Highlighted for its ‘deep knowledge’ and ‘exceptional’ support, the Guatemalan office of Arias is able to leverage the firm’s extensive regional network to assist international clients with investments throughout Central America. The team has particular expertise in acting on the buyer side of multi-jurisdictional M&A transactions, counting an array of leading multinational companies among its clients, but has recently played an increasingly prominent role in advising local sellers. In addition to M&A, the comprehensive practice covers corporate finance, company incorporations, the creation of joint ventures, and corporate governance and compliance issues. Luis Pedro Del Valle, who wins praise for his ‘great communication skills and analytical thinking’, leads the practice and is adept at handling M&A, corporate restructurings and venture capital transactions. The deep bench also includes director Cindy Arrivillaga; of counsel Luis Pedro Jegerlehner, who joined the firm in August 2023 from an in-house role at PepsiCo; and senior associates Jorge Ordoñez (who is well versed in advising multinational clients, particularly in the real estate sector), Florencio Gramajo and Francisco Zuluaga.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
- Profile
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Without a doubt, the team stand out for their deep knowledge of the issues raised and the alternatives provided have been fundamental to moving forward and resolving matters. They provide follow-up and close communication throughout the negotiation process and, very importantly, clients are always assisted by the partner responsible for the matter.’
‘They provide a very good service in Guatemala - they follow up on issues and suggest the best option. We know that the lawyers assisting us have complete knowledge and mastery of the issues.’
‘The legal support they provide is exceptional - not only the speed with which they respond, but also the content and accuracy of their responses.’
‘Luis Pedro Del Valle demonstrates great communication skills and analytical thinking, and handles situations smoothly. Jorge Ordoñez stands out for his organisational abilities in large projects and his excellent legal advice.'
‘I would like to highlight the Arias team in Guatemala for its responsiveness and the ability of its partners to always be available on the matters that are entrusted to the firm.’
‘The team has a practical approach that aims to help us make informed decisions, but without affecting business development, and manages issues clearly.’
‘The firm has offices in all Central American countries, which facilitates the coordination of advice in the region.’
‘Cindy Arrivillaga is distinguished by her agility to respond and to adapt to the needs of her clients and their businesses.’
Key clients
- Fyffes
- Holcim
- Chevron
- Walmart Mexico y Centroamerica
- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
- Liberty Networks
- FedEx
- JC Decaux
Work highlights
- Advised Holcim Group on its acquisition of Minerales y Agregados.
- Advised Univar Solutions on the acquisition of ChemSol Group, a distributor of specialty ingredients and chemicals in Costa Rica, Guatemala, El Salvador, Panama and Honduras.
- Advised RelaDyne on its acquisition of Lucalza Holdings, which has a presence in multiple jurisdictions.
Lawyers
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
Luis Pedro del Valle