Full-service domestic firm Legalsa is well equipped to handle a wide array of transactional, commercial and compliance matters, with a diverse client base that ranges from foreign investors to local businesses. The team has a strong track record in cross-border transactions, including M&A and joint ventures, in addition to advising on the launch and expansion of businesses in Guatemala. In particular, the firm is recognised for its niche expertise in advising prominent domestic family-owned groups on succession planning and governance issues, and assisting start-ups in the food and technology sectors. Founding partner David Font, who has notable strengths in foreign investment matters, leads the team with recently appointed managing partner Johann Hartleben, a key name for complex M&A transactions. Senior associates Mónica Linares and Andrés Dubón provide key support.
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Profile
Work Department
Corporate/M&A, Administrative Law, Banking and Finance, Foreign Investment, Estate Planning, Real Estate
Position
Partner
Career
David Font is a Founding Partner and Director of Legalsa. His practice focuses on Corporate and Commercial Law; Administrative and Public Law specialized in government procurement and contracts and public bids and concessions; infrastructure projects; commercial transactions and contracts; Fintech; banking and international financing; design, incorporation, maintenance and modification of corporate vehicles and governance, particularly in cases involving disputes among shareholders or with third parties; mergers and acquisitions; direct foreign investment; real estate development and transactions; and estate and tax planning.
David’s recent experiences include: comprehensive legal support for the telecommunications sector and for the start-up of operations of multinational companies entering the Guatemalan market; acting as local expert advisor in an international arbitration concerning foreign investment in infrastructure and mining projects; design of legal and tax strategies for real estate developments worth over US$100 million in the last year alone; and structuring of credit facilities of over US$25 million granted by Guatemalan banks for international investments, and guaranteed by assets and revenue in different countries.
Languages
Spanish, English
Memberships
- Guatemalan Bar Association
- International Bar Association (IBA)
Education
- JD, Universidad Rafael Landívar
- MBA, INCAE Business School, Costa Rica
- Postgraduate certifications in Maritime Law from Universidad Rafael Landívar and in Tax Law from the Guatemalan College of CPAs
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Excellent and prompt service, extensive knowledge of all the processes, and very accurate advice.'
Key clients
- América Movil Claro Guatemala (Telgua) Grupo Ultramar Fosforera Centroamericana Prolease Grupo Cixsa Norton Lilly International Compañía Agrícola Industrial Santa Ana Amigo Paisano Super Auto Repuestos Acquaroni Nilus
Work highlights
Advising Auto Repuestos Acquaroni, a Guatemalan importer, marketer and distributor of automotive parts, on expanding its operations to the south of Mexico in a joint venture with a Mexican automotive entrepreneur.