Cariola Díez Pérez-Cotapos
Founded in 1889, Cariola Díez Pérez-Cotapos & Cía (Cariola)
is a Santiago-based firm renowned for its M&A
expertise. While M&A is its forte, the firm also excels in banking, capital markets, and project development. In banking and finance, Cariola represents borrowers and lenders in various transactions, including credit facilities and project financing. The capital markets team primarily serves issuers but also underwriters in debt and equity transactions. The M&A team handles corporate restructurings, strategic and asset acquisitions, and joint ventures across industries. In project development, the firm focuses on energy, transportation, and mining projects.
The firm advised on an innovative financing with a sustainability
component for
Sealand Aquaculture, governed by Chilean law. Acting as counsel for
Coöperatieve Rabobank as lender, the firm structured the transaction with a complex collateral package, including real estate, water rights, and fixed assets. The firm also
provided legal advice to
GNL Talcahuano, in the anticipated development of a Liquefied Natural Gas project.
This included advice
on contracts, corporate structure as well as both capital incorporation and increase to ensure the financing for the development of the project.
Scotiabank Chile, Mitsubishi Power Americas, GNL Talcahuano, Doppelmayr-Garaventa Group, Fall Creek Chile
“In-depth knowledge, good negotiation skills and constant availability of the team enabling fast progress in the projects.” (Project Development)
“They have extensive legal knowledge and the ability to respond to requests in a timely manner. In addition to having a
consolidated team that has a good relationship with our legal/commercial team.” (Project Development)
Claro & Cia
Claro
& Cia, a full-service firm based in Santiago and part of Lex Mundi, was founded in 1880. Renowned for its financial and corporate
expertise, the firm also excels in projects. Its banking and finance team
represents borrowers in credit facilities and bridge loans for project and acquisition financing. The capital markets team handles debt and equity matters, including tender offers and bond issuances. In M&A, Claro & Cia
represents strategic buyers and sellers in acquisitions, joint ventures, and corporate agreements across various industries. The projects team is active in infrastructure and energy financing.
The firm
provided legal advice as local counsel for
SQM
on a $100 million export finance facility with The Export-Import Bank of Korea and Banco Santander S.A., for developing lithium mines. Additionally, Claro represented Sociedad
Transmisora
Metropolitana in securing a
$1.1 billion dual-currency syndicated acquisition loan, which partially financed the
$1.5 billion acquisition of Enel
Transmisión Chile S.A. This acquisition was uniquely structured as both a privately negotiated share purchase and a concurrent public tender offer on the Chilean Stock Exchange,
showcasing their ability to handle complex matters with ease.
Banco
Itaú Chile,
Celeo Redes, Banco Internacional,
ScaleX,
Enfregen,
Cristaleria de Chile, Anglo American, LATAM Airlines Group,
Euroamerica, Citigroup
Latinoamerican
“Expertise and thorough, timely responsiveness.” (Banking and finance)
“Great knowledge of the issues, capacity to envision and implement innovative solutions.” (M&A)
DLA Piper Chile
DLA Piper,
established in 2005 through the largest merger in legal history, combines Gray Cary Ware & Freidenrich, Piper Rudnick, and DLA. This global law firm has offices worldwide, including Santiago, Chile. The Santiago office excels in banking and finance, capital markets, M&A, and project development. It
represents lenders and borrowers in various finance matters,
advises issuers on debt and equity, and handles bond issuances, fund formations, public offerings, and IPOs. The M&A team supports strategic acquisitions across industries, while the project development practice focuses on energy, infrastructure, mining, and real estate, guiding projects from financing to construction.
DLA Piper Chile advised on
numerous cross-jurisdictional deals, including assisting
HSBC Bank Australia as the lender in a loan provision for the second amendment and restatement of a bilateral facility agreement. This loan is guaranteed by many of the debtor’s subsidiaries worldwide, including those in Chile. Additionally, they worked on significant capital markets transactions, such as advising Quiñenco, one of Chile’s largest and most diversified business conglomerates, on the placement of Series Z bonds under a line of credit registered with the CMF.
HSBC Bank,
Fidera, Summit Ridge Capital Partners, Blue Elephant Energy, SUSI Partners,
CCU, Transbank
Garrigues
Founded in Spain in 1941, international law firm
Garrigues
has grown to 34 offices in 13 countries. Its Santiago office in Chile is renowned for capital markets, particularly debt work. The firm excels in banking and finance, M&A, and project development. The banking team advises on project finance, refinancing, acquisition finance, and corporate finance. In capital markets, they
represent issuers and underwriters in various bond issuances. The M&A team handles acquisitions, mergers, joint ventures, and reorganizations. The project development team supports concessionaires and developers in mining, energy, and infrastructure projects.
The firm
advised
Ranco Cherries in the purchase of a cherry packing facility located in
Chimbarongo, VI Region, Chile. The transaction involved an acquisition of a wide variety of assets, subject to different transfer regimes, and complex and extensive negotiations with banks and third parties’ creditors of the seller.
The team also
advised lenders on a
$2.2 billion loan, governed by New York law, for a seawater desalination plant in Tocopilla, Chile. They coordinated 15 financial institutions for this complex deal. Additionally, they advised on a $1.225 billion loan for Aligned Data Centers’ acquisition of ODATA, spanning multiple
jurisdictions in the Americas.
Scotiabank Chile, Banco BTG
Pactual, Legrand France,
Better
Collective, Punto
Ticket,
Marubeni
Corporation, Banco de Chile, Banco Santander-Chile,
Itaú
Corpbanca
"In-depth knowledge of Chilean concession law. Excellent client service." (Projects)
“Quick; quality; variety of skills; professionalism." (M&A)
MBC Abogados
Founded in 2010,
MBC Abogados
is a boutique firm in Santiago specializing in real estate and corporate law. The firm, formerly known as MB Abogados, rebranded in 2021 seeking to differentiate themselves by
providing legal advice that
incorporates their
client's business
vision. With
over
20 lawyers, MBC Abogados excels in banking, finance, and M&A. They
represent borrowers in various financings and have experience in capital markets, including bond issuances and capital raises. The firm also advises investment funds on formations and
assists strategic companies with acquisitions and joint ventures.
MBC Abogados successfully
advised
Patio
Comercial, a leading real estate business group in extending a $37 million credit facility with a Banco BTG Pactual Chile. By leveraging their team’s broad legal
expertise, our financially savvy attorneys extended the maturity date of seven promissory notes and structured a sophisticated security package involving future cash flows from four subsidiaries. This crucial financing operation reduces
Grupo Patio's short-term financial obligations, enabling new real estate investments. The transaction was challenging due to its tight timeline and the need to construct a complex release mechanism in the pledge agreements.
Grupo Patio, Activo Mas, Inversiones 90, Punta Blanca Grupo Inmobiliario
“Great
team
with very
good expertise.” (Banking and finance)
“It has a vast experience in complex real estate transactions. The firm brings in-depth market knowledge, strategic negotiation skills and a personalized approach to each transaction.” (Investment funds)
Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uría
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 Chile, the firm’s office is
located in Santiago and is known for its standout work in the corporate and project development practices.
The firm provided legal counsel on a multi-award-winning deal, advising on Chile’s first sustainability-linked bond. In this groundbreaking transaction, CMPC committed to a 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. This deal significantly
impacted the Chilean digital sector, set a benchmark for future foreign investors, and effectively employed an innovative debt structure.
BNP Paribas, MUFG Bank, Scotiabank Chile, BofA Securities, JP Morgan Securities, Citigroup Global Markets, Sumitomo Chemical Company, Repsol, AD Retail, Ardian, Caixabank and Kinross Gold.
Puga Ortiz
Puga Ortiz was founded in 1925 and is headquartered in Santiago.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is active in automotive financing and real estate matters. It works with many special purpose vehicles on real estate corporate matters.
Key clients
Key clients for Puga Ortiz include Acciona Chile, Constructora Santa Beatriz, Empresa Constructora Queylen, Grupo Inmobiliaria Gimax and Banco Santander Chile.
Research period review: 30th edition (2019 / 2020)
Over the research period the firm represented many special purpose vehicles on real estate corporate agreements and acquisitions, especially in the hotel industry. It also worked on a couple of automotive financing agreements.
Deal highlights: 30th edition (2019 / 2020)
Banco Santander Chile $300 million acquisition of Santander Consumer Finance
Inmobiliaria Nueva Quilicura $20 million financing
Albagli Zaliasnik
Full-service firm Albagli Zaliasnik is a notable firm based in Santiago. The corporate practice is best known for its work in M&A. Though the firm is more widely known for its M&A work, it also has experience in banking and finance and project development. In M&A, the team acts for sellers and buyers in strategic asset acquisitions, full company acquisitions, joint ventures and mergers. It also works on general corporate matters including reorganizations and strategic investments. They work with numerous clients based in jurisdictions outside of Chile.
Alessandri Abogados
Alessandri has over 125 years of experience. Founded in 1893, the firm is located in Santiago. In the corporate practice areas, the firm is best known for its work in debt capital markets and project development in the mining industry.
Focusses / specialisms
In addition to its notable work in debt capital markets and mining project development, it is also active in M&A and banking and finance. The banking and finance practice represents lenders and borrowers in corporate financing matters.
In capital markets, the firm participates in general debt transactions and public M&A transactions. It also works with private equity and asset management firms in investment fund and ETF formations and compliance.
The M&A practice has experience on the buy and sell side in private acquisitions. It also represented companies in capital increases.
The project development practice area is active in the mining, energy and construction industry. The team is made up of 11 specialists that act for developers in various projects.
Key clients
Key clients for the firm include the Silk Road Fund, Oaktree Capital, PIMCO, Hayfin, Puertos y Logistica, Territoria Apoquindo, Coordinador Independiente del Sistema Eléctrico Nacional, Cervercerías Chile, SQM Salar, Sierra Gorda and Patio Riesco.
Aninat Abogados
Aninat Abogados was born in 2020 from the cessation of Aninat Schwencke. The firm is located in Santiago and is active in the corporate practice areas. Aninat is made up of five partners, with three of them specializing in corporate law. In the corporate practice, the firm works on a lot of M&A transactions, acting on the buy and sell side in strategic acquisitions. It also works on financing related transactions such as capital raises and investments. In the more general corporate practice, the team advises companies on incorporations.
Arteaga Gorziglia & Cía
Located in Santiago,
Arteaga Gorziglia’s corporate practice is well known in the market. It is regarded for its work in the M&A and project development practices. While the firm works with many types of industries, it is focused on the infrastructure, real estate, retail and energy industries. In M&A, the firm acts for buyers and sellers in acquisitions and joint ventures. The corporate practice also has experience representing lenders in financing transactions. The project development team is active in the infrastructure and energy industries. The team represents developers and financial sponsors in project development and finance matters.
Baraona Marshall & Cia
Baraona Marshall & Cia was created in 2020 from the cessation of Baraona Fischer & Cia, which then split into two firms. It is known for its work in financial and corporate practice areas.
The firm is best known for its work in the banking and finance and M&A practice areas. In banking and finance, the firm acts on both the borrower and lender side in project and corporate financings, as well as refinancings. The M&A team works on the buy and sell side in private acquisitions across numerous industries including banking and financial services, telecommunications and technology.
Barros & Errázuriz Abogados
Barros & Errázuriz is a prominent firm with one office in Santiago. The firm was founded in 1988 and is a member of the Affinitas alliance.
In addition to having standout capital markets and M&A practices, Barros & Errázuriz also does great work in the banking and project development practice areas.
The banking team represents both borrowers and lenders in acquisition financing, credit facilities, project
financings and refinancings.
The capital markets team works in both debt and equity markets on matters such as bond issuances and public offerings. The firm has
particular expertise in investment fund formations, especially public funds.
Carey
Founded in 1905, Carey has become Chile’s largest law firm. Located in Santiago, the firm is highly regarded across all practice areas. It is a part of numerous international alliances such as Interlex, giving the firm a global reach. The banking and finance team represents both borrowers and lenders across many types of financing including project financing, credit facility issuances, acquisition financing and refinancing.
The capital markets team works across all types of capital markets, including debt and equity, on matters including bond issuances, capital increases, public offerings and IPO’s. The group also works with numerous pension funds and investment funds.
Chirgwin
Chirgwin was founded in 2009 in Santiago. Since then, it has grown and joined several international networks including Lexwork International, ILF and the Pacific Alliance Legal Network. In August 2020, the firm began working in collaboration with Andersen Global.
Chirgwin specializes in the banking and finance, M&A and project development practice areas. Most of the firm’s clients are midsize multinational corporations and are most active in the entertainment, transportation and consumer goods and services industries. In banking and finance, the team represents borrowers in corporate and asset financing, as well as refinancing matters.
CMS Carey & Allende
Founded in 1999,
CMS is an international law firm that has 77 offices spread across 43 countries. In Chile, 45 lawyers make up the Santiago office. It is known for its corporate and project development practices. CMS Carey & Allende has notable banking and finance, capital markets, M&A and project development teams. In banking and finance, the practice acts for borrowers in project finance, refinance and general corporate finance transactions.
The capital markets team has experience on the debt and equity side of capital markets. It acts for issuers in bond issuances, public M&A matters and equity investments.
Dentons Larraín Rencoret
One of the world’s largest law firms, Dentons is truly a global law firm, with 193 locations across 77 countries. The Chilean office is located in Santiago and was formed in 2019 with the combination between Dentons and Larraín Rencoret.
The firm has experience across banking and finance, capital markets, M&A and project development practices. In banking and finance, the team acts for lenders in project, acquisition and corporate financing.
The capital markets team has experience in debt capital markets, representing issuers in investment grade bond issuances.
Ferrada Nehme
Founded in 2000, FerradaNehme
is known for its work in the corporate space. The firm is located in Santiago.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is recognized for its notable work in the M&A practice area. It represents buyers and sellers in private acquisitions. It also acts for companies in capital increases and strategic investments.
Key clients
Key clients for the firm include AB InBev Chile, Acciona Industrial, Neogen and Copec.
Client feedback: 31st edition (2020/2021)
Asset finance
"Deep knowledge of laws and regulations. Always meet established deadlines. "
M&A
"Updated and versatile team."
Fischer & Cia
Formed in 2021 as a result of the separation of Baraona Fisher & Cia,
Fischer & Cia is located in Santiago. The firm is focused on tax, financial and corporate law.
The firm specializes in the banking and finance and M&A practice areas. In banking and finance, the firm acts for borrowers in refinancings. In M&A, the team represents buyers and sellers in private acquisitions. It also represents companies in reorganizations and day to day compliance, in addition to other corporate matters.
Grasty Quintana Majlis & Cia
Grasty Quintana Majlis & Cía is a skilled Chilean firm that is well-established in Latin America.
The firm specializes in M&A transactions, participating in mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures and corporate reorganizations. The firm focuses on the mining, insurance, agriculture, technology, venture capital and finance sectors.
Some of the firm’s key clients include Nexo Water Ventures, ApiuxTecnología, Convertia, Caja de Ahorros de EmpleadosPúblicos, General Electric and Punta Blanca Grupo Inmobiliario.
Client feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)
“Client orientation, responsiveness and high level advise.”
Guerrero Olivos
Located in Santiago,
Guerrero Olivos is a highly regarded firm across all corporate practice areas. It maintains a global presence through its membership in TagLaw, Global Law and the Legal Alliance of the Americas. Guerrero Olivos maintains a distinguished practice in banking and finance, capital markets, M&A and project development, especially in the mining industry. In banking and finance, the team acts for borrowers and lenders in project financing, refinancing, acquisition financing and general corporate financing matters. Many of its transactions are cross border financing
HD Legal
Honorato |
Delaveauis a mid-sized Chilean
firm allied with the Ibero-American Legal Network.
The firm specializes in M&A transactions, being particularly skilled in
fintech, energy, real estate, construction, investment fundsand cryptocurrency sectors.
Some of the firm’s key clients include Ebi Operation, BlackRock,
Innergex Renewable Energy, Tanner Group,
Fressenius Medical Care and Inversiones Magnani.
Labbe Abogados
Labbe Abogados is located in Santiago. The firm is active in litigation, labor and corporate law.
Within corporate law, the firm specializes in the M&A practice area. It acts for acquirers in private acquisitions. The practice works mostly in the food, mining and energy industries.
Key clients for the firm include Neoelectra Chile.
Larraín y Asociados
Founded in 1994, Larraín & Asociados has grown into a highly regarded firm in project development and banking and finance. Larraín is highly experienced in the infrastructure, energy and natural resources industries. In addition to its outstanding project development and banking and finance practice, it also has a noteworthy M&A practice. In banking and finance, the practice acts for lenders and borrowers in project financing, refinancing, acquisition financing and general corporate financing. The M&A practice represents buyers in acquisitions, reorganizations and strategic investments. Many of the acquisitions are related to project development matters, where the firm represents developers in development and financing matters.
Lavín Abogados
Lavín Abogados is a boutique law firm known for its work in project development. It is headquartered in Santiago, but has a second office in Valdivia. Lavín is focused on the energy, natural resources, mining, maritime and infrastructure industries. In project development the firm acts for public institutions, environmental institutions, concessionaires and developers in development and construction of projects.
Lembeye Abogados
Located in Santiago, Lembeye Abogados was founded in 2017. The firm is active in the financial and corporate and project development practice areas. The firm is best known for its work in the M&A and project development practice areas. In the M&A practice, the team acts for buyers and sellers in private acquisitions. It also represents startups in strategic investments. In project development, the firm represents developers in projects in the mining, infrastructure and renewable energy industries. Within the renewable energy industry, solar and wind are particular popular for the firm. It also frequently works on public procurement matters.
Molina Ríos Abogados
Located in Santiago, Molina Ríos is a well known law firm in the project development practice area. The firm has four partners, one counsel and an additional 10 associates.
Focusses/specialisms
Because the firm’s expertise is in the project development practice area, it is focused on the energy, mining, infrastructure and construction industries. It has experience working for both public and private projects, advising developers and concessionaires in all states of project development from financing to construction.
Key clients
Key clients for the firm include CJV Consortium, OHL, Mainstream Renewable Power, Eiffage, Acciona, Besalco, AVA Montajes and ENAP.
Client feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)
Project development: Energy
“Practical experience, arbitration-oriented experience, good relationship with the client (not necessarily lawyers).”
Morales & Besa
Founded in 1992, Morales & Besa has grown to become one of Chile’s leading firms in financial law. The firm is located in Santiago. In addition to its top tier practice in banking and finance, capital markets and project development, the firm also has an outstanding M&A practice. In banking and finance, the firm acts for lenders and borrowers in project financing, refinancing and acquisition financing. The capital markets team has experience on both the debt and equity side, representing issuers and underwriters. In debt capital markets, the team works on sovereign bonds, green bonds, investment grade, high yield and project bond issuances. In equity capital markets, the team helps with IPOs.
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 de Chile, and New York. The Chilean firm is allied with Schwencke & Cia from Argentina.
The firm’s practice specialties include corporate M&A, private equity, project development and capital markets. The firm advises clients in various industries.
Some of the firm’s key clients include WPP Group, MCormick, Smollan, ExitoWeb, Olam International, Cacao Paycard, Glade Brook, South Am Freeze Dry, Austral Capital Partners, H.G Kaufman Group London and TD Advanced Technology Solutions Chile.
Russi & Eguiguren | Quadrant
Russi &
Eguiguren | Quadrant is a full-service law firm established in 1993,
with an office in Santiago.
The firm advises clients in corporate and M&A transactions.
Among the clients of the firm are
Papa Johns and Medismart.
Urenda Rencoret Orrego & Dörr
Established in 1960,
Urenda
Rencoret Orrego & Dörr
is a member of
Multilaw and World Law Group, making it a firm that skillfully services international clients.
The firm is very capable in banking and finance, capital markets, M&A and project development. The banking and finance team and the capital markets team work together on debt securitization. The capital markets team is also adept on the equity side, advising on initial public offerings among
other stock market matters.
The M&A department
is skilled in joint ventures, corporate restructuring and
shareholders agreements.
In project development
the firm focuses on power generation, specifically
non-conventional renewable energy.
