Home to ‘very competent and experienced lawyers’, full-service firm Morales & Besa advises on high volumes of pre-merger review work and is experienced in complex phase II investigations. In litigation, the group is notably active in the port concessions and payments markets; and it also fields experts in high-stakes cartel cases. The six-strong competition and antitrust team is led by María José Henríquez, a former FNE anti-cartel unit head, who is highly regarded for FNE and Supreme Court litigation, as well as pre-merger reviews. Senior associate Diego Schaerer focuses on both contentious and non-contentious proceedings before the TDLC. Former associate Benjamín González left the firm in August 2023.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘A highly prepared, orderly and efficient law firm, in terms of clients’ direct relationships with partners and associates, as well as billing.’
  • ‘They are very competent and experienced lawyers.’

  • ‘There is clear dedication to the client throughout the team, with complete advice that is tailored to the needs of companies.’

  • ‘They are always available to help and deliver the best possible solution.’

  • ‘Always keeping the client in mind, but being clear about the potential risks and benefits of the proposed solutions.’

  • ‘Availability and knowledge of the industry.’

  • ‘In-depth knowledge from a multidisciplinary team.’

  • ‘This is a very well-formed team, where María José Henríquez leads with a genuine sense of leadership, giving space to each of the associates to develop and have the confidence to suggest new alternatives or creative solutions.’

Key clients

  • Sociedad Concesionaria Nuevo Pudahuel
  • IGT Global Solutions Corporation Chile (Sencillito)
  • Sonnedix Group
  • SSA Holdings International
  • Caleta Bay Mar
  • Salmon Derivatives
  • Empresa Portuaria Valparaíso
  • Cerro Dominador Inversiones
  • Pagos y Servicios
  • Molnlycke Health Care Chile
  • Iron Mountain Chile
  • Constructora Ingevec

Work highlights

  • Advised Sonnedix Chile Holding on the purchase of Arcadia Generación Solar, which included obtaining clearance of the merger before the FNE.
  • Advised EIG Group on the pre-merger filing for the sale of its stake in Cerro Dominador to Brookfiled.
  • Represented IGT Global Solutions Corporation Chile in a non-contentious proceeding before the Competition Tribunal, in relation to Transbank's proposed tariff system.

Lawyers

Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

María José Henríquez