Alejandro Garcia de Brigard > Brigard Urrutia > Cali, Colombia > Lawyer Profile

In a figure that demonstrates its formidable strength in merger filings, Brigard Urrutia handled over 35 merger control procedures during 2022. Alongside its dominant merger practice, which is driven by the firm’s top-tier corporate offering, the group also frequently advises on antitrust investigations, leniency agreements and unfair competition disputes, among other matters. Department head Alejandro Garcia de Brigard, who is dual-qualified in Colombia and New York, is particularly sought after for his expertise in complex transactional cases; he is representing Avianca before the Colombian Civil Aviation Authority (Aerocivil) in a merger-review procedure triggered by its acquisition of Viva Colombia. Among its behavioural highlights, Garcia de Brigard represented Bavaria in an antitrust investigation into alleged abuse of dominant position in the beer market; the case was terminated by the SIC without the imposition of any fine as a result of the offering of commitments. The team also includes practice co-ordinator Nicolás Cardona, who was recently promoted from senior associate to director and provides capable support. In December 2022, intermediate associate Natalia Amado Pérez joined from Baker McKenzie S.A.S..

Highlighted by satisfied clients as ‘an excellent firm, the best in Colombia’, corporate powerhouse Brigard Urrutia maintains a sizable on-the-ground presence in Cali. Most notably, competition and antitrust head Alejandro Garcia de Brigard is the partner in charge of the Cali practice, which ensures that a significant volume of the firm’s competition and antitrust work is resourced from the office. Aside from its premier competition offering, Cali houses a growing number of other service lines from across the full-service firm, including the most recent addition of corporate and M&A following the arrival of senior associate Jimena Rincon, who joined in April 2022 from Fanalca. Customs and international trade is another pillar of the Cali practice, with of counsel Maria Eugenia Lloreda a key contact for that work. The team is further equipped to provide labour and employment advice, with eight-year associate Rafael Reyes noted in that sphere. The Cali office’s ability to team up with specialists in Barranquilla, Bogotá, and Medellín should also be mentioned; few peers can rival the firm’s national coverage.