence, M&A and corporate reorganisations to corporate governance and regulatory compliance issues. Firm founder Gustavo Biaggi and Edward Pina, whose practice spans the energy, financial, aviation, hydrocarbons, tourism and pharmaceutical industries, lead the team. Wanda Perdomo and Rosa María Mena are also notable contacts. Since publication, Mena has left the practice for an in-house role.

The broad corporate practice at De Camps, Vásquez & Valera spans M&A, corporate restructurings, and private equity and venture capital transactions, including cross-border matters. The team’s client base includes both domestic and international companies and financial institutions; among its sectors of expertise are hospitality and tourism, aviation, banking, energy, healthcare, manufacturing, technology and telecoms. Founding partner Amauris Vásquez Disla, who stands out for his experience in foreign direct investments (particularly in highly regulated sectors), M&A and joint ventures, co-chairs the practice group with energy and mining expert Nathalie Abreu Mejía.

With a wide-ranging client base, which includes multinational companies from the healthcare, luxury goods, hospitality and telecoms sectors, among others, DMK Abogados frequently advises on M&A, franchising projects, joint ventures and the establishment of free trade zone companies in the Dominican Republic. The team also assists with day-to-day corporate matters, including due diligence, contract design, corporate governance and compliance. Managing partner Enrique De Marchena, who frequently advises on foreign investment, leads the team with Patricia Read, who has expertise in company incorporations and restructurings.

Ulises Cabrera has longstanding experience of advising local and international clients on corporate matters, including M&A, foreign investments, corporate finance, regulatory issues, and agency and distribution contracts. Notable areas of expertise include the financial, technology, healthcare and manufacturing sectors. Founding partner Ulises Cabrera leads the team alongside managing partner José Cruz Campillo, whose practice covers foreign investments, free trade zone matters and agency and distribution law, and Mónica Villafaña, who advises on a wide range of commercial contracts and corporate transactions, as well as competition law.

Part of the Terralex international network, Alburquerque Abogados – Consultores is experienced in advising global companies, particularly in the tourism, retail, real estate, energy and financial services sectors, on their commercial activities. The team also handles cross-border M&A, the establishment of new companies in the Dominican Republic and corporate due diligence. Managing partner José Manuel Alburquerque Prieto advises on M&A and restructurings; he leads the team with Gina Hernández Vólquez, who stands out for her expertise in the tourism sector.

Bobadilla Abogados advises both domestic and international clients on a range of corporate and commercial matters, including M&A and corporate finance (an area where it has been increasingly active). Andrés Emilio Bobadilla Fernández is the key name to note.

With a wide international network, EY Law is able to advise clients on their corporate operations in jurisdictions across Latin America and Europe. The team has recently been particularly active in M&A in the energy, real estate and consumer products sectors; other areas of expertise include joint ventures, corporate reorganisations, foreign investments and commercial contracts. Thania Gomez, who is experienced in advising international clients on M&A and energy-related matters, leads the team.