Drawing on over three decades of experience in this space, Bruchou & Funes de Rioja advises major Argentine and international companies on high-profile corporate and M&A matters, frequently involving cross-border elements. With a strong presence in the oil and gas, energy, financial, healthcare and technology sectors, the practice handles a varied workload, where high-value M&A deals, feature alongside divestments, joint ventures and day-to-day corporate issues. Mariano Luchetti, an energy specialist, and María Lucila Winschel, who has a wealth of experience in corporate governance, corporate restructurings, spin-offs and M&A, jointly lead the practice. Other noteworthy practitioners include Estanislao Olmos, an expert in mergers, acquisitions and divestitures involving public and private companies; Exequiel Buenaventura, a key contact for power, mining, telecoms and real estate clients; Santiago Balbi, who focuses on M&A, private equity and venture capital deals; Nicolás Dulce, who is especially active in high-value transactions in the energy and infrastructure sectors; and Florencia Angelico, who is well-versed in corporate reorganisations, liquidation processes, shareholders’ agreements and corporate disputes. At the associate level, Macarena Rolón (special emphasis on the oil and gas sector), Franca Stafforini, Agustina Rocca, and Hernán Alal provide support on M&A, corporate, and contractual matters. Founding partner Enrique Bruchou retired from the firm in June 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘I consider their greatest virtue to be that they think like in-house lawyers. They don't just recite the law; they get involved in the business and think like a true business partner.’
  • ‘Unlike other firms that can operate on an “eat what you kill” basis, leading to selfish attitudes, Bruchou has always been generous and inclusive. They have very good people: sound, intelligent, professional, and highly trained, who prioritise excellence and solving client needs.’
  • ‘The corporate and M&A team is fantastic. They are very up-to-date on market opportunities and have extensive knowledge of how M&A works globally. They are a great reference for transactions with international components, operating in a very similar way to major American and European firms.’
  • ‘Bruchou & Funes de Rioja gets deeply and committedly involved in every matter we entrust to them, providing remarkable technical knowledge and a personalised, almost boutique, approach with 24/7 availability, always aimed at facilitating and closing transactions.’
  • ‘I have been working with Bruchou for almost 20 years. They are my preferred lawyers whom I recommend whenever I have the opportunity. They have always stood out for their professionalism, work capacity, and the human quality of the team.’
  • ‘Exequiel Buenaventura is a comprehensive and reliable partner with deep technical knowledge who gets involved in all aspects of the transaction, leaving no detail to chance. His constant closeness, availability, and command of the subject are why we choose them time and time again.’
  • ‘Nicolás Dulce advised us on a transaction that involved arduous negotiations, where he stood out for his outstanding skills in leading them. His talent and knowledge of the most complex transactional issues are immense.’
  • ‘It is a very knowledgeable and strong team, always willing to assist in creative ways. The turnaround with the client is quick and efficient. Furthermore, the team knows when and how to engage other members of the firm to assist in certain matters (tax, competition, etc.) to deliver timely responses.’
  • ‘Macarena Rolón is a senior associate who stands out for her critical analysis, attention to detail, thorough understanding of the business, and total dedication to her assigned transactions. We believe she has great potential to be a standout in her peer group.’
  • ‘We can highlight two of their partners, Lucila Winschel and Florencia Angélico, who stand out for their dedication to the client, analytical capacity, and high level of attention to each query, which provides a sense of security and peace of mind.’

Key clients

  • Grupo Werthein
  • Compañía Cervecerías Unidas
  • Arcor
  • Amwins Global Risks
  • Vista Oil & Gas
  • Digital House
  • Netrix
  • American Industrial Partners
  • Cinven Group
  • TravelX
  • Intive GmbH
  • Supercanal
  • Bakelite Synthetics
  • Central Puerto
  • Parque Eólico Arauco SAPEM
  • GlobalLogic
  • MSU Energy
  • YPF
  • Delver Agents
  • Equinor

Work highlights

Advised HSBC Latin America B.V. on the sale of its Argentine banking, asset management, and insurance businesses to Grupo Financiero Galicia, the largest private financial group in Argentina.
Advised Dutch technology investor Prosus NV on its $1.7bn acquisition of Despegar.com, Corp., a leading Latin American online travel agency.
Advised VMOS S.A., a special-purpose midstream oil company, on the structuring of its joint venture with leading oil companies, including YPF S.A., Vista Energy, Pampa Energía, Pan American Energy, Pluspetrol, and the potential future involvement of Chevron and Shell Argentina, in its $3bn Vaca Muerta Sur project.

Lawyers

Leading partners

The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Next Generation Partners

Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

Mariano Luchetti; María Lucila Winschel

Other key lawyers

Enrique Bruchou; Estanislao Olmos; Exequiel Buenaventura; Santiago Balbi; Nicolás Dulce; Florencia Angelico; Macarena Rolón; Franca Stafforini; Agustina Rocca; Hernán Alal