Garrigues > Mexico City, Mexico > Firm Profile

Garrigues > The Legal 500 Rankings

Mexico > Banking and finance Tier 3

The 15-strong team at Spanish firm Garrigues’ Mexico office specialises in project financing, structured financing and commercial bank lending, and has additional experience across a diverse range of financing matters; it can also leverage the firm’s international presence to handle complex cross-border transactions. The practice is led by Mario Juárez, who has long-standing experience in project finance and infrastructure projects. Gabriela Pérez Sierra has substantial expertise in M&A and financings for energy and infrastructure projects, while Leopoldo Fragoso works on securities and asset financing transactions; senior associate Carlos Eduardo Gómez supports the partners on key matters. The group was notably strengthened with the March 2023 hire of veteran banking, finance and capital markets’ specialist, Manuel Groenewold – formerly of White & Case S.C.

Mexico > Tax Tier 3

Garrigues stands out for its prowess and experience in tax controversies, and has recently gone from strength-to-strength in transfer-pricing advice. The firm’s  international presence makes it a strong choice for cross-border matters, particularly those emanating from Spain, and its client base of international companies often instruct the team on corporate tax matters too. Manuel Llaca leads the department and has more than 25 years' experience across tax litigation, transfer pricing and federal tax disputes. Counsel Francisco Barajas is a specialist in domestic tax matters and in resolving issues before the tax authorities; his practice encompasses consulting and controversies. Principal associate Ricardo Fernández de Arellano is especially strong in cross-border work involving Mexico, Spain and the US; and senior associate Iñigo García is the main support on transfer pricing matters.

Mexico > Corporate and M&A Tier 4

The local Mexican office of Spanish full-service giant, Garrigues, fields a 14-strong corporate and M&A practice which was notably strengthened in March 2023 with the hire of banking, securities and M&A practitioner Manuel Groenewold fr0m White & Case S.C.. Steadily building its market presence, the practice has to some extent sought to focus on sectors such as consumer goods, education and health. Recent matters include handling the Mexican aspects of a pair of transactions on behalf of Accenture: one, the acquisition of Austin-based cloud and platform engineering services firm, Headspring; the other the purchase of Alfa Consulting Group. The practice is led by Gerardo Lemus – who focuses on corporate and real estate matters (along with issues such as corporate governance, commercial contracts, and merger-control filings and notifications), in conjunction with Gabriela Pérez Sierra, who has a certain focus on energy project and fintech transactions. Energy head David Jiménez Romero brings further partner-level M&A experience.  Support comes from a group of experienced associate practitioners including counsel Miguel Ángel Rocha (corporate, labour and employment); principals Carlos Eduardo Gómez (corporate, banking & finance, ESG) and Rodrigo Durán de la Vega (banking & finance, M&A); and senior Gabriela Cosío (corporate and dispute resolution – particularly as regards the energy sector). The department’s industry expertise also encompasses financial services, infrastructure, technology, retail and telecommunications.

Mexico > Projects and infrastructure Tier 4

The projects and infrastructure offering at the local office of Spanish firm Garrigues includes counsel on financing, public tenders and construction contracts, primarily for notable industry players in the energy, transportation, tourism and healthcare sectors. The practice is led by David Jiménez Romero, who specialises in public works, concessions, PPPs and project development. Key support is provided by senior associate Gabriela Cosio Patino, who assists with energy, healthcare and tourism projects; in September 2022 she was appointed to the ICC’s Global Arbitration Commission for a period of two years. Ex-practice co-head Roberto Torres left the firm in May 2023.

Mexico > Energy and natural resources Tier 5

Led by well-known projects advisor David Jiménez Romero, the energy and natural resources department at Garrigues’s Mexico City office is part of the firm’s wider offering across Latin America, assisting international and local clients with project development, finance, cross-border transactions, government procurement, regulatory issues, and M&A. Regulatory and environmental law partner Roberto Torres Velasco departed the firm in May 2023.