Cuatrecasas > Santiago, Chile > Firm Profile
Cuatrecasas Offices
AV. NUEVA COSTANERA 3300, PISO 4 VITACURA
7630413 SANTIAGO
7630000
Chile
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Cuatrecasas > The Legal 500 Rankings
Chile > Corporate and M&A Tier 2
The 19-strong corporate and M&A practice at the Chilean office of Iberian law firm Cuatrecasas is consistently mandated on major M&A deals, joint ventures, distressed deals, commercial agreements, and asset and business transfers. Indeed, the team has undoubtedly punched above its weight during the course of 2022, registering a deal volume second only to the market’s largest full-service players. Beyond the strictly transactional sphere, other areas of strength include licensing, corporate restructuring (including due diligence), and contract drafting and negotiating. The office additionally specialises in private equity and venture capital investment matters. Coordinator of the corporate, M&A, banking, finance and capital markets practices, Roberto Guerrero V is a well-known expert in corporate restructuring, corporate governance, and domestic and international M&A; and Macarena Ravinet, Josefina Yávar and Tomás Kubick are also active M&A partners. Corporate and M&A partner Alfonso Ugarte relocated to the firm’s New York office in September 2022, since when (in May 2023) Fernanda Anguita -who advises technology, insurance, infrastructure, and food and beverage companies on corporate, contractual, and transactional matters- has been promoted to senior associate. Since publication, the practice group has been further strengthened with the hire of Michel Diban, formerly corporate/M&A practice co-head at Morales & Besa; concurrently, it also hired labour litigation specialist Raúl Fernández Toledo – previously at his own firm, Saez & Fernandez Abogados – to develop the office’s labour practice (both incorporations are effective as of December 2023).Practice head(s):
Roberto Guerrero V
Key clients
Costa Verde Aeronáutica
Banco Santander Chile
Empresas CMPC
Array Technologies
Compañía General De Electricidad
Sociedad De Inversiones Norte Sur
Edgeconnex
Copptech
Acciona Energía Chile
TVO Sport
Leasity
Sociedad De Inversiones Tajamar
Kayyak Ventures
Majorel
Lorentzen Investment Group
Reversso
Banco Inversis
CAP
Asesorías E Inversiones Ohlstedt
Cintac
Work highlights
- Advising Costa Verde Aeronáutica on the approval of the reorganisation plan for the LATAM Airlines Group.
- Advising Banco Santander Chile, as financial adviser and administrator of the public offer for the acquisition of Enel Transmisión Chile shares.
- Advising CMPC Group on the capital increases of five subsidiaries of the group in the pulp, forestry, real estate and construction businesses.
Chile > Dispute resolution: arbitration Tier 2
Providing ‘complete guidance on arbitration issues', Cuatrecasas' practice comprises experts in international disputes that arise from construction and engineering contracts, energy agreements, and international sales and supplies. The 13-strong team also acts in arbitrations involving international investment protection, services contracts, shareholder and company disputes, and M&A and joint ventures. Clients additionally appreciate the group’s specialist knowledge of other Latin American jurisdictions, particularly Colombia, Mexico and Peru , where the international firm has offices. The department is led by former ICC Secretariat Counsel for Latin America, Cristián Conejero, who routinely acts for major companies in high-stakes commercial and investment arbitrations. Further support at partner level is provided by Gianfranco Lotito, whose wide-ranging practice also covers domestic and international arbitration work; and recently-promoted partner Juan Manuel Rey, whose international arbitration caseload encompasses disputes concerning M&As, share agreements, and construction, infrastructure and concession contracts. Valentina Alamo, whose career includes a stint in Paris at the ICC, is the senior associate to note.Practice head(s):
Cristián Conejero
Testimonials
‘Provides complete guidance on arbitration issues, and excellent support when handling problems and lawsuit strategy.’
‘A lot of experience in international arbitration and professionals of a very good level.’
‘Juan Manuel Rey knows and handles his areas of expertise very well and he is very punctual and specific.’
Key clients
International Consortium Metro De Lima
Work highlights
- Acted for international consortium, Metro de Lima, in an ICSID arbitration against the Republic of Peru, which concerned delays to the construction of Lima’s second subway line.
Chile > Banking and finance Tier 3
The sizeable banking and finance practice at Cuatrecasas‘ Santiago office routinely acts for debtors as well as issuers, guarantors, commercial and development banks, and debt and private equity funds. The team, which ‘handles local and international banking issues very well‘, assists with an array of financings – particularly project finance, banking regulatory issues, and restructurings and refinancings. The group is co-led by Macarena Ravinet, an expert in project financing, financial transactions and capital markets, and banking and finance expert Roberto Guerrero V. Fellow finance partner Alfonso Ugarte divides his time between the firm’s New York and Santiago offices; while principal associate Federico Espinosa, who focuses on banking and finance matters, is a March 2022 hire from Garrigues Chile.Practice head(s):
Macarena Ravinet; Roberto Guerrero V
Testimonials
‘The team handles local and international banking issues very well, especially NY law matters.’
‘Great legal services in the field of corporate finance, including M&A, restructuring and debt issuances.‘
‘Vast experience and detailed advice according to specific situations.‘
‘Macarena Ravinet handles issues with a lot of experience and capacity, and resolves problems to facilitate transactions.’
Key clients
Costa Verde Aeronáutica
Compañia General de Electricidad
Empresas CMPC
Interconexión Eléctrica
CAP
Lota Protein
Atrys Health
Cintac
Softys Brasil
BTG Pactual
Banco de Crédito e Inversiones
Penta Seguros de Vida
Banco Santander
VFS Chile
Citicorp International
Citibank
Banco Inversis
BlackRock
Andean Tower Chile
Itaú Corpbanca
Work highlights
- Advised Costa Verde Aeronáutica (as one of the lenders) on the $3.7bn debtor-in-possession financing granted to LATAM Airlines as part of its exit from a Chapter XI process.
- Advised Inversiones CMPC on the granting of a sustainable syndicated credit facility.
- Advised CAP on restructuring the $290m intercompany debt that its subsidiary Compañía Siderúrgica Huachipato incurred with CAP.
Chile > Bankruptcy, insolvency and restructuring Tier 3
The 10-strong restructuring, insolvency and special situations team at Cuatrecasas' Santiago office acts for creditors, debtors, management teams and shareholders on the restructuring of transactions, production unit sales, and general insolvency proceedings. Clients notably benefit from the group’s cross-border insolvency expertise, as well as the multidisciplinary team’s litigation, finance, and M&A credentials. The practice is led by cross-border insolvency proceeding specialist Gianfranco Lotito, who also co-heads the office’s litigation department; Tomás Kubick's broad practice includes insolvency; and Alfonso Ugarte works across the firm’s New York and Santiago offices. Andrés Lafuente is an active mid-level associate.Practice head(s):
Gianfranco Lotito
Key clients
Costa Verde Aeronáutica
Banco Itaú
AFP Provida
Grupo Suaval
Autorentas Del Pacífico
Enel Green Power
Genau
Work highlights
- Advised Costa Verde Aeronáutica, as one of the DIP lenders, on the $3.7bn financing for LATAM Airlines (as part of its US Chapter 11 proceedings).
- Advised Costa Verde Aeronáutica on approving the reorganisation plan for LATAM Airlines Group.
- Advised mutual guarantee liability companies Suaval, Aval Pyme and Suaval Garantías on the negotiation of their reorganisation plans.
Chile > Dispute resolution: litigation Tier 3
The ‘dynamic team' at the Santiago office of Iberia-headquartered law firm Cuatrecasas comprises specialists in civil, commercial and administrative disputes, as well as experts in reorganisations and insolvencies, particularly in relation to complex business crises. The 14-strong group is also experienced in the private enforcement of competition law. Litigation and arbitration practice head Gianfranco Lotito (‘proactive, personalised attention and critical thinking') is an expert in disputes concerning share sales, transferable securities and company law, as well as -more generally- construction, infrastructure, and agencies and distribution; while Cristián Conejero Roos is a widely-respected commercial and investment arbitration specialist. Key support is provided by principal associate Andrés Lafuente, who acts in insolvency matters, as well as administrative proceedings before public entities.Practice head(s):
Gianfranco Lotito
Testimonials
‘A dynamic team with personalised attention and constant concern.‘
‘Open to looking for new solutions and ideas.‘
‘Cuatrecasas’ way of working makes it easy for the client to review cases.‘
‘Cristián Conejero Roos’ experience in national and international arbitration gives peace of mind when entrusting the firm with these types of procedure.‘
‘Gianfranco Lotito – proactive, personalised attention and critical thinking that allow him to deliver advice to the client responsibly, informing the client of all the risks.‘
‘Principal associate Andrés Lafuente is attentive, committed and greatly involved in cases – great detail and precision in his work.‘
Key clients
AFP Provida
Banco Itau
Empresa de los Ferrocarriles del Estado
Eolica Talinay
Liberty Seguros
Semi Chile
Accor Chile
AFP Planvital
Work highlights
- Representing AFP Provida before the Supreme Court in challenging a Santigo Court of Appeals decision that rejected a motion to declare the illegality of a Transparency Council judgment.
- Defended Banco Itau against multiple litigation cases brought by third parties, including civil and commercial claims and constitutional motions before Chile’s higher courts.
- Represented EFE (and its related company, Ferrocarriles del Sur) in court proceedings against Consortium ECISA SICE, a contractor in charge of the restoration and construction of several rail roads.
Energy and natural resources > Electricity and hydrocarbons Tier 4
Cuatrecasas‘ Santiago office advises on a range of energy projects, including renewables, oil, gas, nuclear plants, and electric roads. The 12-strong team also assists with tenders for energy transmission infrastructure developments, along with power purchase agreements. It additionally acts in energy disputes, as well as before Expert Panels. The team is led by energy M&A and projects specialist, Josefina Yávar with support provided by her fellow former Guerrero Olivos colleagues Roberto Guerrero V (who has considerable experience in energy transactions) and M&A expert Macarena Ravinet, along with energy arbitration partners Cristián Conejero and Gianfranco Lotito. January 2023 saw the team further strengthened with the arrival of Sebastián Leyton (as partner) from the Superintendency of Electricity and Fuels.Practice head(s):
Josefina Yávar
Key clients
Vinci
Banco Santander Chile
Interconexión Eléctrica (ISA)
Compañía General de Electricidad (CGE)
Banco Itaú Corpbanca
Enel Green Power
Genau
Lorentzen Investment Group
EdgeConneX Chile
Work highlights
- Advised Santander Group on the public tender offer of shares of ENEL Transmision Chile.
- Advised Interconexión Eléctrica on its bond issue on the international capital markets.
- Advised ACCIONA Energía on a cooperation agreement with Blue Lines to acquire and develop offshore wind farms in Chile.
Chile > Tax Tier 4
In 2022, Cuatrecasas' Santiago office recruited corporate and international taxation specialist Rodrigo Stein as practice leader from KPMG in Chile (KPMG), where he was Chile tax and legal group head. The team, which also includes former KPMG director and tax expert José Miguel Gazitua (now a senior associate), advises on Tax Administration procedures and the tax side to major transactions, as well as assisting individuals and family offices with tax optimisation and private wealth matters. The practice is particularly focused on mining, natural resources, and energy clients, but also works with investment funds, financial institutions, and start-ups and fintech businesses.Practice head(s):
Rodrigo Stein
Key clients
Brookfield Renewable Power
Empresas CMPC
Banco de Crédito e Inversiones
Fondo Ameris
Vida Security
Penta Vida
Frontal Trust Administradora General de Fondos
Total System Services
BTG Pactual Chile
Anglo American
Teck Resources
Barrick Chile
Glencore Chile
NuevaUnión
Banco Itaú Corpbanca
Compañía General de Electricidad
Mainstream Renewable Power
Leasity
Edgeconnex
Work highlights
- Acted as tax counsel to Brookfield on the acquisition of a majority stake in Solarity.
- Advised Empresas CMPC on the tax side to a $200m bilateral loan for corporate purposes.
- Advised Banco de Crédito e Inversiones, Fondo Ameris, Vida Security and Penta Vida on a syndicated loan to Ameris, which included tax assistance.
Chile > Venture capital Tier 4
Established in early 2021, Cuatrecasas' Santiago office fields a team with significant experience in advising both investors and startups. The five-strong group is led by M&A, corporate governance, investment fund, private equity and VC specialist, Josefina Yávar, a former partner at Guerrero Olivos. In the VC space, Yávar is mandated by VC investors, start-ups, corporate funds and incubators to structure funds and investment vehicles (including corporate venture funds). She also advises investors and entrepreneurs on investments and financings. Key support is provided by corporate and commercial law associate Fernanda Anguita.Practice head(s):
Josefina Yávar
Key clients
Kayyak Ventures
Reversso
Leasity
We-Techs
Copptech
Subcargo
WBuild
BTG Pactual
Work highlights
- Advising Kayyak Venture on its investment in a seed financing round raised by Pulsar.
- Advising Reversso on commercial matters on an ongoing basis.
- Advising Copptech, a Chilean developer of anti-microbial ingredient materials, on commercial matters.
Chile > Labour and employment
Chile > Environment
Latin America: International firms > International arbitration
Cuatrecasas’ prominence in Latin America-related international arbitration field stems from its commitment and track record in Spain, coupled with its growing presence in Latin America itself. Unlike many other international firms, it has a sizeable team of international arbitration specialists based in Latin America. With a steady influx of investment and commercial arbitration engagements, the team is best known for energy, infrastructure and construction cases. It has represented parties in a series of headline infrastructure disputes. Madrid partner Alfonso Iglesia leads the international arbitration group and is hugely experienced in Latin America-related arbitrations, including those involving Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Chile, Panama, Ecuador and Dominican Republic; he has acted in a series of recent ICSID and ICC cases. Santiago partner Cristián Conejero is a senior figure in the team and is noted for construction arbitrations. Alberto Zuleta is another experienced arbitration expert in Bogota along with René Irra in Mexico City and Domingo Rivarola in Lima. Madrid partners Alberto Fortún and Manuel Franco are also active in Latin America cases, both noted for construction, infrastructure and energy disputes. Raised to the partnership in April 2022, Uruguay-qualified Juan Manuel Rey (in the Santiago office), is also noted.Practice head(s):
Alfonso Iglesia
Key clients
International Consortium (ACS, FCC, Webuild, Cosapi, Ansaldo, Hitachi) Metro de Lima
Sociedad Concesionaria Peruana de Vías (COVINCA)
Perú Masivo (Transmasivo)
Work highlights
- Initiated two ICSID arbitrations on behalf of an international consortium regarding the construction of Lima’s second subway line.
- Represented a client in ICSID arbitration proceedings against the Republic of Peru in a €50m dispute relating to a highway concession.
- Represented Perú Masivo in an arbitration initiated by Protransporte (currently, Autoridad Nacional de Transporte Urbano para Lima y Callao – ATU) relating to the rate increase carried out by the concession companies of the Metropolitano system’s public transport service in Lima, Peru.
Latin America: International firms > Banking and finance
Cuatrecasas’ multi-office strategy in Latin America continues to pay dividends. The offices in Mexico, Colombia, Chile and Peru advise a range of financial institutions, funds and corporates on acquisition finance, project finance, trade finance, and refinancings and restructurings, among other matters. It is noted for Spanish law-governed financings and has landed a number of major restructuring engagements. Bogota partner Manuel Quinche leads the team and has a fine record in corporate lending, project finance and real estate finance. Santiago’s Roberto Guerrero V has impressed in the restructuring field and Lima partner Aldo Reggiardo is well regarded for project finance. Mexico City partner León López is another important figure in project finance; while Madrid partner Carlos Lasarte regularly advises on Spanish law financings in Latin America, notably advising Bancóldex on its Spanish law bilateral loan agreement with BBVA.Practice head(s):
Manuel Quinche
Key clients
Bancóldex
Interconexión Eléctrica (ISA)
BTG Pactual
BBVA
Bancolombia
Caixabank
JP Morgan Chase
Inversiones CMPC
Carlyle Global Credit Investment Management
OmniLatam
Work highlights
- Advised Bancóldex on negotiating a bilateral loan agreement subject to Spanish law with BBVA.
- Advised Costa Verde Aeronáutica (as DIP lender) 0n providing financing for Latam Airlines in the US Chapter 11 proceedings and also on approving the restructuring plan for Latam Airlines Group.
- Advised BTG Pactual, Banco de Bogotá, Banco de Occidente and Banco Santander on structuring the corporate financing granted to the ACON Group–Vitalis.
Latin America: International firms > Corporate and M&A
Cuatrecasas is a significant player in Latin America thanks to its offices in Peru, Colombia, Mexico and Chile. Alongside its growing teams in these jurisdictions it has a substantial group of Latin America-facing practitioners in Iberia and New York. It is among the most prolific advisers on Latin America transactions, excluding Brazil. Along with a range of local transactions, the firm has extensive experience in cross-border deals, including private equity investments and exits. In January 2023, the firm absorbed Mexican four-partner firm Rico, Robles, Libenson, S.Cl into its local Mexico office and wider Latin America team – which remains best known for operations in the energy and infrastructure, healthcare and retail sectors. Alfonso Ugarte transferred from Santiago to New York in 2022 to head the Latin America M&A, finance and special situations practice in North America. He joined an established Latin America-facing M&A team there, including Antonio Baena and Diego Pérez-Yarza; Baena recently advised Patria on the sale of Odata, the local company that operates a network of data centres in Latin America. Alfonso Reina led the launch of the Bogota office before returning to Madrid where he continues to have a strong focus on cross-border M&A in Colombia. Peru-based Oscar Trelles is head of the Latin America M&A and private equity practice and has a fine record in cross-border transactions, including intra-regional deals. Chile’s Roberto Guerrero V, Colombia-based Juan Felipe Vera and Santiago Ferrer in Mexico City are also key partners.Practice head(s):
Oscar Trelles
Key clients
Aon Mexico
Bestinver
Cementos Argos
CMB Prime Administradora General
Contourglobal
Copptech Apparel
Edgeconnex
Hortifrut
Hoya Optical Labs of America
IDE Water Technologies
Macquarie Capital
Pernod Ricard Chile
Sapia
Sociedad de Inversiones Norte Sur
Sterling
Stracon
Vass Consultoria de Sistemas
VFS Chile
Work highlights
- Advised Array Technologies on its acquisition of Soluciones Técnicas Integrales Norland (STI Norland), one of the solar market leaders in Spain, Portugal and several jurisdictions in Latin America.
- Advised Patria on selling Odata (Brazil).
- Advised Linzor Capital on selling Mundo Pacífico (Chile).
Latin America: International firms > Projects and energy
Cuatrecasas’ projects and energy practice in Latin America is largely driven by its local office in the region, in Mexico, Colombia, Chile and Peru. It has a broad-based practice covering transport infrastructure, social and community infrastructure, and energy (including renewables, oil and gas, and mining). The firm has worked on a series of road and highway projects in Colombia and Mexico, and advises a range of project sponsors and lenders in the wider region. Bogota partner Manuel Quinche is an experienced project finance expert, especially in the transport infrastructure (including roads, railways and metro lines) and renewables segments. Lima’s Aldo Reggiardo is also a recognised project finance specialist in the energy, infrastructure and mining fields. Mexico City partner León López is another key figure.Practice head(s):
Manuel Quinche; Aldo Reggiardo
Key clients
Vinci Highways, Constructora Conconcreto, Industrial Conconcreto, Vía 40 Express
Concesionaria Férrea de Occidente S.A.S. (wholly owned by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation), Bank of China
Bancolombia, Inter-American Investment Corporation, Inter-American Development Bank
BTG Pactual
Sacyr Construcción
Metro Línea 1
Natixis (New York Branch)
BBVA
Exolum
Unión para la Infraestructura
IDE Water Technologies
Etermar – Engenharia e Construção, Sociedad Anónima Sucursal en la República del Perú
Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation and Société Générale
Banco Davivienda
Currie & Brown
DVP Solar
IBT Health
Work highlights
- Acted as special Colombian counsel to Concesionaria Férrea de Occidente in connection with the financing of the project to design, build, operate and maintain the 40km Regiotram de Occidente railway in Bogotá.
- Advised Metro Línea 1 on a $200m bridge loan governed under Colombian law and a $100m bridge loan governed under UK law for the design, construction, provisioning, operation, development and maintenance of Bogota’s first metro line.
- Advised Exolum Aviation on the infrastructure and regulatory matters relating to the new fuel farm for Jorge Chavez International Airport, Lima.
Cuatrecasas > Firm Profile
Cuatrecasas Chile provides full advice to a wide portfolio of clients in all areas of business law. Our office in Santiago, which opened in 2020, combines our local resources in Chile with our network of offices in Latin America and the rest of the world to offer clients a unique experience that adds value to their business.
With excellent market recognition, our lawyers have extensive experience advising national and international clients on their operations in Chile and abroad. We offer expert advice on the main areas of law, including litigation and arbitration, mergers and acquisitions, venture capital, capital markets, financing, tax law, competition law and energy.
Latin America is a key region for the firm. We currently have around 250 professionals working in the region at our four local offices located in Bogotá, Lima, Mexico City and Santiago. They work seamlessly and use the synergies between offices to provide our clients with comprehensive domestic and cross-border advice, as well as in matters that require efficient coordination between several jurisdictions.
Our clients include many leading Latin American companies as well as a mix of international players from Spain, Portugal and around the globe.
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Litigation and Arbitration | Cristián Conejero | cristian.conejero@cuatrecasas.com | +5622 889 9900 |
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
---|---|---|---|
Valentina Alamo | Associate | View Profile | |
Maria Francisca Bannura | Associate | View Profile | |
Cristián Conejero | Partner | View Profile | |
Franco Dalmazzo | Associate | View Profile | |
Michel Diban | Partner | View Profile | |
Federico Espinosa | Associate | View Profile | |
Raúl Fernández Toledo | Partner | View Profile | |
José Miguel Gazitua | Senior Associate | View Profile | |
Roberto Guerrero | Partner | View Profile | |
Tomás Kubick | Partner | View Profile | |
Andrés Lafuente | Associate | View Profile | |
Sebastián Leyton | Partner | View Profile | |
Macarena Ravinet | Partner | View Profile | |
Juan Manuel Rey | Partner | View Profile | |
Rodrigo Stein | Partner | View Profile | |
Alfonso Ugarte | Partner | View Profile | |
Josefina Yávar | Partner | View Profile | |
Gianfranco Lotito | Partner | View Profile |
- Corporate and M&A
- Dispute resolution: arbitration