The ‘excellent’ corporate team at Central American firm BLP is an increasingly strong choice for multinational clients seeking to invest in Guatemala – in addition to branches throughout the region and a representative office in Madrid, the firm’s clients now benefit from the strong international profile of highly regarded practice co-head Jorge Luis Arenales, who joined from Arias in June 2023 and is based part-time in Paris. The team has an impressive skill set in regional M&A deals, but its practice also extends to the constitution of companies, corporate restructurings, commercial contracts and compliance and regulatory matters. Department co-head Luis Ruiz is also a highly experienced corporate all-rounder, with complementary expertise in IP and labour law. The growing team also includes senior associates Gustavo Gamboa, whose practice covers cross-border M&A and restructurings, Jeaneth Divas and Ana Ávila, who joined from Arias alongside Arenales and associate Anneliss Wohlers. Other notable developments include the implementation of the firm’s BLP 180 programme, which targets recruitment and talent retention, collaboration, education and investment in technology.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Quality, organisation and follow-up. It may sound basic but a high standard in these areas makes a huge difference. BLP Guatemala has it.’
‘Gustavo Gamboa has a high level of knowledge and client management skills. He is assured, clear and has the technical and practical knowledge that makes him a reliable colleague. Luis Ruiz steps in where necessary and his contributions have high added value.’
‘BLP is a regional firm that benefits from local knowledge and experience. With BLP I feel supported as an in-house lawyer and confident that they will provide a local perspective, in addition to their technical legal knowledge, which allows us to make the best decisions based on their recommendations and analysis. A favourable and innovative point to highlight is their speed in billing and client service in this process, since they always send the client a pre-bill for review, prior to the issuance of the final invoice, which allows the client to review and give prior approval.’
‘Their legal knowledge, together with their analysis of specific situations based on the local environment and the speed of responses, make BLP Guatemala one of the best firms. We would like to highlight Luis Ruiz, who is always available by email, phone or messaging to answer any questions or provide support.’
‘Available, responsive and works to high international standards.’
‘Jorge Arenales has special ties with France. He and Anneliss Wohlers are clear and pragmatic.’
'The client service provided and the availability of the team are excellent.'
'Excellent advice and handling of the M&A process. Jorge Arenales has shown himself to be an excellent lawyer with the ability to simplify and solve problems.'
Key clients
- One Line
- Emergent Cold Latam
- Barentz International
- Huntsman Corporation
- HH Global Limited
- HCL Tech
- Merck
- KT&G
- PepsiCo
- Archroma
Work highlights
- Advised Transportes Centroamericanos del Futuro (Tcfcam) on the regional sale of its Central American operation to Ransa, a leading logistics company with locations across Latin America.
- Advised international shipping line MSC on its acquisition of MSC Guatemala through the takeover of 10% of the leftover shares, giving the client complete control over the local operation in Central America.
- Advised IT company Sonda on the creation of a Guatemalan subsidiary to operate a fare card system for public transport in the municipality of 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
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Jorge Luis Arenales, Luis Ruiz