Widely recognised as a corporate powerhouse in Colombia, Brigard Urrutia is commended by clients for its ‘extensive knowledge of the law, strong experience and pro-transaction business approach’. Fielding one of the largest corporate benches in the market, the group is a popular choice to handle large-scale domestic and cross-border M&A — including private equity-sponsored deals — as well as wider corporate matters, such as shareholder conflicts and business reorganisations. As one of the country’s most prominent corporate specialists, M&A co-head Sergio Michelsen is highly sought after for his record in high-stakes transactions; he recently advised Blu Logistics on the sale of all of its logistics companies in Colombia to Rhenus. Fellow department co-head Jaime Robledo utilises his dual-qualified (Colombia/New York) status to excel in cross-border deals. In a recent example of his international prowess, Robledo teamed up with Michelsen and Fernando Alfredo Castillo to advise Casino Guichard-Perrachon (and certain affiliates), on the Colombian aspects of the sale of their 47% stake in Almacenes Éxito to Grupo Calleja. Other recommended partners include Tomás Holguín, who honed his international skills working at firms in the USA and Brazil; Carlos Fradique-Méndez, who is a force in the private equity sphere; Álvaro Cala, who combines strength in corporate, aviation and real estate; and senior partner Carlos Urrutia. A strong second line of non-partners includes directors Ángela García Páez and Mónica Gutiérrez Velasco; as well as senior associate Andrea Camila Cruz and associate Laura Ricardo Ayerbe. Former corporate and M&A practice chair Dario Laguado Giraldo and director Paola Ordoñez left the firm in April and August 2024, respectively.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The BU team is made up of highly competent partners and associates with extensive knowledge of the law, strong experience and pro-transaction business approach. The BU team is particularly differentiated by its constant availability and experience.’

  • ‘My most recent experience is with Fernando Alfredo Castillo. A great lawyer, who is highly knowledgeable about the law and what is considered viable in the market and always maintains the best disposition. Fernando is one of the best lawyers I have worked with in Colombia.’

  • ‘The team stands out for its knowledge and experience. Lawyers demonstrate knowledge, experience, closeness, and knowledge of our company's history.’

  • ‘A very smart, creative and commercially oriented team, with excellent understanding of US deal style and issues. Jaime Robledo and Paola Ordoñez are excellent lawyers and I will always use them for M&A in Colombia.’

  • ���We value the group’s comprehensive knowledge of our business, as well as its experience in several similar transactions.’

  • ‘Lawyers demonstrate seriousness, professionalism, attention and sense of urgency.’

Key clients

  • Grupo Casino - Casino Guichard Perrachon
  • Colombia Telecomunicaciones
  • Emergent Cold
  • Inchcape
  • Celsia
  • Credibanca
  • Xignux
  • Grupo Nutresa
  • Grupo SURA
  • Droguerías y Farmacias Cruz Verde
  • Inversiones Infraestructura de Telecom Latam
  • Productora Nacional Avicola
  • Votorantim
  • Emergent Cold
  • BlackRock
  • Itau Corpbanca
  • Claro & Compañía
  • Auna Group
  • CAF – Development Bank of Latin America
  • UPS (United Parcel Service)

Work highlights

  • Advised Casino Guichard-Perrachon, and certain affiliates, on the Colombian aspects of the sale of their 47% stake in Almacenes Éxito to Grupo Calleja.
  • Acted as local counsel to Liberty Mutual Insurance on the $1.4bn sale to HDI International of Liberty Seguros' personal and small commercial business in Brazil, Chile, Colombia and Ecuador.
  • Advised Blu Logistics on the sale of all of its logistics companies in Colombia to Rhenus.

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.
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.
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.

Sergio Michelsen, Jaime Robledo