Cuatrecasas’ increasingly dominant corporate offering is staffed by lawyers commended for their ‘extensive technical knowledge but also, importantly, business sense’. The practice is distinguished by its industry-based approach, where it particularly excels in transactions involving the infrastructure, energy, real estate and TMT areas. Additionally, as the Colombian arm of an international firm, the team is recognised for its ability to plug into its global network for support on large-scale, cross-border deals. Juan Felipe Vera is a go-to specialist for corporate and M&A and recently advised GFT Technologies on the bidding process to acquire 100% of the share capital of Sophos Colombia and its subsidiaries in Chile, Mexico, Panama, Peru, India and the USA. Vera co-heads the department together with Felipe Mariño, who specialises in infrastructure and real estate M&A; and corporate and commercial partner Jaime Moya, who joined in December 2024 from Novit Abogados. The team further draws on an accomplished bench of senior associates that includes Natalia Villamizar, who is singled out for her ’experience and in-depth knowledge’; Pablo Martínez, who re-joined the firm in July 2024 following a one-year stint at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP in New York; and Daniel Cardona-Aranda, who arrived from Muñoz Tamayo & Asociados in February 2025. Senior associate Carolina Trejos Robledo left the firm in December 2024, while fellow senior Fabio Ardila joined Drummond Energy the following month. Since publication, Mariño has been posted to the firm’s New York office – effective as of October 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
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Profile
Position
Partner
Career
Juan Felipe Vera has over 20 years’ experience in advising on company acquisitions in many sectors, including banking, energy, health, infrastructure, manufacturing, mass consumption, and public services.
He advises private equity clients on investments, acquisitions and disposals.
He represents clients in complex transactions related to his area of expertise, including capital market acquisitions and competitive purchase processes. He also advises private clients on strategic and routine matters on an ongoing basis.
Before joining Cuatrecasas, he worked at a leading international law firm in Bogotá, where he handled major M&A transactions in Colombia and the Andean region. He also served as secretary general (secretaría general) and completed secondments at leading Colombian companies.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘A team of lawyers with extensive technical knowledge but also, importantly, business sense to carry out the transaction. What sets them apart from others is their knowledge in different areas.’
‘Cuatrecasas' corporate and M&A practice is unique because it has an expert team capable of offering comprehensive solutions to clients. The team supported us through a challenging transaction and successfully led the negotiation.’
‘Natalia Villamizar played an outstanding role in our transaction. She led the negotiations through innovative proposals that addressed the interests of both parties. I emphasize Natalia's experience and in-depth knowledge in her field, as well as her approachability and excellent networking.’
Key clients
TWO (Spac)
Fondo Ashmore Andino II (FCP) and Ashmore Andean Fund II
GFT Technologies
Grupo Familia
Fondo de Inversión Altra, Oil Recovery Systems, accionistas minoritarios IA4
Urbaser
Plurall Capital Colombia
Work highlights
Advised Ashmore on an investment agreement with Patria to invest in Parque Solar Puerta de Oro.