Dentons Jiménez de Aréchaga > Montevideo, Uruguay > Firm Profile
Dentons Jiménez de Aréchaga Offices
EDIFICIO JIMÉNEZ DE ARÉCHAGA
ZABALA 1504
11000 MONTEVIDEO
Uruguay
Dentons Jiménez de Aréchaga > The Legal 500 Rankings
Uruguay > Banking and finance Tier 2
Dentons Jiménez de Aréchaga‘s banking and finance department has a strong track record in the Uruguayan market, having been the adviser of choice for Banco Santander for over thirty years. Although the firm advises clients from a wide range of sectors, including retail and fintech, it has notably consolidated its experience in project financing transactions in recent years: it advised Grupo Vía Central on the Ferrocarril Central project, a public-private partnership railway project for which $1.1b has been raised. The practice is co-led by Nicolás Herrera Alonso, who assists local and international financial entities with structured and project financing and provides consultancy services to local and multinational companies; Mariela Ruanova, specialist in banking law with a focus on innovation and technology; and Fernando Jiménez de Aréchaga Jr, a project financings expert who has worked on some of Uruguay’s most notable PPP projects in recent years. Senior associates Mariana Lartigau, Alfredo Arocena, Carolina Bianchi and Maite Gaynicotche provide valued support to the practice group.Practice head(s):
Nicolás Herrera Alonso; Mariela Ruanova; Fernando Jiménez de Aréchaga Jr
Key clients
Grupo Santander
Copetrol
Grupo Vía Central
Potren
Credit Agricole
Allianz
FirstCaribbean International Bank (Jamaica)
Banco de Sabadell, Miami Branch
Caixabank
Republic Bank
Work highlights
- Advised Conafin Afisa as trustee and CVU as trustor in the structuring of a collateral trust composed of future receivables against the Uruguayan Ministry of Transport and Public Works for up to $645m.
- Assisted FirstCaribbean International Bank, CaixaBank and Banco de Sabadell as lenders with a secured term loan facility to Seawind Key Investments.
- Advised Mercado Libre on obtaining authorisation from the Central Bank of Uruguay to be an electronic money issuer.
Uruguay > Corporate and M&A Tier 2
The practice group at Dentons Jiménez de Aréchaga is regularly instructed by clients from the agribusiness, tech, finance and food and drink sectors for its counsel on M&A transactions, regulatory matters and corporate governance. Founding partner Virginia Brause co-heads the team and advises the practice’s major international clients, including PepsiCo, McDonald’s and Credit Agricole; leading alongside her, Nicolás Herrera Alonso assists local and multinationals companies with financial, banking and corporate operations. Fernando Jiménez de Aréchaga‘s expertise lies in advising buyers and sellers on M&A transactions in the infrastructure and renewables sectors. At senior associate level, Mariana Lartigau leads due diligence for M&A transactions and project finance, and Alfredo Arocena specialises in project financing, agribusiness, and energy. Jimena González supports on a host of corporate governance matters.Practice head(s):
Virginia Brause; Nicolás Herrera Alonso
Testimonials
‘They are proactive, agile, they give 100% personalized attention.’
‘We highlight Virginia Brause and Jimena González. We appreciate their personalized attention, predisposition, exact answers, complete procedures in a timely manner, and efficiency.’
Key clients
PepsiCo
Lesaffre
McDonald’s (Arcos Dorados)
Vesta Software
Klick Health
Red Pagos – Mi Dinero
Crédit Agricole Securities
Copetrol
Fresenius Medical Care
Patria Investments
M.W. Beer
Grupo Otegui
Work highlights
- Advised agribusiness company Cofusa on its acquisition of a forestry fund.
- Assisted PepsiCo with its agreement with Advelud for the construction of a warehouse and a waste water plant.
- Acted as Uruguayan counsel for French yeast manufacturer Lesaffre on its acquisition of Levapan Group.
Uruguay > Dispute resolution Tier 2
The team at Dentons Jiménez de Aréchaga is particularly strong in commercial litigation, and also aids clients with arbitration. It continues to assist big-name multinationals from an array of sectors, and its client base was bolstered in the last year with the additions of Amazon, Volkswagen and Adidas. Two seasoned partners lead the practice: Nicolás Brause specialises in financial litigation, antitrust and bankruptcy law and is credited with devising ‘efficient and creative solutions’ and having a ‘deep knowledge of the market’. Alongside him, Mariela Ruanova handles financial litigation and plays an important role in maintaining the firm’s relationship with major banks. Counsel Juan Andrés Urgoiti, senior associate Bruno Steneri and associate Andrés Tiscornia provide the partners with valued support.Practice head(s):
Nicolás Brause; Mariela Ruanova
Testimonials
‘I highlight the commitment and availability of Nicolás Brause, who is committed to the client and their problems, seeking creative and efficient solutions. He has extensive knowledge of the market and experience in preventing and resolving conflicts. He has a global vision of all branches of law.’
Key clients
Banco Santander
Pepsi
McDonald’s
Banco Itaú
Adidas
Mercado Libre
Amazon
Volkswagen
Marfrig Group
General Electric
Disney
Trump Organization
Creditel
Grupo Vía Central
Work highlights
- Assisted Google with ongoing cases over the ‘right to be forgotten’, a dispute over the individual’s right to privacy versus the company’s right to freely publish information.
- Represented Adidas in a dispute regarding compliance with sales and marketing standards.
- Represented GVC Consortium in amparo proceedings brought by plaintiffs concerning the construction of the Ferrocarril Central railway connecting Montevideo’s port and UPM’s Paso de los Toros pulp mill.
Uruguay > Projects and energy Tier 2
Dentons Jiménez de Aréchaga has a strong reputation for the financing and refinancing of renewable energy projects, as well as handling PPP matters. The practice group has advised on several major wind and solar projects in Uruguay, such as the recent sale of a wind farm owned by Grupo Cobra to Cubico Investments. In the project finance arena, the team has significant experience with PPP highway projects, including recent advice to the sponsors on major road project Circuito 5. Fernando Jiménez de Aréchaga Jr heads the department, bringing great experience in project financing and an excellent track record in PPP work. Senior associates Alfredo Arocena and Carolina Bianchi have supported on much of the firm’s major project financing matters in recent years.Practice head(s):
Fernando Jiménez de Aréchaga Jr
Key clients
Sacyr
Saceem
Copasa
China Railway Construction Company
Copetrol
Acodike
Credit Agricole
Stiler
Allianz
Innergex
Work highlights
- Advised Via Central on a $250m refinancing with its current lenders and Allianz.
- Assisted Aldesa and Ramón C. Álvarez with a PPP project for the construction of a highway, including a $137m project financing.
- Assisted Construcciones Viales y Civiles and Rover Alcisa with a PPP project for the construction of a highway, including a $125m project financing.
Uruguay > Real estate Tier 2
The team at Dentons Jiménez de Aréchaga is ‘committed to its client’s objectives’ and assists with all stages of real estate projects, from planning to approval. The practice counts major banks Banco Santander and Banco Itaú as well as developers among its clients, and handles industrial, commercial, office and residential real estate developments. ‘Great leader’ Héctor Viana heads up the practice and handles property acquisitions and real estate developments; he is also knowledgeable on commercial, corporate, tax and regulatory issues. Of counsel and public notary María José Rovira supports on all real estate matters and is described as ‘organised' and 'meticulous’; and senior associate Aparicio Howard specialises in civil law and disputes that arise from real estate deals.Practice head(s):
Héctor Viana
Testimonials
‘Fernando and his team of lawyers diligently conduct all stages of a case in a controlled and precise manner.’
‘Fernando Jiménez de Aréchaga is committed to the objectives of his client, tirelessly providing opinions and taking the necessary steps, some of which we had not initially mapped.’
‘Dentons Jiménez de Aréchaga is one of the top firms in Uruguay, constantly striving for excellence and customer satisfaction.’
‘Fernando Jiménez de Aréchaga is a great leader; María José Rovira’s work is organised and meticulous.’
‘It is a collaborative team that closely accompanies its clients, responding quickly.’
‘Its professionals are experienced and inspire confidence to their clients.’
Key clients
Grupo Ivory
Diamantis Plaza
Banco Santander
Trump Group
Selina
GreenWood Resources
CEAOSA
Arcos Dorados Uruguay
CBRE
Todd Anthony Robinson
Immobiliaria Pams
Work highlights
- Advised high-end residential complex Diamantis on its insolvency proceedings.
- Advised Banco Santander on the financing of a real estate development in Villa Biarritz, Montevideo.
- Advised Trump Group on the construction of a residential tower in Punta del Este.
Uruguay > Labour and employment Tier 3
The ‘excellent multidisciplinary team' at Dentons Jiménez de Aréchaga handles employment and benefits-related litigation and collective bargaining matters on behalf of multinational corporations, and also carries out corporate and governmental investigations. The firm’s strong offering across other practice areas in Uruguay and its international presence enable it to handle cases seamlessly for international clients. Practice co-head Diego Viana specialises in litigation and collective bargaining matters. Alongside him, Ignacio Demarco advises companies in labour disputes and audits, reorganisations, negotiations with unions and social security matters. Senior associate Mateo Robledo has his strengths in labour litigation.Practice head(s):
Diego Viana; Ignacio Demarco
Testimonials
‘Excellent multidisciplinary team that keeps the client informed of all developments.’
‘Ignacio Demarco is always attentive and available.’
‘The response is excellent, when the assigned lawyer is not there, another one immediately attends you and cares about your situation. The advice is relentless, and there is follow-up on the issues, something that many times in other places comes to nothing. The administrative part is very clear and simple.’
‘From the partners to the junior lawyers they are available to give you an answer. A solution is always sought, and if they are not experts on the subject, they look internally for the solution.’
Key clients
Retop
Marfrig
Codere Group
Candysur
Banco Santander
Viscofan
Socur
Uruguayan Association of Wholesale Importers
Sportradar
CAE
Work highlights
- Advised CAE on its acquisition of Sabre’s airline operations portfolio.
- Assisted Cipriani Group with due diligence relating to the reconstruction of the San Rafael Hotel.
- Represented Banco Santander in a labour complaint filed by a former executive regarding his dismissal for misconduct.
Uruguay > Intellectual property Tier 4
The practice at Dentons Jiménez de Aréchaga specialises in IP infringement claims, due diligence and IP-related litigation and arbitration. The group has experience advising clients in the tech sector. Héctor Viana, whose background is in corporate real estate and finance law, handles IP issues related to clients he regularly manages, among them Amazon, Volkswagen and Facebook. At senior associate level, Mariana Lartigau has experience with trade marks and copyright issues, and also supports with IP-related due diligence. Maite Gaynicotche focuses on data protection and cybersecurity matters.Practice head(s):
Héctor Viana
Key clients
Youtube
Nextleaf Solutions
Amazon
Fox
Tiktok
Disney
European Union
PagoNxt
Volkswagen
Work highlights
- Advised Google on the privacy considerations of the collection of new imagery in Uruguay for their street view product available in Google Maps.
- Represented Fox after a lawsuit was brought against its affiliates under the alleged infringement of IP rights in a TV programme.
- Advised Vesta on the IP due diligence for its acquisition of Uruguayan company Datalogic Ingenieros.
Uruguay > Tax Tier 4
Dentons Jiménez de Aréchaga‘s tax practice is led by accountant and of counsel Julio López, whose specialities include international and domestic tax planning, double taxation matters, and advising on the tax implications of M&A. He is supported by the ‘highly meticulous and analytical' senior associate Martin Montoro, who focuses on the tax structuring of investments, tax litigation and tax matters relating to international projects. Additional skills of the group include tax due diligence and business structuring, for which it is frequently instructed by financial, construction and energy-sector clients.Practice head(s):
Julio López
Testimonials
‘Very solid technical support; depth of analysis.’
‘Martin Montoro is highly meticulous and analytical. He is very efficient in meeting his objectives and has a strong understanding of the business of his clients.’
‘Martin Montoro demonstrates diligence in his tax work, offering different paths for tax optimization at the lowest cost.’
‘They are very friendly lawyers that provide quick and solid responses.’
‘Martin Montoro was excellent, responding in a timely manner, demonstrating experience and knowledge, as well as adequate follow-up.’
‘Martin Montoro is always willing and available to help.’
‘Julio López is an experienced professional with great tax knowledge and a commendable attitude.’
‘It is a very professional team that provides clear and specific responses. The lawyers are very well-equipped to advise commercial sector-clients. In particular, Martin Montoro’s advice on tax matters is fantastic.’
Key clients
Banco Santander
Copasa
Viscofan
Importers and Wholesalers Association
Arcos Dorados
LambdaClass
Zapag Group
Mondelez
Quantik Group
Oikocredit
Work highlights
- Assisted Mondelez with a customs post-clearance audit conducted by the National Customs Directorate regarding customs compliance on food importation and a risk assessment on potential tax determinations.
- Advised Banco Santander on tax issues arising from a business structure for the acquisition of Phoenix, and a later restructuring of its holding company in Uruguay.
- Assisted Lesaffre with a tax impact assessment relating to its acquisition of Levapan’s operations in Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay.
Dentons Jiménez de Aréchaga > Firm Profile
Located in Montevideo, Dentons Jiménez de Aréchaga is a full service provider and a recognized leader in the areas of Banking and Finance, Corporate and M&A, Energy, Infrastructure, Labor Law, Litigation and Dispute Resolution, Natural Resources, and Real Estate. More recently, with the surge of infrastructure projects, Dentons Jiménez de Aréchaga has become a go-to firm for the increasing number of project finance transactions in the country, having advised on most of the project finance transactions that have taken place, including Uruguay’s largest ever PPP. Dentons Jiménez de Aréchaga has a long-standing reputation in the Uruguayan market having served clients for more than 78 years. Committed to longterm growth built on long-lasting relationships with clients, Dentons Jiménez de Aréchaga has developed a very strong client base, including a number of large multinational corporations. Its commitment to clients allows Dentons Jiménez de Aréchaga to attract leading talent who value working for a collaborative firm that is client-focused to its core. After its 2020 combination with Dentons, Jiménez de Aréchaga, Viana & Brause became “Dentons Jiménez de Aréchaga”, as well as the largest global law firm with operations in Uruguay, connecting clients to top-tier legal talent in Latin America and the Caribbean and to more than 12,000 lawyers around the globe, and delivering a seamless ‘one firm’ experience to clients operating in the region and around the globe.
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Real Estate, Tax and IP | Héctor B. VIana | hectorb.viana@dentons.com | +598 2916 1460 ext. 127 |
Labour and Employment | Diego Viana | diego.viana@dentons.com | +598 2916 1460 x126 |
Corporate and M&A | Virginia Brause | virginia.brause@dentons.com | +598 2916 1460 x148 |
Corporate and M&A and Banking and Finance | Nicolás Herrera Alonso | nicolas.herrera@dentons.com | +598 2916 1460 x126 |
Projects and Energy, Corporate and M&A and Banking and Finance | Fernando Jiménez de Aréchaga Jr. | fernando.jimenez@dentons.com | +598 2916 1460 x108 |
Banking and Finance and Dispute Resolution | Mariela Ruanova | mariela.ruanova@dentons.com | +598 2916 1460 x254 |
Dispute Resolution | Nicolás Brause | nicolas.brause@dentons.com | +598 2916 1460 x104 |
Labour and Employment | Ignacio Demarco | ignacio.demarco@dentons.com | +598 2916 1460 x259 |
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
---|---|---|---|
Alfredo Arocena | Alfredo is a senior associate of the Montevideo office. He is a… | View Profile | |
Carolina Bianchi | Carolina Bianchi is an associate in the Montevideo office. She is a… | View Profile | |
Dra Virginia Brause | Virginia Brause is a Partner in the Montevideo office, where she leads… | View Profile | |
Dr Nicolás Brause | Nicolás Brause is a Partner in the Montevideo office, where he leads… | View Profile | |
Dr Ignacio Demarco | Ignacio Demarco is partner in the Montevideo office. He is a member… | View Profile | |
Maite Gaynicotche | Maite Gaynicotche is an Associate in the Montevideo office. She actively participates… | View Profile | |
Jimena González | Jimena González is an Associate in the Montevideo office. She has vast… | View Profile | |
Dr Nicolás Herrera Alonso | Nicolás Herrera Alonso is a partner of the Montevideo office. He leads… | View Profile | |
Aparicio Howard | Aparicio Howard is a Senior Associate in the Montevideo office. He is… | View Profile | |
Mr Fernando Jiménez de Aréchaga | Fernando Jiménez de Aréchaga (Jr) is a Partner in the Montevideo office.… | View Profile | |
Dr Fernando Jiménez de Aréchaga Jr | Fernando Jiménez de Aréchaga (Jr) is a Partner in the Montevideo office.… | View Profile | |
Dra Mariana Lartigau | Mariana Lartigau is a Senior Associate in the Montevideo office. She is… | View Profile | |
Martin Montoro | Martin Montoro is a Senior Associate in the Montevideo office. His practice… | View Profile | |
María José Rovira | María José is Of Counsel in the Montevideo office. Her practice is… | View Profile | |
Dra Mariela Ruanova | Mariela Ruanova is a partner in the Montevideo office and leader of… | View Profile | |
Bruno Steneri | Bruno Steneri is a Senior Associate in the Montevideo office. He is… | View Profile | |
Andrés Tiscornia | Andrés Tiscornia is a Senior Associate in the Montevideo office and a… | View Profile | |
Juan Andrés Urgoiti | Juan Andrés is Of Counsel in the Montevideo office. He focuses his… | View Profile | |
Dr Diego Viana | Diego Viana is a partner of the Montevideo office. He is the… | View Profile | |
Héctor B. Viana | Hector B. Viana is the Managing partner in the Montevideo office. He… | View Profile |
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