According to satisfied clients, Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uría’s corporate and M&A offering is unique for its combination of ‘technical rigour, deep knowledge of the business environment, and genuine client proximity’. The full-service practice supports on a wide range of M&A, spin-offs, restructurings, public offerings and private equity matters, while its international platform — which includes a partnership with Spain-headquartered Uría Menéndez — positions it well for cross-border transactions. Department co-head Martín Acero is an ’exceptional lawyer with a comprehensive vision of the law’; he recently advised Vision Sports & Entertainment on the acquisition of a 99.06% stake in Club Deportivo La Equidad Seguros from la Equidad Seguros and related parties. Fellow co-head Claudia Barrero is also highly sought after for corporate deals and advised Grupo Argos on the highly publicised share exchanges executed by Grupo Argos, Grupo de Inversiones Suramericana, Grupo Nutresa, Jaime Gilinski Bacal and IHC Capital Holding. Among the team’s other headline-grabbing matters, Felipe Cuberos advised Fresenius Medical Care Colombia on the sale of all of its shares to Group DaVita. Additional key partners include Colombia office director Hernando Padilla, who specialises in corporate, M&A, private equity, and cross-border work; Juan Carlos Rocha, whose focus spans corporate and real estate law; and Nicolás Tirado, who handles corporate, M&A, and insolvency matters. Recommended associates include principal Juan Guillermo Nur (corporate/M&A); principal David Beltrán (corporate/private equity/corporate litigation); principal Laura Grisales (corporate/M&A/insolvency); principal Juan José Castaño (corporate/M&A/tax); and senior Natalia Velasco (corporate/M&A).
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Professionals provide 'out-of-the-box thinking’ focused on solutions and support their clients.’
‘The entire team pays great attention to detail and is fully available to the client. Felipe Cuberos stands out in particular.’
‘A great team that helped us very professionally and efficiently through a complex transaction. Lawyers always communicated well and were up to date on the latest developments. Technically, they were very good, focused on ensuring everything was smooth and pragmatic.’
‘The team’s knowledge and experience are superior. Lawyers have seen it all, and their focus is on serving the client. They don't get bogged down with details; they see the big picture. Juan Guillermo Nur was the leader of our transaction.’
- ‘A truly cohesive team. Each team member knows their role and support each other if a quick response is required and someone has a heavy operational load. Nicolás Tirado is always present during key conversations, and his right-hand person, Laura Grisales, has power to make decisions and lead her team.’
- ‘I have had the opportunity to work in other firms that I would call more hierarchical; PPU stands out for being collaborative in every sense of the word. Without a doubt, the team's closeness to clients was the key factor in rapid decision-making. It takes the development of a close relationship seriously.’
Key clients
- Grupo Argos
- The Bank of Nova Scotia (BNS)
- Fresenius Medical Care Colombia
- Accion Digital Transformation Fund
- AVI-SPL Global
- Liberty Mutual Insurance
- Inverbosques
- Avenida Colombia Management Company
- Vision Sports & Entertainment (VSE)
- Mercantil Colpatria, Pasa Colombia and Promotora Ambiental
- Gerdau
- Entoria Energy Latin America
Work highlights
Advised Grupo Argos on the share exchanges performed in accordance with the framework agreement executed by Grupo Argos, Grupo de Inversiones Suramericana, Grupo Nutresa, Jaime Gilinski Bacal, and IHC Capital Holding.
Acted as local counsel to Bank of Nova Scotia on the integration of banking operations in Colombia, Costa Rica and Panama with Davivienda.
Advised Fresenius Medical Care Colombia on the sale of all of its shares to group DaVita.
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; Hernando Padilla; Claudia Barrero; Felipe Cuberos; Juan Carlos Rocha; Nicolás Tirado