The 48-strong corporate and M&A practice at full-service firm Cariola Díez Pérez-Cotapos acts throughout the full transactional life cycle. The group is well known for its structuring of complex deals, its expertise covering sales, purchases and contract negotiations. It also assists with due diligence, regulatory compliance and risk management issues; while the department additionally leverages the firm’s specialisms in tax, corporate finance, secured lending, labour law, antitrust, IP and real estate in relation to M&A activity. Among the team’s several highly-regarded partners, Sergio Díez has significant experience in corporate and contract law; Gerardo Varela's track record includes advising on M&A deals in the energy, salmon farming and retail industries; Juan Pablo Matus specialises in corporate, commercial, M&A and real estate matters; current firm managing partner Carlos Pérez-Cotapos assists with mining company-related M&A; and Gonzalo Grez advises on M&A and corporate law, along with mining and project development. The practice further showcases Francisco J Illanes, an adviser on M&A, corporate reorganisations and shareholder agreements; M&A, corporate restructuring and commercial agreement expert Juan Antonio Parodi; experienced corporate and M&A adviser Cristián Herrera; Andrea Saffie, an adviser to companies and family offices on M&A; and senior associate Sergio Balharry , who acts for both domestic and international clients on M&A. In January 2025, corporate law, M&A and restructuring practitioner María Francisca Salas was raised to partner, while former partner Nicolás Lustig departed the firm.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘What makes Cariola unique is its technical knowledge, its ability to create creative and secure solutions for the client, and the ability to connect with its client's strategy and seek the best legal path.’
- ‘Cariola's corporate and M&A practice is distinguished by its meticulous approach, technical depth, and strong client orientation.’
- ‘Clients value the team's very balanced structure, and the consistency and strategic clarity in its processes.’
- ‘They have amazing communication skills.’
- ‘They are very professional, on time, and know what they are doing!’
- ‘Cariola's M&A group is unsurpassed.’
Key clients
- América Móvil
- Corporación Medifarma
- Glisco Partners
Work highlights
Advised América Móvil on the acquisition of a controlling stake in Claro VTR.
Advised Corporación Medifarma on the acquisition of Laboratorio Sanderson.
Advised Glisco Partners on a corporate venture capital partnership with Wild Foods.
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.
Practice head
Sergio Díez; Gerardo Varela; Cristián Herrera; Juan Pablo Matus; Carlos Pérez-Cotapos; Gonzalo Grez; Andrea Saffie; Francisco Javier Illanes