GSA > Lima, Peru > Firm Profile
GSA Offices

AVENIDA REDUCTO, NO. 1310
7TH FLOOR
LIMA 18
Peru
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GSA > The Legal 500 Rankings
Energy and natural resources > Hydrocarbons Tier 3
Meritas Alliance member for Peru, GSA counts UNNA Energía, Cepsa Peruana and Frontera Energy del Perú among its clients, as well as Canadian oil-and-gas business Altamesa Energy, which the firm advised on an international procurement regarding a Peruvian oil reservoir. Alberto Varillas heads a team that houses considerable knowledge and experience of the negotiation, procurement and operational aspects of the oil-and-gas activities, as well as consulting on hydrocarbon exploration and exploitation, the negotiation and drafting of hydrocarbon block license contracts with the Government, along with share and purchase agreements and joint ventures, ownership title matters, and local community and environmental issues. On the latter front the team regularly advises on environmental impact assessments, administrative sanctioning procedures relating to environmental and health and safety regulations, and on compliance with government obligations. Recent mandates saw corporate and mining partner Edgardo Portaro advise Frontera regarding an administrative procedure; associate Samantha Boy also frequently provides assistance with hydrocarbon matters.Practice head(s):
Alberto Varillas
Testimonials
‘Personalised service, proven specialisation and good responsiveness’.
‘Closeness to the client, extensive knowledge of the sector and situation. Good responsiveness’.
Key clients
Savia Peru
Burlington Resources (Peru branch) /Conoco Phillips
Frontera Energy del Perú (formerly Pacific Stratus Energy del Perú)
UNNA
Pluspetrol Peru Corporation
Geopark Peru
Procesadora de Gas Pariñas
Cepsa Peru
China National Petroleum Company
Sapet Development Peru
Schlumberg del Peru
Baker Hughes
Stork Peru
Aguaytia Energy del Peru
Altamesa Energy Canada
Siemens Energy
Peru > Environment Tier 3
Led by Alberto Varillas and Edgardo Portaro and assisted by experienced associate José Castillo Hernández, GSA environmental practice has particular strength and experience handling matters related to the hydrocarbons sector, where its clients include the likes of Cepsa Peruana, Savia Perú, Conoco Phillips, China National Oil Company (CNPC) and Altamesa Energy Canada. Indeed, recent matters in the oil-and-gas sector included advising Unna Energía and Frontera Energy del Perú on administrative sanctioning procedures regarding environmental matters. The team also handles regulatory advice and compliance, environmental impact assessments and assisting clients with monitoring by the National Water Authority. Former associate Samantha Boy left the firm in February 2022.Practice head(s):
Alberto Varillas; Edgardo Portaro
Testimonials
‘Good service and excellent disposition’.
‘I highlight the experience and great knowledge of the sector that Edgardo Portaro and Samantha Boy have’.
‘Jose Castillo gave me a quick response at a critical time’.
‘Closeness to the client, knowledge of the industry, constant updating’.
Key clients
Compañía de Minas Buenaventura
Volcán Compañía Minera
Laive
Cepsa Peruana
Sociedad Minera El Brocal
Inversiones Benavides 777
Unna Energía
Pluspetrol Peru Corporation
Procesadora de Gas Pariñas
Gate Gourmet Perú
Geopark Peru
China Petroleum Pipeline Bureau (Peru branch)
Sapet Development Peru
Corporación Aceros Arequipa
Chemtrade
Industrias Cachimayo
Lamor Perú
Delivery Hero Peru
Alicorp
Frontera Energy del Perú
Pavco Perú ( Mexichem Perú)
Buenaventura Ingenieros
Hotelera Costa del Pacífico
Ingram Micro
Peru > Banking and finance Tier 4
Mining and the extractive industries is the cornerstone of GSA banking and finance expertise, with the firm advising clients such as Compañía de Minas Buenaventura and Compañía Minera Condestable Southern Peaks Mining on issues such as the restructuring of financing agreements, issuance and placement of notes, streaming agreements and bridge loans. The practice group’s clients also includes a number of multilateral lenders and development agencies; other recent mandates include a cross-border debt restructuring for a German investment management firm. Experienced figures Luis Gastañeta (corporate law, finance and transactions – particularly in relation to inbound investment) and Alfonso Tola (banking and finance, corporate M&A, projects and stock market and investment regulation-related matters) co-head the team; sophisticated support comes from consultant lawyer Mario Ferrari, who can draw on over 25 years’ experience at financial institutions including BBVA, Banco de Crédito (BCP) and Credicorp.Practice head(s):
Luis Gastañeta; Alfonso Tola
Key clients
Deutsche Investitions- und Entwicklungsgesellschaft (DEG)
Agence Francaise de Developpment (AFD)
Nederlandse Financierings-Maatschappij voor Ontwikkelingslanden (FMO)
The Investment Fund for Developing Countries (IFU)
Compañía Minera Condestable
Volcan Compañía Minera
Empresa de Generación Huanza
Proveedora de Productos Marinos (PRODUMAR)
Work highlights
- Advised BVN on the second tranche of the financial operation “Sindicado de Carta Fianza Garantía de Pago” for an amount of up to (approx.) $615m with a syndicate of local and foreign financial entities with the purpose of executing the Creditors Framework Agreement and Security Framework Agreement; the purpose was to adapt the legal structure and security package so that the creditors from the previous syndicated loan agreement can share the securities under the new financing arrangement.
- Advised BVN and its subsidiaries on an international issuance and placement of $550m in senior notes under Rule 144A/Reg.S on the Singapore Exchange; guaranteed by several Buenaventura subsidiaries, the proceeds from the placement were used to prepay Buenaventura’s tax debt of some $541.5m.
- Advised DEG on the restructuring of the outstanding debt of Virú (approximately $40m), arising from loadn agreements entered into in years 2013, 2016 and 2019; each of such loans has been amended and restated with new promissory notes and an agreement to restructure the security package.
Peru > Corporate and M&A Tier 4
Reflecting the firm’s credentials in the extractive sector, GSA practice head Luis Gastaneta counts mining business Compañía de Minas Buenaventura as a regular client, recently advising the company on the multimillion-dollar sale of its quotas in Minera Yanachocha to Newmont Corporation, as well as other related and sizeable transactions. The practice often works in conjunction with other teams on multidisciplinary matters; for instance, Alfonso Tola‘s work in tandem with the natural resources and environment team on a joint venture agreement for an oil-and-gas company. The ‘available and accessible’ Shirley Cardenas handles cross-border matters – such as advising Delivery Hero Group on its corporate reorganisation and the Peruvian subsidiary of Finnish environmental company Lamor on the separation of its shareholders. Senior associate María Soledad Gastañeta handles corporate, contractual and administrative matters, and frequently oversees the renegotiation of leases for real estate companies, as well as acquisition negotiations.Practice head(s):
Luis Gastañeta Alayza
Testimonials
‘A team with different specialisations, which provides comprehensive support for the proper legal management of the organisation’s issues. A committed team, which is on top of the issues and close to the client’.
‘Shirley Cárdenas is very focused on client needs and defending their interests. Available and accessible’.
‘The greatest strength they have as a team is their customer service orientation and the ability to interact assertively in the face of different requirements. Along with this, permanent availability also stands out without interference, day, time or place to be available when we require them as a client’.
‘They are highly trained professionals, knowledgeable about their speciality and totally empathetic with the ability to propose alternatives and solutions beyond the mere interpretation of the rule’.
‘We always have at our disposal a very complete team of lawyers of the different specialities that are normally required in the corporate and business world, the GSA has a team of very high-level professionals. The GSA also has professionals with a high dose of ethics and seriousness, which allows us to fully trust their advice and skills’.
‘The plus is the seriousness and reliability of the firm given the high standards of ethics and responsibility that the member lawyers have, which in turn is recognised by other competing firms who always place the García Sayán Firm as one of the most prestigious’.
Key clients
Compañía de Minas Buenaventura
Volcan Compañía Minera
Compañía Minera Condestable
Westfalia Fruit Peru
Laive
Bradken Perú
SSK Group
Gate Gourmet Peru
Ingram Micro
Stork Peru
C.C. Proyecto 17
Siemens Energy
Lamor Peru
Delivery Hero Peru / Delivery Hero Dmart Perú
Instituto Peruano de Administración Empresarial (IPAE)
Soluciones Empresariales contra la Probreza (SEP)
Metalbus
Weir Minerals Peru (Vulco Perú)
Work highlights
- Advised Compañía de Minas Buenaventura and its affiliates on the sale of its quotas in Minera Yanacocha – representing 43.65% of Yanacocha’s capital – to Newmont Corporation for a consideration of $300m as well as contingent payments related to the production of the sulfides project that Yanacocha plans to develop and to future minerals price rises (payments that may amount to $100m).
- Advised Altamesa Energy Canada on the execution of a joint venture agreement with Petroperú regarding the exploration and exploitation of hydrocarbons in Block 192, and on agreements with investors and technical partners.
Energy and natural resources > Mining Tier 4
GSA is adept at handling the negotiations for financing and acquisitions for mining companies as well as exploration and exploitation contracts, with recent matters including advice to longstanding clients Southern Peaks Mining on obtaining a multimillion-dollar loan and Compañía Minera Condestable on the ongoing discussions for a potential acquisition. The firm also gained San Juan Gold Mines as a new client, with which it is working on a lease agreement and a reorganisation procedure. Edgardo Portaro led on all recent work (frequently acting in conjunction with the firm’s corporate and tax teams), and leads the practice alongside Jose Miguel Morales. Senior associate María Soledad Gastañeta specialises in mining and energy contracts. The practice group also handles day-to-day advice on the commercial, contractual and regulatory aspects of mining activity, and undertakes advisory regarding issues related to indigenous and other communities.Practice head(s):
Jose Miguel Morales; Edgardo Portaro
Key clients
Volcán Compañía Minera
Compañía de Minas Buenaventura
Compañía Minera Coimolache
Minera La Zanja
Sociedad Minera El Brocal
Corporación Aceros Arequipa
Chemtrade (ENAEX)
Industrias Cachimayo
Contratistas San Martín Generales
Compañía Minera Condestable
Southern Peaks Mining
San Martín Contratistas Generales
San Juan Gold Mines
Vulco Peru (Weir Minerals)
Peru > Labour and employment Tier 4
GSA provides labour and social security advice, predominantly in the mining and hydrocarbon industry sectors, as well as the retail industry. The three-pronged partner set-up features Alberto Varillas, who is experienced in union negotiations and immigration issues; Jaime Durand, who provides corporate support and contentious expertise; and Macarena Morales, whose practice includes assisting with pension and retirement regulations. Other specialist areas include immigration and migratory law within the context of work visas.Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘Macarena Morales: speed, good technical knowledge, experience, good strategy to resolve a case, willingness to help in whatever we need.’
‘María Soledad Gastañeta: experience, good technical knowledge, detail, follow-up on what we are working on.’
Key clients
Compania De Minas Buenaventura
Sociedad Minera El Brocal
Gate Gourmet Peru
Ferrocarril Central Andino
Mexichem Peru
Ingram Micro
San Martin Contratistas Generales
Chemtrade
Bradken Peru
Hotelera Cost Del Pacifico
Intel Semiconductores del Peru
Tecnofarma
Stork Peru
Besco
SSK Ingenieria y Construccion
Work highlights
- Designing a joint defence strategy both with regard to inspection procedures and judicial cases in order to avoid the contingency that the client, Compañía de Minas Buenaventura, must incorporate the employees of its mining contractors onto its payroll.
- Handling the employment suspension of almost 300 Hotelera Costa del Pacifico employees during the Covid-19 pandemic.
- Advising Gate Gourmet Perú on various claims from employees requesting the reimbursement of profits.
GSA > Firm Profile
GSA is a full service legal company recognized for its history, excellence and personal and professional ethics. Made up of a selected team with vast experience in business, its founder members were highly distinguished lawyers who worked in Lima since 1888.
The Firm provides first-class legal service in all areas of the law, primarily on corporate matters, compliance, civil law, taxation, hydrocarbons, energy and mining law, litigation (in court, administrative and arbitration), labor, foreign trade, immigration, environmental, patents and trademarks and competition law. It is especially active in international financial transactions and, in general, in issues related to domestic and international securities and capital markets.
GSA is the only Peruvian member of Meritas, the largest worldwide affiliation of independent law firms. It is also an active member of the International Bar Association (IBA), the Asociacion Interamericana de Propiedad Industrial (ASIPI), the International Trademark Association (INTA) and the International Fiscal Association (IFA). Locally, it is member of the American, British, Chinese and Chilean Chambers of Commerce and other representative business associations. It is listed and ranked in various international law directories such as Chambers & Partners, IFLR 1000, Latin Lawyer and other specialized publications. Its main areas of practice are: corporate matters; corporate finance, securities and capital markets; compliance; mining, energy and hydrocarbons; foreign trade; intellectual property; corporate criminal law; labor law, taxation.
*To know more about GSA or schedule an appointment with any of its specialists, please visit our new website at: www.gsalegal.pe.
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Corporate finance, securities, banking and finance | Luis Gastañeta Alayza | ||
Mining | José Miguel Morales | ||
Mining | Edgardo Portaro | ||
Energy and hydrocarbons | Alberto Varillas | ||
Foreign trade and corporate criminal | Diego Calmet | ||
Intellectual property and labor | Jaime Durand | ||
Tax | Alfredo Gastañeta | ||
Tax | Rossana Rodríguez | ||
Environmental | Alberto Varillas | ||
Public | Agustín Yrigoyen | ||
Public | Javier Villa García | ||
Banking and Corporate | Alfonso Tola | ||
Labor &Employement | Macarena Morales | ||
Compliance and Corporate | Shirley Cárdenas |
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | Mr Diego Calmet | Partner | View Profile |
![]() | Mrs Shirley Cárdenas | Partner | View Profile |
![]() | Elvira Castañeda | Senior associate | View Profile |
![]() | Mr José Castillo | Associate | View Profile |
![]() | Mr Mario Ferrari | Consultant | View Profile |
![]() | Mr Poul Ponce | Senior associate | View Profile |
![]() | Mr Edgardo Portaro | Partner | View Profile |
![]() | Miss Ximena Schmiel | Senior associate | View Profile |
![]() | Miss Karina Talledo | Associate | View Profile |
![]() | Mr Alberto Varillas | Partner | View Profile |
![]() | Mr Felipe del Aguila | Consultant | View Profile |