Tobar ZVS

The firm is recognized as one of the preferred choices for corporate clients with an international presence in Ecuador as well as local clients and entrepreneurs. Tobar ZVS strives to become a strategic partner of its clients through a comprehensive, business-oriented and strategically conceived product with distinctive elements. With recognized expertise in major business sectors, the firm’s philosophy is based on teamwork and the use of technology with specialized professionals within industry-focused units. Tobar ZVS’s heart is its people, therefore the firm seeks to retain its best talent and offer them all the necessary tools to develop their personal and professional potential.

This full-service law firm was founded in 1993 as Tobar & Tobar and changed its name to Tobar & Bustamante in 1996. In 2021 the firm was renamed Tobar ZVS.

Main areas of practice
Antitrust and competition: renowned practice in M&A approvals by the antitrust authority, successfully initiated and defended clients in unfair competition actions, counseling on antitrust law in Ecuador for food, beverages, medical devices, educational books, and advisory and defense in all matters related to this field.

Corporate, M&A: focuses on overall legal risk management, corporate structuring and investment protection, project financing, commercial contracting, corporate governance, compliance for international clients locally operating, and for local companies working abroad. The unit’s culture is becoming a key supporter to clients’ in-house teams in achieving strategic goals and operational priorities. Teaming up with the tax and corporate/M&A division, the practice offers a full range of services for international business transactions, including IPOs, project financing and access to capital markets in the last ten years. Also deals with major investment agreements; recently closed as lead counsel the major concession deal for road infrastructure in Ecuador.

Natural resources, energy and infrastructure: recognized as a leader in mining practice in Ecuador. Clients’ portfolios represent more than half of the mining concessions granted in Ecuador since 2016. Moreover, at least four of these have been categorized as second-generation projects due to their importance within the mining sector. The team has multidisciplinary expertise in mining, energy, environment and sustainability, advising on complex legal issues and sustainable practices including concession acquisition, permitting, environmental compliance and licensing, land acquisition, consultation, aboriginal rights, negotiation of investment protection agreements and general regulatory matters. Drawing on this broad experience, the firm has successfully expanded its practice to renewable energy, oil and gas.

Tax and finance: its main proposition is a deep understanding of the clients’ operations, cost structure, financial needs and key drivers of growth and profitability. Articulates domestic and international tax law in providing tax advice/planning services. Also, transaction assessment/design, international tax planning, corporate structure design, tax litigation, tax modeling, international financial planning, liquidity management, transfer pricing, business valuation and risk and econometric studies.

Intellectual property: the specialized team provides a full range of IP services both locally and internationally, including consultancy, protection and enforcement of IP rights of all kinds, monetization of intangible assets. The firm has been a trailblazer in systematic enforcement campaigns to protect the IP rights of the world’s largest software producer and reputed entertainment firms. As to plant breeders rights, the firm’s combined portfolio of clients represents 65% of local rose varieties with a presence in international markets.

Conflict and dispute resolution: firm members are strong and successful litigators, however negotiation and alternate dispute resolution practice have grown considerably. It has several qualified arbitrators for arbitration centers, and members have been expert witnesses in numerous international arbitrations, mainly investor-related cases.

Insurance: experienced specialists and industry insiders offer assistance in all aspects of insurance.