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IFLR1000 Reviews

Financial and corporate
Beccar Varela

Founded in 1897 and one of the country’s oldest firms, Beccar Varela is a full-service firm well-known in the Argentine market, especially for its top tier M&A practice. Horacio Beccar Varela serves as the managing partner of the firm, which has two offices in Buenos Aires. It is part of numerous international networks and is a founding member of the Club de Abogados Iberoamérica. The firm’s international presence is helped by a German desk and the ability to communicate with clients in Spanish, English, French, German, Italian and Portuguese.  

  

Focuses / specialisms  

The M&A team mostly advises buyers but will also advise sellers. The firm is very active in the agribusiness, energy and oil and gas sectors.  

The banking team mostly works on the lender side but is known to also advise borrowers.  

Because of the firm’s strong relationship with banks, it advises more underwriters in the capital markets practice area than issuers.  

   

Key clients  

Key notable clients are Okta, Softbank, Apollo Management, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, Tiger Global and Cantor Fitzgerald.    

   

Research period review: 33rd edition (2022/2023)  

The banking team advised domestic and international borrowers and lenders in restructurings, project financing, acquisition financing, general corporate financing across various industries and various fintech matters. 

The capital markets team was active on the debt side, participating mostly in bond issuances and debt restructuring mainly in the banking industry  

The M&A team advised a mix of buyers and sellers. Deals were mostly cross-border and covered multiple industries including start-ups and technology. 

  

Deal highlights: 33rd edition (2022/2023)  

Advent International’s $360 million acquisition of Prisma Medios de Pago 

PPRO’s $300 million acquisition of Qubits  

 Telecom Argentina $185 million project financing 

Bomchil

Founded in 1923, Bomchil has established itself as a leading full-service firm in Argentina. The firm is renowned for its banking and finance expertise, frequently advising domestic borrowers on securing financing and serving as local counsel on cross-border lending deals for both lenders and borrowers. Its capital markets practice is well-versed in debt issues, both domestically and internationally, with a particular focus on the issuer side. In M&A, Bomchil advises on both local and international transactions, representing buyers and sellers alike. The firm’s project development work includes advising on projects using the PPP model. 

 

Highlights 

Building on their esteemed reputation in banking and finance, Bomchill provided advisory services to Banco Itaú Argentina and the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China in a groundbreaking transaction. This deal involved the amendment and refinancing of bilateral and syndicated loans granted to Metrogas. The transaction featured a sophisticated mechanism incorporating “most favorable nation” and cross-commitment and default clauses, enabling the banks to synthetically maintain their pari-passu status. This was achieved despite the absence of an intercreditor agreement, with collateral securing only portions of the debt. This accomplishment underscores Bomchill’s expertise in the banking and finance sector, cementing their status as a market-leading firm. 

 

Key Clients

CGC, Gramercy, Nutrien, ICBC, Banco Itaú, AA2000, PSA Finance Argentina, Aluar

 

Testimonials

“Quick response to the company's needs, extensive experience in all areas of company need, highly trained professionals” (Financial services regulatory client)

“They have a great team with an excellent understanding of client needs. They have certainly made the delivery of legal services more accessible, while maintaining high quality and expertise.” (Financial services regulatory client)

Bruchou & Funes de Rioja
Founded in 1967, Bruchou & Funes de Rioja is one of Argentina’s most renowned full-service financial and corporate firms. Although its sole office is in Buenos Aires, its membership in the World Law Group grants it an international presence. Bruchou is particularly noted for its expertise in banking and capital markets, and it is highly active in the mining, oil and gas, and energy sectors across all practice areas. The banking team advises both borrowers and lenders, maintaining strong relationships with both Argentine and international banks. Its debt capital markets team is well-regarded for its work on sovereign bonds, advising both issuers and underwriters. Additionally, the firm boasts a standout M&A practice, advising both buyers and sellers. 

 

Highlights 

Bruchou & Funes de Rioja played a pivotal role in Banco Macro’s intricate acquisition of Banco Itaú Argentina, Itaú Asset Management, and Itaú Valores, encompassing banking, asset management, and brokerage activities. This achievement was particularly notable given the political uncertainty surrounding the national elections. Additionally, the firm provided legal counsel to the placement agents, local registrar, and investors in Grupo Albanesi’s successful issuance of Senior Class XXII Notes in both the Argentine and international capital markets. This multifaceted transaction involved complex collateral packages and a specific flow of funds, including new money and note exchanges, necessitating sophisticated coordination across various jurisdictions to ensure a seamless closing. 

 

Key Clients 

IDB Invest, IFC, Banco de Galicia y Bunos Aires, Development Finance Institute Canada, Lundin Mining Corporation, Nederlandse Financierings - Maatschappij voor Ontwikkelingslanden 

 

Testimonials

Banking and finance  

 “They have an outstanding highly respected banking and finance department.” 

 

Capital markets 

“Availability, value for money, quick service.” 

 “With Bruchou Fernández Madero & Lombardi, as a client I receive an excellent service, where the closeness and commitment of the partners is absolute. The degree of knowledge and understanding of the regulatory framework and FX restrictions, as well as the vast experience not only in the local market but fundamentally the international one, make the service that it provides stand out very positively.” 

“The positive attributes are: expertise, know-how and efficiency in all the areas covered in recent deals.” 

 

Financial services regulatory  

“We have a quick and responsible service and response from them.” 

“They were very professional, sharp and fully committed to the assignments. Senior partners have a clear understanding of all aspects – not only legal – of the transactions and they always have the support of large teams.” 

 

Private equity 

“The offered service is good in general. They know our company very well.” 

 

 Project development 

“B&FR is the best service provider that the company has. B&FR is able to merge and combine both excellence and good time-responding. The team, Javier Rodriguez Galli, Nicolás Dulce and Macarena Rolon are always available to help us and assist us on various matters, showing deep knowledge not only of the legal framework but also on business needs.” 

“Maximum seniority, knowledge and solvency in specific and complementary professional areas.” 

 

M&A  

“They are highly sophisticated and kind of state of the art on M&A. They have great international experience and connections. Still, they are close to us and always available to bring up a creative solution.” 

“Bruchou is very proactive and has a depth expertise in M&A and international transactions. The service has always been excellent in every way. The response time, an essential requirement in hiring a study in these times, is perfect, they are fully aware of modern business times” 

 

Restructuring

"Bruchou Law Firm differentiates from other law firms because they are creative and innovative, and because they have the ability to reach consensus with counterparts even in the toughest scenario."

 

 Analia Battaglia 

“Knowledge of jurisdiction, availability, cost-effectiveness, quick response and great communication skills.” 

“Very responsible and with a profound understanding of the big picture. Committed to results and deadlines. A nice person.” 

 

José Maria Bazan  

“José is a great professional, with a lot of experience, a person of close and concrete dialogue, oriented to find solutions and always committed to the quality of work and compliance with established times. He is the person who knows about exchange and regulatory issues, or at least the one who has the most clarity in their understanding and transmission by far.” 

 

Nicolás Dulce 

“Nicolás Dulce is a proactive adviser that always seeks to find and a provide solutions that support the company's needs in various aspects. He is also nimble when different views or opinions are provided by the company. “ 

 

Matias Lopez Figueroa  

“He is always ready to give us his or the firm's advice on any matter we have.” 

“He is a very smart professional, knowledgeable efficient and dedicated to solve tasks of clients.” 

 

 Carlos Lombardi 

“They provide personal interaction, seniority, knowledge, availability and network, and relate as a business friend.” 

 

Ezequiel Lipovetzky 

“In tax matters, Ezequiel Lipovetzky has shown great responsiveness (he is always available in a timely manner to resolve issues) and experience in tax advice on M&A and international tax planning. He is an excellent lawyer who has also been shown to be very practical in coordinating a transaction from a tax point of view, since he does not stay strictly technical but rather takes in the practical aspects applicable to the transaction. This quality sets him apart from other lawyers. We have noticed that the tax team is extensive. The excellent coordination of the team by Ezequiel Lipovetzky is a quality that is also of great value to us.” 

 

Mariano Luchetti  

“They provide personal interaction, seniority, knowledge, availability and network, and relate as a business friend.” 

 

Ignacio Minorini 

“He has been in charge for our company since we started in Argentina. He helped us in different matters, always offering an excellent service.” 

 

Lucia Nunez 

“She is always predisposed and eager to help us and solve our matters as quickly as possible.” 

  

Estanislao Olmos  

“Experience, innovativeness, seniority and negotiation skills.” 

“Very responsive, always available and very creative. He has a lot of expertise in M&A and is essential for our transactions and negotiations. “ 

 “He is an excellent lawyer who has also been shown to be very practical in coordinating a transaction, since he does not stay strictly technical but rather takes in the practical aspects applicable to the transaction. Delivery is excellent. He coordinates the transaction in Latam with excellent performance. He was essential in the negotiation with the purchaser.” 

“He is a very smart professional – knowledgeable, efficient and dedicated to solve the client's tasks.” 

 

Alejandro Perelsztein  

“Alejandro is a recognised figure in the market, well known and respected, with knowledge, skills, quick understanding of client´s point of view and very business-oriented.” 

“Very smart, has a general knowledge of all financial and legal aspects of the transaction, helps in negotiation strategy. Fully available 24x7.” 

“Ale is an excellent lawyer, very committed with the transactions in which he is involved, and always in a position of leadership. Always seeking to enrich the documents, Ale makes a difference in each transaction in which he takes part.” 

 

Macarena Rolon 

“Macarena Rolon is a young and enthusiastic attorney that has proven to have a bright future in corporate law, especially because of her perseverance and positive attitude towards challenges. She quickly understood the mindset of the company and provides her knowledge considering that.”

DLA Piper Argentina

DLA Piper, established in 2005 through the largest merger in legal history, combines Gray Cary Ware & Freidenrich, Piper Rudnick, and DLA. The Argentinian branch of this global law firm is based in Buenos Aires. The firm specializes in project development, debt restructuring, banking and finance, and M&A. It is particularly skilled in foreign investments and cross-border transactions, playing an integral role in innovative developments in Argentina. 

 

Highlights 

DLA Piper Argentina advised the Province of Mendoza on the sale of 88% of the shares of PRC, a company dedicated to the sustainable development of natural resources in the province, specifically potash mining. This sale not only facilitates significant investment but also demonstrates sustainable and environmentally responsible practices. The investment is expected to drive economic growth, with an anticipated annual production of 1.5 million tons of potash and an export capacity of $600 million.

 

Key Clients 

Banco Voii, TMF Trust Company, Vincentin, Unofficial Committee for the Dollarization of Argentina, Province of Mendoza, Empresa Distribuidora de Energia de Mendoza, Province of Buenos Aires 

Martínez de Hoz & Rueda

Since its 2018 inception, Martínez de Hoz & Rueda (MHR) has swiftly become a leading firm in Argentina, particularly in project development. The full-service firm recently opened a fully operational office in Montevideo, Uruguay. MHR provides top-tier legal advice, focusing on understanding clients’ businesses, goals, and needs. With senior offices in Buenos Aires and Neuquén, MHR excels in the oil, gas, and energy sectors. Its M&A team handles both strategic buyer and seller transactions, while the capital markets team represents issuers and underwriters in debt issuances. The firm also boasts strong banking and capital markets practices. 

  

Highlights

The firm served as legal counsel to CAF in one of Argentina’s largest syndicated loan transactions of 2023. This loan, granted to YPF, will fund sustainable projects aimed at reducing emissions and mitigating climate change. In project development, the firm leverages its expertise to advise Fortescue on all legal aspects of Argentina’s largest green hydrogen project, including regulatory, permitting, and contractual advice. Additionally, they have assisted in reviewing and commenting on a new Federal Hydrogen Promotional Regime.

 

Key Clients

Bank of America, Santander, Pan American Energy, BCP Securities, Fortescue Future Industries, YPF, Chevron Corporation, Pluspetrol  

 

Testimonials 

“Knowledgeable team and very experienced.” (Capital Markets client) 

“Team expertise and Knowledge. Also, very fast in their analysis and response” (Project Development client)

 “MHR is an extraordinary team for banking and finance and Jose Martinez de Hoz (n) is a star in the field.” (Banking and finance  client)

“From my point of view, Martínez de Hoz & Rueda provides an outstanding service for their clients, second to no other firm in Argentina. They are available 24/7, technically robust and commercially sharp.” (Banking and finance  client)

“Their knowledge is remarkable, they are always available, always adjust the delivery time to the company request. They are well known in the market and respected by all the institutions and professionals we work with.” (Banking and finance  client)

“MHR has extensive experience in the area. Their advice is always spot on.” (Banking and finance  client)

 “Very competent and professional.” (Capital markets debt client)

“Well-prepared lawyers, available 24/7 and with a practical approach.” (Capital markets debt client)

“They are committed and passionate professionals who provide an excellent and top-quality service (not only in terms of legal but also in swiftness of action).” (M&A client)

“Argentina is a very difficult environment for business, as laws and regulations are always changing, but they are always updated and report to us on how the impact of those changes may affect us. The MHR team is always available to help and they are very clear on their analysis. The MHR team has a great level of involvement to solve issues.” (M&A client)

“Fantastic firm. Very responsive, very adaptable to client requests. Smart and creative and focused on efficiency and great client deliverables.” (M&A client)

“Incredibly diligent, responsive and provided good clear advice on tough legal questions and transaction strategy.” (M&A client)

“MHR is strong in identifying all possible ramifications of decisions under negotiations and the deal structuring process, thus providing foresight and preventing any potential obstacles in the way to closing.” (Project development client)

“Strong knowledge, long experience and deep analysis of energy issues.” (Project development client)

“They have a client focus, with partners always available. Excellent knowledge in the oil and gas market.” (Project development client)

“Extremely knowledgeable of the sector. Very responsive.” (Project finance client)

 

 Tomás Dellepiane 

“He is a very committed and innovative professional, but above all I highlight his legal, human and personal skills/qualities.” 

“He is very reliable and is always willing to help us.” 

 

José Martinez de Hoz 

“A great lawyer, excellent advice and feedback.”

“Super-knowledgeable and competent and professional.” 

 

José Martinez de Hoz (nieto) 

“José is a brilliant lawyer and a leader in the banking and finance arena in Argentina.”

“He has depth of knowledge. Client/deal handling. Good timing to prevent/foresee decisions and key conversations.”

“José (nieto) is top of the line, very versatile in banking and capital markets. Available 24/7, technically robust and commercially sharp.”

“Fully committed, great expertise, easygoing, always available, quick answers.”

“He is a well-prepared lawyer, available 24/7 and with a practical approach.”

“He is an excellent professional with a very pleasant manner.” 

 

Pablo Rueda  

“Creative, experienced and reliable.” 

 

Pablo Schreiber  

“Pablo is a great lawyer.” 

 

Jimena Vega Olmos  

“Excellent communication, super-responsive and very knowledgeable.” 

“Very proactive and problem-solving profile. She listens, understands and then suggests a solution. Always meets deadlines.” 

 

Fernando Zoppi  

“Not only is he a great lawyer, but also he is always worried about the clients' concerns and he is there when you need. The following features describe his qualities: speed, innovation and responsibility.” 

Allende & Brea

Founded in 1957, Buenos Aires based firm Allende & Brea is a full-service outfit which works for foreign and domestic clients on transactions. The firm has established a local and international reputation for itself in the banking and finance area. It is also well known for its experience in advising in complex, international M&A transactions. In banking and finance work the firm represents many local and international fintech companies in Argentina. The team also provides advice in preparing and executing credit facilities and framework facilities and refinancing.

Baker McKenzie

Baker McKenzie has been offering a wide range of services to local and international companies in Argentina since the late 1970s. Its Buenos Aires branch is able to utilise the firm’s global network, which includes offices in six other jurisdictions in Latin America alone, to handle a high volume and scope of work. In banking and finance work the firm provides advice to financial institutions and borrowers in complex transactions. It assists private equity funds on significant financing deals and is extremely active in the fintech industry. 

Beretta Godoy

Established in 2000, Beretta Godoy is a Buenos Aires based law firm specializing in foreign direct investment and transactions. The primary strength of the M&A department is its abilities to handle global transactions, with particular experience in mining. The project development practice is focused in global transactions and cross-border deals. Sector strengths include working with Chinese state-owned companies.

 

 

Bunge Smith & Luchía Puig

Estudio Bunge, established in 1958, is an Argentine firm founded in Buenos Aires. The firm was created to have an international orientation, focusing on corporate law and M&A, serving leading companies across various industries. Representing clients in nearly every sector of the economy in Argentina, the team specializes in real estate, banking and financial services, mining and energy, agribusiness, construction, maritime and logistics. In terms of transactional work, the firm has experience in the legal counseling of complex international operations. The extensive experience and unique qualifications among the firm’s lawyers significantly bolsters their capabilities, ensuring that they continue to provide top-tier legal services to their clients. 

Cabanellas Etchebarne Kelly

Founded in 2004, Cabanellas Etchebarne Kelly is a full-service law firm based in Buenos Aires. The firm is a part of the global DLA Piper legal network and has offices in Mendoza, Argentina and New York City. The firm services clients that speak Spanish, English, Portuguese, French and Hebrew.  

 

Focusses / specialisms 

Project development, debt restructuring, banking and finance and M&A are some of the practice areas the firm specializes in.  It is particularly skilled in foreign investments and cross-border transactions, playing a integral role in the innovative developments that take place in Argentina.  

  

Key clients 

Some of the firm's key clients include Advent International, Banco Playmaker Capital, Brasil Foods, Ecolab Group, Galileo Global Technologies, Gameloft Oaktree, Newell Brands Province of Mendoza, Vivendi and Votorantim. 

  

Cerolini & Ferrari Abogados

Founded in 2013, Cerolini & Ferrari is a boutique law firm based in Argentina. With its office in Buenos Aires, the firm advises local and international clients on a variety of matters. In banking and finance work, the firm advises local and international companies in setting up their operations in Argentina. The firm works with many local banks. The capital markets practice is active in IPOs, syndicate loans, reorganizations, corporate and sovereign bonds. Sectors the firm works with include technology, banking and financial services.

Deloitte Legal

Deloitte Legal is a well established firm that is part of a global network making it highly capable of servicing a myriad of clients. 

 

Focusses / specialisms 

The firm has a significant corporate and M&A practice, often advising clients on complex cross-border transactions such as mergers and foreign investments. Clients from sectors such as oil and gas, energy, sports, healthcare, construction and finance are the firm’s specialty. 

 

Key clients 

Some of the firm’s notable clients are Siemens Gammessa Renewable Energy, Flowserve Argentina, Smartclip Argentina, Sony Argentina and PPG Industries Argentina. 

Estudio Garrido Abogados

Estudio Garrido Abogados, based in Buenos Aires, Argentina, is a dynamic law firm renowned for its expertise in corporate and M&A transactions. The firm adeptly serves both local and international clients, frequently advising private equity firms and corporations on acquisitions, divestitures, capitalizations, and shareholder agreements. They are also active in project finance and renewable energies, leveraging their deep knowledge of the Argentine market. Estudio Garrido prides itself on delivering excellent client service with efficiency at the core of their strategy. Their highly trained legal team stands out in the market, efficiently handling a wide range of matters. 

MBP Partners

MBP Partners was founded in 2016 as a legal boutique focused on financial, corporate and tax. It has since branched out to M&A, infrastructure, tax planning and infrastructure work. The firm has one office in Buenos Aires. The banking and finance practice has experience supporting PPP contractors and can be seen acting as deal counsel to the issuance and placement of shares on the Buenos Aires’ Stock Exchange. The firm has a strong fintech background. It works in blockchain and cryptocurrency regulation, as well as P2P lending and the development of digital banks.

Mitrani Caballero & Ruiz Moreno

Mitrani Caballero & Ruiz Moreno is a leading Argentine law firm known for its expertise in corporate and M&A and banking and finance. The firm’s Banking and Finance practice boasts a team of 6 partners and 16 lawyers, offering expertise in structured finance, acquisition finance, credit facilities, project finance, and debt restructuring. The firm has led multi-billion-dollar transactions across various jurisdictions, including advising on numerous high-profile deals with institutions like IFC, IDB Invest, and China Development Bank. Their client roster includes top financial institutions worldwide. The firm also provides regulatory advice on securities, banking, foreign exchange, and fintech, ensuring compliance with Argentine Central Bank regulations. 

Pérez Alati, Grondona, Benites & Arntsen

Pérez Alati, Grondona, Benites & Arntsen was founded in 1991. It is a large, full-service firm with an international presence. The firm has offices in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Santiago, Chile, and New York, USA. The capital markets and banking and finance practices focuses on project finance, exports and trade finance, debt and equity securities offerings and general corporate finance. The group also has solid experience in sovereign and sub-sovereign financing and infrastructure finance. The project development team is a leader in the energy sector and has great experience in portfolio project finances, combined M&A and project finance and amending existing finances.

Richards Cardinal Tützer Zabala & Zaefferer

Founded in 2001, Richards Cardinal Tutzer Zabala & Zaefferer is located in Buenos Aires and is a part of developed legal networks such as AllyLaw and international alliance of law firms. With over 20 years of experience, the firm specializes in cross-border M&A transactions, working with clients in various industries including construction, food production, energy and telecommunications. The firm is recognized for its expertise in handling complex transactions and providing innovative solutions to legal challenges. RCTZZ's commitment to excellence and its extensive industry knowledge make it a trusted advisor for both local and multinational companies.

Salaberren & López Sansón (SyLS)

Founded in 2009, Salaberren & López-Sansón is a full-service boutique corporate law and tax firm based in Buenos Aires. The firm emphasizes personalized attention and active partner engagement, delivering top-tier, responsive service for effective and efficient client outcomes. Core values include a cross-border strategy, extensive experience with international clients, and a dynamic, personal approach. The team utilizes their deep understanding of the region in order to offer their clients top tier service. The team excels in buy-side and sale-side transactions, serving industries such as beverage, mining, retail, technology, and agriculture.

Salaverri | Burgio | Wetzler Malbrán

Established in 2012, Salaverri, Burgio & Wetzler Malbrán is a leading Argentine law firm based in Buenos Aires. Renowned for its M&A transactional work, the firm specializes in regional and domestic matters, foreign investments, joint ventures, and shareholder agreements. The firm boasts seasoned, multi practice lawyers and excels in corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, private equity, capital markets, banking and financial law and restructuring and insolvency. Highly regarded for advising local and international clients on complex transactions, the firm leverages extensive experience and profound understanding of regional legal and cultural intricacies.

Tavarone Rovelli Salim & Miani

Founded in 2014, Tavarone, Rovelli, Salim & Miani is a full -service firm with one office in Buenos Aries. The firm‘s banking and finance work includes corporate finance, public and trust issuance, loans and general regulatory advice. While the firm does not have a global footprint, it does work with domestic and international clients. The firm has developed a solid track record in project development finance and infrastructure transactions. The banking and finance team is experienced in setting up financial trusts and arranging bonds for both lenders and borrowers.

 

TCA Tanoira Cassagne

Established in 2011, Tanoira Cassagne Abogados is known for its project financing work. The firm has an office in Buenos Aries. The firm does not have an international presence, but it works with both domestic and international clients. The firm stands out for its project finance transaction work where it advises both borrowers and lenders. It is known for providing advice to banks in various roles, including trustee, custody, underwriter and placement agent. The firm is also highly active in the primary domestic bonds market.

Zang Bergel & Viñes

Founded in 1975, Zang Bergel & Viñes is a well experienced firm and a member of multiple national and international legal networks, substantially bolstering its ability to service the needs of its clients. The firm has a noteworthy reputation in M&A practice, exemplifying versatility in its experience representing domestic and foreign clients on the buyer and seller side. Sports, media and entertainment, technology, construction and pharmaceuticals are just a few of the industries the firm specializes in. The firm has earned a reputation for delivering innovative solutions and anticipating their client's needs.