The most current iteration of full-service firm Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uría, or PPU, was formed in 2015 from the merger between Chilean firms Philippi, Yrarrázaval, Pulido & Brunner, Colombian firm Prietocarrizosa and Peruvian firms Ferrero Abogados and Delmar Ugarte. The Ibero-American firm maintains offices in Chile, Colombia and Peru, with additional offices in Spain, Portugal, New York, London and Brussels thanks to its partnership with Spanish and Portuguese firm Uría Menéndez. The firm is also part of the SCG Legal and World Law Group networks. In Colombia the firm operates out of two offices, with locations in Bogata and Barranquilla. 

Focusses / specialisms 

The banking practice at PPU is well regarded and is known for its work in structuring products, project financing, and cross-border work.  

The capital markets team often represents purchasers in bond issues, equity offerings and convertible securities.  

In M&A the firm represents buyers and sellers in mostly cross-border transactions.   

The projects team is experienced in assisting local and international clients in transportation infrastructure, public utilities and social infrastructure projects. 

Key clients 

Key clients include BID Invest, Deutsche Bank, HSBC Securities, JP Morgan Chase and PepsiCo. 

Research period review: 32nd edition (2021/2022) 

Over the research period, the firm was active in banking and finance, M&A and project development. 

Banking and finance work during the research period featured various financing deals such as asset acquisition financing and project financing. The firm represented lenders and bookrunners in hedge funds and syndicated loans as well.  

The M&A team advised sellers, primarily on cross-border transactions, with work that included a security market consolidation, a reverse merger, investments and various minority acquisitions. 

In project development, the firm represented clients such as lenders and bidders in concession agreements, concession biddings and PPPs for road projects or airports. The firm was also active in the mining sub practice, advising on project bond issuances and project acquisitions. 

Deal highlights: 32nd edition (2022/2023) 

Autopista Río Magdalena COP $2.76 billion financing 

Barranquilla International Airport concession 

Distrito Especial y Portuario de Barranquilla $100 million project financing 

EfraGen $1.76 billion project financing  

Patrimonio Autónomo Montes de María COP $760 billion social bonds