Ranking among Colombia’s most dominant corporate practices, Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uría earns plaudits for its ‘specialised lawyers committed to corporate issues’. The international-facing group combines a formidably deep domestic bench with a strong regional network that takes in offices in Chile and Peru; it also benefits from platforms in Europe through its partnership with Iberian powerhouse, Uría Menéndez. Despite being managing partner, M&A heavyweight Martín Acero remains highly sought after by sources for his ’personalised attention’; he recently advised Ferro and Gema de Inversiones on the acquisition of a 17.64% stake of Hojalata y Laminados. Claudia Barrero is also a go-to corporate specialist and recently teamed up with the firm’s Peru and Chile offices to advise Latam company, Quelaris Internacional, on its acquisition by IMCD Group. In another multi-jurisdictional highlight, Felipe Cuberos advised Inversiones Kaufmann on the acquisition of the Mercedes Benz truck and bus division in Colombia from Daimler. Other key partners include: Juan Carlos Rocha, who blends strength in corporate and real estate matters; Hernando Padilla, who sits in the banking, capital markets and corporate practices; and up-and-coming corporate and restructuring specialist Nicolás Tirado, who recently advised Kaufmann Ventures on the seed round it led in Colombian start-up, Velocity-X. Among the group’s sizeable band of associates, principals Luz María Mercado, Juan José Castaño, David Beltrán and Juan Guillermo Nur all stand out for their broad corporate and M&A activity. Senior associates Paula Buriticá and Alejandro Medina left in May 2022 and November 2022, respectively.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘It is very important to have specialised lawyers committed to corporate issues and company reorganisation processes, who have all the resources (lawyers, tax experts, etc.), so that they can offer their customers a comprehensive service, as is the case with PPU.’
‘The team’s approach to clients is agile, responsive, and due to its way of working as a team, allows relevant issues to have direct line of contact with the heads of the area, who are aware of the development of the advice they have provided to us.’
‘The corporate and M&A team adds value through its partners' special knowledge of the culture and ways of doing business in China; knowledge that, as our parent company is based in China, represents an invaluable comparative advantage over other law firms.’
‘Martín Acero provides personalised attention, obviously accompanied by his team, and gives us greater reliability in all aspects of the process. We highlight the personal and professional qualities of Mr Acero, his knowledge and management of the issues, as well as his professionalism.’
‘Nicolás Tirado, is effective, agile and, as a result, the entry of our company into the country was obtained in record time.’
‘We highlight the team for its extensive knowledge of the legislation but also for its ability to act strategically with risk mitigation. Lawyers are extremely technically qualified with extensive business knowledge. We consider PPU as a business partner of extreme relevance for the continuity of our local business.’
‘In terms of innovation, PPU has collaborated in making our contracts more accessible to our clients, ensuring legal regularity. It also supports us with simplified due diligence for greater business security, risk mapping and rapid action.’
‘PPU lawyers are differentiated by strengths such as: knowledge of the business; ability to quickly assess risks in an initial look at the cases; ability to work closely with the client's business and then act as if they were inside the business; and extremely competent and available for support.’

Key clients

Alpha Capital and Vive Créditos Kusida
Siemens
Quelaris Internacional
United Parcel Service Co (UPS)
Talma Servicios Aeroportuarios
Fondo de Capital Privado Colombian Infrastructure Equity Fund
Burger King Corporation
Ferro Limited and Gema de Inversiones
Grupo Energía Bogotá
Pepsico Alimentos
HPX Corporation
Alpha Holding
Cititrust Colombia
Nestlé
Grupo Argos
Alpha Holding
Goldman Sachs & Co
Fondo de Capital Privado CIEF
Inversiones Kaufmann

Work highlights

Advised Kaufmann Ventures (Güil) on the seed round it led in the Colombian start-up, Velocity-X.
Acted as Colombian Counsel to Alpha Capital and Vive Créditos Kusida on the sale of their payroll loans portfolio, and other assets, to CFG Partners Colombia.
Advised Inversiones Kaufmann on the acquisition of the Mercedes Benz truck and bus division in Colombia from Daimler.

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.

Martín Acero

Hall of famePhilippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uría

Managing Partner