The corporate team at Aguilar Castillo Love leverages the bench strength of nine offices throughout the region to advise major multinationals such as Coca-Cola, Johnson & Johnson and AstraZeneca on high-value, multi-jurisdictional transactions. With a client base spanning sectors ranging from chemicals, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, agribusiness and manufacturing to healthcare, food and beverages, IT and consumer goods, the group’s comprehensive service extends to complex negotiations, antitrust matters, tax issues, labour matters and the detection of criminal risks. The practice is headed by foreign investment authority and senior partner John Aguilar Quesada, who brings expertise to complex, multi-jurisdictional M&A. Other key figures include Esteban Agüero Guier, the former head of the Costa Rican government’s international investment and trade disputes department; Tatiana Rojas Hernández, who brings expertise to restructuring, corporate compliance and investigations; Marco Solano Gómez, who has over 20 years’ experience managing major cross-border deals and day-to-day operations; free trade zone regime expert Andrea Sáenz; administrative law specialist Laura Rodríguez Amador; and senior associates Carolina Kierzenson and Stephanie Howard Peña.
Corporate and M&A in Costa Rica
Aguilar Castillo Love
Praxisleiter:
John Aguilar Quesada
Referenzen
‘The Aguilar Castillo Love team is one with great capabilities and experience in handling complex matters. In the Central American area, they are one of the obvious leaders, with whom we feel very comfortable in managing projects for our clients. Its partners and associates do the preparation so that our clients are well advised.’
‘The partners and lawyers at Aguilar Castillo Love are a compact and solid team. Normally, we work with John Aguilar Quesada, who makes it possible for us to assemble work teams that make the best possible sense based on knowledge of the matter and its specific details.’
‘Aguilar Castillo Love stands out for their quick responses and their accurate replies.’
Kernmandanten
Hapag-Lloyd
Accenture
Broadcom
Spectrum Plastics
Du Pont
Assa Abloy
Johnson & Johnson
Kenvue
The Coca-Cola Company
Cinven
RJ Hughes
Stryker
AstraZeneca
Johnson Controls
Corteva Agriscience
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised Hapag-Lloyd on the acquisition of the terminal business of SM SAAM in Costa Rica and Honduras.
- Assisted Accenture with the acquisition of Navisite, a digital transformation and managed service provider, from Madison Dearborn Partners.
- Acted for the sellers on Du Pont’s acquisition of Spectrum Plastics.
BLP
The powerhouse team at BLP remains a market leader, employing the full bench strength of offices in San José, Las Catalinas, Marina Los Sueños and Marina Flamingo, in addition to branches across Latin America and Europe, to advise national and global corporates across such sectors as telecoms, software, pharmaceuticals, fintech, telecoms and hospitality on day-to-day matters and complex, high-value, cross-border M&A. The group’s skill set extends to restructuring, spinoffs and compliance matters. The practice is headed by David Gutiérrez, who divides his time between the San José and Madrid offices, and who brings expertise to corporate structuring and infrastructure financing, and Adriana Castro, who - along with Eduardo Calderón - specialises in telecoms and media industry matters. Other key figures include real estate and project finance expert Luis M. Castro; Adelina Villalobos, who advises on free trade zone matters; and, at the junior level, directors Adriana Acuña, who manages files involving corporate governance, and Elia Naranjo, who brings experience to contractual negotiations. Also of note is José María Pacheco, a special counsel experienced in cross-border M&A.
Praxisleiter:
David Gutiérrez; Adriana Castro
Referenzen
‘The team is top-quality, with a very strong focus on customer service. Furthermore, the fact that they have experts in practically all areas makes the responses very efficient in terms of time and cost.’
‘David Gutiérrez represents the balance between legal analysis and business analysis. His perspective always takes in industry and customer considerations, along with the law.’
‘I understand BLP’s corporate practice is one of the largest in the country. The interesting thing about BLP is that they have a highly collaborative team, so you are sure that you can get the best experts in one place.’
Kernmandanten
Corporación Multi Inversiones (CMI)
Simple Management Group
Veinsa
Celsia
WeWork
Moody’s
Laboratorios Saval
Culligan Water
Quarzo Tecnología
Marsh McLenann
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised Moody’s on its acquisition of SCRiesgo, including due diligence, revision of agreements, negotiation of agreements, closing of the transaction and post-closing, including regulatory filings and authorisations.
- Served as local counsel to Celsia in all legal aspects related to the sale of certain generation assets in Costa Rica.
- Advised pharmaceuticals company Laboratorios Saval throughout its acquisition of Laboratorios Stein’s operations in Costa Rica.
Consortium Legal
The corporate team at Consortium Legal remains a leader in the market, harnessing the deep bench strength of offices in Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and Nicaragua to advise multinationals across such sectors as manufacturing, consumer goods, retail, tech, telecoms, healthcare, energy, hospitality and aviation involved in high-value, cross-border transactions. The team’s comprehensive service covers real estate acquisitions and sales, M&A, asset purchases, bulk sale processes, environment matters, specialised drafting and regulatory compliance. The team is led by Rolando Laclé Zúñiga, who draws on over three decades of cross-border M&A and foreign investment experience; Juan Manuel Godoy, who brings expertise in the energy sector and green projects; David Reuben, who specialises in deals involving private equity and highly regulated sectors; and real estate development expert Juan Manuel Cordero.
Praxisleiter:
Juan Manuel Godoy; David Reuben; Juan Manuel Cordero; Rolando Laclé Zúñiga
Referenzen
‘With Consortium I can always expect the best service, and they always look for ways to simplify things, always giving the best legal advice and the best recommendations.’
‘You don’t feel like the Consortium Legal team see your matter as a business to bill. They have good listening skills and an understanding of the client’s needs, and they show interest in solving the client’s problems.’
‘An established team with great knowledge and experience, which makes it so valuable for any company that requires its knowledge when making informed and knowledgeable decisions.’
Kernmandanten
ADM Grain
Akamai Technologies
Transunion Global Capability Center
US Pharmacy
Volaris
CAO Marketing
Trical Group
El Arreo
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised Bia Foods on the purchase of 100% of the share capital of Cafe Rey.
- Advising Sigma, which is seeking to acquire a holdco with a presence in the packing industry in Latin America.
- Advising and preparing the SPA and all transactions documents in order to sell Fyffes’ interest in four companies involved in the development and construction of wind farms in Costa Rica.
Arias
The experienced corporate team at Arias harnesses regional strength to advise major multinationals across such sectors as entertainment, hospitality, tech, energy, pharmaceuticals, professional services, and food and beverages on day-to-day matters and complex, multi-jurisdictional transactions. The group also draws on support from the firm’s labour and tax practices. The team is led by M&A and contract negotiation specialist Andrey Dorado; major transaction and corporate governance expert Melania Dittel; and Vicente Lines, who brings over 25 years' experience in the practice area to assisting companies with entry into the Costa Rican market. Other key figures include senior counsel Tracy Valera, who advises on shareholders’, stock purchase and asset purchase agreements, and senior associate Sebastián Solano.
Praxisleiter:
Andrey Dorado; Melania Dittel; Vicente Lines
Referenzen
‘The team at Arias were excellent, going above and beyond the call of duty at all times, and providing excellent service.’
‘Melania Dittel was excellent and provided a fantastic service to us through out the whole process.’
‘The firm has significant experience in this type of process throughout the Central American region and a team that, with its professional service, is a guarantee of quality and agility.’
Kernmandanten
Snowflake
TWO – Hennessy Capital Group
Univar
Broadcom – VMware Costa Rica
Interenergy
AMVAC
Yara
Regenesis Labs
Augment Infrastructure
Inari Medical
Electrónica Steren
FreeBalance
Highlight-Mandate
- Assisted Decameron with the sale of two Aloft Hotels, located in Bogotá, Colombia, and San José, Costa Rica, to Spanish hotel chain Faranda.
- Advised technology company Snowflake on the acquisition of one business unit of the software development and data cloud operation of Mobilize Net in the United States and indirectly in Costa Rica.
- Assisted TWO as SPAC and LatAm Logistic Properties with their agreement to combine, handling the due diligence process, the closing documents from a local law perspective and assessing whether a merger control filing was required.
ECIJA
The team at ECIJA draws on the bench strength of its March 2023 alliance with Taylor Wessing LLP and offices throughout Europe and Latin America to advise major multinationals (including Sanofi and Pfizer), across such sectors as pharmaceuticals, hospitality, energy, food, retail and agriculture, on day-to-day matters and high-value, cross-border transactions. The practice’s full service covers matters ranging from M&A, due diligence and corporate governance to commercial contracts and foreign investments. The practice is headed by corporate structure authority Guillermo Zúñiga, who has led the practice for over 25 years, and who brings strength to managing complex distribution schemes and advising overseas investors. Mariela Hernández provides litigation and arbitration expertise. Other key figures include experienced director Monserrat Soto Roig, who assists with major transactions and internal corporate changes, and senior associate Warren Corrales, who specialises in real estate matters.
Praxisleiter:
Guillermo Zúñiga
Referenzen
‘Extensive experience and technical capabilities.’
‘Empathy towards customer needs.’
‘The ECIJA team takes the time to get to know us and then uses their specialists for our various requirements. It is because of our relationship that we trust them to seek out our best interests in legal matters.’
Kernmandanten
Pfizer
Sanofi – Opella Healthcare
UPL
Herbalife of America
PedidosYa/Delivery Hero
Hunt Energy Horizons
Grupo Profarmaco
Chiquita Brands
Croc’s Resort & Casino
Highlight-Mandate
- Assisted UPL Costa Rica following its acquisition of more than 50% of the assets of Costa Rican company Agrocosta, assisting the client in the regulatory process that followed signing the contract, up to the completion of the conditions required to close the transaction.
- Advising Opella Healthcare after it became a standalone global business unit within Sanofi.
- Advising Sanofi-related companies Sanofi Aventis and Opella Healthcare with the process to establish a new business model in Central America and the Caribbean.
EY Law Central America
The corporate and M&A group at regional firm EY Law Central America leverages the bench strength of eight offices in seven countries and coordinates with its real estate and finance teams to advise local and multinational corporates on day-to-day matters and complex, multi-jurisdictional transactions. With a client base spanning such sectors as education, food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, logistics and IT, the firm’s comprehensive service extends to distribution and franchise agreements, due diligence, joint ventures and restructuring. The practice is led by corporate law authority Hernán Pacheco, free trade zone specialist Fernando Vargas and senior associate Ana Sáenz, an experienced economist. Other key figures include senior managers Carlos Ayón, who handles complex real estate matters, and Laura Navarrete, who brings strength to labour matters.
Praxisleiter:
Hernán Pacheco; Fernando Vargas; Ana Sáenz
Referenzen
‘I have worked with EY Law Costa Rica for more than 20 years. It is a comprehensive practice. One of its strong points is the excellent level of its professionals.’
‘Hernán Pacheco’s leadership of the entire team of lawyers makes a big difference.’
‘Excellent attention to detail. Appropriate management of the due diligence process using technology.’
Kernmandanten
Inchcape
Roche Services Americas
Expeditors
Grupo Comeca
Tricon Dry Chemicals
Nexsys Latin America
Sweetwell Zona Franca and Sweetwell Latin America
Grupo Sur
GMI
Civitar
PBS Group
Babel
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised a transnational food production company on the legal, fiscal and financial due diligence of a target in Costa Rica in the food production and distribution industry.
- Advised a group in the higher education industry in Costa Rica on its potential acquisition of a target in the same industry.
- Advised Inchcape, a large automotive distributor, on its day-to-day legal needs in Costa Rica.
BG&A Abogados Corporativos
The team at BG&A Abogados Corporativos brings a multidisciplinary approach to advising investors, creditors, multinationals (including Office Depot, Sherwin-Williams and Telefónica), directors and shareholders on matters ranging from due diligence, company formation, complex negotiations and the purchase and sale of assets to M&A and entry into the Costa Rican market. The firm’s broad client base spans such sectors as construction, real estate, education, sports, hospitality, telecoms, software and retail. The team is headed by founding partner and seasoned litigator and arbitrator Benjamín Gutiérrez, who brings 20 years of expertise to the corporate space. The practice is supported by senior associates Eslava Hernández Jiménez, who assists with commercial and labour disputes, senior associate María Gabriela Monge, who along with associate Nicole Damha, specialises in the education area.
Praxisleiter:
Benjamín Gutiérrez
Referenzen
‘It is a uniform team that provides personalised customer service. There is a diversity in their team that makes them unique.’
‘The team stands out for the attentive service and speed in providing practical solutions to our requirements as a company. Nicole Damha is an outstanding associate.’
‘It is a team that is constantly updating and modernising, and adapting to best practices.’
Kernmandanten
Didema
Energym
Samelec
Colegio de San Luis Gonzaga
Office Depot
Universidad Internacional Sek
Hotel Planas (Salou, España)
Sherwin Williams
Mexichem
Grupo Sur
Telefónica (Movistar)
Nexsys Centroamérica
Grupo Cobasa
Orconsa
Asociación Cultural Monterrey
Asociación Escuela Futuro Verde
Servicentro San Román de Turrialba
Comité Cantonal de Deportes de Montes de Oro Puntarenas
Federación de Automovilismo
Asociación Automovil Club de Costa Rica
Agregados Cerro Minas
Citizen
Highlight-Mandate
- Advising Diadem on its corporate transformation process and capital increase.
- Advised Agregados Cerro Minas on concluding the lease agreement for the operation of a mining concession between the company and Holcim.
- Providing Citizen with notarial and legal services within the framework of a real estate development project.
Central Law
The corporate team at CENTRAL LAW draws on the regional bench strength of eight offices in seven countries to advise multinationals across such sectors as retail, apparel, education, tech, healthcare and manufacturing on day-to-day matters, market entry strategy, corporate structures and cross-border M&A. The practice is headed by founding partner Rafael Quirós Bustamante, who brings over 30 years of experience in the practice area, transactional specialist Tomás Quirós and real estate specialist Mauricio Quirós are the key contacts. At the junior level, director Ricardo Rodríguez Valderrama brings IP expertise, and associate Gian María Berello delivers proficiency in litigation.
Praxisleiter:
Tomas Quirós; Rafael Quirós Bustamante; Mauricio Quirós
Referenzen
‘Excellent at handling client needs.’
‘Ricardo Rodríguez is excellent, simply phenomenal in terms of service, knowledge and the proactivity that a company needs when solving challenges. Tomás Quirós manages to align our company’s requirements with the services provided by Central Law.’
Kernmandanten
GCG Group
Instride
Roche Service America
Sonic Wall
MABE
World Wide Technology
Novex
Megaphase
Walking Softer
Cohesity
Highlight-Mandate
- Handled all legal corporate affairs for GCG Group, including the meticulous examination of corporate and commercial information across all GCG entities relating to their everyday legal operations.
- Acting for InStride in facilitating the establishment of a local subsidiary in Costa Rica.
- Acting in an ongoing role as regional legal counsel for MABE, providing comprehensive legal support to the Central American operation, including in Costa Rica.
Dentons
The corporate team at Dentons harnesses the bench strength of its extensive network to advise national and multinational corporates across sectors ranging from energy, tech, fashion, real estate and pharmaceuticals to food, agribusiness, telecoms and manufacturing on day-to-day operations and complex, cross-border transactions. The practice’s full offering covers M&A, tax matters, compliance, business unit spinoffs, tender and exchange offers, leveraged buyouts, joint ventures, strategic alliances and divestitures. The team is headed by Eduardo Zúñiga, who specialises in the hospitality and real estate sectors, and Tatiana Reuben, who brings over 20 years of in-house experience to the practice, and who brings expertise to the design and implementation of compliance programmes. Other key figures include senior associate Montserrat Ortega and director Pamela Contreras.
Praxisleiter:
Eduardo Zúñiga; Tatiana Reuben
Referenzen
‘Their advice is very informative and clear.’
‘Clarity in delivering the message both verbally in meetings and in reports.’
‘What makes this practice unique is its ability to offer a personalised and detailed approach, tailored specifically to our needs. The team stands out for its deep legal knowledge and its ability to anticipate challenges, providing us with effective and strategic solutions. In-house counsel should know that they can rely on this team for their strong work ethic and dedication to excellence, allowing them to work efficiently and with confidence.’
Kernmandanten
10 Pearls
Acciona Energía
Highlight-Mandate
- Advising 10 Pearls across a spectrum of corporate matters and corporate governance.
- Advising Acciona Energía on a strategic acquisition involving ten renewable energy projects in Costa Rica.
Facio & Cañas
With offices in San José, Puntarenas and Guanacaste, the corporate team at Facio & Cañas provides a one-stop shop to advise on day-to-day matters and complex, high-value, multi-jurisdictional transactions in Costa Rica. Acting for domestic and multinational corporates from such sectors as construction, food, real estate and manufacturing, the team’s comprehensive service ranges from the negotiation of local and regional M&A, regulatory compliance, corporate governance and due diligence to company incorporation and franchising, agency and distribution matters. The practice is led by Federico Rucavado, who brings expertise in business structuring and free trade zone regime matters; seasoned litigator and arbitrator Carlos Oreamuno; managing partner Sergio Solera, who brings strength to market entry matters; and foreign investment expert Edgar Odio, who specialises in the structuring of commercialisation arrangements for the avoidance of competition risks. Key support is provided by senior associates Mariela Solano, whose background includes work on corporate transactions in the energy and fintech sectors, and Catalina Moya, who advises on complex due diligence for M&A transactions.
Praxisleiter:
Federico Rucavado; Carlos Oreamuno; Edgar Odio; Sergio Solera
Referenzen
‘It is a very professional team, with great availability and communication with the client.’
‘Edgar Odio stands out for his honourability, personal touch, availability and total knowledge of the issues.’
‘We have found in the service that Facio & Cañas provides impeccable professional ethics and efficient action.’
Kernmandanten
Precisión Internacional PREINSA
Star Cars
Operadora de Bodegas de Costa Rica
Aluma Systems Costa Rica
Garson & Shaw
Makol
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised Precisión Internacional (PREINSA) in the sale of its manufacturer of complex assemblies and electromechanical solutions to G.W. Lisk Company.
- Advised Garson and Shaw on setting up its base of operations in Costa Rica to cover the whole Central American territory.
- Assisting Makol, as a distributor of medical equipment and equipment for areas such as pathology, radiology and others, in the Dominican Republic.
Lang & Asociados
The experienced corporate team at Lang & Asociados advises major multinationals such as Microsoft and Smart Fit on their entry into the Costa Rican market under the free trade zone regime. With a client roster spanning such sectors as medical devices, fitness, education, healthcare, life sciences, manufacturing, real estate, software and tech, the firm’s full service covers matters ranging from corporate structures and share transfer agreements to insurance matters, corporate governance and regulatory compliance. The team is led by Henry Lang, a foreign investment authority who brings over 30 years’ experience in the practice area. Other key figures include Milena Jaikel, a free trade zone specialist, and Juan Carlos Cersosimo, who brings expertise to restructuring procedures and M&A, as well as intellectual property and data privacy and protection matters.
Praxisleiter:
Henry Lang
Referenzen
‘Lang & Asociados are the best communicators ever. Prompt and complete information always. Great grasp of Costa Rican law and how to apply it in international situations.’
‘Henry Lang is an amazing attorney. In full control at all times, and takes the extra step to ensure you are getting the best advice. Juan Carlos Cersomino is an excellent attorney with great knowledge of real estate and real estate closings.’
‘Milena Jaikel is always available and has outstanding knowledge of free trade zone issues. Henry Lang stands out for his response times, courteous approach and knowledge about all the legal issues.’
Kernmandanten
Bill Gosling Outsourcing
Microsoft Corporation
Eurofins Scientific
Medtronic
Nitinol Devices & Components/Confluent Medical Technologies
Indian Industries
United Collection Bureau
Precision Coating Company
Widener University
SecureLink
Builder Homesite
Sensient Technologies Corporation
Smart Fit
Skim Analytical
Newfire Global Partners
Prent Worldwide Corporation
Eagan Immigration
Alegria Partners
Elements Global Services
Serverless Solutions
Bluewave Data Solutions
Critical River
Riverpoint Medical
Net2Phone
R&D Altanova/Advantest Group
Millenium Machinery
ITJ
ZimVie
Go West Tours
Highlight-Mandate
- Provided continuous assistance to Microsoft Corporation with the consolidation and operation of its centre for services, back-office support and technical support in Costa Rica.
- Provided Nitinol Devices & Components (NDC)/Confluent with continuing legal support required for the further expansion of its operations in Costa Rica.
- Acted as legal counsel for Bill Gosling Outsourcing on its day-to-day operations and expansion needs in the country, including a third expansion of its operation under the free trade zone regime.
Tactic Legal
Tactic Legal, which continues to grow after being formed by former COLBS Estudio Legal partner Javier Escalante in February 2022, advises major multinationals such as Inchcape and Rubicon Water on a diverse range of corporate matters. With an active client roster spanning such sectors as healthcare, manufacturing, education, tech, investment and jewellery, the practice’s full offering covers the management of day-to-day matters, corporate governance, market entry, cross-border M&A, distribution and franchising agreements, and the free trade zone regime. Escalante, an experienced trade negotiator who has served as both Consul General of Costa Rica in Singapore and Ambassador of Costa Rica in Qatar, heads the team and specialises in civil and contractual law, commercial dispute resolution and real estate matters. Other key support is provided by corporate law specialist Sylvia Clark Escalante, who draws on a background as an in-house counsel and external consultant. Since the conclusion of research, the firm has merged with Guatemala's A. D. Sosa & Soto and rebranded as Tactic Legal as part of an ongoing process to become a regional player; the new entity also has offices in El Salvador and Honduras.
Praxisleiter:
Javier Escalante
Referenzen
‘Tactic Legal is a multi-practice law firm with a highly trained team. The customer service, as well as the after-sales service, is unmatched.’
‘Javier Escalante is a natural leader, with exceptional legal knowledge and a business-oriented attitude that makes him immediately stand out among colleagues and competitors.’
Kernmandanten
Inchcape
Rubicon Water
Farmagro
Juan Bansbach Instrumentos Musicales
Núcleo Industrial del Valle
Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA)
MSA Corp
Mamotest Telemedicina
Healthy Living Group (GNC)
Highlight-Mandate
- Advising Inchcape, a global automotive distributor, on the corporate organisation of its commercial group, conducting seminars on notarial responsibility and providing ongoing legal consultations to ensure compliance.
- Guided Rubicon Water through a public procurement competition, providing it with ongoing legal support.
- Provided Farmagro with comprehensive advisory services, addressing corporate matters, brand management, tax consultations and restructuring of the company’s capital.
COLBS Estudio Legal
The corporate practice at COLBS Estudio Legal draws on the experience of its team to advise national and multinational corporates across such sectors as pharmaceuticals, hospitality, fintech, construction and chemicals on day-to-day matters and expansion into the Costa Rican marketplace. Sebastián Jiménez leads the team, bringing expertise t0 such matters as company incorporation, joint venture agreements, sale and leaseback transactions, the design of corporate structures and the free trade zone regime. Other figures of note include Edwin Rojas, a seasoned litigator who specialises in breaches of commercial agreements, civil liability, administrative law conflicts and real estate issues, and associate María Teresa Urpí Sevilla, who, in addition to the corporate arena, manages matters in the tax and banking and finance areas.
Praxisleiter:
Sebastián Jiménez
Referenzen
‘We only maintain a relationship with COLBS in Costa Rica. Our relationship is harmonious. When we require consultations, the entire team helps us resolve our concerns.’
‘In general, both the lawyers and administrative staff of the firm are diligent and attentive to taking the calls we make with our queries. Their special quality is their willingness to always resolve our queries. Sebastián Jiménez and María Teresa Urpí are extraordinary professionals, who are always attentive.’
‘It is a team of professionals who are very serious, responsible and attentive in responding to queries or following up on procedures. They have a lot of knowledge and experience in each of their areas of speciality, which means clients always receive very well-founded advice.’
Kernmandanten
D Local
Hotel y Club Punta Leona
Swisscore Group
Contract Workplaces
Information Evolution Centroamerica
Samauma Brands
Leona Vacaciones
Hotel Cedrela Eco Lodge
Europerfiles
Highlight-Mandate
- Advising Hotel Cedrela on commercial transactions and agreements for the administration of the hotel and its restaurant.
- Advised Hotel y Club Punta Leona on establishing contractual foundations for the country’s cinematic residency, “Residencia Cinematográfica Lapa Roja”, an initiative that aims to create original short films addressing environmental rescue and conservation across different regions of the country.
- Assisted a restaurant franchise from the United States of America with establishing its operations in Costa Rica.