D'Empaire > Caracas, Venezuela > Firm Profile

D'Empaire > The Legal 500 Rankings

Venezuela > Banking and finance Tier 1

The banking, finance and restructuring team at D'Empaire routinely advises international and domestic financial institutions on regulatory issues and complex transactions, including asset-backed loans, real estate transactions, syndicated loans and foreign exchange transactions. In addition, the team is experienced in bond issuances and debt restructurings. Fulvio Italiani and Carlos Omaña, who specialises in restructurings and sovereign debt matters, lead the practice. As the only Venezuelan member at the International Insolvency Institute, Roland Pettersson is also a notable contact. Associate Miguel Zajía focuses on financing transactions and sovereign debt offerings.

Venezuela > Corporate and M&A Tier 1

The ‘great‘ corporate team at D’Empaire has been highly active in M&A, acting for leading Venezuelan and international clients on complex, often cross-border transactions. Clients stem from the telecoms, pharmaceuticals, technology and financial services sectors, among others. Practice head Fulvio Italiani continues to handle high-profile M&A, including recently advising Grupo Werthein on its acquisition of regional entertainment company Vrio. Arnoldo Troconis, Ines Parra, Roberto Mas, who has experience in the oil and gas and real estate sectors, and associate Giancarlo Carrazza are also key contacts.

Venezuela > Energy and natural resources Tier 1

The energy team at D'Empaire remains highly active in the oil and gas sector, advising major multinational clients on their operations in Venezuela. Recent highlights include assisting Repsol with its joint venture with state-owned oil and gas company PDVSA; the team also advises on M&A in the industry. The experienced quartet of Fulvio Italiani, Carlos Omaña, Arnoldo Troconis and Roberto Mas leads the practice.

Venezuela > Labour and employment Tier 1

D'Empaire's 'excellent' employment practice spans a wide range of matters, including the employment aspects of corporate transactions, the termination of employment contracts (including mass lay-offs and the dismissal of high-level executives), labour mobility issues, collective bargaining negotiations and high-profile labour litigation. Alejandro Disilvestro, who is particularly experienced in collective contract negotiations and conflict management with labour unions, leads the team with the 'unbeatable' Victorino Márquez. Newly promoted partner Biba Arciniegas and associate Aixa Añez are also key contacts.

Venezuela > Public law

D'Empaire particularly stands out for its expertise in regulatory matters in the pharmaceutical sector, counting numerous major multinationals among its clients. The team also has significant strength in the automobile industry and in TMT-related matters, including advising local radio and television stations on the Venezuelan government's refusal to grant permits and concessions. Advising on the nationalisation and expropriation of large Venezuelan corporations remains another key area of activity. At the head of the team, José Valentín González specialises in constitutional, administrative and pharmaceutical litigation, as well as regulatory and telecoms matters, and José Humberto Frías is noted for his expertise in administrative and regulatory matters, including nationalisations. The environmental side of the practice is led by Francisco Bolinaga, who advises local and international companies on compliance, permitting and licensing issues. At associate level, Ornella Bernabei has expertise in the pharmaceutical sector, and Daniel Bustos stands out for disputes involving pharmaceutical, telecoms and energy clients.

Venezuela > Tax

D'Empaire's 'highly regarded' team is particularly noted for advising on the tax implications of major corporate transactions, including M&A and reorganisations, and for its expertise in international tax matters, with a wide-ranging client roster that includes large multinational companies, financial institutions and private equity funds. The team is also experienced in tax litigation and in advising high-net-worth individuals and families on wealth management and estate planning. Alberto Benshimol, who advises on corporate transactions and international taxation, leads the practice alongside Humberto Romero-Muci, who is also an expert in tax litigation. José Valecillos is also noted for his advice to corporations and private clients.

Venezuela > Dispute resolution Tier 2

D'Empaire is highly regarded for its experience in investor-state arbitration, with a particular focus on disputes over nationalisations and similar measures carried out by the Venezuelan government. The team is also experienced in civil and commercial litigation and national arbitration. José Humberto Frías, who specialises in international arbitration, especially under ICSID and ICC rules, and Pedro Perera, who focuses on commercial litigation and local arbitration, head the practice. Dubraska Galarraga handles civil and commercial litigation, and associates Daniel Bustos and Giancarlo Carrazza are noted for their experience in public law litigation and international arbitration, respectively.

Venezuela > Real estate Tier 2

The wide-ranging real estate practice at D'Empaire has expertise in the office, industrial, retail and hospitality sectors. The team advises on the sale and acquisition of properties, as well as the financing and construction of real estate developments. Clients include real estate investment funds and private equity firms, which the team assists with their Venezuelan projects. At the head of the practice, Ines Parra and Roberto Mas handle major real estate transactions.

Venezuela > Intellectual property Tier 3

The IP department at D'Empaire is particularly active in litigation, handling trade mark, patent and copyright disputes. The team also advises on the IP aspects of corporate transactions, and assists with licensing, collaboration and outsourcing agreements. José González and Pedro Perera are the key contacts.