Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uría’s competition team in Colombia stands out for its ability to plug into an integrated regional practice that leverages platforms in Chile and Peru, which clients say, ‘makes it more valuable as a resource to companies operating in multiple countries’. While it is arguably best known for its merger control practice, which excels in domestic and cross-border merger reviews, the group also handles a significant volume of antitrust investigations, unfair competition litigation and compliance-related matters. Diego Cardona spearheads the department and recently teamed up with the dispute resolution and banking and finance groups to represent Visa in an administrative investigation brought by the SIC for alleged anti-competitive conduct in the market for payment services in cross-border transactions. Junior associate Natalia Castilla is also singled out by clients.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘This law firm has an excellent reputation, with up-to-date knowledge on the subject. Its rates are in line with the market and it provides permanent attention to its clients.’

  • ‘Partner Diego Cardona assists us with competition issues and provides constant and personalised attention, which is a plus of the firm. The attention is timely and immediate, and we have a very fluid and professional relationship.’

  • ‘Excellent professionals Diego Cardona and Natalia Castilla are always available for any questions or queries. The level of expertise is very high and Diego, being the partner, always attends to all matters personally. A tremendous team with very high legal quality.’

  • ‘The team personally responds to requests and queries, dedicates quality time to clarifying any doubts, strives to issue advice of the highest legal quality and strives to know in detail the operation of the business to provide concepts appropriate to the reality of the company.’

  • ‘PPU has a strong team and the fact that it can cover Colombia, Peru and Chile also makes it more valuable as a resource to companies operating in multiple countries. The firm has done excellent work for our company on M&A transactions and on other issues.’
  • ‘Diego Cardona is a very strong antitrust lawyer, with good analytical skills and the ability (and willingness) to give straight answers to difficult questions in uncertain situations.’

Key clients

  • Visa International Service Association / Visa Colombia / Visa Colombia Support Service
  • Grupo Argos
  • Bolsa de Valores de Colombia, Bolsa de Comercio de Santiago, Grupo BVL
  • RCN Televisión
  • Yumbo Limpio
  • CMA CGM
  • Canacol Energy
  • Clariant International
  • Steag Renewables & Services Colombia
  • Elecnor Servicios y Proyectos (Colombia branch)
  • Kerry Group
  • Bunge
  • Parque Arauco Colombia
  • Whirlpool

Work highlights

  • Represented Visa in an administrative investigation brought by the SIC for alleged anti-competitive conduct in the market for payment services in cross-border transactions.
  • A cross-office team advised the Colombian Stock Exchange, the Santiago Stock Exchange and Grupo BVL (the Lima Stock Exchange) on the integration of the three exchanges under a common holding company, including competition issues.
  • Represented RCN Televisión in bringing an unfair competition action against a competitor.

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.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Diego Cardona