The 21-strong corporate and M&A practice at Morales & Besa is regularly sought out by international buy-side clients to act as lead counsel on heavyweight acquisition transactions outside of Chile. Other areas of notable strength include major private equity transactions and complex mergers; while the firm’s enviable client base comprises energy, infrastructure, mining, construction and retail companies, as well as investment banks and private equity funds. At founding partner level, Guillermo Morales advises both domestic and multinational corporate clients on the execution of private acquisitions and sale deals, along with public tender offers, mergers, and restructurings; and Eugenio Besa specialises in commercial, financial and foreign investment work. The pair co-lead the team with Michel Diban (corporate and commercial matters – predominantly M&A); with further key partner level involvement provided by current managing partner, Macarena Laso, and Álvaro Barriga, whose practice is centred on corporate and M&A matters. Experienced senior associate Vicente Valdés focuses on commercial law, M&A and capital markets’ matters. Since publication, Diban has left the firm and Valdés has been raised to the partnership - effective as of December 2023 and March 204, respectively.

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Key clients

  • Global Infrastructure Partners
  • AKKR
  • SMU
  • Cencosud
  • Enel X Chile
  • Sonnedix
  • Sungrow Power Chile
  • Marsol
  • Patria Investments
  • Macquarie Group

Work highlights

  • Acted for Global Infrastructure Partners, which (through a special vehicle) acquired 49% in Chile Renovables from AES Andes, a large Chilean wind farm.
  • Advised AKKR on the acquisition of Aspel companies in Mexico and Colombia.
  • Advised Cencosud on the purchase of 67% of The Fresh Market Holdings.

Lawyers

Hall of Fame

The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Guillermo Morales, Eugenio Besa