Highlighted for its ‘deep understanding of the business environment’, BLP fields a comprehensive corporate practice, which encompasses M&A, corporate restructurings, joint ventures, corporate governance and regulatory issues, with strengths in the pharmaceuticals, technology and finance sectors, among others. The team is particularly distinguished by its skill in multi-jurisdictional mandates, joining up with the firm’s offices across Central America to advise high-profile multinational clients on their entry to the Guatemalan market and expansion in the region. Luis Ruiz, who advises local and international clients on corporate law, distribution and agency agreements, and foreign investments, and is singled out for his ‘enviable knowledge of the local market’, leads the team with Jorge Luis Arenales, whose extensive experience and strong international profile enable him to play a key role in cross-border transactions. The strong cohort of senior associates includes Anneliss Wohlers, who is particularly active in advising clients in highly regulated sectors, and Ana Ávila.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘They stand out for their support in resolving problems even outside the legal sphere in order to solve and prevent conflicts.’
‘The firm's lawyers stand out for their approachability and sense of urgency, offering a comprehensive service that covers all areas of business, which sets them apart from the competition. Their strongest qualities include clear and assertive communication.’
‘The firm is distinguished by its generational diversity, combining partners with extensive experience and dynamic associates who ensure effective success without compromising the quality of service. This team is deeply committed to the law, highly qualified, and possesses a deep understanding of the business environment. I would especially like to highlight Luis Ruiz, who exemplifies these outstanding qualities.’
‘They have a business acumen that allows them to recognise, structure, and negotiate around the issues that are truly relevant. They don't get lost in listing all the risks of a transaction. Instead, they actively focus on what's relevant to ensure transactions are successful. Furthermore, they have a strong ethical sense of what is right.’
'Always at hand, with practical advice and focused on providing solutions.'
'The team not only stand out for their aptitude, professionalism and knowledge of the legislation, but also their commitment and willingness to always go the extra mile. Luis Ruiz has enviable knowledge of the local market, and his knowledge of the main players makes doing business easy.'
Key clients
- JCDecaux
- Brookfield Renewable Power
- Papa John's Franchises
- Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG)
- Aliaxis
- Ocean Network Express (ONE)
- Zoetis
- HCL Tech
- Boehringer
- Uber
- Ufinet
- NeoNet (formerly VisaNet)
Work highlights
Advised JCDecaux as it acquired a 70% majority stake in IMC, an advertising company operating across Central America and Colombia.
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.
Luis Ruiz
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
Jorge Luis Arenales; Luis Ruiz