Hogan Lovells stands out for its antitrust litigation capabilities, which see the practice engaged by clients in numerous investigations, constitutional amparo challenges against COFECE, and even civil litigation, where the team handle a civil-damages case resulting from cartel offences in the Mexican pharmaceutical industry. Away from its strong contentious offering, the practice is equally robust when it comes to competition advisory, with strengths in the development of compliance programs and securing merger control for complex transactions. Ricardo Pons is a recognised leader in the field, particularly in merger control proceedings; he co-leads the practice with Omar Guerrero, a dedicated litigator who routinely tackles abuse of dominance and cartel investigations before the competition authorities and federal courts. The group also draws on the experience of up-and-coming partner Alan Ramírez Casazza, who maintains a full-service competition practice across a variety of industries, ranging from investigations and contentious matters to merger control and compliance programs. Senior associate Martín Michaus Fernández supports on merger control mandates and has also undertaken administrative and constitutional litigation before antitrust agencies across several jurisdictions in Latin America as well as the United States.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The HL team is constantly updating and fully interacting with the relevant aspects of antitrust practice.'

  • ‘They are always interested in the human aspects of the practice. Their approach is always cordial, professional, and personal. Ricardo Pons has a gift for words that also inspires confidence in his deep knowledge of the law.'

  • ‘The firm has extensive experience in mergers, acquisitions, and spin-offs involving international companies, making it one of the first options for these transactions.'

  • ‘Ricardo Pons has always been known for his respectful approach, and his perspective on the issues he is asked about is always objective.'

  • ‘Strong team, led by Ricardo Pons. They are flexible, proactive, communicate well and have strength in depth.’

  • ‘Ricardo Pons is excellent - a knowledgeable and clear communicator and leads a strong team.’

Key clients

  • TC Energy
  • Eli Lilly Mexico
  • Argonaut Gold Inc.
  • Florida Canyon Gold Inc.
  • Grupo BAL / Petro Bal
  • Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste
  • BNP Paribas Personal Finance
  • Inmobiliaria Granja de la Loma
  • Wal Mart
  • Profuturo AFORE

Work highlights

Represented Walmart in several judicial cases and before the Mexican Competition Commission (COFECE),  securing a partial dismissal of a Statement of Objections against the company (over an alleged abuse of dominance complaint in the wholesale supply and distribution of consumer goods) in the most important of the cases.
Represented Mexican oil and gas company PetroBal in the merger control proceeding before COFECE per its $530m divestment to Grupo Carso.
Represented a leading pension funds manager on its investment in multiple power generation plants in Mexico, with the acquisition generated as part of certain divestiture obligations that imposed on the federal government by COFECE.

Lawyers

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

Omar Guerrero; Ricardo Pons

Other key lawyers

Alan Ramírez; Martín Michaus