‘Proven to be an undisputed leader in its field’, Cariola Díez Pérez-Cotapos has a sizeable client base of consumer goods businesses, while being increasingly active in non-contentious procedures involving the pharmaceutical industry and TV-rating measuring tools. The group is highly rated for its expertise in merger control procedures, and cartel and abuse of dominance investigations; and notably stands out for its experience in the interplay between competition law and IP rights, where it can leverage the enviable IP credentials of its sister-firm Sargent & Krahn. The practice’s recent experience further includes successfully closing unilateral conduct cases before the FNE, along with several competition matters involving entertainment and tech companies. The department is headed up by Juan Cristóbal Gumucio, who advises on merger control, cartels, unilateral conduct and compliance programmes; and Gerardo Varela, whose track record includes landmark antitrust cases. In the firm’s associate pool, seniors Camila Rojas, Catalina González, Cristóbal Lema and José Manuel Donoso all advise on merger control work; at the more junior end, Andrés Hananía assists with TDLC cases, while Macarena Boeri and José Luis García also advise on merger control procedures. Recent growth for the free competition practice includes the August 2023 hire of associate Marcelo Mayor from Ugarte & Correa.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Cariola has a significant team that is able to handle a lot of work in a short period of time.’
- ‘Great ability to understand the client's internal requirements, addressing the problem according to the client's needs. Highly trained team.’
- ‘The experience has been exceptional in every aspect. This law firm has proven to be an undisputed leader in its field, providing high-quality services with a clear focus on business needs.’
- ‘In addition to exceptional technical knowledge, what really sets this firm apart is its business-oriented approach. They not only provide legal advice, but also demonstrate a clear understanding of their clients' business objectives.’
- ‘Practical and strategic legal solutions that not only meet legal requirements, but also contribute to the overall success of the business.’
- ‘What really stands out about this firm is its deep knowledge and experience in antitrust matters. Its lawyers demonstrate a keen understanding of the legal complexities surrounding business competition.’
Key clients
- WarnerBros Discovery
- CDF
- Fonterra
- Soprole
- Nutreco/Skretting
- American Airlines
- Econeu (Valora Más)
- Cámara Innovación Farmacéutica
- Bekaert
- New Hope Ecotech
- The Coca-Cola Company
- Unilever
Work highlights
Acted for Comercializadora Nutreco Chile in an an alleged cartel case before the FNE, as well as the judicial case before the TDLC.
Representing Canal de Fútbol before the TDLC for alleged abuse of dominant position.
Advised Fonterra and its subsidiaries on a merger control procedure in Chile.
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.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Juan Cristóbal Gumucio; Gerardo Varela