Jorge Luis Arenales
Partner
BLP
More informationIn a significant development, the ‘highly committed’ team at BLP now benefits from the expertise of three partners, following the arrival of Jorge Luis Arenales, who brings an enviable track record in M&A and specialist knowledge of highly regulated industries to the firm, from Arias in June 2023; he joins well-regarded practice heads María Inés Arenales and Luis Ruiz. The corporate department attracts praise for its ‘extensive experience’, with a wide-ranging practice that encompasses M&A, spin-offs, commercial and distribution issues, and compliance, and can also draw on the full-service firm’s strengths in the environmental, real estate, labour, IP and litigation fields. With a growing international client base, the team is well equipped to handle cross-border transactions, taking advantage of its regional footprint to advise on Central America-wide deals. Senior associates Gustavo Gamboa (who was promoted in April 2023) and Carolina Saadeh (who joined from an independent practice in January 2022) are the key names at the junior level. The firm has also established an Innovation Commission aimed at implementing new technologies, and an internal programme to promote integration and non-discrimination. Since publication, María Inés Arenales has left the firm for her own practice.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
'It is a responsible law firm that follows the cases and maintains relationships with its clients.’
‘Experience, knowledge, commitment, discretion and professionalism.’
‘María Inés Arenales stands out for her dedication to each project plus her legal, fiscal and financial knowledge. No other lawyer brings all this together in one person.’
‘It is a highly committed team of professionals with extensive experience, who provide their services guided by ethical principles and values. Their knowledge and close relationship with our business have made their legal opinions very helpful to us, generating value and mitigating risks.’
‘Luis Ruiz has extensive experience advising transnational companies, so he understands their needs and way of working. Luis is highly efficient in managing cases. He is also set apart by his great ability to successfully negotiate complex issues.'
'Gustavo Gamboa contributes positively to our matters thanks to his great technical knowledge, attention to detail, and involvement in each of the steps related to the case, providing his opinion based on his extensive experience in professional practice.’
Key clients
- IDB Invest
- Emergent Cold Latam
- Barentz International
- Huntsman Corporation
- HH Global
- HCL
- Merck
- KT&G
- EOS Organization
Work highlights
- Advised Emergent Cold Latam on the acquisition of Bodegas Frias, including on all corporate, real estate, environmental and compliance aspects of the transaction.
- Advised Barentz International on the acquisition of 100% of the shares of Distribuciones Industriales Variadas (Divsa).
- Providing daily corporate advisory and review services to HCL, including reviewing all corporate and other contracts issued by the client in Guatemala.
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
Rising stars with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Gustavo Gamboa
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Luis Ruiz
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
María Inés Arenales, Luis Ruiz