The 11-strong team at Sainz Abogados handles the gamut of competition matters, from high-stakes merger control to cartel investigation, abuse of dominance and barriers to entry; it is highlighted for both its work in heavily regulated sectors and in emergent markets such as fintech, edtech and AI. Well integrated with the firm’s corporate transactional practice, the team regularly handles domestic COFECE and IFT matters, along with those involving sectoral regulations and/or international competition authorities. The practice is led by prestigious market stalwart Cristina Massa, with primary support from senior associate Omar Salamanca, who arrived from the IFT in January 2025. Energy focused counsel, Pedro S Lladó and associate Mario Rodríguez are also frequently active in the sector, as are associates Santiago Hernández (civil, commercial, administrative and constitutional litigation, plus amparos and arbitration) and Carolina González Vázquez (administrative law). Former senior Juan María López Cortina left the firm in April 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘What stands out is their knowledge of the market and the economic and operational implications of competition matters, which the lawyers incorporate into their analysis and legal strategies. Their knowledge of the energy, environmental, customs, and port sectors greatly contributes to their legal advice having an objective purpose that aligns with our company's goals.’
- ‘Cristina Massa's experience in the field is undeniable; however, credit must go to Juan María López Cortina, who did a great job despite the time constraints and workload. It should be noted that the attention and service from both were of a very high standard.’
- ‘The team is sensitive to the client's needs and has an astute political awareness that allows us to make agile and accurate decisions.’
- ‘We have worked with Creel's antitrust team in the past 12 months, specifically with Jorge Kargl. They are responsive, very pragmatic, and find creative solutions for complex legal issues.’
- ‘Sainz's team has assisted us with a transaction that required a merger control approval. The team is well versed in Mexican merger control law and provides pragmatic advice.’
- ‘We have been working with Cristina Massa Sanchez. She is very helpful in obtaining merger control clearances.’
- ‘Excellent attention, organisation, and follow-up on all matters.’
- ‘There is great quality both in the team as a whole and in each of its individual members.’
Key clients
- Atlas Holdings
- Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico
- IPG
- Ninestar
- Diageo
- Apex
Work highlights
Legal advice to Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico on competition and antitrust issues related to its acquisition of the Guadalajara World Trade Center; his included a complex antitrust analysis concerning airport infrastructure and logistics services.
Undertook the reportability assessment, due diligence of competition matters, review of transaction documents from antitrust perspective and pre-merger filing (with a full review of overlaps in market for affordable clothes) for Grupo Alfar.
Represented global manufacturer of optoelectronic solutions manufacturer AUO in securing COFECE’s approval for the acquisition of the German company Behr-Hella Thermocontrol, a developer and manufacturer of human-machine interfaces.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Cristina Massa
Other key lawyers
Omar Salamanca