Ana Teresa Rizo
Managing Partner
Arias
More informationThe powerhouse team at regional firm Arias remains a market leader, bringing strength to advising major financial institutions and multinational corporations on a comprehensive range of matters, including high-value, cross-border M&A, joint ventures, project finance, antitrust, compliance, concessions and credit agreements. The firm’s broad client base spans sectors ranging from banking, apparel, tech, financial services, and food and beverages to pharmaceuticals, energy, telecoms and professional services. The team is led by managing partner and foreign investment authority Ana Teresa Rizo; Bertha Argüello, an expert in financial regulatory compliance; Gustavo-Adolfo Vargas, a specialist in advising multilateral institutions on the granting of credits, including the structuring and negotiation of agreements; and Rodrigo Ibarra, who handles matters involving hydrocarbons, renewable energies, ports, and infrastructure. Key support is provided at the associate level by Maryeling Guevara, who handles complex due diligence for acquisitions, and Uriel Balladares, who manages tax law and fiscal planning issues.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘A differentiating factor is the commitment they show and their speed in dealing with the procedures and services required in a timely manner. It is important to mention their willingness to take part in any consultation or review of procedures in question.’
'They are excellent lawyers with the necessary experience to provide the advice we require. We are very happy with the assistance provided by Uriel Balladares.'
‘What makes this practice unique is its diligence in responding to all requests, combined with legal expertise and experience in the country where the matter is taking place.’
‘The best qualities of Arias' team are their diligence and knowledge of legislation and practices, with Bertha Argüello standing out as a team leader who applies her experience and her leadership and coordination skills.’
‘This team has excellent response times to calls, emails and messages, and provides very fast solutions.'
'Arias is a very competent firm. In the areas where we require their support they are always diligent about responding promptly and offer strategic 'solutions that are in our best interests. I consider it an inclusive firm in every way. Their lawyers are always up to date and this allows them to provide us with thorough advice. They are always willing to collaborate.'
'What makes this office stand out from the others is how thorough they are in dealing with our matters, as well as their availability to assist us and follow up on our requests. Their best qualities are good client service, confidentiality and proactivity. Outstanding partners and associates include Ana Teresa Rizo, Uriel Balladares and Maryeling Guevara.'
'The firm has lawyers who are experts in different branches of the law, which makes hiring them very easy since all of our requests can be dealt with by a single firm. In addition, they have exceptional response times, as well as knowledge and experience in their fields, which makes the service really high quality.'
Key clients
- Norfund
- DEG - Deutsche Investitions- und Entwicklungsgesellschaft
- Mondelez
- DLA Piper
- Next Level
- Wind Farms
- International Finance Corporation
Work highlights
- Acted as a local counsel of SK Capital Partners to carry out and coordinate legal due diligence for Apotex Nicaragua, the Nicaraguan subsidiary of Apotex Pharmaceutical Holdings, and advised on all legal issues that may impact its purchase by SK Capital Partners.
- Assisted Nederlandse Financierings-Maatschappij voor Ontwikkelingslanden with the granting of a $25m senior loan to CISA, a processor and exporter of coffee in Nicaragua,
- Assisted Grupo Bimbo with the sale of its confectionery business, Ricolino, to Mondelez for $1.329bn.
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.
Maryeling Guevara
Associate
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Bertha Arguello
Partner.
Gustavo-Adolfo Vargas
Partner.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Rodrigo Ibarra
Partner
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Ana Teresa Rizo, Bertha Argüello, Gustavo-Adolfo Vargas, Rodrigo Ibarra