Iberian firm Cuatrecasas operates over 20 offices in 13 countries, offering integrated legal services across Latin America and Europe. The firm entered the Peruvian market with its Lima office, delivering a differentiated service through a team of highly qualified professionals. Cuatrecasas covers all major areas of law, including commercial and M&A, financial, regulatory, tax, labor, litigation, and arbitration, with strong expertise in sectors such as energy, mining, and infrastructure. The Lima office works seamlessly with Cuatrecasas’ other Latin American offices in Chile, Colombia, and Mexico, ensuring comprehensive local and cross-border advice. Known for its market recognition and collaborative approach, the firm provides strategic solutions for clients operating in Peru and internationally.
Highlights
Cuatrecasas advised on significant transactions in Peru during 2024. The firm represented Minsur in the sale of its Brazilian subsidiary Mineração Taboca to CNMC Trade Company, a significant divestment for Grupo Breca that required complex cross-border structuring and antitrust filings. Cuatrecasas also advised Grupo Chema on its sale to global construction giant Sika, navigating intense negotiations and conditional antitrust approval for a deal that reshapes Peru’s mortar market. Additionally, the firm supported Yinson Renewables in structuring and negotiating a green financing agreement for the Matarani Solar Project, implementing sophisticated collateral and trust structures under Peruvian law and ISDA hedging arrangements. This transaction advances Peru’s energy transition, delivering 260 GWh annually and reducing CO₂ emissions by over 56,000 tonnes.
Key clients
Ashmore Renewables, Banco Bilbao, Banco Santander, Minsur, Stracon holdings and Yinson Renewables
DLA Piper was formed in 2005 from the largest ever merger in the legal industry between Gray Cary Ware & Freidenrich, Piper Rudnick and DLA. The international law firm has offices in almost every region in the world. In Peru, the firm is in Lima. The Peruvian arm of the firm is active in the banking, debt capital markets, M&A and project development practice areas. All the firm’s practices are versatile, advising buyers and sellers, issuers and underwriters, and on the development and finance sides of projects.
Highlights
In banking and finance, the firm advised the Royal Bank of Canada as lender, specifically on the collateral package structure of a credit agreement involving Enerflex Service Perú. It also did work in the financial services sector, advising Cámara de Compensación Electrónica on the implementation of the Interoperability in Payment Services initiative. This initiative is set to have a significant impact on payment services in Perú.
Key clients
Credicorp Capital Servicios Financieros, Interfondos, Santander Consumo Perú, IDB Invest, BTG Pactual SAB and BTG Pactual SAF.
Testimonials
“The firm has dedication and depth of analysis.” (Projects client)
International law firm Garrigues was founded in 1941 in Spain. Since then, it has expanded to 34 offices across 13 countries. In Peru, the firm is located in Lima and is known for its outstanding work in financial practice areas. Garrigues’ Peruvian arm has top tier banking and finance and capital market practices. It also has highly regarded M&A and project development practices. The firm distinguishes itself as being one that works on the equity and debt sides of capital markets. It advises underwriters, issuers and initial purchasers. The firm’s other practices have a wide breadth of skill as well.
Highlights
Over the research period the firm has advised on noteworthy projects. One example includes its representation of ProInversión in the structuring and planning of the Anillo Vial Periférico public private partnership. This project is the first of its kind.
The firm also advised Bank of China, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, and China Development Bank as lenders in the cross-border financing of a multi-purpose port terminal in Chancay. This is a landmark and award-winning project due to its size and significance.
Key clients
Bank of China, Shanghai Rural Commercial Bank, Scotiabank Peru, Banco Santander, Metro de Lima Línea 2, Natixis and ProInversion.
Full-service firm Hernández & Cía does outstanding work according to their peers and clients. The firm was founded in 1992 and is based in Lima. It is a member of the Legalink alliance. The firm boasts excellent teams across all practice areas. In banking and finance, the team advises lenders and borrowers in syndicated loans, credit agreements and bridge loans related to project financing, corporate financing, refinancings and acquisition finance. The capital markets team regularly advises issuers in debt and equity related deals. The M&A team has experience with both public and private M&A transactions, and the project development team advises public and private developers and sponsors in the infrastructure, oil and gas, mining and energy industries.
Highlights
In the mining sector, the firm advised Rio Tinto on a distinguished acquisition of La Granja mining project by First Quantum Minerals. This complex transaction required the collaboration of several institutions within the Peruvian government including ProInversion, Activos Mineros, and the Ministry of Energy and Mines. It also required the collaboration of the firm’s mining and M&A practitioners.
In capital markets, the Republic of Peru was provided with issuer counsel in relation to the exchange of sovereign issuances. This was an award-winning deal, in part due to its historical significance as a pioneer of green issuances in Peru. It sets a precedent for the country’s Sustainable Bond Framework.
Key clients
Republic of Peru, Scotiabank Perú, Andino Investment Holding, AB Inbev Group/ Backus, Huday, Marcobre and Rio Tinto Group are among the firm’s key clients.
Testimonials
“H&Cía is a general practice law firm. They can provide advice on all the areas we need and also work as a multiarea team if required. The staff has knowledge expertise, as well as creative ideas to solve complex problems.” (Project development client)
“The firm provides specific and precise answers.” (Project development client)
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 Peru, the firm has one office located in Lima. The office is best known for its work in debt capital markets and project development and financing.
Highlights
The firm’s reputable capital markets practice was involved in outstanding matters, specifically advising Grupo BVL, Bolsa de Comercio de Santiago and Bolsa de Valores de Colombia on the integration of the three stock exchanges under one holding company. It also advised Grupo HAME on the capital markets aspects of its significant acquisition of Agrokasa Holding, and advised AgroKasa Holding on its privatization and the relevant compliances with the Peruvian Securities Market Regulator. The firm has great expertise on both sides of issuances as well as other public company matters.
Key clients
Coöperatieve Rabobank, Agrokasa Holdings, Empresa Azucarera El Ingenio, Grupo Hame, Komatsu, Consorcio Natividad de Chinchero and Visiva
Rodrigo Elías & Medrano Abogados is one of Peru’s premier firms. The full-service firm was founded in 1965 and is located in Lima. The firm prides itself on its commitment to diversity and has an outstanding mentoring program. The firm has top tier practices across the board. In banking, the team represents borrowers and lenders in leasing financing, refinancing, project finance and acquisition financing. The capital markets team works on both the debt and equity side, representing issuers and underwriters in bond offerings, delistings, tender offers and securitizations. The firm advises private equity investors, sellers and strategic buyers in M&A, and is active in oil and gas, energy and infrastructure in the project development practice.
Highlights
Rodrigo advised on transformative transactions across finance, agribusiness, and mining in 2024. The firm acted as counsel to IFC on a loan to Banco Bolivariano to support women-led SMEs in Ecuador, incorporating an innovative performance-based incentive under the We-Fi initiative to promote gender equality and economic inclusion. Rodrigo also represented Unifrutti Group in acquiring Bomarea and AvoAmerica’s Peruvian operations, expanding its multi-fruit portfolio with premium blueberries and avocados and strengthening access to global markets.
Additionally, the firm advised Pan American Silver on the sale of La Arena mine and La Arena II copper project to Zijin Mining, a deal marked by unprecedented extraterritorial scrutiny under Canada’s Investment Act, setting a precedent for future strategic mineral transactions.
Key clients
Banco de Crédito del Perú, Barrick Gold Corporation, Celsia, Centroid Systems, IFC, Pan American Silver, The Bank of Nova Scotia and Unifrutti Group.
Testimonials
“Their high expertise in the fields and leading in the sector, their sense of urgency and focus on the client necessities” (Banking and finance client)
“Nydia Guevara and Fernando Molina are top of the line financing advisors in Peru. They understand the challenges of international transactions, clearly explain the nuances of Peruvian law considerations no matter how complex the financing structure, and do so in a timely fashion. They raise any issues early and are commercial in their approach to issue resolution. Love working with this team!” (Capital markets client)
“REM has the leading team in Peru in mining matters. The team stands out through the excellent quality of their work, their strategic thinking, their responsiveness, their work ethic and their subject matter knowledge.” (Project development mining client)
“This is undoubtedly the leading law firm in the mining sector in Peru. They combine unmatched theoretical knowledge with extensive hands-on experience, and they truly understand both the business and the broader context in which it operates. Their advice reflects a genuine 360° vision: not only do they provide first-class legal analysis, but they also go further, incorporating technical, practical, political, and social considerations into their guidance. This holistic approach makes their counsel uniquely valuable and sets them apart as the go-to experts for mining matters in the country.” (Project development mining client)
“Excellency. They are by far the most specialized firm in Peru and have a client-oriented approach to problem solving.” (Project development mining client)
“Oscar Benavides clearly understands client needs and knows how to provide assertive and timely advice.” (Project development mining client)
“Nicolás Cornejo is a skillful negotiator that looks for solutions rather than raising problems. He’s extremely efficient.” (M&A client)
“Nydia Guevara is very proactive, diligent and has a very good knowledge about the capital markets.” (Banking and finance client)
“Nydia is exceptionally knowledgeable regarding capital markets issues in Peru. She also has a clear understanding of how those issues overlap with US securities law considerations. She is a complete pleasure to work with.” (Capital markets debt client)
“Eduardo Lopez Sandoval is experienced in corporate and M&A matters in general, and knowledgeable of similar cases with other clients.” (M&A client)
“Fernando Molina provides legal advice in consideration of the client’s interests. He has a lot of experience in M&A, negotiation skills and strategic thinking.” (M&A client)
“Luis Carlos is the leading expert in mining matters. He also has a deep knowledge of international arbitration matters. He is enormously smart, a great strategic thinker, is great at explaining complex issues in simple terms, and has a wealth of knowledge in Peruvian mining law and other Peruvian law matters.” (Project development mining)
“Luis Carlos Rodrigo is widely regarded as a key reference in mining law in Peru and a strong representative of his firm. His leadership combines deep legal knowledge with a practical understanding of the industry, allowing him to provide advice that is both technically sound and commercially relevant. What sets him apart is not only his expertise but also his personal qualities: he is honest, respectful, approachable, and genuinely pleasant to work with. This combination of professional skill and personal integrity has earned him the trust of clients, peers, and stakeholders across the sector.” (Project development mining)
“Luis Carlos Rodrigo provides personal assistance, quick responses, very good solutions and expertise on various topics.” (Project development mining)
One of the world’s largest law firms, Dentons is truly a global law firm, with 193 locations across 77 countries. In Peru, the firm has one office in Lima.
Focusses/specialisms
The Peruvian office of Dentons is best known for its work in banking, M&A and project development. Though it is capable of working in numerous industries, it is especially prevalent in the real estate and manufacturing industries.
In banking, the firm represents lenders and borrowers in real estate financing, import financing and general working capital financing.
The M&A practice represents strategic firms in asset and firm acquisitions on the buy side, as well as mergers. It also helps companies with incorporations and corporate reorganizations.
The project development practice works largely in the infrastructure and mining industries, representing concessionaires and developers in public procurement and private projects.
Key clients
Key clients for the firm include Natixis, Oikocredit, Banco do Brasil, Minera Bateas, Megacentro, JCDecaux, Wenco, GEA Holding, Autoland, Lactalis Group, Aeropuertos del Perú, GyM Ferrovías and Fresenius Medical Care.
Client feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)
Bank lending
"They have excellent knowledge in the industry, ability, attention to detail, very responsive,"
M&A
"Hands on approach. Excellent local network and knowledge of the market. Insightful advice."
In Peru, the firm known as Echecopar is located in Lima and is best known for its outstanding work in capital markets, project development and project financing.
Focusses/specialisms
Though the firm is known for its top tier work in capital markets, project development and project financing, it also has highly regarded banking and M&A practices.
In banking, the firm acts for borrowers and lenders in project financing, acquisition financing, real estate financing and general corporate financing.
The capital markets team is active across both debt and equity, representing issuers. The debt capital markets has experience with sovereign bond, investment grade, high yield and green bond issuances. On the equity side, it works on public offerings. It also has experience with investment fund formations and securitizations.
The M&A practice acts on the sell and sell side in strategic and private equity acquisitions across a wide variety of industries. It also acts for firms in strategic investments.
In project development, the firm acts for developers and sponsors in PPP and private projects. It is very prevalent in the social infrastructure, sanitation, energy, oil and gas, mining and transportation industries. It works on both financing and development aspects of the projects.
Key clients
Key clients for the firm include Ergon Perú, Inversiones Centenario, Banco Santander, Scotiabank, Republic of Peru, Banco Internacional del Perú, Fondos Sura, Consorcio Transmantaro, Fypasa Construcciones, COSAPI, Citibank and Sinia Capital.
Client feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)
Capital markets: Debt
“Its partner, Alonso Miranda, has impressive knowledge on Capital Markets and he is always available.”
M&A
“They are deeply knowledgeable, customer focused and with good commercial sense.”
Full service firm Estudio Muñiz was founded in 1981. Since then it has become well known for its work in corporate law. It has also grown to 11 offices across Peru, with the main office being in Lima.
Focusses/specialisms
The firm does notable work in banking, debt capital markets, M&A, project development and project finance.
In banking, the team represents borrowers and lenders in acquisition finance, project finance and corporate finance. It also acts for banks and financial institutions in regulatory matters. The project development and finance team is especially known in the mining industry.
The capital markets practice advises issuers in bond issuances. It also helps out with equity matters stemming from public M&A transactions and investment fund formations.
The M&A practice acts for strategic and private equity firms in acquisitions on the buy and sell side. Many of these transactions are related to project development matters. It also advises on joint ventures and corporate reorganizations.
Key clients
Key clients for the firm include China Three Gorges, Goldman Sachs, Silvestre Perú, BBVA, Gemini Trust Company, the Peruvian Department of Social Security, Arca Continental, Citibank, Whitehelm Capital, China Yangtze Power, Cerámica Lima, HNG Group and Backus and Johnston.
Client feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)
M&A
“They are the top M&A firm in the Peruvian market. They provide sophisticated advice in several industries (which as an investment office we truly value). The depth of the team is also exceptional.”
"It is a firm highly specialized in M&A matters, which is reflected in the number of transactions of this type in which it has participated and in the excellent service they have provided us. Has highly qualified professionals, from the most experienced lawyers to the youngest lawyers with whom we have interacted."
Estudio Olaechea is a Peruvian firm with an international presence and expert associates.
Focusses/specialisms
The firm is well versed in banking, capital markets and M&A.
The banking team advises international lenders in the infrastructure sector.
In capital markets, the firm advises investment banks and other foreign investors in real estate financing especially.
M&A work is bolstered by a team that possesses expertise in the energy infrastructure sectors.
Key clients
Some of the firm’s key clients include JP Morgan, Deutche Bank, BlackRock, HSBC, Jefferies Group, Caterpillar International Services del Peru and Credit Suisse.
Prominent firm Miranda and Amado was founded in 1999. It has since grown to become one of Peru’s top firms. It maintains one office in Lima and is a member of the Affinitas alliance.
Focusses/specialisms
The firm is skilled in banking, capital markets, M&A and projects.
The banking team often advises international banks and collaborates with the project finance team on various infrastructure matters.
The capital markets department works with investors in corporate bonds and other debt securities.
The M&A team participates in transactions in a wide range of sectors such as retail, energy, food and beverages, real estate and pharmaceuticals.
Along with the project finance team, the firm also has a project development department that focuses on projects in mining and energy.
Key clients
The firm’s key clients include HSBC, JP Morgan, Bank of America, Citigroup, Banco Santander, SSA Marine, ENGIE and Transportadora de Gas del Perú.
Founded in 1996, Payet Rey Cauvi Pérez Abogados is a full service firm highly regarded in the market. The firm is located in Lima, but has an international presence thanks to its affiliation with the World Law Group.
Focusses/specialisms
The firm is best known for its top tier work in banking, debt capital markets and M&A. However, it also does excellent work in equity capital markets and projects. In banking, the team advises borrowers and lenders in loan agreements for refinancing, acquisition finance, project finance and corporate financing matters.
The debt capital markets team represents issuers and underwriters in bond offerings. Regarding equity capital markets deals, the team participates in public offerings.
In M&A, the team advises strategic buyers, sellers and private equity investors in acquisition related matters.
The project development team represents developers in the port, mining, power, telecommunications and social infrastructure industries. Many of these projects had a financial aspect that the banking team assisted with. The firm also has experience with both PPP and private projects.
Key clients
Key clients for the firm include The Carlyle Group, Banco de Crédito del Perú, Scotiabank Perú, Administradora Prime, Inmobiliaria JyD, Creditcorp, Empresas CMPC, Grupo Gold Fields Comercio, Aksiom Partners, Proinversion, Cosco Shipping Ports Chancay Perú and Conselsur.
Client feedback: 31st edition (2020/2021)
Bank lending: Lender side
"Excellent technical solutions. Quick responses. Solid support."
Capital markets
"I believe the most important attribute of the firm is its deep knowledge of the different issues involved in the proceeding. In addition, the members of the firm had a very positive and constructive approach on any of the problems that arose during the proceeding. "
"Excellent expertise and track record on the Peruvian capital markets legal framework."
"The firm exceeds my expectations. I usually interact with Jose Antonio Payet, Eduardo Vega, Juan Antonio Eguez and Alan Garcia. Alan Garcia in particular is very accessible, diligent, and dependable when it comes to me and my company's legal needs. Jose Antonio Payet is very knowledgeable on capital markets and his opinions are very reliable. He is always our go-to lawyer when it comes to difficult, edgy situations. I have used multiple attorneys in the past and this relationship has lasted for more than 10 years because of their professionalism."
Investment funds: Private equity funds
"Knowledge of the matter."
M&A
"Knowledge, good service, dedication"
"Knowledge, deal-oriented. "
"Excellent advice and constant monitoring of moving forward the deal."
Project development: Energy
"Knowledge of the energy sector."
"They demonstrated important knowledge in this state bidding process, considering and preparing all information required. In conclusion, they were very good advisers."
Project development: Mining
"Excellent specific knowledge in areas associated with exploration and mining; support on negotiations; support on legal due diligence."
Rebaza Alcázar & De Las Casas was founded in 2004 and since then has grown to have one of Peru’s leading M&A practices. The firm has two locations in South America: Lima, where it is headquartered and Santiago.
Focusses / specialisms
Though the firm excels at M&A, it also does excellent work in banking, debt capital markets and project finance. The banking team participates in loan and credit facilities for agricultural financing and general corporate financing. The team advises both borrowers and lenders.
The capital markets team only works on debt matters such as bond offerings and programs and represents both issuers and underwriters. The team also works with clients to structure investment funds.
In M&A, the team advises private equity investors and strategic buyers and sellers in acquisitions.
The project development team advises public and private developers and sponsors in projects in the oil and gas, infrastructure, port and energy industries.
Key clients
Key clients for the firm include Grupo Wiese, Camposol, Scotiabank Peru, Fondo MiVivienda, Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria, Coöperatieve Rabobank, HSBC, Grupo El Comercio, Volcan Compañía Minera, Proinversion, Petroperu and Monte Azul.
Research period review: 33rd edition (2022/2023)
During the research period, the firm was active in banking and finance, capital markets, M&A and project development.
The banking team worked with investment funds financing the acquisition of real estate and other interests. Some of the financings also had ESG components, specifically social.
The capital markets team was also somewhat active in the real estate sector and advised on debt issuances, among other securitizations. The firm also advised a few investment funds on capital markets related regulatory matters.
In M&A, the firm was active in several domestic asset acquisitions as well as investments and divestments. Some of the acquisitions were also cross-border.
The projects team was active on the development and financing sides, advising clients on regulatory matters in the mining and port infrastructure sectors. The firm also advised on concessions for transport-related infrastructure.
In March of 2022, partner Cesar Luna Victoria was recruited from Rubio Leguía Normand law firm to join the firm’s corporate practice.
Deal highlights: 33rd edition (2022/2023)
Aguaytía and Pucallpa 138 kV transmission line project
Compañía Eléctrica El Platanal $141 million asset acquisition fromTermochilca
Equinix $758 million asset acquisition from Entel
Fondo MiVivienda $600 million bond issuance
North Port Callao Concession Agreement
Rubio Leguía Normand is a skilled firm that was established 4 decades ago.
Focusses/specialisms
The firm specializes in project development, typically advising on concession agreements, public tenders and bidding processes. The mining and energy industries are where the firm is most familiar.
Key clients
Some of the firm’s key clients include Minera Yanacocha, Nexa Resources, Orion Resources Partners, Compañia Minera Santa Luisa, Minera Toro de Plata and Hartree Metals.
Client feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)
Bank lending : Lender side
"Excellent knowledge of the market; very strong technically as to legal issues; responsive, creative, commercial. "
Bank lending : Borrower side
"Knowledge"
Since its founding in 1964, Santiváñez Abogados has expanded to two offices in Peru. Though its main hub is in Lima, the firm has another location in Piura.
Focusses/specialisms
The firm has notable corporate and project development practices. In M&A, the firm acts for acquirers and sellers in strategic and private equity acquisitions, mergers and joint ventures. It also works on general corporate financing transactions, acting for borrowers.
The project development team acts for public and private developers and sponsors in project development and finance matters in the energy, mining and oil and gas industries.
Though the firm works across multiple industries, they are especially skilled in the energy industry, specifically electricity.
Key clients
Key clients for the firm include Inkia Energy, Blue Water Worldwide, Electro Dunas, Syneos Health, Proinversion, Nexa Resources, Anglo American Quellaveco and Tarucani Generating Company.
Client feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)
M&A
"They are available 24/7 "
Project Development: Energy
“Santivañez has the top team on energy practice in Perú. They had the responsibility for all the Regulatory Framework on Energy on such M&A deal.”