Regional heavyweight BLP remains the first port of call for an array of leading multinationals seeking advice on M&A, investments and strategic partnerships in Guatemala and Central America. Demonstrating particular strength in the energy, tech and financial sectors, the team advises on complex, cross-border acquisitions – with experience in everything from due diligence investigations in multiple jurisdictions through to related tax, labour, litigation, insurance and antitrust issues – as well as joint ventures, corporate reorganisations and the establishment of local subsidiaries. Practice co-head Jorge Luis Arenales, who divides his time between Guatemala and Paris, serves as the regional representative for France of Invest in Guatemala (part of the Guatemala Moving Forward public-private initiative to reactivate the economy) and enjoys an excellent reputation for advising international clients on complex deals in the region, particularly in the energy and telecoms sectors. Fellow co-head Luis Ruiz is a highly experienced practitioner who focuses on day-to-day corporate operations and governance, distribution, agency and franchise agreements and foreign investment. The strong secondary line-up includes senior associates Anneliss Wohlers and Ana Ávila, and associates Javier Figueroa and Rebeca Baldizón.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- The key differentiator of BLP's lawyers is their ability to combine technical excellence with a deep understanding of their clients' business needs. Beyond providing sound legal opinions, the team focuses on delivering practical, viable solutions aligned with the business's strategic objectives.
- All lawyers I worked with were exceptionally competent and professional.
- Great collaboration on local law matters in the context of a complex global M&A transaction.
- Jorge Arenales is my main contact at BLP Guatemala. Good business-minded approach and relevant private and government sector contacts.
- The BLP team involved has solid in-depth knowledge about the specific topic of the assignment, while their network of private and government sector contacts has proven to be very helpful as well.
- The BLP team in Guatemala is exceptional. Their strengths include attention to detail, commitment to their clients, prompt responses, and, above all, a demonstrated mastery of the corporate issues they address.
Key clients
- Ufinet
- Saint Gobain
- Sonda
- Scotiabank
- Boehringer
- Ocean Network Express Holdings (ONE)
- Ageas
- Smart Fit
- Aura Minerals
Work highlights
Advised Saint-Gobain as local legal counsel on the strategic acquisition of Ovniver Group.
Assisted Aura Minerals with a comprehensive due diligence of the Cerro Blanco mining project.
Advising Sonda on a transformative project to modernise Guatemala City's transportation system, including establishing a Guatemalan subsidiary.
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.
Anneliss Wohlers
Ana Ávila
Practice head
Jorge Luis Arenales; Luis Ruiz