The commercially oriented corporate group at Brigard Urrutia is valued by many for its ‘holistic and complete understanding of the clients’ business’. Benefitting from one of the deepest benches in the market, with 17 dedicated lawyers, the practice further stands out for its international experience and comprehensive sector expertise that spans the full spectrum of traditional and disruptive industries. High-profile department co-head Sergio Michelsen is highlighted together with next-generation partner Fernando Alfredo Castillo for combining ’technical excellence with a practical, commercial approach’; they recently led separate teams advising both Colombia Móvil and Colombia Telecomunicaciones on structuring an alliance to develop and consolidate a unified mobile network in Colombia. Fellow M&A co-head Jaime Robledo is dual-qualified (New York/Colombia) and contributes strong international experience; he recently advised US-based Emergent Cold Latam Holdings on its acquisition of Red Polar. Rounding out the key partners is up-and-coming corporate specialist Tomás Holguín, who recently advised Aviation Integrated Services Group on its acquisition of Airsite. The group also draws on senior names Carlos Fradique-Méndez, who is noted for private equity deals, and Carlos Urrutia, who possesses broad transactional expertise. A deep pool of supporting non-partners includes M&A director Ángela García Páez and corporate and commercial director Mónica Gutiérrez Velasco; as well as senior associate Andrea Camila Cruz and intermediate associate Gonzalo Orrego. Former department chair Dario Laguado Giraldo and senior associate Laura Ricardo Ayerbe left the firm in April 2024, while director Paola Ordoñez left August 2024 for an in-house role at Emergent Cold Latam.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Brigard Urrutia's corporate and M&A practice is absolutely spectacular. I would 100% recommend it for any transaction in Colombia.’
‘Sergio Michelsen and Fernando Alfredo Castillo are brilliant lawyers. They combine technical excellence with a practical, commercial approach. They provide a highly sophisticated service in an efficient manner and with total dedication. They are truly fantastic lawyers and a pleasure to work with.’
‘It's a department committed to excellence. Partners are deeply involved in all transactions and have a holistic and complete understanding of the clients' business. This makes the trust they provide applicable in every case. Partners are willing to fully engage in the transaction to provide the right legal advice.’
‘Fernando Alfredo Castillo and Jaime Robledo stand out for their intuition and efficient approach to business and their ability to weigh legal risks. They are always available to address any requirements with the utmost empathy and excellence in their work.’
‘The partners we work with at BU are fully engaged in the matters for which we have requested their support. Other team members are responsible and diligent. The deliverables are clear and, in most cases, timely.’
‘Jaime Robledo's experience in M&A matters is invaluable, as are his contributions to resolving complex issues. Tomás Holguín is a close and technical partner. Fernando Alfredo Castillo is resourceful in the solutions he proposes.’
Key clients
- Grupo SURA
- Parque Arauco
- Bancolombia
- Acon Investments
- Mercantil Colpatria
- G4S Secure Solutions Colombia amd G4S Technology Colombia
- Ocensa
- Argos
- Barnes
- Millicom International
Work highlights
Acted as Colombian counsel to Grupo Sura on an agreement between Grupo Sura, Grupo Argos, IHC, JGDB, and Nugil, pursuant to which the foregoing exchanged shares of Grupo Sura, Grupo Nutresa and Sociedad Portafolio.
Advised both Colombia Móvil and Colombia Telecomunicaciones on structuring an alliance for its mobile network to develop and consolidate a unified mobile network in Colombia.
Advised ACON Investments on acquiring a controlling stake in Rymel Ingeniería Eléctrica.
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 partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
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 Michelsen; Jaime Robledo; Tomás Holguín; Fernando Castillo