Led by Santiago Fontana, Ferrere’s corporate department is a powerhouse in Uruguay, recognised for advising a diverse portfolio of international and local clients across sectors including retail, energy, infrastructure, insurance, construction, media, tech, agribusiness, food, pharma, banking, and real estate. Fontana has extensive experience in corporate and M&A, having advised on numerous high-profile foreign investment projects, acquisitions, and landmark cross-border transactions. Geraldine Ifrán is a key contact in corporate and M&A, known for her expertise in private equity, finance, insurance, and reinsurance, and for spearheading many of Uruguay’s most complex, high-value cross-border transactions. Manuel Lecuona plays a leading role in high-profile transactions and stands out for his expertise in corporate structures, shareholder arrangements, and venture capital. Cristina Vignone is knowledgeable in corporate and M&A, as well as energy matters, advising major multinational and local clients. Carolina Piacenza is skilled in corporate governance and restructuring matters. Clara Porro has been key in high-profile foreign investment projects. Walter Planells focuses on matters in the insurance, telecoms, and tech sectors.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Accolades

Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality

Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency

Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

What sets the firm's lawyers apart is their ability to combine technical expertise, business acumen, and a highly personalized approach to client service. Their recommendations are clear, practical, and focused on decision-making, not merely abstract legal analyses. Their greatest strengths are their responsiveness, availability, clarity in explaining complex issues, and sound judgment in identifying relevant risks. They also excel at working collaboratively with internal teams, understanding client priorities, and adapting to the specific timelines and needs of each case. In our experience, the team inspires confidence and demonstrates a high level of commitment. This combination of legal rigor, practicality, and approachability is what we appreciate most about Ferrere.
One of the team's main strengths is its responsiveness and direct involvement in cases. We have found them to be an accessible, reliable team with excellent judgment in identifying risks, prioritizing relevant issues, and proposing practical solutions. They don't just offer abstract legal opinions; they help to organize complex scenarios and make informed decisions. Regarding new developments or improvements, we have observed a positive evolution in the team's work methods, especially in their use of technological tools and coordination among professionals. This translates into a more efficient and predictable experience for the client. In our opinion, these characteristics position them very well compared to other firms in the market.
Partner Geraldine Ifrán is always directly connected with her clients, collaborating and attentive to every issue. She doesn't simply refer them, but actively gets involved, resulting in excellent service. Clara Porro is also outstanding in her field.
In the corporate sector, they are undoubtedly experts. The level of service and responsiveness is excellent, and collaboration is ongoing. The partners are directly involved in the issues, and that certainly sets them apart from other firms.
Santiago Fontana is an outstanding professional with very solid experience in deals and projects involving Uruguayan law. He is always available for calls – even on short notice – and, more than that, he is proactive in finding good solutions for the matters we handled. Carlos Vasconsellos is also a unique professional. With extensive expertise in matters involving Paraguayan law, Carlos has been able to assist several Brazilian clients seeking legal assistance in Paraguay.
Expertise in all the practices we needed, including litigation, tax, corporate, and M&A. We had the opportunity to work with several partners and associates from different countries and practice areas, and the outcome was always the best possible. Ferrere has a unique ability to combine an extremely solid technical background with a strong commercial perspective on projects. This is exactly what clients need when seeking legal assistance abroad.

Key clients

Nord Anglia Education
Millicom (TIGO)
James Fisher Fendercare (JF Fendercare)
ExxonMobil
Microsoft
Vale
Hyatt
Knight Therapeutics
MetLife
DirecTv
Uber
Nestlé

Work highlights

Advised Millicom International Cellular S.A. (NASDAQ: TIGO) on the US$440 million acquisition of leading telecommunications company Telefónica Móviles del Uruguay S.A.

Advised Grupo de Narváez (GDN) and BID Invest on the sale of the leading retail chain Ta-Ta and the leading pharmacy chain San Roque, among several other Uruguayan companies operating in the retail and services sectors, to the Paraguayan group Vierci.

Advised the shareholders of Saceem throughout a sale process that extended for more than a year, culminating in the divestment of the shares of its operating companies in Uruguay, Paraguay, and Peru to the French construction group NGE.