Ferrere is a leading force in Uruguay’s corporate and M&A sector, advising on some of the country’s most significant and complex transactions. It is consistently involved in major banking and insurance M&A deals, representing clients across industries such as retail, energy, agribusiness and pharma. New practice head Santiago Fontana is a highly respected corporate lawyer who specialises in M&A, foreign investments and agribusiness work. Fontana has advised on major deals, including the sale of Marfrig assets to Minerva. Geraldine Ifrán is a key figure in M&A, private equity and banking deals, particularly in the insurance sector. Ifrán recently advised Bimbo Group on its acquisition of Pagnifique.  Manuel Lecuona is a notable expert in corporate structures, M&A and shareholder disputes, with a strong focus on venture capital and energy. Cristina Vignone leads major M&A and due diligence processes for top clients such as ExxonMobil.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Accolades

Client satisfaction

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘This firm boasts a highly qualified team of professionals with a strong capacity for execution and service. The firm's work format is highly tailored to the client's needs and provides extensive support and responsiveness. We are very satisfied with the firm's service.'
  • ‘Ferrere provides us with a comprehensive solution in the contracted areas. They offer specialists in different areas. They truly operate as a team, demonstrating fluid communication among their collaborators and truly effective communication with us as their clients. They are able to deliver solutions to the problems presented by coordinating the various disciplines of finance, accounting, legal, and more.'

  • ‘They have extensive experience in various sectors. They are honest people, guided by professional ethics, and demonstrate a strong commitment to their clients. They offer direct and effective dialogue.'

  • ‘It is a very complete team and each of its members has a deep knowledge of the subject.'

  • ‘Availability, innovation and knowledge.'

  • ‘The Ferrere team includes professionals from different areas of practice who provide comprehensive advice. They work collaboratively across teams to achieve the best solution for the client. What's remarkable is that they provide a 360-degree approach to any issue raised.'

Key clients

  • ExxonMobil
  • Microsoft
  • Vale
  • Hyatt
  • Knight Therapeutics
  • MetLife
  • DirecTv
  • Uber
  • Nestlé
  • Prosegur
  • Samsung
  • Nike

Work highlights

Advising Marfrig on a local sale of 4 meatpacking plants to Minerva in the context of a global deal between the two conglomerates.
Advised the Bimbo group on the acquisition of frozen bakery group Pagnifique, which includes investments in Uruguay, Latin America and North America, owned by the Linzor Capital fund.
Advised NH Foods Ltd. on the sale of a large meatpacking plant in Uruguay, Breeders & Packers Uruguay, to Minerva Foods of Brazil.

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

Santiago Fontana

Other key lawyers

Geraldine Ifrán; Manuel Lecuona; Cristina Vignone; Clara Porro