Alejandro Medina
Serrano Martínez CMAThe mid-October 2023 merger of Correa Merino Agudelo Abogados and Serrano Martínez saw the emergence of Serrano Martínez CMA, which – with offices in the key Bogotá and Medellín markets – is undoubtedly at its strongest in the corporate/M&A sector. Additionally able to draw on the firm’s capabilities in competition, labour and employment, real estate and tax law (among other areas), the corporate practice impresses with it’s ‘experience’, ‘expertise’ and ’unique and refined strategic approach’. The former CMA team has long been sought after for its specialist knowledge in the emerging market and venture capital spheres, and expertise representing start-ups and investors, while the group from the former SM has developed a reputation for sophisticated mid-market transactions; the combined team also has extensive experience acting for mature domestic and multinational corporations in traditional M&A transactions and general corporate matters. Co-leading the practice, Camilo Merino is recommended for his ability to ‘artfully adapt to complex situations which gives him an excellent strategic edge’, while Juan Diego Martinez provides advice that is ’clear, to the point and practical’, and is noted for a practice that spans M&A, joint ventures, restructurings and contentious matters. At associate level, key support comes from seniors Sebastián Morales Agudelo, who joined in April 2022 from pension fund, Protección; and Alejandro Medina, a November-2022 hire who joined from Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uría and has a focus on domestic and cross-border M&A. Corporate and M&A-focused intermediate, Valentina Castillo B, is also noted.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The service is quite personalised, which generates added value for the client as well as reliability. The support is constant and agile throughout the process, no matter how long it may be.’
- ‘A superb law firm. I was really impressed from the beginning and I'm happy having chosen them as our law firm.’
- ‘The team's main strengths are a deep knowledge of the law within each specialty (corporate, labour, tax, etc), its unique and refined strategic approach, and its great commitment to clients and the work they do. They have walked the extra mile to solve every issue that we have confronted so far.’
- ‘Camilo Merino’s depth of knowledge and experience is quite remarkable, but most importantly he is able to quickly and artfully adapt to complex situations which gives him an excellent strategic edge. Camilo has a strict commitment to the law, and nicely balances this with creative solutions.’
‘The support of the team throughout the process is exceptional. The firm’s best quality is that throughout the process the lead partner is attentive to every detail and constantly monitors the client.’
‘A young firm with good experience and expertise from its entire team, which allows it to provide high-quality services at competitive prices. It is especially recommended for clients and transactions in the mid-market.’
‘In particular, Juan Diego Martinez, who is the person we have had the opportunity to work with, is always available and with an exemplary attitude to help, solve problems and take the matter forward.’
‘A team of reliable, responsible professionals who study every case thoroughly to perform their best with very high results. Each member of the team shares the same values and commitment to their job.’
‘A unique firm due its service levels. The extensive knowledge of the team and its compliance with delivery times makes it stand out from other firms. Additionally, the lawyers give clear and specific advice, which for us as clients seems to be a very favourable point.’
‘Juan Diego Martinez is an outstanding lawyer due to his extensive knowledge and ease in negotiating transactions and contracts with counterparties. His advice is always clear, to the point and practical. Associate Alejandro Medina stands out for his knowledge of commercial law and his negotiation skills.’
‘Camilo Merino is a very responsible, balanced and clear-minded individual. He takes great care in his work and is one of the more clear communicators I've known. Importantly, Camilo is a very approachable, amicable and cordial individual which in my opinion, greatly enhances his professional reach.’
‘The team remains very close to the client, understand all the client’s needs and act quickly. Lawyers are always willing to easily explain complex issues, they answer on time and they are very friendly.’
Key clients
- Vanti
- Primax Colombia
- Chevron Petroleum Company
- Tether Education
- Pagos Automáticos de Colombia
- Olímpica
- Sociedad Portuaria Olefinas y Derivados (Orbia Group, formerly Mexichem)
- Éticos Serrano Gómez
- Crediseguro
- Keralty
- Solenis
- Laboratorio Clínico Hematológico
- Adage Tech Holdings
- Chambers of Commerce of Medellín for Antioquia, Cali and Barranquilla
- Fluvip
- Conconcreto
- Incandescent Technologies
- CI Uniban
- New Ventures Capital
- Kiwi International Payments
- BTG Pactual
- Glasst
- Materiales EMO
- Textiles Lafayette
- El Callao Holdings
Work highlights
- Advised Primax Colombia on the sale of its lubricant business unit, and also on a follow-on transaction involving the sale of the inventory of the business unit.
- Advised the shareholders of Home Sale on the sale of 51% of the company’s shares to Merama.
- Advised Fluvip Ventures on a $10m stock-for-stock swap to acquire Peruvian company Quantico Trends, and its subsidiary in Mexico.
Lawyers
Leading associates
Rising stars 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.
Juan Diego Martínez, Camilo Merino