Rising Stars

Firms To Watch: Corporate and M&A

Led by firm co-founder Paola Molina, Guzmán & Molina, Abogados‘ corporate team has seen strong recent activity in the fields of M&A, commercial contracts and corporate restructurings.

Corporate and M&A in Dominican Republic

Headrick Rizik Alvarez & Fernández

Headrick Rizik Alvarez & Fernández’s broad transactional expertise is a key part of its offering and the team is singled out as having ‘a great deal of experience handling structured transactions’. The team counts multinationals (including key players in the pharmaceutical industry) and large Dominican groups among its clients, advising on general corporate matters and both local and cross-border M&A. The experienced trio leading the team is made up of Jaime Senior, whose practice spans M&A, corporate reorganisations and commercial contracts, Sarah De León and Roberto Rizik. Eileen Jiménez, Carolina Silié, who is a prominent figure on corporate matters in the energy sector, and Fernando Marranzini are also key team members.

Practice head(s):

Sarah De León; Jaime Senior; Roberto Rizik


Testimonials

The firm has a great deal of experience handling structured transactions. Its team is multidisciplinary which allows it to attend to all areas of the transaction as well as successfully carry out the most complex due diligence processes.

It has outstanding partners and associates, among whom I can mention Jaime Senior and Carolina Silié.’

We have had a business relationship with Headrick, Rizik, Alvarez & Fernandez for 35 years. No other firm has shown the efficiency, openness, ethics and transparency that they provide; it is their norm and culture. For us it is essential to work in a safe environment and that is what they provide.

Headrick’s reputation precedes it. It is a prestigious firm that gets the job done. The team are very knowledgeable, with vast experience in many fields that add value to the projects we are working on. I also value that even the senior partners keep up to date with training and post-graduate education. Headrick isn’t just the best firm in the country but is also very well known for its high ethical standards and client-attorney confidentiality.

Working with Jaime Senior is definitely a game changer. He gives you security in the decisions you are making and helps to examine negotiations from all angles, weighing the pros and cons in every possible scenario. Jaime always shows confidence when speaking to his clients and counterparts, which undoubtedly helps get the point across. He also knows when to ask the right questions and makes important connections that we don’t necessarily see from our standpoint.

Carolina Silié has a strong command of energy issues and an excellent relationship with the government authorities. She stands out for her warm disposition and availability.

24/7 availability of the legal team for consultations, document generation and work sessions. Involvement of the other legal practices necessary to provide a comprehensive solution. Proposal of solutions and alternatives in situations that could hinder the closing of the transaction. Continuous follow-up on the closing of the transaction. Fernando Marranzini and Jaime Senior particularly stand out.

Key clients

SK E&S


BBB Foods


Advanced Asset Management


Tabacalera de García


STOA Energy


Cardnet


Grupo Diesco


Grupo SID


Isla Dominicana de Petroleo


Norfund


Dos Pinos


Work highlights


  • Advised Advanced Asset Management on executing its roll-up strategy with respect to companies in the industrial bakery/bread manufacturing market of the Dominican Republic.
  • Advised Isla Dominicana de Petróleo Corporation in connection with its partnership with Sol Investments SEZC, a subsidiary of Parkland Corporation, in order to create the Dominican Republic’s largest network of gas stations.
  • Advised multinational tobacco company Imperial Brands on the sale of certain assets in the Dominican Republic (including Tabacalera de García, the largest handmade cigar factory in the world) as part of the global $1.1bn sale of its premium cigar businesses.

OMG

OMG is praised for its ‘broad knowledge and experience on a range of matters and across industries’ and is able to leverage its membership of international networks, such as the Eversheds Sutherland Latin America Alliance, to assist clients with multi-jurisdictional projects. The key pillars of the practice are the structuring of M&A and foreign direct investment, the establishment of free zones, and regulatory and commercial issues (including production, transportation, distribution and sales contracts). The sizeable leadership group is formed by firm president Leonel Melo, legal strategy coordinator Esperanza Cabral, Johanna Soto, commercial department head Laura Piantini, Gloria Gassó, who was promoted to partner in April 2023, and director of corporate compliance Adewilxe Castillos.

Practice head(s):

Leonel Melo; Esperanza Cabral; Johanna Soto; Laura Piantini; Adewilxe Castillos; Gloria Gassó


Testimonials

They have broad knowledge and experience on a range of matters and across industries.

Esperanza Cabral and the rest of the team, including Johanna Soto, are exceptional.’

The lawyers are highly trained and possess in-depth knowledge of local law and case law. This allows them to provide accurate legal advice adapted to the particularities of the Dominican legal system. OMG has developed solid experience in international transactions and has extensive experience and strong relationships with the country’s government and regulatory institutions. This is crucial to advise clients on compliance with local regulations and facilitate the paperwork and procedures necessary to carry out business operations in the Dominican Republic.

Regarding the strengths and abilities of the team, important aspects include their knowledge of various areas of law, teamwork, the ability to adapt to changes that present themselves in complex transactions, and diversity.

Key clients

Delivery Hero


Inveravante


San Pedro Bio-Energy


Finerty Properties


INICIA


Fiduciaria Reservas


Bolsa de Valores de la República Dominicana (The Dominican Republic Stock Exchange)


Haina Investment


CAF Asset Management


Meliá Hotels International


International Finance Corporation (IFC)


Alere Advisors


Ascend Fund


Lactalis


Akuo Energy


Work highlights


  • Acted as lead legal counsel to Alere Advisors on the acquisition of an indirect stake in Agropecuaria Aliar and its La Fazenda brand.
  • Advised Barentz North America on the Dominican legal aspects of the acquisition of Distribuciones Industriales Variadas.
  • Advised Banesco Holding Financiero on the sale of 100% of its Dominican insurance subsidiary (Banesco Seguros) to a local insurance group.

Pellerano & Herrera

Pellerano & Herrera stands out for its experience in handling foreign investment matters for international companies looking to access the market in the Dominican Republic, as well as cross-border acquisitions. The team also provides ongoing advice to a host of household-name multinationals from the technology, pharmaceuticals, automotive and fashion industries, among others. Managing partner Ricardo Pellerano is a key point of contact for advising major international clients (and also co-heads the China desk). He leads the team with Carolina León, who has particular experience in transactions in the energy and telecoms sectors, Mariángela Pellerano and Alessandra Di Carlo, a go-to name for cross-border transactions.

Practice head(s):

Ricardo Pellerano; Mariángela Pellerano; Carolina León; Alessandra Di Carlo


Testimonials

The team has vast knowledge when it comes to corporate matters, and they are always up to date with changes to the laws of the Dominican Republic. This allows them to advise their clients in a proactive manner, mitigating their legal risks.

Carolina León is a very competent lawyer, with a lot of knowledge and a willingness to help her clients.

Key clients

Equifax


Parkland Corporation


JT International (Japan Tobacco)


Space Exploration Technologies


Novartis International


eXp Realty


Opti-Express


AbbVie


Hanesbrands


Volvo


Wartsila


Avance Capital Dominicana


Bloomberg


Ernie Green Industries


Work highlights


  • Assisted US consumer credit reporting multinational Equifax with the acquisition of 100% of Data-Crédito’s shares.
  • Advised Parkland Corporation on the execution of a share exchange agreement with Simpson Oil.
  • Advised JT International on the transfer of its shares in La Tabacalera to the Dominican state through Fondo Patrimonial de las Empresas Reformadas (FONPER), which represents 50% of the capital of the company.

Squire Patton Boggs

Clients of Squire Patton Boggs commend the team for ‘the management of large M&A transactions with international companies’; it is skilled in acting for multinationals and prominent local clients. The firm’s international presence means it is well equipped to handle cross-border transactions, including M&A, joint ventures and corporate restructurings. The practice is led by office managing partner Alejandro Peña-Prieto (who was recently appointed as leader of the firm’s Latin America practice group), Awilda Alcántara-Bourdier, an expert in commercial and transactional matters, and Pedro O Gamundi, an expert in foreign direct investment. Other notable names are Rhina Martínez Brea and senior associate George Spence, who is proficient in international transactions.

Practice head(s):

Alejandro Peña-Prieto; Awilda Alcántara-Bourdier; Pedro Gamundi


Testimonials

The group is excellent at the management of large M&A transactions with international companies.

Squire differs from its competitors in its combination of a high level of professionalism, deep industry knowledge, extensive experience, highly qualified and multilingual partners and associates, and strong problem-solving capabilities. It is proactive instead of reactive. I would like to highlight Rhina Martínez and George Spence.

They were responsive and detail orientated and no ask was too big. Commercial and pragmatic.

George Spence was an excellent resource and a valuable asset to have on our side. A Trojan when it came to work and he made the transaction possible.

Key clients

Cesar Iglesias


Martí PG


Goldman Sachs Specialty Lending Group


AES Andres


F & S Solar Concept


EGE Haina


Truist Financial Corporation


Frontclear Management


Diageo Latin America/Diageo Dominicana


AraJet


Medtronic


Caterpillar Financial Services, Caterpillar Crédito


Milwaukee Brewers


Vivial Media Holding/Vivial Dominicana


Work highlights


  • Acted as exclusive legal counsel to César Iglesias in its preparation to become the first company to make a public offering of shares on the stock market of the Dominican Republic.
  • Advised Martí PG on the negotiation and execution of a strategic alliance with TotalEnergies to create a 50/50 joint venture uniting the TotalEnergies, Sunix and Tropigas Natural brands.
  • Advised F&S Solar Concept on the sale of the shares in a special purpose vehicle with the rights to develop a solar energy project in the Dominican Republic to Acciona Energía Global.

Guzmán Ariza

Drawing on the support of eight offices in the jurisdiction, the team at Guzman Ariza is highly experienced in the structuring of M&A deals and foreign investments, company reorganisations, and general corporate and commercial issues. In Santo Domingo, the practice is headed by Fabio Guzmán Saladín, who has a strong track record in the M&A arena, with an emphasis on international business transactions, and of counsel Alberto Reyes, while Alfredo Guzmán Saladín, an expert in the hospitality, entertainment, real estate and sports sectors, leads the team in Punta Cana. The practice was bolstered at senior level by the promotion to partner of Pamela Benzán Arbaje in June 2023.

Practice head(s):

Fabio Guzmán Saladín; Alfredo Guzmán Saladín; Alberto Reyes


Key clients

AREND


ALPOSCO Engineering and Construction


The Walt Disney Company


Tyson Foods


HH Global


Ridge Partners


Highgate – Hospitality Investment and Management Company/Hallifax Holdings


KPMG


JTI – Japan Tobacco International


Liquid Agency/McCann


PAWA Dominicana (Pan Am World Airways Dominicana)


12Tree Finance


Elof Hansson


Knauf GIPS


SH Cacao


CO Partners (19 Degrees Services)


Acun Medya


Digital Works Company


UBS Group Investment Bank


Epix Studios – MGM


Gold Star Tobacco


Work highlights


  • Acted as outside counsel for Disney in relation the negotiations, contracts, and due diligence for the production of a television series filmed in the Dominican Republic.
  • Assisted Tyson Foods with two reorganisations of the company.
  • Assisted HH Global with a reorganisation and legal entity integration process internationally.

Jiménez Peña

Jiménez Peña is noted for its experience of advising multinationals and large local groups on their operations in the Dominican Republic, including M&A, corporate reorganisations and corporate governance. It is also active in assisting foreign private equity groups with inbound investments. The team has a particular strong suit in the energy sector, frequently handling foreign investment mandates in this space. Founding partners Luis Julio Jiménez and Marcos Peña Rodríguez, Vilma Veras and Katherine Rosa, a standout name for energy matters, steer the team. Jennifer Beauchamps, who made partner in January 2023, is also a key contact, particularly for company reorganisations.

Practice head(s):

Luis Julio Jiménez; Marcos Peña Rodríguez; Vilma Veras; Katherine Rosa


Testimonials

Collaboration is part of their brand. They have a team which is always at the disposal of the client.

I would like to mention the good service of Katherine Rosa and Jennifer Beauchamps, who offer practicality and quality in their handling of matters.

‘Jiménez Peña has a good relationship with energy players and government institutions in the sector, which gives the firm an extra advantage.

Accessibility. Knowledge of the energy sector. Good networking relationships.

Key clients

Banco BHD Leon


Banco Centroamericano de Integración Económica


Citibank


Portblue Hotels


ARS Humano


Total Energies


Asociación Popular de Ahorros y Préstamos


Interamerican Development Bank (IDB)


International Finance Corporation (IFC)


Banco Activo


Advanced Asset Management


Portland Private Equity


Unilever


Corporación Interamericana para el Financiamiento de Infraestructura (CIFI)


Work highlights


  • Carried out due diligence for Total Eren and GP Capital and advised on the negotiation of the acquisition of 100% of the shares in an SPV for Proyecto Villarpando, a 100MW photovoltaic power plant.
  • Advising Grupo Punta Cana on setting up an export free zone around the Punta Cana International Airport for a logistics hub to provide all goods and services related to the operation of the airport (passenger services, handling facilities, catering services and mechanical services, among others).
  • Acted as local counsel for Total Energies on the due diligence process and negotiation of a strategic alliance agreement with Grupo Martí, as well as corporate, regulatory, contractual, environmental and real estate matters.

Medina Garnes Abogados

Medina Garnes Abogados‘ corporate team is well versed in multi-jurisdictional M&A and corporate restructurings, as well as day-to-day corporate and commercial issues. The firm’s recent caseload reflects its growing strength in the technology sector, where it is active in advising clients on launching, expanding and restructuring their operations in the Dominican Republic. Founding partner Fabiola Medina Garnes leads the team alongside Melissa Silié, who is noted for her advice to both local and international clients on M&A, antitrust issues and distribution agreements. The team can now draw on the expertise of three partners, following the promotion of Patricia Álvarez in June 2023.

Practice head(s):

Melissa Silié; Fabiola Medina Garnes


Testimonials

The team is excellent. They work with a sense of urgency, adjust to the client’s needs, and always defend the client’s interests with solid arguments.

Fabiola Medina and Patricia Álvarez are always accessible, which is impressive. They are always willing to give their best and dedicate themselves to their client completely.

The MGA team has supported us with several cross border transactions and with particular issues in the Dominican Republic. They have always been diligent and knowledgeable about the relevant issues.

Melissa Silié is always willing to help and explain to clients how to proceed with matters in the Dominican Republic.

Melissa Silié is an excellent lawyer and an expert in multiple fields, which allows her to support any multinational company that decides to invest in the Dominican market.

Key clients

Inkia Energy


Moody’s


Kyndryl


Packet Fabric


Spoon


Fin Technologies


Ocean Spray


Moran Mining Group


Banco Sabadell Miami Branch


Concentrix


Corporación Minera Dominicana (CORMIDOM)


Komatsu


Work highlights


  • Advised Inkia Energy on the sale of its local subsidiaries, which operate Parque Agua Clara, one of the biggest wind energy projects in the Dominican Republic, as well as the Peravia Solar I and Peravia Solar II projects, to Energy Group AES Dominicana.
  • Acting as local counsel to Moody’s on the acquisition of SCRiesgo, a leading group of local credit rating agencies serving domestic financial markets in Central America and the Dominican Republic.
  • Assisted technology company Kyndryl with the process of restructuring its distribution chain in the Dominican Republic.

Pellerano Nadal

The leadership group at Pellerano Nadal was strengthened significantly in 2023 with the promotion to the partnership of Urania Paulino (whose broad practice covers foreign investment, international trade and M&A) in January and the arrival of experienced transactional lawyer Marielle Garrigó from Medina Garnes Abogados in February; they lead the practice alongside ‘superstar‘ managing partner Luis Rafael Pellerano. The group is instructed by a diverse client base from the energy, technology, tourism, aviation, retail and consumer goods sectors, among others, to advise on a wide range of matters, including multi-jurisdictional M&A transactions and entry to the Dominican market.

Practice head(s):

Luis Rafael Pellerano; Marielle Garrigó; Urania Paulino


Testimonials

The team really understands how to get things done in the Dominican Republic – not just the laws and regulations, but also the culture. They compare very favourably with other firms.

Luis Pellerano (a real superstar and very trusted counsel) and Urania Paulino stand out.

This is an exceptional firm with exceptional people. I’d buy stock in the firm if I could, it’s so good.

Key clients

JP Morgan Securities


Citigroup Global Markets


Grupo Nutresa


Thyrve


Ruffo


Oscor Caribe


MK Inc of the Palm Beaches


Ayesa Ingeniería y Arquitectura


Compañía de Energía de San Pedro de Macorís (ENERGAS)


Work highlights


  • Advised Grupo Nutresa after Grupo Gilinsky launched a public acquisition offer for up to 62.625% of the shares in the company.
  • Advised a Spanish company on its proposed entry to the Dominican market.
  • Assisting Compañía de Energía de San Pedro de Macorís (ENERGAS) with its participation in a tender for the building and operation of an LNG plant in the Manzanillo port.

Pereyra & Asociados

The team at Pereyra & Asociados excels at assisting clients in every stage of the M&A process, from due diligence to post-closing registrations and filings, including cross-border transactions. The corporate practice also frequently teams up with other departments to handle related tax, labour, contractual and regulatory issues. Founding partner Luis Miguel Pereyra, who has ‘great knowledge and is ‘highly experienced’ in advising local and multinational corporations and financial institutions on corporate planning and transactions, runs the team together with Emma Mejía Batlle, who is sought after for her advice on M&A and commercial agreements.

Practice head(s):

Luis Miguel Pereyra; Emma Mejía Batlle


Testimonials

Luis Miguel Pereyra has great knowledge and is highly experienced.

The team stands out for its specialist knowledge, experience and client service.

Emma Mejía Batlle is extremely responsive, and understands the client’s needs and risk appetite. Emma has been a very trusted adviser in a recent M&A transaction in the Dominican Republic.

Excellent firm that understands the needs of its clients and adapts its strategies so that they are practical and in the best interest of the client in the long term.

I think the standout quality of this office is the experience of Luis Miguel Pereyra. He has extensive knowledge of local legislation and the country’s business environment. His expertise in various topics such as corporate law and litigation gives him a complete perspective on a matter. He also has great professionalism and ethics, and can accompany the in-house team through all the steps of a matter. For any complex matter in the country, he is the lawyer that I recommend.

Russin, Vecchi & Heredia Bonetti

Russin, Vecchi & Heredia Bonetti‘s team is singled out as 'very knowledgeable about national and international corporate legal practices', which stands it in good stead when advising multinational clients on a wide range of corporate matters, including M&A and foreign investment, commercial contracts such as agency and distribution agreements, and establishment in the jurisdiction. The practice is led by managing partner Georges Santoni Recio (an expert in foreign investments and international trade), Jose Maldonado Stark, Luis Heredia Valenzuela and Román Medina Diplan (who heads the firm's Puerto Plata office). Ariel Jáquez Nuñez is another name to note for corporate, contractual and regulatory matters.

Practice head(s):

Georges Santoni Recio; José Maldonado Stark; Luis Heredia Valenzuela; Román Medina Diplan


Testimonials

Delivery and follow-up are the strengths of the team. Despite being a large firm with a wide portfolio of clients, they manage to have a close relationship with each one, establishing bonds of trust that overcome any barrier. They show attention to detail and provide personalised support.

The Russin team is very knowledgeable about national and international corporate legal practices which makes us feel very comfortable working with them. They stand out for their experience in corporate matters.

José Maldonado is diligent and efficient in providing options to resolve issues.

Key clients

Monforte


Cluster Turístico de Puerto Plata


Work highlights


  • Assisted Cluster Turístico de Puerto Plata with maintaining its non-profit status.
  • Assisted Monforte with the sale of its assets to Aroma Coffee Services.

Biaggi Abogados

Biaggi Abogados‘ corporate practice runs the gamut of matters, from M&A and divestments to corporate restructuring, business start-ups and joint ventures. The team has a strong presence in a variety of sectors, including finance, insurance, aviation, health, hospitality and transportation, but the clean energy and e-commerce spaces have been key areas of recent growth. Gustavo Biaggi, who has a good reputation in the domestic market for corporate and foreign investment matters, and Edward Piña, a name to note for advising local and international clients on corporate structuring, lead the practice.

Practice head(s):

Gustavo Biaggi; Edward Piña


Testimonials

Personalised client service. Effective and fast advice in relation to queries.

The team stands out for its attention to detail and excellent client service.

Key clients

Griffin Global Asset Management


Grupo Read


Organización Terpel


Women’s Care Center


Aruze Gaming America


Fulton Vittoria – Arpesa and Peralta


José Dencil Mera


Ecoener


Abraham Selman


Danilo Caro


Esteban Soura (Game Technology)


Muñoz Rosado Family Trust


Camilo Labs


ADOCAMBIO


Work highlights


  • Acted as local counsel to Bain Capital and Griffin Global Asset Management in the capital investment and registration of the Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft fleet in the launch of Arajet, a new ultra-low-cost airline in the Caribbean.
  • Advised online motor insurance company Eprezto on its joint venture with Grupo Read to launch in the Dominican Republic.
  • Assisted Camilo Labs with the due diligence and negotiation of shareholders’ and share purchase agreements for the sale of 80% of its equity to a multinational corporation.

Cáceres Torres

Cáceres Torres is singled out by clients for fielding a team which ‘advises clients on solutions using good business knowledge‘, covering matters from due diligence and corporate governance to the incorporation of corporate vehicles and multi-jurisdictional M&A deals for foreign companies seeking to expand. Managing partner Juan Manuel Cáceres, who provides ‘fast and direct advice‘ to both local and international businesses, sits at the helm of the team with fellow founding partner Rafael Cáceres, an expert in contract negotiation and matters in the mining sector.

Practice head(s):

Juan Manuel Cáceres; Rafael Cáceres


Testimonials

They have a team that demonstrates an interest in business and advises clients on solutions using good business knowledge.

Readily available and understands our business very well.

Juan Manuel Cáceres provides fast and direct advice.

Key clients

Calidra de Oriente


Waterlogic


Panacom Dominicana


Helios Group


Universal Music Colombia


Grupo Lucalza


Scotiabank- Dominican Republic


The Bank of Nova Scotia- Toronto


Falconbridge Dominicana


Zenith Crop Science


Corporación Multi Inversiones (CMI)


Storck Dominicana


Agrointesa Internacional


Molinos Modernos


Molinos del Ozama


Coporacion APX


CV Group


Work highlights


  • Advised Grupo Lucalza on the asset purchase agreement for the sale of its companies in six jurisdictions to Reladyne.
  • Advised Waterlogic on the $6m acquisition of the assets of Onelink Global Group.
  • Advised Universal Music Colombia on all corporate and commercial legal matters related to the second season of the TV show “The Voice-Dominican Republic”.

Castillo y Castillo

Castillo y Castillo‘s corporate and commercial practice advises both large Dominican corporations and multinational businesses on M&A, corporate reorganisations and dissolutions, and related franchising, licensing and technology agreements. Among the key contacts are Práxedes J. Castillo Báez, Sebastián Jiménez and associate Jacqueline Fernández.

De Camps, Vásquez & Valera

The 'highly capable and experienced multidisciplinary team' at De Camps, Vásquez & Valera advises on M&A, corporate restructurings, private equity and venture capital transactions, and general corporate matters for clients from a variety of sectors, including aviation, banking, healthcare, manufacturing, technology, and telecoms, but is particularly well regarded in the energy space. Heading up the practice are Amauris Vásquez Disla, who is skilled in the structuring of foreign direct investments, with an emphasis on the energy and mining sectors, and Diana De Camps Contreras.

Practice head(s):

Amauris Vásquez Disla; Diana De Camps Contreras


Testimonials

Amauris Vásquez shows empathy, business vision and emotional intelligence. He also gives us a sense of security.

Personalised service. The firm’s partners rarely delegate their dealings with clients, showing empathy, quality and trustworthiness. They are always up to date with legal regulations and have relationships with key entities. They are always available to guide and support the client.

The firm has a highly capable and experienced multidisciplinary team that can cover the areas of corporate law that a global corporation requires, and particularly stands out in the energy sector in the Dominican Republic.

Amauris Vásquez and Diana De Camps have extensive experience in this area of law.

Key clients

Potentia Renewable Energy


San Pedro Bio Energy


Banco de Reservas de la República Dominicana


Sergeant Marine Petroleum


Grupo Punta Cana


David Jiménez Pérez


Grupo Cisneros


Acrópolis Center


Kentucky Foods Group


Consorcio Energético Punta Cana Macao (CEPM)


Investco Global Group


Trafigura Beher


Acciona (AE MEX Global)


TCI Internacional


Grupo Rizek (Alpha Holding)


Work highlights


  • Advised Banco de Reservas de la República Dominicana, Banco de Servicios Múltiples (BanReservas) on the expansion of its brand to the US, Spain and Panama.
  • Advised Circon Energy on the due diligence required for the acquisition of Green Wheels Dominicana, which has a concession to operate an 80MW waste-to-energy power plant.
  • Advised InterEnergy company Consorcio Energético Punta Cana Macao (CEPM) on the due diligence required for the acquisition of Agua Clara, which has the concession to operate a wind turbine electrical generation facility.

DMK Abogados

DMK Abogados houses an active corporate practice which advises local and international clients on M&A (including cross-border matters), joint ventures and franchising projects. In addition, the department frequently works closely with the tax team on related issues. The practice is co-headed by managing partner Enrique De Marchena, a go-to name for foreign investment and for advising international clients in the tourism sector (including major players such as Marriott International), and Patricia Read, who specialises in corporate finance and company incorporations and restructurings.

Practice head(s):

Enrique De Marchena; Patricia Read


Key clients

Mariott International


DAS Medical International


Jethro 59


Stendhal Dominicana


Samsic Handling


Oriflame Dominicana


The Foundation Global Group


Firthcourt


Nokia


Esource Dominicana


Kaleyra Dominicana


Work highlights


  • Advised Das Medical on complex corporate issues.
  • Advised Marriott International on its expanding operations in the Dominican Republic.
  • Assisted Jethro 59 with its participation in a public tender.

ECIJA DVMS

ECIJA DVMS' international presence, with a network of offices in Europe and Latin America, leaves it well equipped to handle cross-border M&A, acting as local counsel for an array of clients from trust companies and domestic private clients through to large multinationals. At the helm of the practice, Polibio Valenzuela, who is admitted to practise in New York and the Dominican Republic, is a go-to contact for M&A in the banking, retail, utilities and hospitality sectors, and Gabriel Dejarden is active in corporate finance, M&A and corporate governance (with niche expertise in the baseball industry).

Practice head(s):

Polibio Valenzuela; Gabriel Dejarden


Testimonials

The firm’s level of knowledge is highly specialised. The distinctive thing is their handling of transactions: the team has the ability to understand the particularities that each transaction could have.

The competence of the partners and their willingness to innovate makes them stand out in the market.

Key clients

TC Latin American Partners


CCI Puesto de Bolsa


Pfizer Central America & Caribbean


St. Louis Cardinals


Houston Astros


Asociación de Fiduciarias Dominicanas – ASOFIDOM


Credicefi


New York Mets


Wurth Mexico


CPS


Atlanta Braves


DHL


Texas Rangers


Grupo Lácteo del Caribe (a subsidiary of Cooperativa de Productores de Leche Dos Pinos)


Costa Farms


Work highlights


  • Assisted Pfizer with all legal matters concerning the supply of nearly ten million Covid-19 vaccines to the Dominican Republic’s government.
  • Advised a Major League Baseball team on the update and re-design of the tax and corporate structure necessary to operate its baseball academy in the Dominican Republic.
  • Assisting a major international client in the natural resources industry with the due diligence process for an acquisition as part of its plan to enter the Dominican market.

Raful Sicard Polanco & Fernández

Raful Sicard Polanco & Fernández is best known for its expertise in the aviation sector, but is also active in advising clients in the real estate, energy, maritime and telecoms spheres on M&A, free trade zone matters, company restructurings, and agency and distribution agreements. Notable contacts include Sara Sicard, Hilda Polanco, María Esther Fernández and Ernesto Raful.

Ulises Cabrera

Managing partner José Cruz Campillo, Mónica Villafaña and well-regarded firm founder Ulises Cabrera head up the experienced team at Ulises Cabrera, which has a strong presence in both local and cross-border matters, including M&A, foreign investments, and agency and distribution agreements. The team's international expertise is reflected by Cruz Campillo's long track record of being instructed by Fortune 100 and Fortune 500 companies which operate within the Dominican Republic. Elsewhere, Villafaña is a key contact for multinational clients in relation to M&A, corporate restructurings and commercial contracts.

Practice head(s):

Monica Villafaña; José Cruz Campillo; Ulises Cabrera


Testimonials

This team is extremely professional and provides answers with a lot of clarity. The work is very well analysed and researched.

Mónica Villafaña stands out for her availability and support of clients, and for her accurate advice.

Excellent negotiation skills and attention to detail, at reasonable prices.

Mónica Villafaña and José Cruz Campillo are distinguished by their availability and rapid responses.

Ulises Cabrera’s legal team stand out for their experience and exceptional skills. Compared to other firms, their in-depth knowledge and strategic approach put them in a favourable position. I highly recommend the team due to their excellent legal advice and their ability to adapt to the needs of the ever-changing business world.

The firm’s attorneys are noted for their outstanding experience, strategic focus and unwavering dedication. I would like to highlight the advice of Mónica Villafaña – she is an exceptional lawyer.

Key clients

Asociación Popular de Ahorros y Préstamos (APAP)


Bacardi Dominicana


Bellón


Büsing Müffelmann & Theye for Volkswagen


CCS Companies (CCS USA)


Ebanx


Eiffage Génie Civil Marine


Fresenius Medical Care


Gildan Activewear


Grupo Visabeira


Haleon


Holsum de República Dominicana


Humano Seguros


Inaru Valley Exporters


Instituto Superior de Estudios Especializados en Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades Luis Heredia Bonetti (IES-LHB)


Palliser Furniture


Peravia Motors


Right Constructions


Sociedad Dominicana de Ginecología y Obstetricia


Texquim


Valcopack


Watchfire Signs


West


Zona Franca Industrial de las Américas


Work highlights


  • Assisted Watchfire Signs, a digital billboard enterprise, with its funding of $2m to enter the Dominican market.
  • Advised CCS Companies (CCS USA), an international collection company, on the establishment of a call centre to operate under the free zone regime.
  • Assisted Palliser Furniture with the expansion of its maquila operations in the Dominican Republic.

Alburquerque Abogados – Consultores

Alburquerque Abogados – Consultores benefits from its membership of the Terralex network, which supports the firm when taking on cross-border work, including advising foreign clients on setting up new entities in the Dominican Republic. The team also handles M&A and the implementation of commercial strategies for companies from the tourism, retail and finance sectors. The hotel sector is also a growing area of strength. Managing partner José Manuel Alburquerque Prieto runs the team with Gina Hernández Vólquez.

Practice head(s):

José Manuel Alburquerque Prieto; Gina Hernández Vólquez


Key clients

Caliente Club & Resorts


W2M -Iberostar


Inversiones Naschtia


Aponiente- W2M Group


CDH Carrefour


Inmobiliaria Cerivan


Banco Múltiple Santa Cruz


Martev Dominicana


Sparber Dominicana


David Maurel


Pernod Ricard Dominicana


Tüv Rheinland Certio


Work highlights


  • Advising Caliente Club & Resorts on the execution of due diligence on a touristic development in the north of the Dominican Republic.
  • Advising W2M -Iberostar on the potential acquisition of 65% of the participation of a Dominican company in the tourism sector, as part of the expansion of its operations globally.
  • Assisted Pernod Ricard Dominicana with the recovery of corporate assets and the transfer of shares.

Bobadilla Abogados

Bobadilla Abogados‘ corporate practice spans M&A, the launch of the Dominican branches of international companies, free trade zone laws and corporate finance. Andrés Bobadilla is the key contact, particularly for international corporate and commercial matters.

EY Law Central America

The Dominican branch of EY Law Central America is noted for its ‘modern and global vision‘, as well as being ‘focused on the needs and objectives of the client‘. An increasingly significant element of the group's work is advising on M&A (including cross-border transactions), as well as assisting with company formations and high-value commercial contracts. Practice head Thania Gómez is experienced in advising both local and multinational clients.

Practice head(s):

Thania Gómez


Testimonials

Very committed group who are dedicated to solving the issues that we face.

The team’s delivery and dedication sets them apart.

The firm has a team of highly trained professionals in different branches of law. Their advice is comprehensive, taking into account all the factors that can affect a negotiation.

They are distinguished by their personalised service, adapting to the needs and objectives of the client. Response times are good, and the quality of service is excellent. Results are focused on meeting client expectations.

They practise law with a modern and global vision and are focused on the needs and objectives of the client.

A very capable and technologically very skilled team.

Thania Gómez is an extraordinary lawyer.

Key clients

Ingeniería Estrella


Consorcio Minero Dominicano


Grupo Linda


AR Retail (Forever 21, Old Navy)


Hospital Metropolitano de Santiago (HOMS)


Pérez & Cía


Desarrollo Ambiental Sostenible (DEAMSO)


Hanes


Applus


Kimberly-Clark


POMA


Work highlights


  • Advised DEAMSO on the acquisition of a minority stake in two local entities in the solid waste management field.
  • Advised AR Retail on the incorporation and start-up of the first Old Navy store in the Dominican Republic.
  • Advised Ingeniería Estrella on the negotiation of a $13m inter-company loan agreement.

JJ Roca & Asociados

JJ Roca & Asociados advises on a steady stream of M&A, commercial contracts, foreign investments and corporate governance matters, with additional expertise in telecoms, transport and energy law. Managing partner Jaime Roca and corporate and IP head Sharin Pablo de Roca are the names to note.