Singled out for its strong track record in merger control and behavioural matters, Bustamante Fabara‘s competition group is particularly noted for its expertise in anticompetitive conduct mandates, including abuse of dominance, unfair competition issues and antitrust investigations. Noted for its ’high level of commitment and professionalism‘, the practice is active in the pharma, retail, logistics, insurance, and food and beverage sectors, among others. María Rosa Fabara Vera, whose significant experience in this space covers abuse of dominant position issues, anticompetitive agreements and merger control matters, heads the practice alongside José Rafael Bustamante C., a key figure for merger clearance processes in Ecuador. Other noteworthy practitioners include Daniel Castelo, who excels in appeals against the Antitrust Authority, and Kirina González, who shines in merger clearance. Francisco Ochoa joined from the State Attorney General Office in August 2023.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The Bustamante Fabara team has knowledge of the industry, which helps in the provision of the service.'

  • ‘As always, it is essential for the lawyer to know their client, which means knowing the person and his business. Bustamante Fabara is close to the client.'

  • ‘Both Rafael Bustamante Crespo and Kirina González take care of knowing the client's business and the details of the matter.'

  • ‘Expert team in competition law in Ecuador.'

  • ‘High level of commitment and professionalism.'

  • ‘Daniel Castelo is a lawyer who stands out for his knowledge, his clarity when exposing his points and his cordial treatment with his clients.'

Key clients

  • Chaide & Chaide
  • Heineken Ecuador
  • Directv Ecuador
  • Sanfer-Bussie Ecuador
  • Hapag Lloyd
  • Latam Airlines
  • Mitsui & Co.
  • ICESA
  • Abbott Laboratories/Abbvie
  • Koe Ecuador
  • Pfizer
  • Esab Corporation
  • Medicamenta Ecuatoriana
  • Tartan Oil
  • Sigmaec
  • Liberty Seguros Ecuador

Work highlights

  • Advised Heineken Ecuador on an antitrust complaint before Cerveceria Nacional.
  • Advised Hapag-Lloyd on the merger control notification in Ecuador regarding its acquisition of Chilean firm SM SAAM.
  • Advised LATAM AIRLINES on the merger control consultation and notification in Ecuador of its joint venture agreement with DELTA AIRLINES.

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.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

María Rosa Fabara Vera, José Rafael Bustamante Crespo