Hughes & Hughes advises on M&A across various sectors, with a particular specialism in the energy, pharmaceutical, health and biotechnology industries. The team is active in infrastructure projects, adept at designing corporate structures related to PPP and bidding procedures. Joint ventures are another prolific area for the team, and it counts a number of consortiums among its clients. Three partners jointly lead the team: Haroldo Espalter advises a roster of national and international clients on the development of commercial, industrial and services activities in Uruguay; Héctor Ferreira is an expert in the design of corporate structures; and Juan Carlos Oreggia Carrau is experienced in joint ventures, acquisitions and investments in the forestry and energy sectors. Mariana Estradé is an expert in project development, advising on foreign investment in energy and infrastructure projects, and Florencia Beyhaut focuses her practice on the real estate sector and particularly on advice to foreign investment funds. At the associate level, Clara Villaamil is an active member of the team, and Dayana Brites has a strong corporate governance practice.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Very good lawyers, thoughtful, proactive and always available.’

  • ‘Juan Oreggia, Harold Spalter and Florencia Bayaut are experienced, judicious and pro-deal lawyers.’

  • ‘Excellent regulatory knowledge and dedication to finding the best legal scheme for the client.’

  • ‘Anticipation of clients' needs.’

  • ‘Permanent involvement in the issue raised, solid technical and interpretive knowledge regarding the client's needs. Independent management with very correct information to the internal legal department.’

  • ‘Management of the issue from the point of view of applicable regulations and knowledge of the market.’

  • ‘Management of the legal issue and empathy with the client in relation to the procedures and/or decisions that must be taken.’

Key clients

  • UPM Kymmene - UPM
  • Automotores Gildemeister
  • EQUINOR
  • Pinturas Inca (Akzo Nobel)
  • YAZAKI
  • Invenergy
  • Akuo Energy
  • Petrel Energy
  • S.C. Johnson
  • Alcon Laboratorios Uruguay
  • AAK
  • Novartis
  • Grupo SEMM
  • Adidas
  • Diadora
  • DIF Capital Partners
  • Fresenius Medical Care
  • Lojas Renner
  • British Petroleum
  • Aerolineas Argentinas
  • Veridos México S.A. de CV
  • Veridos GmbH
  • Finning CAT
  • SOLENIS

Work highlights

  • Advised UPM on a $2.7bn greenfield eucalyptus pulp mill project near Paso de los Toros in central Uruguay and its $350m investment in port operations in Montevideo and local facilities in Paso de los Toros.
  • Advised Wabtec Corporation on its multimillion-dollar contract with Grupo RAS of Uruguay whereby Wated Corp. shall supply locomotives and other parts and tools to Grupo Ras.
  • Advised San Miguel on the purchase of a processing plant from Azucitrus.

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.

Haroldo Espalter, Hector Ferreira, Juan C. Oreggia Carrau