Bustamante Fabara fields a leading competition and antitrust offering that is highly capable in advising local and multinational corporations on both regulatory and contentious matters. Leveraging the firm’s transactional strength, the competition practice often works in tandem with the corporate team to advise on high-profile merger control notifications and filings before the competition authority. This includes merger control filing and clearance, antitrust defence proceedings for unfair pricing and abuse of dominance. The group is active across a variety of highly regulated sectors for multinational clients, including pharma, consumer goods and food. María Rosa Fabara co-heads the practice and stands out for advising multinational and local companies on merger control issues and representing them in antitrust investigations and proceedings. Co-leading alongside her, José Rafael Bustamante C. combines corporate expertise with skill in competition risk assessments and merger clearance. Diego Ramírez Mesec has experience in antitrust investigations and litigation. Kirina González and Daniel Castelo, both of whom were promoted to the partnership in March 2026, provide key support on merger control filings, investigations and advisory matters. Competition and antitrust-focused Camila Sánchez is the key contact at senior associate level.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- Maria Rosa Fabara is a leading figure in competition law, not only for her extensive knowledge but also for her impeccable reputation in the Ecuadorian market. Daniel Castelo stands out for his solid knowledge and complete availability to translate the application of the law into practical solutions for his clients' activities.
- Fabara has a solid knowledge base and is one of the most respected companies when it comes to advising on competition law and antitrust laws.
- Constant and direct communication sets this team apart from other firms. From the first day we started working with Bustamante Fabara, the team has adapted to the company's needs, especially in media relations, guaranteeing immediate and accurate responses, always ready to provide support regardless of the day or time. Overall, they have a diverse and multidisciplinary team that provides clients with peace of mind.
- Lawyers with a positive attitude and strong problem-solving skills, who not only see the legal aspects of the issue but also understand the business and commercial implications, ensuring our interests are aligned. Lawyers to highlight: Jose Rafael Bustamante, Kirina Gonzalez, Valentina Murillo.
- A strong team with diverse skills that supported us in every aspect of the project. They had a clear understanding of the industry and a specialized team for each stage of the project.
Key clients
- Millicom International Cellular
- Alicorp Inversiones
- Primax Comercial
- NV Bekaert
- Seguros Equinoccial
- Henieken Ecuador
- Abbot Laboratories
- Chaide & Chaide
- SALUDSA Sistema de Medicina Prepagada del Ecuador
- Pfizer Ireland Pharmaceutical
- Industrial Danec
- Industrial Pesquera Santa Priscila
- Vita Alimentos
Work highlights
Advised Millicom (Tigo) on obtaining merger control clearance for its $380m acquisition of Telefónica Ecuador.
Advised Seguros Equinoccial on merger control matters in connection with the acquisition of insurance company Ecuatoriano Suiza, creating Equisuiza.
Advised NV Bekaert on competition and regulatory matters related to the $73m sale of its steel wire solutions business in Ecuador to Grupo AG, as part of a multi-jurisdictional divestment process.
Lawyers
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.
Practice head
José Rafael Bustamante; María Rosa Fabara
Other key lawyers
Diego Ramirez Mesec; Kirina Gonzalez; Daniel Castelo; Camila Sánchez