Garrigues Chile's ‘corporate and M&A lawyers stand out for their thorough and timely work’. The 22-member team comprises experts in corporate law, M&A, corporate reorganisations, joint venture transactions and governance. The practice also fields sector specialists in telecoms, infrastructure, real estate, retail, entertainment and the automotive industry; while its track record is particularly notable in relation to the acquisition of energy and mining companies and assets. It also assists private equity funds and investors with strategic acquisitions, capital investments and divestments. Department head and corporate law and M&A expert, Luis Felipe Merino, is ’a dedicated partner who is involved in every detail’; Rodrigo Fernández advises on major M&A transactions, many of which involve cross-border aspects; Jaime de Larraechea specialises in telecoms, infrastructure and private equity M&A; and Cristóbal Fainé has longstanding energy and corporate law expertise. At principal associate level, Hellen Brockway advises on corporate restructuring, M&A, asset acquisitions and shareholder agreements; Carlos Arias' wide-ranging practice includes aquaculture matters; Constanza Velásquez is ‘involved in every last detail of clients’ business’; Thomas Dawes focuses on M&A, commercial law, corporate governance and sustainable development; and Juan Eduardo Vidal focuses on M&A, commercial law and real estate. Former senior associate Diego Torres departed the firm during 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘The team has the perfect mix: people with excellent academic and professional standing, good communication skills with both counterparts and clients, and being organised and meticulous.’
- ‘They offer an extremely comprehensive service, where a genuine effort to safeguard their clients' interests is evident, even taking the time to get to know them so as to achieve synergies and effective teamwork.’
- ‘A superbly and well-organised and diligent team, with defined roles and responsibilities that facilitate and positively predispose the work. A very pro-business team.’
- ‘It's a highly trained team, but with a significant capacity to generate friendly and close contact with clients, generating the trust necessary to address the various issues that arise within companies.’
- ‘Garrigues' corporate and M&A lawyers stand out for their thorough and timely work, as well as for resolving the various questions posed by companies’ legal management.’
‘Luis Felipe Merino is a dedicated partner who is involved in every detail. An excellent negotiator. A highly academic approach to work, he excels for his experience and knowledge of both national and international jurisprudence.’
‘Constanza Velázquez - unparalleled professionalism, thoroughness, diligence, and meticulousness in all aspects of her work, which is practically perfect.’
‘Constanza Velázquez is involved in every last detail of clients’ business, so as to maintain a lead in both the legal and commercial spheres.’
Key clients
- Administradora de Fondos de Pensiones Habitat
- NielsenIQ – GfK
- Mobility Ado
- Inversiones Porta Bella
- Giunti Psychometrics Holding
- Habasit International
- Empresas Gasco
- Colbún
- Kréalo Management
- Agrupa Lettuce
- Inversiones KSE
- Seguros Konsegur de Garantías y Créditos
Work highlights
Advised Administradora de Fondos de Pensiones Habitat on the purchase of a 49% stake in a subsidiary of Parque Arauco, the owner of outlet malls in Chile.
Advised Mobility Ado on the acquisition of a 40% stake in Inversiones Hualpén.
Advised Porta Bella on the sale of its 100% interest in Grupo Blumos to IMCD, a specialty chemicals distributor.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Luis Felipe Merino
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Carlos Arias
Hellen Brockway
Constanza Velásquez
Practice head
Luis Felipe Merino