Robalino > Manta, Ecuador > Firm Profile
Robalino Offices
MANTA BUSINESS CENTER, OFICINA 1204D
CALLE M2 ENTRE, AVENIDAS 24 Y CALLE 23
MANTA
Ecuador
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Robalino > The Legal 500 Rankings
Ecuador > Banking and finance Tier 2
Robalino acts on behalf of a portfolio of domestic banks in cross-border transactions, focusing on pioneering work on socially motivated finance deals as well as in relation to securitisation and structured finance matters. Key areas of work in this regard include green and sustainable bond offerings, credit facilities, debt restructurings and derivatives transactions. The firm stands out for combining its vision of sustainability with traditional finance work, recently evidenced by its advice to FMO regarding the $6m financing to Ecua America Teak used to finance working capital, capital expenditure and the acquisition of new land to plant teak trees. Director Carol Riofrio stands at the forefront of these efforts, having joined from Grupo FINCA in December 2022, and bringing notable experience from her previous role as legal manager for a bank specialised in microcredits. This role sees Riofrío working closely with Martín Pallares and Javier Robalino, who are specialists in private equity projects and complex M&A deals. In October 2022, the firm saw the departure of seasoned practitioner Jesús Beltrán.Practice head(s):
Carol Riofrío
Testimonials
‘Since the arrival of Carol Riofrío, the group has been on an upward path in terms of quality of care and level of responses. Her commitment and knowledge are indisputable.’
Key clients
Nederlandse Financierings-Maatschappij Voor Ontwikkelingslanden FMO
Pay Retailers
Banco de Guayaquil
Banco Solidario
Grupo Bolivar
Arthur J. Gallagher
Miller Insurance
Atlantida
Jetsmart
Instituto De Investigaciones Socio Economicas y Tecnologicas Insotec
Banco para la Asistencia Comunitaria Finca
Work highlights
- Advised FMO on a $6m financing to Ecua America Teak.
- Advised Pay Retailers on the gathering of information as well as a deal valued at $6m.
- Supported Grupo Bolivar in complex negotiations related to a spin-off and further post–closing matters.
Ecuador > Competition and antitrust Tier 2
Robalino often acts for domestic and international clients in antitrust litigation, pre-merger control clearances, unfair competition matters and cessation agreements with the regulator, a broad offering complemented by the firm’s consultancy division CPA Robalino. Daniel Robalino serves as a main point of contact, steering the team’s efforts in relation to litigation as well as unfair competition and merger control matters, having recently supported the Superintendency of Market Power Control in the development of antitrust compliance guidelines. Javier Robalino is another key figure at the practice, as is special counsel Fausto Alvarado, who is recognised for being the first Competition Undersecretary of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce and playing an active role in policy issues in Latin America.Practice head(s):
Daniel Robalino
Testimonials
‘Robalino’s team has extensive knowledge and command of the legislation, as well as experience based on several precedent cases, which contributes a lot in environments like the one Ecuador faces.’
‘We would say that it is the specific experience in handling competition procedures before the respective control entity that makes Robalino different.’
Key clients
Iberia
Femsa Comercio
Cargill
3M Corporation
Eni
Carlson Wagonlit Travel
La Fabril
Delivery Hero
Alicorp Perú
Egeda
Work highlights
- Represented EGEDA Ecuador against an abuse of dominance claim filed by ASETEL
- Successfully represented Cargill in the antitrust analysis, structuring and filing of a merger control process related to the acquisition of the aquaculture business unit of Empagran
Ecuador > Corporate and M&A Tier 2
Robalino, co-led by Martín Pallares and Daniel Robalino, remains a popular choice for blue-chip national and multinational companies. The department regularly assists clients with large and complex M&A transactions within the Ecuadorian market, the volume of which continues to grow year-on-year. Elsewhere in the team, senior partner Javier Robalino handles a broad range of corporate matters, including cross-border M&A, foreign investment, complex disputes and international arbitration. The group deals with a variety of corporate and commercial matters, from high-end corporate and finance transactions to general corporate and commercial work. Former practice head Jesús Beltrán and senior associate Juan Bernando Guarderas left the firm in September 2022.Practice head(s):
Martín Pallares Sevilla; Daniel Robalino Orellana
Key clients
BOMI
Corporación Omni Invest
H&M
Cargill
Kushki
Colgate Palmolive
Grupo Orbis
Grupo Laar
3M Corporation
Ufinet
Work highlights
- Advising Kushki Pagos on the transition of its business model from a gateway processing model to a payment combinator, resulting in a deal value of $86m.
- Advised Andean Tower Partners on its acquisition of the BTS Group.
- Represented Total Eren on its bid for the Villonaco and El Aromo projects.
Ecuador > Dispute resolution Tier 2
Robalino‘s practice is known for assisting local and multinational companies in domestic and cross-border litigation in large and complex arbitration cases. Managing partner Javier Robalino Orellana is a name to note and heads up the team alongside experienced practitioner Luis Carlos Fernández, who has a high success rate in litigation proceedings. The department's work ranges from high-value arbitrations to assisting clients with day-to-day, complex issues concerning operations in Ecuador, where it acts for household name companies in a range of sectors.Practice head(s):
Javier Robalino Orellana; Luis Carlos Fernandez
Testimonials
‘The strength of Robalino is that they bring partners together with diverse practices to analyse not only the dispute but the underlying agreements. Robalino has individuals who have a background in the substantive transaction giving rise to the dispute, as well as experienced litigators. This allows the team to ask relevant questions related to the underlying transaction which better positions the strategy being employed in resolving the dispute.’
‘Javier Robalino leads the team and given his experience is uniquely positioned to understand the arc of the underlying transaction and the dispute. This enables Javier to map out a strategy to be employed, while still being cognisant of the client’s needs and limitations.’
‘Martín Pallares Sevilla brings an understanding of cross-border transactions to a litigation team which is invaluable in dissecting the underlying deal and understanding the various stress points in the transaction which contributed to the dispute. Martin is also invaluable at understanding the limitations associated with any resolution of the dispute.’
Key clients
CNH Industrial Brasil
CNHI International
Banco de Guayaquil
Carlson Wagonlit Travel
UBER Technologies
Worley International Services
Hyundai Engineering and Construction
Ufinet Ecuador
Generali Ecuador Compañía de Seguros
SK Engineering and Construction
Junefield Gold Investment
Schlumberger del Ecuador
Grupo Bolivar
Davivienda
Andean Tower Partners
Repsol
Perenco
Hancock Minerals
Work highlights
- Defended CNH Industrial Brasil against ALES in a $155m damages claim.
- Represented Worley International Services in all proceedings against the Ecuadorian Comptroller General of the State, which resulted in a deal value of $186m.
- Represented Perenco International in the negotiation of a $471m enforcement and settlement agreement regarding an ICSID dispute.
Ecuador > Energy and natural resources Tier 2
Robalino stands out for its comprehensive offering and is popular among leading oil and gas, mining and energy corporations, which seek advice on the structuring, development, negotiation and financing of upstream, midstream and downstream hydrocarbon projects and mining operations. Leadership of the team is shared between Andrés Donoso and Javier Robalino, experts in project financing, distribution chains and M&A, sought by the likes of Total Eren, Solaris Resources and Energylider. Additional standout practitioners include counsel Ernesto Velasco, a key hire in May 2022 aimed to strengthen the group’s experience in public-private relationships and regulatory matters, and senior associate Pedro Madero, a hydrocarbon specialist. In September 2022, Rafael Valdivieso left the firm, accompanied by Gustavo Almeida and Bruno Pesantes in his move.Practice head(s):
Andrés Donoso; Javier Robalino
Key clients
Solaris Resources
Energylider
Total Eren
Orion Energy
World Fuel Services
Gran Tierra Energy
Schlumberger
Pluspetrol
YILDIRIM
Geopark
Tenaris
Newcrest
Dundee Minerals
World Bank Group
Smart Energy
PCR
Work highlights
- Supporting Solaris Resources during an exploration period in an exploration campaign in Ecuadorian’s mining industry.
- Representing Total Eren in the bidding procedure for a 500MW NCRE, dealing with non-renewable resources, wind and solar projects.
- Advising Schlumberger on day-to-day matters, including an audit to terminate the Pañacocha contract with the Ecuadorian government for approximately $380m.
Ecuador > Real estate Tier 2
With a strong position in the Ecuadorian and Latin American real estate markets, Robalino exhibits strength in a variety of matters, including project investment structuring and construction-related litigation. Arbitration proceedings are also regularly handled by the group. Led by Martín Pallares and Daniel Robalino, who are well versed in corporate issues relating to the acquisition of land and premises, the team is particularly active in the agriculture industry. Key developments in the practice include the departure of former practice co-head Ernesto Weisson in October 2022.Practice head(s):
Martin Pallares; Daniel Robalino
Testimonials
‘Multidisciplinary team’
‘Personalised client service.’
‘Robalino’s team is capable of understanding the business need from the client’s point of view, managing to reach favourable negotiations.’
‘Daniel Robalino definitely manages to be part of his client’s team and this makes him a negotiating ally and knowledgeable about the industry of his client. When they sit down to negotiate, they do so from the business point of view.’
Key clients
Alkavat Holdings
Inmobiliaria Rijona
Colour Republic
Sunshine Bouquet
Semaica
H&M
Orion
La Fabril
Avesca
Work highlights
- Advised H&M on the negotiation and execution of lease agreements with three shopping centres in Ecuador.
- Advised Sunshine Bouquet on various acquisitions of land and flower assets.
- Advising Semaica on the potential sale of a 975-hectare plot named La Estancia La Luz, located in the outskirts of Guayaquil, for approximately $4m.
Ecuador > Tax Tier 2
Robalino continues to make strides towards a leading full-service offering, with a tax, transfer pricing and international commerce team dedicated to issues related to international tax matters, customs, litigation and complex cross-border transactions. Complementing the team’s expertise is the group’s relationship with local tax authorities. Javier Robalino is a standout practitioner, noted for his extensive background in tax and his experience in cross-border transactions, working alongside senior assoiciate and Guayaquil office leader Emilio Aguayo, who draws from his previous role at Servicio de Rentas Internas (SRI). Also from the senior associate ranks, Victor Murillo heads the Guayaquil office alongside Aguayo, specialising in tax litigation and regulatory work. Bolívar Figueroa returned to the firm in October 2022 after working for the Ministerio de Producción, Comercio Exterior, Inversiones y Pesca. In a significant development, Paola Gachet left the firm in July 2023.Testimonials
‘Knowledgeable lawyers, prepared, with a good service attitude and prompt response, extensive coverage in different areas of law.’
‘Well prepared, knowledgeable about the issues they are in charge of, very willing to accompany the concerns that arise and give us solutions or suggestions for the best path to take.’
Key clients
Schlumberger
Attenza DF Ecuador
Colgate
Banco de Guayaquil
Zaimella del Ecuador
Corporación GFP
Pluspetrol
Fadesa
Rosa Prima
LATAM Airlines
Work highlights
- Advising Worley Services on a tax assesment by the SRI that causes an indirect expropriation.
- Advised Eurofish on a claim presented before the SRI relating to a transfer pricing adjustment in transactions made by the company with related parties during fiscal year 2016.
- Representing Continental before the SRI regarding the determination of income taxes for 2018.
Ecuador > Labour and employment Tier 3
The ten-strong labour department at Robalino offers support to domestic and foreign clients seeking advice on their internal restructurings, labour lawsuits and collective bargaining needs. The group demonstrates further expertise acting in mediation hearings as well as addressing claims and inspections made by the Ministry of Labour. Procedural expert Luis Carlos Fernández leads the team, leveraging his arbitration experience to act in complex labour proceedings; recent highlights include the team’s representation of Inepaca in multiple labour claims regarding severance payments filed by former employees. Director Emilio Aguayo is a key contact for dispute resolution. Esteban Baquero departed the firm in September 2022, with Ernesto Weisson leaving the following month. Sergio Mera left the firm in April 2023.Practice head(s):
Luis Carlos Fernández
Key clients
Inepaca
Colour Republic
Transmarina
Schlumberger del Ecuador
Seafman
Corporación Grupo Fybeca
H&M
Bomi Group
Eurofish
Ufinet
OLX Ecuador
Lowell Mineral Exploration Ecuador
FreshFish
Envapress
La Fabril
Grupo Alkavat
Epsodecua
Work highlights
- Assisted Colour Republic in its acquisition of two new farms in a $2m settlement.
- Assisted OLX Ecuador concerning $2m severance payments.
- Assisted Eurofish in its day-to-day relations with its workers, which resulted in a $1.5m per year settlement.
Ecuador > Intellectual property
Robalino > Firm Profile
Robalino Abogados, leaders in our sector, constantly evolving and preparing for the future.
We are a specialized team consisting of lawyers and consultants, constantly seeking to innovate and be on the forefront of new legal and consulting trends.
Currently we have a multi-disciplinary group of more than 220 highly-qualified team members, that includes more than 90 lawyers and more than 80 consultants, to meet the needs of a demanding local and international market.
Our past experience is just the beginning. Our vision is set on new horizons, new markets, and new challenges. We evolve and innovate to continue adapting ourselves to the needs of our ever-changing world.
We strive to be strategic, long-term advisors and “partners” in a safe and trusting environment, intimately understanding the particularities of the industries and businesses of our clients. We customize our tools and systems, using new cutting-edge technologies to allow us to remain leaders in providing professional services, that has local and international experience and recognition.
We also collaborate with, and contribute to, the community by supporting different pro bono initiatives.
We continue to grow, our offices are now in five of the most important cities in Ecuador, becoming the Firm with the largest presence in the country.
The majority of the firm’s lawyers are based in Quito, but the firm also has a sizeable headcount in Guayaquil, where we compete with the most established local rivals. The firm’s presence in the port city of Manta helps to cater to clients in Ecuador’s important fishing industry while a team in the office of Machala (in El Oro province) is set to work with the local agribusiness and mining companies. This year we launched an office in the city of Cuenca (Azuay province), well known for its industrial sector, tourism, mining, imports, and exports among others.
Main areas of practice
Arbitration and mediation: Our professionals are widely recognized locally and regionally due to the design and implementation of creative, effective, and practical strategies based on their vast knowledge in applying alternative dispute resolution methods.
Competition: ROBALINO has significant experience in competition law, having advised local and international clients on a wide range of issues regarding free competition and unfair competition.
Corporate: The corporate area at ROBALINO provides consulting to local and multinational companies on a variety of issues. The situations that our corporate team specializes in includes daily corporate operations, structuring and implementing complex transactions, and efficiently managing extraordinary circumstances.
Energy and natural resources: For several years, we have represented the largest national and foreign companies in the oil, mining and energy sectors. We advise oil and gas companies in negotiating, structuring, developing and financing upstream, midstream and downstream hydrocarbons projects. We have an intimate knowledge of these areas and their mechanisms, leading to effective results for our clients.
Intellectual property: We provide consulting services to local and international companies in different industries. We constantly monitor different trademarks, and identify intangible assets that require additional protection. Likewise, our team has advised several companies on their creations and inventions, providing them with legal defense in situations that merit it, safeguarding the interests of our clients.
Labor: ROBALINO has a team of more than ten highly experienced in labor law and labor litigation. Our team members also specialize in other areas of Law, allowing them provide comprehensive consulting services and key insights to our clients.
The labor area of ROBALINO provides consulting services to local and international companies on different labor-related issues.
Life sciences: ROBALINO has an experienced team of professionals, including lawyers, engineers, biochemists and others, which provides creative solutions to issues arising when obtaining permits, registrations, and notifications required by the corresponding authorities
Litigation: The litigation area of ROBALINO provides its clients with effective solutions to any dispute, accompanying and advising them throughout the litigation process. The area has very high conflict-resolution success rates.
The firm has significant experience in civil, commercial, labor, and administrative litigation processes with a highly relevant success rate.
Mergers and acquisitions: ROBALINO provides consulting services to local, multinational, and multilateral organization, as well as small and medium enterprises, entrepreneurs, and financial advisors in complex corporate transactions, calling on our vast experience on a local, regional and international level in all business segments.
Personal data protection: ROBALINO is a pioneer in the defense and protection of personal data in Ecuador, providing consulting services to large multinationals for their businesses in the country. We have performed several data protection audits for companies that have requested this service to fulfill international laws and guidelines.
Real estate: ROBALINO has a long-standing and widely recognized reputation in real estate law both inside Ecuador and around Latin America. The real estate area consists of more than eight highly-experienced lawyers who have participated in the region’s most relevant operations in recent years
Tax: The tax area of ROBALINO provides consulting services to local and foreign companies on meeting tax obligations, and designing and implementing efficient tax structures under the current law.
The tax area of ROBALINO actively participated in structuring and undertaking different fiscal transactions and structures that require highly specialized tax knowledge and expertise. This includes negotiations, asset acquisition, project financing, price analyses, and leveraging tax benefits for different initiatives.
Offices: We continue to grow, our offices are now in five of the most important cities in Ecuador, becoming the Firm with the largest presence in the country. We have offices in Quito, Guayaquil, Manta, Machala and Cuenca.
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Dispute Resolution | Javier Robalino | jrobalino@robalinolaw.com | +593 (2) 381-0950 |
Energy | Andrés Donoso | adonoso@robalinolaw.com | +593 (2) 381-0950 |
Corporate, Real Estate | Martín Pallares | mpallares@robalinolaw.com | +593 (2) 381-0950 |
Intellectual Property, Data Protection | Pedro Córdova | pcordova@robalinolaw.com | +593 (2) 381-0950 |
Tax | Paola Gachet | pgachet@robalinolaw.com | +593 (2) 381-0950 |
Labor | Luis Carlos Fernández | lcfernandez@robalinolaw.com | +593 (2) 381-0950 |
Competition/Antitrust | Daniel Robalino | drobalino@robalinolaw.com | +593 (2) 381-0950 |
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
---|---|---|---|
Mr Luis Carlos Fernández | Partner | View Profile | |
Mr Martín Pallares Sevilla | Partner | View Profile | |
Mr Martín Pallares Sevilla | Partner | View Profile | |
Mr Daniel Robalino | Partner | View Profile | |
Mr Javier Robalino Orellana | Partner. | View Profile |