Firm Profile > Von Wobeser y Sierra, SC > Mexico City, Mexico
Von Wobeser y Sierra, SC Offices
PASEO DE LOS TAMARINDOS 60, 4TH FLOOR
COL. BOSQUES DE LAS LOMAS DEL. CUAJIMALPA, 05120
Mexico
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Von Wobeser y Sierra, SC > The Legal 500 Rankings
Competition and antitrust Tier 1
The team at Von Wobeser y Sierra, SC is 'one of the best groups available', praised for its 'excellent service' and 'familiarity with the most important antitrust cases in Mexico'. Clients rate its 'simply exceptional' practice head Fernando Carreño, who is 'a seasoned lawyer with deep knowledge of antitrust legislation'. The highly-specialised team represents clients from across a range of industries. Recently the team advised Scotiabank in an administrative trial concerning a COFECE investigation into Mexican credit bureaus for alleged refusal-to-deal and price discrimination. On the transactional front the firm advised Blackstone Group in obtaining clearance for its acquisition of the Spanish gambling operator Cirsa.
Dispute resolution Tier 1
Von Wobeser y Sierra, SC is one of the premier disputes firms in the market, distinguished by its 'excellent service' and top-notch commercial, civil and administrative litigators, as well as international arbitration specialists. The firm is regularly mandated in disputes against the government, as well as state-linked agencies and companies such as Pemex. The practice is also recommended for defending class action lawsuits, and is representing TK Holding and Takata de Mexico in a case involving the alleged malfunctioning of car airbags. The team was also involved in several major ICC arbitrations, and continues to represent ICA in a complex dispute with APMT concerning a port terminal construction contract. The team includes 'world class' arbitration expert Claus Von Wobeser, the 'very dedicated' Diego Sierra, who 'makes you feel your problem is his problem', Adrián Magallanes, and arbitral and administrative disputes specialist, Montserrat Manzano, who is 'one of the most recognised professionals in her field'. However, after more than 25 years' at the firm, practice co-founder Marco Tulio Venegas left to establish his own dispute resolution boutique, Litredi, S.C., in June 2019, taking with him international disputes specialist Michelle Carillo.
Corporate and M&A Tier 2
Von Wobeser y Sierra, SC has strong relationships with some of the leading domestic and international corporates operating in Mexico. Its expertise ranges across M&A, joint ventures and divestitures, as well as key ancillary areas such as anti-corruption, antitrust, banking and capital markets. It recently advised Arrendadora Avance on the sale of its majority stake in Monex and, in another highlight, counselled automotive products manufacturer Takata de Mexico on the Mexican aspects of the $1.6bn sale of its global assets and operations to Key Safety Systems. Luis Burgueño heads the highly-rated team, which also includes Javier Lizardi, Rupert Hüttler, Andrés Nieto and the recently promoted Pablo Saez.
Environment Tier 2
Von Wobeser y Sierra, SC provides an 'excellent service' and has 'the knowledge and experience to handle complex regulatory environmental matters'. The team, which is led by the 'professional and kind' Edmond Grieger, provides contentious and non-contentious environmental support to numerous major international corporations, including BMW, BHP Biliton, Amgen and Grupo Modelo. Recently, it advised Daimler Group on its water supply and wastewater compliance, as well as representing the company in two litigious claims against the government of Mexico City concerning the disputed acquisition of 150 garbage trucks from another, non-environmentally compliant, manufacturer.
Bankruptcy and restructuring Tier 3
Seven lawyers make up the Von Wobeser y Sierra, SC bankruptcy and restructuring team, which advises borrowers and lenders on domestic, cross-border and both in- and out-of-court matters, where it bringing litigation, anti-corruption, compliance, and finance expertise to the table. The firm as a wole works for companies operating across the automotive, finance, services, manufacturing, education, energy, food, healthcare, insurance and technology sectors and has a notable German clientele. In recent work, the team assisted Navistar Financial and Daimler Financial Services, as stakeholders, in the insolvency proceeding of Grupo Senda (a conglomerate of transportation services in the north of Mexico and the US) and associated entities ; and BAC Florida Bank, as one of the three largest creditors of Proveedora la Perla in a successful restructuring of the debtor’s company while guaranteeing the creditors’ interests. The group also continues to assist three of Oceanografía's creditors obtain recognition for unsecured credits in the company's bankruptcy proceedings; namely DF Deutsche Forfait ($59m), Landesbank Hessen-Thüringen Girozentrale ($19m), and Bayerische Landesbank ($6m). Qualified in New York and Mexico, the 'outstanding' Diego Sierra is practice head and key contact.. Other clients include BMW Group, Burger King Corporation, Corporativo Procter & Gamble, TK Holdings, and Zebra Technologies.
Intellectual property Tier 3
Von Wobeser y Sierra, SC provides 'excellent strategic advice and analysis' and the lawyers 'give different views and options to resolve the cases entrusted to them'. The 'professional team is oriented towards great results and understanding the client's needs'. The team is co-led by Marco Tulio Venegas and the 'responsive' Rupert Hüttler who provides 'excellent insight'. The practice is particularly strong on the litigation front, regularly advising clients such as Nike, Procter & Gamble, JC Decaux and WM Wrigley Jr.
International trade and customs Tier 3
The six-lawyer practice group at Von Wobeser y Sierra, SC is ‘very competent, fast, cooperative and always available to support the client’. With a strong focus on German companies, the team assists clients in the automotive, consumer goods, food and life sciences industries expanding or operating in Mexico with matters pertaining to FTAs, IMMEX, taxation, and related disputes. The team assisted BMW with the establishment of its new Mexican plant for the production of light vehicles, handling all customs and administrative provisions and benefits; Miele, with the negotiation and execution of an import-logistic services agreement with Geodis Wilson México; and Ensambles de Coahuila, a Mexican subsidiary of Cintas Corporation, with obtaining duty free import quotas for the US for certain products not falling under the remit of NAFTA. Luis Miguel Jiménez heads the practice and tax partner Fernando Moreno is another name to note; key support comes from associates Belén Barroeta, María de Lourdes Salazar, and Jorge Díaz. Clients include Takata, Fresenius Medical Care, MARS, Saargummi, Carbones Holding, Invenergy, Siemens Servicios, and Trimas Corporation.
Labour and employment Tier 3
Von Wobeser y Sierra, SC represents a broad range of international clients, which benefit from the firm's strong experience in corporate transaction-related labour issues, as well as litigation and immigration. Rodolfo Trampe leads the team, which also includes the highly rated Javier Lizardi . It recently advised Japanese company Takata de Mexico on labour issues linked to its takeover by China's Joyson Electronics. The practice also represented Schütz on employment issues regarding its acquisition of Mexican industrial packaging company Envases y Laminados. Oher clients include Bayer, Grupo Bocar and Seadrill.
Capital markets Tier 4
Covering both the transactional and the regulatory side of capital markets work, the team at Von Wobeser y Sierra, SC assisted Calgary-headquartered energy company Enerflex with two note-purchase agreements and several other debt restructuring transactions, for the purpose of refinancing existing notes, and covering operational and expansion costs. It also assisted Chicago-based private equity and venture capital firm, Creation, with a MXN$250m investment in Mexican financial services company, PLUSCORP; and Chilean start-up HAUS APP with its regularisation process and in negotiations with outside investors, post-closing issues and corporate governance. Andrés Nieto heads the practice. Other clients include Third Point, Horizontal Well Drillers, and Creation Investments Capital Management.
Energy and natural resources Tier 4
Von Wobeser y Sierra, SC is a solid choice for regulatory, transactional and projects-related energy advice, and particularly stands out for its top tier international arbitration practice. The team, which is led by Edmond Grieger, is very active in the power sector and advised Invenergy and its Mexican SPV, Compañía de Electricidad Los Ramones, on its successful bid for a 15-year contract to provide 500MWs of power per year to Mexico's power system operator CENACE. Other active clients include Energy Development Partners, Soluz Energía Solar, and Benteler de Mexico.
Tax Tier 4
Well regarded, Von Wobeser y Sierra, SC’s tax team works closely with the firm’s other departments, handling preventive advice, consulting and litigation. In highlight work the group continued to advise BMW on all tax-related matters concerning its investment in Mexico to build a a new luxury-car factory in San Luis Potosi; assisted Invenergy on the tax implications of subsidiary Parque Eólico de Fenicias development of a 168MW wind parkin the state of Nuevo León; and Burger King Corporation in tax-related matters related to the sale of assets and stock of entities in Mexico as part of its restructuring of operations. Fernando Moreno leads a practice group that includes senior associate Jorge Díaz; both also handle international trade and customs. Other clients include Terrafertil, Faurecia Sistemas Automotrices de México, Creation Investments Capital Management, Takata, PrimeiroPay, Cimentaciones Mexicanas, and German Centre México.
Banking and finance Tier 5
As one commentator stated, Von Wobeser y Sierra, SC ‘has developed technical capabilities in the banking industry’; ‘the lawyers’ responsibility is remarkable’. The firm's fledgling -but nevertheless solid- practice attracts some impressive clients which it advises on matters including banking and finance transactional and regulatory work, banking corporate and M&A work, and administrative procedures. The team assists BAC Florida Bank with all matters related to its activities in Mexico, including legal assessments regarding loans, guarantees, and all issues related to the client’s regulatory status. It also advised Unicredit on an export credit facility agreement with Inmobiliaria y Arrendadora Cuadro, its first in Mexico; and key client Landesbank Baden-Württemberg in several transactions including two loan agreements for the acquisition of machinery extended to Cajas de Carton Sultana. Andrés Nieto heads the practice: ‘he is efficient and gives clients confidence’; Luis Burgueño is another key practitioner; support comes from associates Alberto Córdoba, Alejandro Stamoglou, Gloria Martínez, Laura Maldonado, and Santiago Barraza, who is ‘very talented and understands clients’ business needs’. Other clients include JPMorgan Chase, BBVA, Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Banorte, Scotiabank, Banco Sabadell, BMW Financial Services, BMW Leasing, Evo Payments Mexico and Bank of Scotland.
Latin America: International firms > International arbitration > Local practitioners of note (by country)
Claus Von Wobeser at Von Wobeser y Sierra, SC is a widely recognised arbitration specialist, acting as both arbitrator and counsel. The team also includes a number highly regarded practitioners such as Marco Venegas, Fernando Moreno and Adrián Magallanes. Recent caseload include a range of multimillion-dollar construction and commercial arbitration proceedings. SOLCARGO handles a steady stream of international arbitration, and recently represented Comisión Federal de Electricidad in two multimillion-dollar claims related to power purchase agreements with independent power producers. Fernando Pérez Correa is the name to note, and regularly sits as both arbitrator and counsel. González de Cossío Abogados, SC's Francisco González De Cossío is a recommended for acting as arbitrator and counsel in a range of domestic and international arbitration cases. Galicia Abogados S.C.'s Rodrigo Zamora is particularly noted for his expertise in infrastructure and construction-related disputes, and acts as both arbitrator and counsel; Cecilla Azar is 'a great expert in arbitration and ADR'. Wöss & Partners' Herfried Wöss regularly acts as counsel, arbitrator and expert witness, and is active in handling infrastructure and energy cases. Creel, García-Cuéllar, Aiza y Enríquez, S.C.'s Bernardo Sepúlveda Amor and Carlos Martínez Betanzos are also names to note. Fernando Del Castillo left Santamarina y Steta, and set up his own firm Del Castillo y Castro Abogados.
Von Wobeser y Sierra, SC > Firm Profile
Offering excellence and integrity, Von Wobeser y Sierra SC was founded in 1986 and is one of the foremost Mexican law firms that provides full-service legal solutions. The firm has a strong roster of international and national clients. Its lawyers are renowned for their expertise in advising and fortifying leading companies in establishing and conducting day-to-day business dealings related to entering and expanding their operations in Mexico and Latin America. The firm has been recognized on an international level by various institutions, including Chambers Global, Chambers Latin America, Latin Lawyer 250, GAR 100, GIR 100, GCR 100, The Legal 500 and IFLR 1000 among several others.
Advising clients so that they surpass their business objectives
This dynamic firm is growing considerably and is well known for its strong, pragmatic business focus and approach as well as for the strategic and preventive legal solutions that it offers clients. The legal team focuses on understanding each client’s core business and unique situation, and offers tailored, thorough and effective solutions that optimise resources and aid in the consolidation of each client’s business objectives. The firm operates as a strategic legal partner that handles each client’s most significant transactions and prominent cases and is involved in assisting clients with their most transcendental and consequential business decisions. Many of the firm’s clients are significant investors in Mexico and are listed in Fortune 50 and Fortune 500, as well as the Dow Jones, S&P 500, DAX, Nikkei and the Mexican Stock Exchange. They are composed of national and multinational companies, banks, financial institutions and organizations from the US, Canada, Germany, Europe, Asia and Mexico.
Areas of practice
The firm provides integrated legal solutions with 14 partners and over 80 lawyers in all fields of law with the exception of criminal law. It is composed of numerous core practice areas, including pro bono work. These include anti-corruption and compliance, arbitration, automotive, banking and finance, bankruptcy and restructuring, competition and antitrust, commercial contracts, constitutional and administrative proceedings, corporate and M&A, privacy and data protection, dispute resolution, energy and natural resources, environment, foreign investment, government procurement, immigration, insurance, industrial and intellectual property, international trade and customs, labor and employment, life sciences, mining, oil and gas, project finance, real estate, tourism and hospitality, securities and capital markets, social security, and tax.
Special desks
Asian, Canadian, European, German and American (US).
Languages
English, German, Spanish, French and Dutch.
Main Contacts
| Department | Name | Telephone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Partner contacts | Claus von Wobeser E: cvonwobeser@vwys.com.mx | ||
| Partner contacts | Javier Lizardi E: jlizardi@vwys.com.mx | ||
| Partner contacts | Fernando Moreno E: fmoreno@vwys.com.mx | ||
| Partner contacts | Luís Burgueño E: lburgueno@vwys.com.mx | ||
| Partner contacts | Luís Miguel Jiménez E: lmjimenez@vwys.com.mx | ||
| Partner contacts | Rupert Hüttler E: rhuettler@vwys.com.mx | ||
| Partner contacts | Fernando Carreño E: fcarreno@vwys.com.mx | ||
| Partner contacts | Andrés Nieto E: anieto@vwys.com.mx | ||
| Partner contacts | Edmond Grieger E: egrieger@vwys.com.mx | ||
| Partner contacts | Adrián Magallanes E: amagallanes@vwys.com.mx | ||
| Partner contacts | Diego Sierra E: dsierra@vwys.com.mx | ||
| Partner contacts | Rodolfo Trampe E: rtrampe@vwys.com.mx | ||
| Partner contacts | Montserrat Manzano E: mmanzano@vwys.com.mx | ||
| Partner contacts | Pablo Saez E: psaez@vwys.com.mx |
Staff Figures
Other fee-earners : 80 Total staff : 200Other
Partners : 16Top Tier Firm Rankings
Top Tier Firm Rankings
Firm Rankings
- Corporate and M&A
- Environment
- Bankruptcy and restructuring
- Intellectual property
- International trade and customs
- Labour and employment
- Capital markets
- Energy and natural resources
- Tax
- Banking and finance