In response to Spain’s improving investment climate, Mexico City-based firm Bello Gallardo Bonequi & García (BGBG) has opened an office in Madrid. The office will be led by partner Héctor Guzmán and marks the inaugural opening of a Mexican firm in Europe. Guzmán is trained to offer legal counsel under both Mexican and Spanish law and is head of the firm's data protection and privacy practice group. Besides Guzmán, one junior attorney will work at the office.
BGBG partner Miguel Gallardo Guerra said that Spain’s long and painful financial crisis has pushed small and medium-sized companies to make investments abroad. He added that his law firm hopes to foster close business relationships with Spanish legal firms that look for Mexican legal advice for their own clients, while offering something other Mexican law firms cannot offer, such as opportunities for a meeting with a partner on Spanish soil, speaking the clients’ language, and giving direct advice about preparing to invest in Mexico.
“Spanish companies have survived this last crisis investing abroad and now they are looking for more opportunities outside,” he said. “We want to be close in order to provide legal services to more Spanish clients and Mexican clients that are willing to invest in Spain.”
Guerra added that traditionally, Spain has been Mexico's gateway to Europe, and Mexico is the starting point for Spanish companies wishing to start ventures in Latin America. Now is a good time to reinforce the relationship.
“With our representative office, we may team up with those clients directly in Spain,” he said. “Our intention is to continue building relationships with Spanish law firms and Spanish clients that need Mexican legal advice directly in Spain or otherwise. With our new office, we will be able to maintain close relationships with their holding companies in Spain and Europe.”
BGBG currently provides legal services to several European and Spanish entities in Mexico. Guerra says the firm will offer all its practice areas in Mexico, and partners in Mexico will travel to Spain to offer their expertise as needed.