García & Bodán > Managua, Nicaragua > Firm Profile

García & Bodán Offices

García & Bodán
REPARTO LOS ROBLES, NO L-15
DEL RESTAURANTE 'LA MARSEILLAISE' 1/2 CUADRA AL SUR
MANAGUA
Nicaragua
Visit website 505 2264 7790

Profiles

García & Bodán > The Legal 500 Rankings

Nicaragua > Corporate and finance Tier 1

The transactional lawyers at García & Bodán continue to be a force in the marketplace, drawing on the support of offices in eight locations throughout the region and the experience of the team to advise regional and multinational corporations and financial institutions on day-to-day corporate and finance matters and high-value, cross-border transactions. Assisting a high-profile client base across a range of sectors, from energy, food and beverages, aviation, retail, and education to financial services, tobacco, manufacturing, the firm provides a comprehensive service which extends to M&A, concessions contracts, consumer rights issues, due diligence and licensing, as well as regulatory compliance, bond issuances, company incorporations and shareholders’ agreements. Regional managing partner Terencio García and regional director of the corporate and transactional practice Federico Gurdián, an M&A expert who was appointed in May 2022, head the practice. Other notable figures include telecoms and real estate specialist Carlos Téllez and tax practice head Melvin Estrada.

Practice head(s):

Terencio García; Federico Gurdián

Testimonials

‘I have experience working with García & Bodán in Nicaragua and, in particular, with Terencio García. They are a very strong team, helping clients to navigate the local law despite the political situation.‘

‘Terencio García shows great sophistication in his technical knowledge and analysis of the region.‘

Key clients

Grupo Lala

Puma Energy

Millicom

United Airlines

Cargill

Truist Bank

Payless ShoeSource

Hansae International

INCAE Business School

Banco Atlántida

Work highlights

  • Advised Cairn Energy on the process of formal registration and qualification through a local subsidiary as a non-operator contractor for oil and gas operations in Nicaragua, all in accordance with Nicaragua’s laws and regulations on the exploration and exploitation of hydrocarbons.
  • Acted as Nicaraguan counsel to Cosmos, a company organised and existing under the laws of India, in order to operate in Nicaragua and execute contracts with the Ministry of Health of Nicaragua (MINSA) and other Nicaraguan ministries or authorities.
  • Advised Swiss banknote printing house Orell Füssli on the tender process for the Central Bank of Nicaragua for the printing and supply of banknotes.

Nicaragua > Energy and natural resources Tier 2

The experienced energy and natural resources team at García & Bodán is well versed in advising multinational energy and oil companies on the financing and operation of major projects in Nicaragua. The group’s expertise extends to tax planning and M&A relating to energy operations, due diligence and advice to entities involved in the management of renewable investment portfolios. Regional director and firm founding partner Terencio García, a specialist in the co-ordination of transactions related to the offshore exploration of hydrocarbons, and regional corporate practice head Federico Gurdián, an expert in the handling of high-value, cross-border transactions in the energy sector, are the key contacts.

Nicaragua > Real estate Tier 2

The real estate team at García & Bodán is well versed in advising developers, private investors, homeowner associations and multinational corporates involved in complex, high-value transactions. Counting active players from the retail, tourism, energy, telecoms, construction and financial services sectors among its clients, the practice's comprehensive service extends to incorporation, tax planning, lease and rental agreements, due diligence processes and real estate litigation. The team is led by Eduardo Cabrales, who also heads the offices of the firm in San Juan del Sur and Tola, bringing considerable strength to deal structuring and matters in the tourism industry. Other key figures include managing partner and corporate law expert Federico Gurdián, senior associate Dania Navarrete, who advises on property registration issues, and associate Francisco Acevedo, who assists foreign citizens and investors with applying for resident migratory status in Nicaragua.

Practice head(s):

Eduardo Cabrales

Testimonials

‘Very solid legal team, flawless costumer service, fast response times.’

‘They know what they are doing, they are solid experts in their fields, they inspire trust.’

‘Great team, skilled, smart people.‘

‘Willing to think outside the box, plan ahead, and come up with good business ideas that help.‘

‘Very good team with excellent relationships and advice for clients, and a regional presence that differentiates them from other firms.‘

‘The team stands out for its personalised and immediate responses, and for its offices in different areas of Nicaragua.‘

Key clients

Atrium

Tola Development Group

La Costa Development

Payless ShoeSource

Coffee Adventures

Cala Azul

Work highlights

  • Provided Tola Development Group with comprehensive legal services in real estate transactions, including the drafting, execution and registration of contracts related to subdivisions, sales and purchases of lots and houses, cancellation of mortgages and procurement of secured loans for construction.
  • Advising Morgan’s Rock company Habitat y Ecosistemas on the development of a condominium regime for its new project, known as Village Farm Communities in Playa Majagual, San Juan del Sur.

Nicaragua > Dispute resolution Tier 3

García & Bodán combines the bench strength of eight offices throughout the region with the experience of its Nicaraguan team to assist local and multinational corporates from a broad spread of sectors (including construction, telecoms, retail, chemicals, and food and beverages) in multi-jurisdictional disputes. The group’s comprehensive service covers matters ranging from the development of mediation and commercial arbitration strategies to representation in administrative processes before government entities and civil, commercial and labour litigation. Managing partner Federico Gurdián oversees the team, with assistance at the associate level from experienced litigators Lowell Hodgson, who handles civil and commercial proceedings, and Gerardo Escorcia, a specialist in administrative procedures.

Practice head(s):

Federico Gurdián

Testimonials

‘The litigation team at García & Bodán Nicaragua is exceptional. It is made up of professionals with the highest level of experience in practice.‘

‘The lawyers in the dispute resolution area stand out for their experience and agility. Lowell Hodgson is outstanding.‘

Nicaragua > Intellectual property Tier 3

Drawing on the bench strength of eight locations throughout the region, García & Bodán manages the intellectual property portfolios and health registrations of major global brands such as Novo Nordisk across sectors ranging from energy, financial services, food and beverages, and chemicals to retail, pharmaceuticals and telecoms. The team guides clients through administrative and judicial proceedings, and also covers the surveillance of trade marks, patents, industrial designs and utility models, as well as assistance with licensing and franchising matters and due diligence procedures. The team is led by associate Ileana Montenegro, who coordinates with other regional offices to advise the firm’s multinational client base, and regional IP director Julio Vargas, who is based in El Salvador. Another key figure is senior associate Lía Incer Flores, a former director of copyright and related rights at the General Directorate of the Intellectual Property Registry.

Practice head(s):

Ileana Montenegro; Julio Vargas

Testimonials

‘García & Bodán is dedicated to providing legal advice in all areas of law, offering an excellent service. They are seeking closer relationships with their clients and excellence in the provision of services, with a practical and innovative approach.’

‘Julio Vargas has extensive experience in managing brand portfolios for local and international clients – he anticipates their needs and provides a broad perspective on possible solutions. Lia Incer gives clients assurance that cases will be resolved diligently and efficiently. She is always quick and precise in answering questions.‘

‘The responsiveness of Lia Incer is first class – it ranks with the highest service levels of the dozens of lawyers I work with around the world.‘

‘I consider them a strong and consolidated team which shows experience and proactivity.‘

‘We have trusted this office for many years to provide intellectual property services in several Central American countries, because they have always been very attentive, provide their services promptly and have a high quality of service. Generally, they are in tune with our way of managing our company, so in practice it is very beneficial to work with them since we use similar procedures in terms of technology, billing and collaboration. All the lawyers who have assisted us, be it in Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, or Nicaragua, has always stood out for their prompt attention and prompt service. They are agile in their work, which makes it practical to work with this firm.‘

Key clients

Grupo Televisa

Laboratorios La Santé

Grupo América Móvil/Claro

Novo Nordisk

Bagó Group

Alltech

Yara Costa Rica

Univision Communications

Work highlights

  • Managing the health registration of Yara Costa Rica’s fertiliser products in Nicaragua and El Salvador, as well as the registration of the company as an authorised manufacturer of fertilisers for agricultural use.
  • Advising global corporation Juul Labs on handling its trade mark portfolio in Central American countries and assisting with copyright issues over the protection of accessories’ designs.
  • Advising on the procurement, maintenance and renewal of health registrations for the products of several international companies, including Novo Nordisk, The Kraft Heinz Company, Vitaminas y Minerales and Somex.

Central America > Corporate and finance

The first Nicaraguan firm to expand into Central America, García & Bodán now fields teams in Honduras (from branches in Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula), El Salvador, Guatemala and Costa Rica; it has also grown its presence in Nicaragua with offices in San Juan del Sur and Tola (led by Eduardo Cabrales, who focuses on real estate and tourism-related transactions in the area) in addition to its original headquarters in Managua. Under the leadership of regional managing partner Terencio García in Nicaragua, the firm is well versed in advising investors into Central America on cross-border acquisitions, while its financing expertise extends to syndicated loans and project finance. Federico Gurdián, who was appointed as regional director of the corporate and transactional practice in May 2022, is also a key contact in Nicaragua. In Honduras, where the firm is noted for its strength in sovereign bond issuances, Vanessa Oquelí handles the full range of corporate and finance matters. Oscar Torres, who also directs the regional labour practice, takes the lead on transactional mandates in El Salvador.

Work highlights

García & Bodán > Firm Profile

García & Bodán ensures uniformity and excellence in its legal services. It is a full-service law firm with eight offices in Central America, located in Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica.

García & Bodán has a team of highly qualified attorneys, who graduated with honours from prestigious national and international universities; recognized for their expertise in complex transactions in a context of rapid change and a competitive business environment and well known for their pragmatic and business-minded approach to the legal issues brought forth by clients.

García & Bodán’s team not only serves and supports its clients in all legal activity required in accordance with their businesses, but also guides foreign investors when entering a new country.

The firm’s main policies are

  • Fast response in a maximum of three hours during office hours and not more than 24 hours during non-office hours.
  • Observance of conflicts of interests at regional level, not at an individual office.
  • Answers always well founded in law, making reference to the applicable law or disposition.

Main areas of practice
Corporate and transactional: García & Bodán has participated in complex transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, corporate restructuring and elaboration of due diligence in a variety of industrial sectors.

Tax: this practice area is one of the supporting pillars to clients in their investments and businesses in Central America. García & Bodán elaborates and develops tax planning services to maximize clients’ profitability, all in accordance with the laws in force in each country.

Banking and finance: the team provides advice on both unique and complex financial transactions, such as: syndicated bank financing, structured finance, sovereign bond issues, private bond issues, project finance, financing of acquisitions and derivatives, purchase and sale of debt portfolios, trusts, among others; as well as in the area of current regulation of financial markets.

Capital markets: our capital markets practice focuses on advising public and private companies seeking to raise capital, and assisting them in structuring alternative forms of financing, advising them on the best capital structures to meet their business objectives.

International trade: this area is characterized by providing support to national, regional and international companies in matters derived from their commercial activity, the efficiency of their import, export and transit processes, as well as the relationship that the companies sustain with the different public-private representatives, contributing together to strengthen their competitiveness and access to markets.

Intellectual property: this practice focuses on litigation of patents and actions against trademark infringement, handling of brand portfolios, brand monitoring, health records and legal advice on copyrights and other IP rights.

Litigation and arbitration: this practice group is in the capacity of solving disputes through the use of dispute resolution mechanisms or, if necessary, through litigation before courts of all the jurisdictions, including specialized courts.

Real estate: it is characterized by its active participation in the most important tourism-related transactions, especially in Nicaragua, Guatemala and Honduras. It provides advice to real estate developers, hotel operators and condominium developers, among others.

Labor: García & Bodán provides labor law services in general, including preventive legal advice, ranging from individual to collective issues, and from administrative labor law to full-fledged litigation.

Energy and natural resources: the firm’s expertise covers all areas and activities of the energy and natural resources sector, including oil and gas.

Main Contacts

Department Name Email Telephone
Regional Managing Partner Terencio J. García Montenegro terencio.garcia@garciabodan.com (505) 2264 7790
Managing Partner Federico A. Gurdían Sacasa federico.guardian@garciabodan.com (505) 2264 7790
Managing Partner Eduardo A. Cabrales Cuadra eduardo.cabrales@garciabodan.com (505) 2264 7790
Partner Melvin A. Estrada Canizales melvin.estrada@garciabodan.com (505) 2264 7790
Partner Carlos E. Téllez Páramo carlos.tellez@garciabodan.com (505) 2264 7790

Staff Figures

Total Staff : 30

Languages

Spanish
English

Memberships

ABA (American Bar Association)
IBA (International Bar Association)
American Nicaraguan Chamber of Commerce (AmCham Nicaragua)
Association of European Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Nicaragua (EUROCAM)

Other

Regional Partners : 12
Partners in Nicaragua : 6

García & Bodán > Firm Profile

García & Bodán ensures uniformity and excellence in its legal services. It is a full-service law firm with eight offices in Central America, located in Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica.

García & Bodán has a team of highly qualified attorneys, who graduated with honours from prestigious national and international universities; recognized for their expertise in complex transactions in a context of rapid change and a competitive business environment and well known for their pragmatic and business-minded approach to the legal issues brought forth by clients.

García & Bodán’s team not only serves and supports its clients in all legal activity required in accordance with their businesses, but also guides foreign investors when entering a new country.

The firm’s main policies are

  • Fast response in a maximum of three hours during office hours and not more than 24 hours during non-office hours.
  • Observance of conflicts of interests at regional level, not at an individual office.
  • Answers always well founded in law, making reference to the applicable law or disposition.

Main areas of practice
Corporate and transactional: García & Bodán has participated in complex transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, corporate restructuring and elaboration of due diligence in a variety of industrial sectors.

Tax: this practice area is one of the supporting pillars to clients in their investments and businesses in Central America. García & Bodán elaborates and develops tax planning services to maximize clients’ profitability, all in accordance with the laws in force in each country.

Banking and finance: the team provides advice on both unique and complex financial transactions, such as: syndicated bank financing, structured finance, sovereign bond issues, private bond issues, project finance, financing of acquisitions and derivatives, purchase and sale of debt portfolios, trusts, among others; as well as in the area of current regulation of financial markets.

Capital markets: our capital markets practice focuses on advising public and private companies seeking to raise capital, and assisting them in structuring alternative forms of financing, advising them on the best capital structures to meet their business objectives.

International trade: this area is characterized by providing support to national, regional and international companies in matters derived from their commercial activity, the efficiency of their import, export and transit processes, as well as the relationship that the companies sustain with the different public-private representatives, contributing together to strengthen their competitiveness and access to markets.

Intellectual property: this practice focuses on litigation of patents and actions against trademark infringement, handling of brand portfolios, brand monitoring, health records and legal advice on copyrights and other IP rights.

Litigation and arbitration: this practice group is in the capacity of solving disputes through the use of dispute resolution mechanisms or, if necessary, through litigation before courts of all the jurisdictions, including specialized courts.

Real estate: it is characterized by its active participation in the most important tourism-related transactions, especially in Nicaragua, Guatemala and Honduras. It provides advice to real estate developers, hotel operators and condominium developers, among others.

Labor: García & Bodán provides labor law services in general, including preventive legal advice, ranging from individual to collective issues, and from administrative labor law to full-fledged litigation.

Energy and natural resources: the firm’s expertise covers all areas and activities of the energy and natural resources sector, including oil and gas.

Main Contacts

Department Name Email Telephone
Regional Managing Partner Terencio J. García Montenegro terencio.garcia@garciabodan.com (505) 2264 7790
Managing Partner Federico A. Gurdían Sacasa federico.guardian@garciabodan.com (505) 2264 7790
Managing Partner Eduardo A. Cabrales Cuadra eduardo.cabrales@garciabodan.com (505) 2264 7790
Partner Melvin A. Estrada Canizales melvin.estrada@garciabodan.com (505) 2264 7790
Partner Carlos E. Téllez Páramo carlos.tellez@garciabodan.com (505) 2264 7790

Staff Figures

Total Staff : 30

Languages

Spanish
English

Memberships

ABA (American Bar Association)
IBA (International Bar Association)
American Nicaraguan Chamber of Commerce (AmCham Nicaragua)
Association of European Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Nicaragua (EUROCAM)

Other

Regional Partners : 12
Partners in Nicaragua : 6