Singled out for its strong track record in merger control and behavioural matters, Bustamante Fabara‘s competition group is particularly noted for its expertise in anticompetitive conduct mandates, including abuse of dominance, unfair competition issues and antitrust investigations. Noted for its ‘high level of commitment and professionalism‘, the practice is active in the pharma, retail, logistics, insurance, and food and beverage sectors, among others. María Rosa Fabara Vera, whose significant experience in this space covers abuse of dominant position issues, anticompetitive agreements and merger control matters, heads the practice alongside José Rafael Bustamante C., a key figure for merger clearance processes in Ecuador. Other noteworthy practitioners include Daniel Castelo, who excels in appeals against the Antitrust Authority, and Kirina González, who shines in merger clearance. Francisco Ochoa joined from the State Attorney General Office in August 2023.

CorralRosales offers a comprehensive service in the competition and antitrust space, which covers antitrust investigations, merger control, restrictive practices, abuse of dominant position and cartel matters. Co-head Ana Samudio stands out for her notable expertise in telecoms-related competition matters, owing to her previous role with a regional mobile telecoms company. She oversees the group with Xavier Rosales, who advises on merger clearance processes and antitrust investigations. Also part of the core team, Christian Razza brings together expertise in competition law and technology.

Pérez Bustamante & Ponce fields a ‘team of true specialists‘ who ‘provides pragmatic, quick and clear advice‘ on the gamut of antitrust matters. The group is proficient in proceedings before the Ecuadorian Competition Authority and judicial courts, and often handles matters concerning abuse of dominance, cartels, state aid, merger control and unfair competition. Practice head Diego Pérez-Ordoñez possesses a wealth of experience in transactional and conduct mandates. These are also key areas of activity for Mario Navarrete-Serrano, who demonstrates further strength in competition litigation.

Led by Daniel Robalino, the competition practice at Robalino advises domestic and international companies, as well as non-profit organisations on a range of matters, including regulatory proceedings and litigation. On the contentious front, typical instructions for the team include abuse of dominance, unilateral conduct, and cartel cases. The group is also well versed in merger clearances, leniency agreements, antitrust due diligence processes and compliance programmes. Fausto Alvarado stands out for his expertise in competition policy matters, while Jorge Duque specialises in antitrust law and alternative dispute resolution.

Bringing together expertise in antitrust issues, M&A, compliance, and litigation, the team at Sperber & Álvarez excels in proceedings before the Ecuadorian Competition Authority, including Andean Community matters. Regularly instructed by domestic and international companies in pre-merger clearance issues and merger control matters, David Sperber demonstrates significant experience in abuse of dominance, gun-jumping and unfair competition cases. Pablo Lara advises on merger filings in relation to local and international transactions, while Cynthia Andino assists with mandates before the Court of Appeals.

Clients from the food and beverage, retail, oil and gas, pharma and consumer goods sectors regularly turn to Lexvalor Abogados for assistance with a wide range of competition matters, including abuse of dominant position, cartels, merger control, state aid, unfair competition and Andean community processes. Competition law specialist Luis Marin Tobar oversees the practice with Ricardo Peñaherrera, who 'knows Ecuadorian competition law in depth'.

Pino Elizalde Abogados has considerable experience in antitrust matters in the food and beverage and hydrocarbons industries, having recently advised on significant merger control, abuse of dominance matters and antitrust litigation in these spaces. The group is also adept at assisting companies with the implementation of compliance programmes to prevent competition infringements. Practice head Marco (Valentín) Elizalde is skilled in proceedings against the Ecuadorian competition authority, while Jaime Arosemena focuses on the implementation of compliance programmes. Jessica Medina is experienced in antitrust matters in the brewing, pharma and oil and gas segments.

Almeida Guzmán & Asociados handles a wide range of matters under Ecuadorian and Andean Community competition law, including abuse of dominance, restrictive practices and agreements, as well as merger control and unfair competition issues. The automotive, food and beverage, cosmetics, logistics, TMT and tourism sectors are key strengths for the group, which is under the joint leadership of Alberto Brown and José Urizar. Brown is experienced in merger control reviews, unfair competition claims, and alleged abuse of dominant position issues; and Urizar is a key contact for the automotive industry. José Vallejo is another name to note for unfair competition cases.

Dentons Paz Horowitz offers representation to local and international clients in a range of competition matters, including antitrust compliance, anticompetitive investigations, merger filings and leniency applications. The firm is also noted for its expertise in trade agreements and antidumping measures. Eduardo Esparza, who has previously served at the General Secretariat of the Andean Community in Peru, is proficient in trade defence mechanisms. Esparza leads the group with managing partner Agustin Acosta.

ECIJA GPA offers expert guidance to companies on various competition-related issues, including sales strategies and pricing policies. The firm also assists with the development of contingency plans for potential competition authority investigations and represents clients in cases involving alleged unfair competition practices. Michael Veintimilla is a key contact for European clients, particularly from Germany, and advises on competition and corporate matters. Bernardo Maya has in-depth knowledge of merger control and abuse of dominant power position issues. Bayardo Poveda works closely with clients in the issuance of recommendations before the national competition authority.

The competition group at Flor Bustamante Pizarro Hurtado Abogados is led by Gilberto Gutiérrez, a former co-founder of Antitrust Consultores who arrived at the firm in May 2022. Gutíerrez has extensive comparative experience drawn from Chile, Venezuela and Argentina, as well as deep knowledge of key industries including telecoms, pharmaceutical, agribusiness and the automotive sectors. The May 2024 hire of Juan Andrés Gortaire (formerly a senior partner at Heka Law Firm) brings further depth in competition matters to the practice. Key support is provided by Lenis Orellana, a former official at the Superintendence of Market Power Control who focuses on antitrust matters and administrative procedures.