The nine-strong competition and antitrust practice at Barros & Errázuriz has significant experience in high-stakes antitrust cases before the Chilean Competition Tribunal (TDLC), as well as investigations before Chile’s National Competition Authority (FNE). The ‘very competent’ group also comprises specialists in FNE merger notifications; and assists companies with preventing future anti-competitive conducts, and establishing business protocols and compliance programmes. Clients further benefit from the firm’s membership of the Affinitas network, which facilitates the regular exchange of ideas (with other experts in Mexico and Peru) on regional competition developments. The team’s recent financial-service sector highlights include advising Grupo Security on the notification of its merger with Grupo Bice to the FNE, the new entity valued at approximately $3.13bn. The practice’s principal figures are Luis Eduardo Toro, a renowned litigation and arbitration practitioner; Francisco Bórquez, who focuses exclusively on competition law, particularly merger control work, compliance programmes, and FNE and TDLC procedures; and José Luis Corvalán, whose experience includes major TDLC competition cases. In the associate pool, senior Catalina Villalobos (a former legal deputy at the FNE’s mergers division), and Josefina Poblete , both assist with merger clearances and anti-competitive practices; and with experience in both litigation and anti-competitive conduct, Luis Bravo is a May 2024 hire from the FNE.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The team led by Francisco Bórquez is highly professional, dedicated, and hardworking. They give you the confidence that you are in good hands.'
- 'We received great attention from the partner, who managed the client's expectations in a highly professional and agile manner. They, along with another team member who had previously worked for the authority, handled the case flawlessly, meeting an extremely tight deadline.'
- 'The team was exceptionally committed and focused on assisting the client during a complex transaction. They successfully secured approval from the Chilean antitrust authority within an extremely short timeframe, which prevented legal exposure and financial impact for the company.'
- 'The firm has a very competent team for competition and antitrust law.'
- ’The invoices are clear and accurate, and based on the work performed.'
- ‘They offer a comprehensive service in competition matters that is extremely complete, and their knowledge of clients’ business is excellent.’
- ‘They are much more than mere lawyers - they are strategic advisers.’
- ‘The experience and expertise of Francisco Bórquez and Luis Eduardo Toro set this firm apart from others.’
- ’Francisco Borquez is undoubtedly one of the best in his field in the country.’
Key clients
- DirecTV Chile
- Grupo Security
- Visa
- Asociación Gremial de Productores de Huevos de Chile
- Comisión Nacional de Energía
- HIG Capital
- Compass Group
- Colbún
- Esmax Distribución
- Pacific Mining Parts
- Banco BTG Pactual
- WEG Capital
- Avla Seguros
- SETOP
- Contempora Servicios Financieros
Work highlights
Defended Servicios Visa International before the Chilean Competition Tribunal against three lawsuits, which were filed by payment facilitators in relation to the cross-border acquiring rule.
Advised Grupo Security on the notification to the National Economic Prosecutor's Office (FNE), of its merger with Grupo Bice.
Assisted Esmax Distribución with its defence before the Chilean Competition Tribunal, which concerned a consultation process initiated by the FNE in relation to the the joint operation of fuel storage plants with Copec and Enex.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Josefina Poblete
Catalina Villalobos
Practice head
Luis Eduardo Toro; Francisco Bórquez; José Luis Corvalán