The corporate and M&A practice at Hughes & Hughes has been integral to some of Uruguay’s most significant corporate transactions. As the lead legal advisor to UPM, the firm guided the construction and startup of the USD 3.47 billion eucalyptus pulp mill near Paso de los Toros, and continues to provide legal support in corporate, labour and environmental matters. The team is led by Haroldo Espalter, who has extensive experience advising both international and national companies on commercial, industrial and service activities. Héctor Ferreira advises on M&A, FDI projects and corporate structuring, while Mariana Estradé is also a key practitioner, providing exceptional support across complex matters. Partners Juan Carlos Oreggia and Florencia Beyhaut left the firm in February 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Office with the experience and specialised knowledge of the incorporation of companies in each of the countries in which it operates. Updated and immersed in the technological advances of our era.'
‘Personalised attention, availability and high performance in customer service.'
Key clients
- UPM Kymmene -UPM
- Automotores Gildemeister
- Equinor
- Pinturas Inca
- Yazaki
- Invenergy
- Akuo Energy
- Petrel Energy
- S.C. Johnson
- Alcon Laboratorios Uruguay
- AAK
- Novartis
Work highlights
Acted as UPM´s main legal advisor during the whole process of construction of a 2.1 million tonne greenfield eucalyptus pulp mill and related investments.
Assisting the Japanese group YAZAKI in its regional restructure which entailed closing of its operations in Uruguay after almost 20 years of local activity.
Participated, for several months, in a complex corporate transaction that involved the acquisition by Roemmers of a 30% shareholding in the TUTEUR Pharma and other businesses owned by its shareholders.
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
Haroldo Espalter; Hector Ferreira
Other key lawyers
Mariana Estradé; Clara Villaamil