Widely lauded as ‘one of the best competition practices in Colombia’, Baker McKenzie S.A.S. secures a sizeable share of the market’s most high-profile mandates, spanning both merger reviews and behavioural competition work. With the ability to draw on the wider firm’s comprehensive global platform, the team is a popular choice to advise on the local aspects of major, multi-jurisdictional cases, where it often works hand-in-hand with international offices. In a recent example, highly regarded group head María Carolina Pardo teamed up with lawyers in Germany and Belgium to advise Sika Colombia on the acquisition of LSF11 Skyscraper HoldCo (MBCC Group); the transaction was moved to Phase II for an in-depth review and cleared without remedies in Colombia. Among the practice group's up-and-coming figures: Angélica Navarro, who supported on the Silka matter, was elevated to partner in July 2023; and associates Carlos Arboleda and Luís Alberto Castell are also key contacts. The practice additionally welcomed several new associates over the past year, including Santiago Blanco, who joined in May 2022 from the Superintendence of Industry and Commerce (SIC).

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘The projects that we have carried out with the competition team have been successful. We maintain an excellent relationship with the group precisely because of the confidence it generates through its advice and its clear knowledge of the regulation.’
‘Its lawyers differ from those of its competitors through their extensive knowledge of the subject, particularly María Carolina Pardo, Angélica Navarro, Luís Alberto Castell.’
‘The practice has extensive experience, extensive knowledge, is a trend setter in competition issues and is always up-to-date with the latest regulations. Lawyers are very diligent in their advice and seek to make changes that mitigate risks from the root.’
‘Baker McKenzie is one of the best competition practices in Colombia, without a doubt. The team manages systems that allow a compendium of data.’
‘Lawyers are excellent, their plus is their knowledge and positioning in the practice area. María Carolina Pardo and associate Luís Alberto Castell always give in-depth and complete answers to the issues.’

Key clients

Sika Colombia
Schlumberger
Specialized Colombia
Platinum Equity Group
STEAG, STEAG 1, Peter Weiß and Stephan Riezler
Public Sector Pension Investment Board
Snowflake Inc
Transportadora de Gas Internacional - TGI
Sura Asset Management
Clarios Andina

Work highlights

Advised Sika Colombia on the acquisition of the shares of LSF11 Skyscraper HoldCo (MBCC Group).
Advised Schlumberger on a second instance proceeding related to an administrative investigation into alleged infringement of antitrust laws.
Advised Public Sector Pension Investment Board on the sale of its stake in a real estate investment fund to Bancolombia and Sura.

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.

María Carolina Pardo

Hall of fameBaker McKenzie LLP

Rising stars