In April 2024, DLA Piper Martínez Beltrán (the former Colombian arm of DLA Piper) opted to end its co-operation agreement with the global network and rebrand as Martínez Quintero Mendoza González Laguado & de la Rosa. In a significant statement of intent, the firm concurrently hired Dario Laguado Giraldo, formerly chair of the corporate and M&A practice at Brigard Urrutia, to boost its transactional firepower. Despite the challenging investment environment, the team had a strong year for corporate work, particularly in the infrastructure and private equity arenas. Among the names to note, Felipe Quintero stands out for his activity in domestic and cross-border M&A, with a focus on private equity-related work; he recently led the corporate advice to private asset management client, Inicia, on the $325m acquisition of Brazilian steelmaker Gerdau’s stakes in Diaco and Gerdau Metaldom, Cyrgo and Kbina. Juan Manuel de la Rosa is also highly regarded for private equity transactions; he recently teamed up with managing partner Camilo Martínez to advise Tree Capital and Venice Capital on the acquisition of a minority shareholding interest in Crezcamos. The team further benefits from the experience of next-generation partner Felipe Aristizabal, as well as restructuring and insolvency specialist Nicolás Polanía. The corporate department is supported by a capable band of younger lawyers: at director level, Juan Camilo Varón, Juan Carlos Gambín and Carlos Góngora are key contacts, while Maria Alejandra Cabrera is an active senior associate. Former senior Daniela Duarte left the firm in May 2024.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘It stands out for its ability to provide agile attention with quality. The firm is in charge of the entire process, directly monitoring, negotiating and controlling in an orderly and effective manner.’

  • ‘Felipe Quintero is intelligent, skilled and an excellent negotiator.’

  • ‘It is a strong team, with a diversity of practices and experiences, ready to advise at any time.’

  • ‘A strong approach to service and support combined with a high professional standard.’

Key clients

  • Advent International
  • Agrocapitolio and Inverfrutales (Xúe Café)
  • Beckman Coulter
  • Carvajal
  • Cerberus Capital Management
  • Compañía de Empaques
  • CI Antillana
  • E-Credit
  • Empresas Públicas de Medellín (EPM)
  • Eterna
  • Financiera Juriscooop
  • Grupo Decameron
  • Grupo Gilinski
  • Grupo Trinity
  • Inicia
  • I Squared Capital
  • Lenus Capital Partners
  • Lexzau, Scharbau
  • Macquarie Asset Management
  • Pandora Jewellery Colombia
  • Parque Arauco
  • Patria Investments
  • Sociedad Portuaria Regional de Santa Marta
  • Terranum
  • Tree Capital and Venice Capital
  • Vinci Highways

Work highlights

  • Advised Inicia, a private asset management entity, on the $325m acquisition of Brazilian steelmaker Gerdau's stakes in Diaco and Gerdau Metaldom, Cyrgo and Kbina.
  • Advised Macquarie Asset Management on the strategic alliance for the development of an investment infrastructure platform that currently manages Odinsa’s airport concession business in Colombia and Ecuador, together with Odinsa’s toll road projects in Colombia.
  • Advised Grupo Gilinski on the acquisition of at least 76.9% of Grupo Nutresa, as part of the process by which Grupo Gilinski aims to take over 87% of Grupo Nutresa.

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.

Camilo Martínez, Felipe Quintero, Felipe Aristizábal, Juan Manuel de la Rosa