Corporate and M&A

Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uría

‘A team composed of good negotiators, who are experienced in New York law’, Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uría’s corporate and M&A practice strikes an enviable balance between domestic and multinational clients. Routinely involved in transformational — often cross-border — M&A, the deep and broad group is distinguished by its international platform, which leans on offices in Peru and Chile as well as a partnership with Spain-headquartered Uría Menéndez. Among the names to note, managing partner Martín Acero is a ’true leader and looks for solutions to the most complicated problems’; he paired up with corporate and real estate partner Juan Carlos Rocha to advise Ferro and Hojalatas y Laminados on the structuring of a vehicle, in which they will jointly participate with Yellowstone Capital Partners, to develop a real estate project in Medellín. The firm fields an additional high-profile corporate specialist in Claudia Barrero, who recently advised Grupo Argos on its agreement (together with Grupo de Inversiones Suramericana and Grupo Nutresa), with Jaime Gilinski Bacal and IHC to carry out a stock exchange. Other recommended partners include Felipe Cuberos, who handles a mix of corporate and commercial law; Hernando Padilla, who specialises in corporate, M&A and private equity; and Nicolás Tirado, whose practice spans corporate and insolvency matters. The department also utilises the growing expertise of several associates, including principals David Beltrán, Juan Guillermo Nur and Juan José Castaño, as well as senior Natalia Velasco. Former principal Luz María Mercado moved in house at Stori in September 2023.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘A team composed of good negotiators, who are experienced in New York law.’
‘The PPU team understands that the added value it can generate starts from: a) understanding the commercial terms of the transaction; b) framing the agreed commercial/legal terms in the context of the relevant industry/market; c) understanding and aligning with the client's needs/objectives.’
‘Hernando Padilla aligns himself with the needs and objectives of the client (within the framework of the transaction), taking into consideration the terms and commercial interests of the client; the possible risks and contingencies; and the sensitivities of the negotiation process.’
‘The team works as hard as a US firm; lawyers do everything necessary to satisfy the client and their quality is always impeccable.’
‘Martín Acero is a true leader and looks for solutions to the most complicated problems. It's a pleasure to work with him. There is a great level of specialisation.’
‘All the PPU lawyers I have worked with, in addition to being very responsible with the case, are very confident with their opinions, which gives us a lot of peace of mind. They also share our sense of urgency.’
‘PPU is a firm that delivers great value to its clients, working with a holistic and strategic vision.’
‘They are lawyers who have legal knowledge and care about knowing their clients' business so that their recommendations are business-oriented, they calculate risks and are strategic.’

Key clients

Bolsa de Valores de Colombia, Bolsa de Comercio de Santiago and Grupo BVL
Calleja
Ferro (Colombia branch) and Hojalatas y Laminados
Kerry Group / Kerry Group
Grupo Bancolombia
Toyota Tsusho Corporation
Siete24
Publicis Groupe
BGSF Professional
Parque Arauco Colombia
Praxair Gases Industriales / Linde UK Holdings No. 2
Lactalis
UPS

Work highlights

Advised Grupo Argos on its agreement, together with Grupo de Inversiones Suramericana and Grupo Nutresa, with Jaime Gilinski Bacal and IHC to carry out a stock exchange.
Acted as counsel in Colombia, Chile and Peru to the Colombian Stock Exchange, Santiago Stock Exchange and Grupo BVL in connection with the integration of the three Stock Exchanges under a common holding company.
Advised Grupo Calleja on its acquisition of 86.8% of the ordinary shares of Almacenes Éxito through a simultaneous public tender offer in Colombia and on the NYSE for $1bn.

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