‘A team composed of good negotiators, who are experienced in New York law’, Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uría’s corporate and M&A practice strikes an enviable balance between domestic and multinational clients. Routinely involved in transformational — often cross-border — M&A, the deep and broad group is distinguished by its international platform, which leans on offices in Peru and Chile as well as a partnership with Spain-headquartered Uría Menéndez. Among the names to note, managing partner Martín Acero is a ’true leader and looks for solutions to the most complicated problems’; he paired up with corporate and real estate partner Juan Carlos Rocha to advise Ferro and Hojalatas y Laminados on the structuring of a vehicle, in which they will jointly participate with Yellowstone Capital Partners, to develop a real estate project in Medellín. The firm fields an additional high-profile corporate specialist in Claudia Barrero, who recently advised Grupo Argos on its agreement (together with Grupo de Inversiones Suramericana and Grupo Nutresa), with Jaime Gilinski Bacal and IHC to carry out a stock exchange. Other recommended partners include Felipe Cuberos, who handles a mix of corporate and commercial law; Hernando Padilla, who specialises in corporate, M&A and private equity; and Nicolás Tirado, whose practice spans corporate and insolvency matters. The department also utilises the growing expertise of several associates, including principals David Beltrán, Juan Guillermo Nur and Juan José Castaño, as well as senior Natalia Velasco. Former principal Luz María Mercado moved in house at Stori in September 2023.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
- Profile
- Social
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘A team composed of good negotiators, who are experienced in New York law.’
‘The PPU team understands that the added value it can generate starts from: a) understanding the commercial terms of the transaction; b) framing the agreed commercial/legal terms in the context of the relevant industry/market; c) understanding and aligning with the client's needs/objectives.’
‘Hernando Padilla aligns himself with the needs and objectives of the client (within the framework of the transaction), taking into consideration the terms and commercial interests of the client; the possible risks and contingencies; and the sensitivities of the negotiation process.’
‘The team works as hard as a US firm; lawyers do everything necessary to satisfy the client and their quality is always impeccable.’
‘Martín Acero is a true leader and looks for solutions to the most complicated problems. It's a pleasure to work with him. There is a great level of specialisation.’
‘All the PPU lawyers I have worked with, in addition to being very responsible with the case, are very confident with their opinions, which gives us a lot of peace of mind. They also share our sense of urgency.’
‘PPU is a firm that delivers great value to its clients, working with a holistic and strategic vision.’
‘They are lawyers who have legal knowledge and care about knowing their clients' business so that their recommendations are business-oriented, they calculate risks and are strategic.’
Key clients
- Bolsa de Valores de Colombia, Bolsa de Comercio de Santiago and Grupo BVL
- Calleja
- Ferro (Colombia branch) and Hojalatas y Laminados
- Kerry Group / Kerry Group
- Grupo Bancolombia
- Toyota Tsusho Corporation
- Siete24
- Publicis Groupe
- BGSF Professional
- Parque Arauco Colombia
Work highlights
- Advised Grupo Argos on its agreement, together with Grupo de Inversiones Suramericana and Grupo Nutresa, with Jaime Gilinski Bacal and IHC to carry out a stock exchange.
- Acted as counsel in Colombia, Chile and Peru to the Colombian Stock Exchange, Santiago Stock Exchange and Grupo BVL in connection with the integration of the three Stock Exchanges under a common holding company.
- Advised Grupo Calleja on its acquisition of 86.8% of the ordinary shares of Almacenes Éxito through a simultaneous public tender offer in Colombia and on the NYSE for $1bn.
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.
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
Martín Acero; Claudia Barrero; Felipe Cuberos; Hernando Padilla; Nicolás Tirado