Adept in advising major multinational, local and regional clients, the competition and antitrust practice at Ferrere is skilled in handling the full spectrum of competition-related issues. Practice head Verónica Franco is a key authority in Paraguay’s competition space, leading high-impact merger control transactions for major multinational shipping and logistics companies. Additionally, she has secured regulatory outcomes in high-profile proceedings involving global financial services firms. Fernanda Benítez has extensive experience in a wide range of merger control transactions, both domestic and cross-border, and regularly advises corporate clients on assessing potential anti-competitive effects in contracts. Mario Morales advises corporate clients on diverse competition law matters, notably including regulatory notifications for economic concentration transactions before Paraguay’s competition authority. Tiago Marín advises clients on complex merger control reviews, multijurisdictional transactions, and compliance matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • The Ferrere Competition Law team has always been very diligent in advancing the processes we have entrusted to them. They stand out for the clarity of their explanations in response to inquiries. Their work methodology and the follow-up they provide on the various procedures allow our company to present the relevant information and documentation to the regulatory body in the best possible way. These professional qualities, combined with the excellent team members, make Ferrere a leading firm in the field of Competition Law.
  • The speed of their responses to the various proposals, which are also accompanied by recommendations on the different alternatives to consider for each situation, is commendable. Furthermore, they have consistently explained the reasons why a claim or proposal from the company's legal team might not be the most appropriate for the case, suggesting the best course of action based on their experience with the regulatory body. The Competition Law team is particularly noteworthy for the leadership of Verónica Franco and Fernanda Benítez.
  • Ferrere boasts a team of exceptional personal and professional caliber, distinguished by their consistent presence throughout the entire process and their ability to provide ongoing support, adapting to the specific circumstances of each case. The lawyers possess in-depth knowledge of local legislation regarding competition and antitrust practices and expertly manage the entire process with local authorities.
  • In this respect, Verónica Franco and Fernanda Benítez have demonstrated control and knowledge of the M&A process. They stand out for their extensive experience and expertise with Paraguayan competition authorities and their ability to find the best solution.
  • It is a very solid and international-level team, with excellent leadership from Verónica Franco, who is a benchmark in the Paraguayan market, both in antitrust and M&A.
  • Their main strength lies in their business-oriented approach, offering high-quality advice internationally, which sets them apart from the competition. Standouts include Veronica Franco, the partner in charge of the practice and a leading figure in the local market, and Fernanda Benitez, both of whom are quick to handle matters, possess excellent strategy, and provide very high-quality responses.

Key clients

  • Camil Alimentos
  • Chacomer
  • Raizen
  • Disney
  • Cervepar (Anheuser Busch-Inbev)
  • MSC – Mediterranean Shipping Company
  • Grupo Vazquez
  • Syngenta AG
  • Ebanx
  • J&F Investimentos S.A.
  • AGCO
  • Kingspan

Work highlights

Advised Toyota and Mitsubishi on the Paraguayan merger control filing as part of a global transaction involving notifications in over 40 jurisdictions.
Advised EBANX in a competition law proceeding against VISA International before the Paraguayan Competition Authority, challenging the alleged abuse of a dominant position through territoriality policies.
Advised Seara Alimentos Ltda. (JBS Group) on the merger control process before the Paraguayan Competition Authority in connection with the acquisition of a 90% equity interest in Granjeros Campo 9 S.A., a leading Paraguayan poultry producer operating under the “Pollos Amanecer” brand.

Lawyers

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.

Practice head

Verónica Franco

Other key lawyers

Fernanda Benítez; Mario Morales; Tiago Marín