Bruchou & Funes de Rioja

Bruchou & Funes de Rioja’s regulatory and commercial oil-and-gas expertise sees it regularly called on to advise multinational and domestic industry players on big-ticket transactions in the sector. In addition to M&A and regulatory work, the team is also prominent in exploration and production, and has played a key role supporting large upstream operators on the development of the Vaca Muerta shale oil and gas formation. Unconventional hydrocarbon development, liquefied natural gas infrastructure project work and energy transition are other active areas. Javier Galli, ‘one of the lawyers with the most knowledge and experience in the sector’, leads the practice and is recognised for his exceptional transactional and operational record. Corporate law and M&A-focused partner Santiago Balbi also has extensive industry experience, with senior associate Nicolás Dulce providing the next line of support. Since publication, Dulce has been raised to the partnership - effective as of March 2024.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘A team with excellent experience in the oil-and-gas sector that keeps in permanent contact with the industry and the complex problems it faces.’
‘The work ethic of the team sets it apart from other firms. Javier Rodriguez Galli is one of the lawyers with the most knowledge and experience in the sector. He takes an innovative approach to support his clients.’
‘The practice is able to quickly cross-refer to other practices whenever advice is needed beyond the expertise of the immediate team. They always work as a team to promote the interests of their clients.’
‘Javier Rodriguez, Nicolas Dulce and Macarena Rolon are very dependable and possess good technical knowledge.’
‘It is probably the best team of oil-and-gas lawyers in Argentina. Javier Rodriguez Galli leads the team and is an excellent advisor. He is always one step ahead of what is coming and proactively advises us accordingly.’
‘Javier Rodriguez Galli has vast experience in structuring M&A deals, especially those linked to the hydrocarbons and energy sector. He has in-depth knowledge of the sector, proactivity and a deep legal perspective.’

Key clients

Vista Energy
YPF
Petronas
Equinor
Trafigura
Albanesi
Pluspetrol

Work highlights

Advised Petronas on the structuring of a large liquified natural gas project with YPF to build and operate a liquefaction plant requiring projected investment of more than $10bn.
Advised Vista on its sale of conventional assets to Petrolera Aconcagua, including the assignment of six exploitation concessions and three transportation concessions for a total combined value of $400m.
Advised Petronas and Vista, together with other upstream producers, on the structuring of a series of agreements to implement the construction of the Vaca Muerta North pipeline and exports to Chile.