Bustamante Fabara advises on a range of corporate and transactional matters, acting for multinational clients across sectors including mining, technology, financial services and consumer goods. The team is regularly engaged on cross-border M&A transactions, private equity investments, regional expansions and corporate restructurings. Co-leading the practice are José Rafael Bustamante C. and Juan Felipe Bustamante, who both excel in high-value cross-border M&A work, leveraging transactional expertise; and María Rosa Fabara, who blends regulatory and commercial acumen to navigate corporate governance and strategic acquisitions. A strong group of up-and-coming younger practitioners includes Kirina González (cross-border M&A, private equity investments and corporate restructuring); and Andrés Becdach (complex corporate transactions and strategic advisory matters), both of whom were promoted to the partnership in March 2026; and associate practice director Pedro Gómez de la Torre (M&A, strategic investments and corporate reorganisations). Guayaquil-based corporate and competition partner Ricardo Menéndez moved in house in September 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- The team is distinguished by its ability to combine rigorous legal analysis with business acumen. The lawyers not only identify risks but also propose concrete and viable solutions. Communication is clear, direct, and decision-oriented.
- Bustamante Fabara's corporate and M&A practice stands out for its strong specialization and a clearly business-oriented approach. The team combines technical excellence with a deep understanding of clients' business objectives and risk profiles. The direct involvement of partners, the speed of response, and the consistent quality of work are particularly valuable.
- Personalized attention from the firm's partners, as well as a willingness to go beyond the scope of the contract.
- Juan Felipe Bustamante, a partner at the firm, demonstrates a total commitment to his clients, providing personalized attention and follow-up on the matters entrusted to him.
- José Rafael Bustamante, as a partner, is very approachable. He provides us with excellent attention and timely responses, and he uses his extensive experience to brainstorm in complex situations where we need his input. It's a pleasure to work with both Kirina González and Valentina Morillo.
- It's a pleasure working with the BFabara team. They are extremely responsive, friendly, collaborative, and anticipate our team's needs. They provide answers within short timeframes, are involved from the partner down to the junior associate, and we feel that our issues are relevant to their team.
Key clients
- Royal Gold
- HIG Capital
- Primax Comercial
- Saint-Gobain
- Hapag-Lloyd
- Adium Pharma
- Macquire Asset Management (MAM)
- John Deere
- Zaimella
- Millicom International Cellular (Tigo)
- Alicorp Inversiones
- Seguros Equinoccial
- Vita Alimentos
- HDI – Talanx
- Industrial Danec
- Amazon
- Mitsui
- Bekaert Ideal and Arcelormittal Spain Holdings
Work highlights
Advised HIG Capital in connection with its acquisition of Kantar Media, acting on the Ecuadorian aspects of the transaction.
Advised Primax, Grupo Romero’s energy subsidiary, on the closing of a landmark strategic alliance with UNO for the integration of Primax’s downstream fuel operations in Ecuador and Peru,
Advised Millicom (Tigo) on the $380m acquisition of Telefónica’s operations in Ecuador.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
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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
José Rafael Bustamante C.; Juan Felipe Bustamante; María Rosa Fabara
Other key lawyers
Kirina Gonzalez; Andrés Becdach; Pedro Gómez de la Torre