Founded in 1889, Cariola Díez Pérez-Cotapos is a leading Chilean law firm based in Santiago, known for its expertise in corporate law, M&A, banking, capital markets, and project development. The firm advises domestic and international clients across industries, handling restructurings, acquisitions, joint ventures, and financing transactions. Cariola also plays a key role in energy, transportation, and mining projects, offering regulatory and contractual guidance. The M&A team handles corporate restructurings, strategic and asset acquisitions, and joint ventures across industries. In project development, the firm focuses on energy, transportation, and mining projects.
Highlights
Cariola Díez Pérez-Cotapos supported major banks in financings for Fiordo Austral group companies, helping strengthen their operations and exports. Fiordo Austral is a leader in turning biological waste from the salmon industry into valuable nutritional products. Cariola Díez Pérez-Cotapos also advised Enel Chile on a sustainability-linked facility with Citibank, backed by Enel S.p.A. and Finnvera. This innovative transaction connects financing terms to measurable CO₂ reduction goals, reinforcing Enel Chile’s commitment to clean energy. These matters highlights Cariola Díez Pérez-Cotapos experience in guiding clients through complex financings and sustainability-driven projects that support growth and the transition to a low-carbon future.
Key Clients
Empresa de los Ferrocarriles del Estado, Enel Americas S.A., Inter-American Investment Corporation (IDB Invest), Coöperatieve Rabobank U.A.
Testimonials
N/A
Claro & Cia, Founded in 1880, Claro & Cia. is a distinguished full-service law firm based in Santiago, Chile, and a member of Lex Mundi. The firm is widely recognized for its expertise in corporate law, banking and finance, capital markets, mergers and acquisitions, and project finance. Its banking team advises borrowers on credit facilities and bridge loans for project and acquisition financing, while the capital markets group handles debt and equity transactions, including tender offers and bond issuances. Claro & Cia. also represents strategic buyers and sellers in M&A deals across industries and plays a key role in infrastructure and energy financing
Highlights
Claro & Cia. advised JPMorgan Chase Bank on debtor-in-possession financing. The firm also supported Renewable GenCos as a major facility with IDB Invest. These matters highlight Claro & Cia.’s expertise in complex financings, restructuring, and energy-related transactions that address both corporate challenges and regulatory innovation.
Testimonials
“We are working on a refinancing agreement. The project includes PMGD´s, BESS, Solar Phtotovoltaic Plant.” (Project finance client)
“Advise SQM in the negotiation of a joint venture with Codelco.” (M&A client)
José Luis Ambrosy
“He is a great lawyer, with innovative solutions and promoting business closure”
Nicolas Eyzaguirre
“Original insights merging mining regulations with corporate regulations.”
DLA Piper, established in 2005 through the largest merger in legal history, combines Gray Cary Ware & Freidenrich, Piper Rudnick, and DLA. This global law firm has offices worldwide, including Santiago, Chile. The Santiago office excels in banking and finance, capital markets, M&A, and project development. It represents lenders and borrowers in various finance matters, advises issuers on debt and equity, and handles bond issuances, fund formations, public offerings, and IPOs. The M&A team supports strategic acquisitions across industries, while the project development practice focuses on energy, infrastructure, mining, and real estate, guiding projects from financing to construction.
Highlights
DLA Piper Chile advised on numerous cross-jurisdictional deals, including assisting HSBC Bank Australia as the lender in a loan provision for the second amendment and restatement of a bilateral facility agreement. This loan is guaranteed by many of the debtor’s subsidiaries worldwide, including those in Chile. Additionally, they worked on significant capital markets transactions, such as advising Quiñenco, one of Chile’s largest and most diversified business conglomerates, on the placement of Series Z bonds under a line of credit registered with the CMF.
Key Clients
HSBC Bank, Fidera, Summit Ridge Capital Partners, Blue Elephant Energy, SUSI Partners, CCU, Transbank
Founded in Spain in 1941, international law firm Garrigues has grown to 34 offices in 13 countries. Its Santiago office in Chile is renowned for capital markets, particularly debt work. The firm excels in banking and finance, M&A, and project development. The banking team advises on project finance, refinancing, acquisition finance, and corporate finance. In capital markets, they represent issuers and underwriters in various bond issuances. The M&A team handles acquisitions, mergers, joint ventures, and reorganizations. The project development team supports concessionaires and developers in mining, energy, and infrastructure projects.
Highlights
The firm advised Ranco Cherries in the purchase of a cherry packing facility located in Chimbarongo, VI Region, Chile. The transaction involved an acquisition of a wide variety of assets, subject to different transfer regimes, and complex and extensive negotiations with banks and third parties’ creditors of the seller. The team also advised lenders on a $2.2 billion loan, governed by New York law, for a seawater desalination plant in Tocopilla, Chile. They coordinated 15 financial institutions for this complex deal. Additionally, they advised on a $1.225 billion loan for Aligned Data Centers’ acquisition of ODATA, spanning multiple jurisdictions in the Americas.
Key clients
Scotiabank Chile, Banco BTG Pactual, Legrand France, Better Collective, Punto Ticket, Marubeni Corporation, Banco de Chile, Banco Santander-Chile, Itaú Corpbanca
Testimonials
"In-depth knowledge of Chilean concession law. Excellent client service." (Projects)
“Quick; quality; variety of skills; professionalism." (M&A)
Founded in 2010, MBC Abogados is a boutique firm in Santiago specializing in real estate and corporate law. The firm, formerly known as MB Abogados, rebranded in 2021 seeking to differentiate themselves by providing legal advice that incorporates their client's business vision. With over 20 lawyers, MBC Abogados excels in banking, finance, and M&A. They represent borrowers in various financings and have experience in capital markets, including bond issuances and capital raises. The firm also advises investment funds on formations and assists strategic companies with acquisitions and joint ventures.
Highlights
MBC Abogados advised on some complex transactions in 2024. The firm represented sellers in the high-profile divestment of shares in Grupo Patio, navigating intricate negotiations, corporate authorizations, and implementing an innovative legal scheme to distribute the purchase price amid a challenging context involving court-imposed restrictions. Additionally, MBC advised Landbank on structuring a vehicle to acquire 22 properties and securing a syndicated loan from leading institutions, requiring rapid coordination among multiple stakeholders. The team also supported Patio Comercial in a strategic transaction involving asset acquisition, capital increase, and issuance of preferred shares, showcasing MBC’s expertise in sophisticated M&A and real estate financing structures.
Key Clients
Centros Comerciales, Grupo Patio, Gryphus Asturias Dos, Landbank and Rentas Patio.
Testimonials
“Great team with very good expertise.” (Banking and finance)
“It has a vast experience in complex real estate transactions. The firm brings in-depth market knowledge, strategic negotiation skills and a personalized approach to each transaction.” (Investment funds)
The most current iteration of full-service firm Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uría, or PPU, was formed in 2015 from the merger between Chilean firms Philippi, Yrarrázaval, Pulido & Brunner, Colombian firm Prietocarrizosa and Peruvian firms Ferrero Abogados and Delmar Ugarte. The Ibero-American firm maintains offices in Chile, Colombia and Peru, with additional offices in Spain, Portugal, New York, London and Brussels thanks to its partnership with Spanish and Portuguese firm Uría Menéndez. The firm is also part of the SCG Legal and World Law Group networks. In Chile, the firm’s office is in Santiago and is known for its standout work in the corporate and project development practices.
Highlights
PPU advised on significant mining and energy transactions in 2024. The firm counseled Anglo American in negotiations with Codelco for the potential integration of Los Bronces and División Andina—two major copper operations—providing constitutional and legal analysis, risk assessments, and drafting transaction documents for this landmark deal. PPU also represented Lithium Power International in its sale to Codelco, the year’s most notable lithium transaction, navigating complex multijurisdictional issues across Chile, Australia, Canada, and the U.S., and advising on strategic corporate restructuring. Additionally, PPU acted for The Bank of Nova Scotia and other lenders on a revolving credit facility for Sierra Gorda, a transaction with intricate cross-border financing and ESG considerations.
Key Clients
Acciona Sumitomo Metal Mining, Anglo American, BBVA, Hatch Engineering, Lithium Power International, MUFG Bank, Resource Capital Funds and The Bank of Nova Scotia.
Puga Ortiz was founded in 1925 and is headquartered in Santiago.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is active in automotive financing and real estate matters. It works with many special purpose vehicles on real estate corporate matters.
Key clients
Key clients for Puga Ortiz include Acciona Chile, Constructora Santa Beatriz, Empresa Constructora Queylen, Grupo Inmobiliaria Gimax and Banco Santander Chile.
Research period review: 30th edition (2019 / 2020)
Over the research period the firm represented many special purpose vehicles on real estate corporate agreements and acquisitions, especially in the hotel industry. It also worked on a couple of automotive financing agreements.
Deal highlights: 30th edition (2019 / 2020)
Banco Santander Chile $300 million acquisition of Santander Consumer Finance
Inmobiliaria Nueva Quilicura $20 million financing
Full-service firm Albagli Zaliasnik is a notable firm based in Santiago. The corporate practice is best known for its work in M&A. Though the firm is more widely known for its M&A work, it also has experience in banking and finance and project development. In M&A, the team acts for sellers and buyers in strategic asset acquisitions, full company acquisitions, joint ventures and mergers. It also works on general corporate matters including reorganizations and strategic investments. They work with numerous clients based in jurisdictions outside of Chile.
Alessandri has over 125 years of experience. Founded in 1893, the firm is located in Santiago. In the corporate practice areas, the firm is best known for its work in debt capital markets and project development in the mining industry.
Focusses / specialisms
In addition to its notable work in debt capital markets and mining project development, it is also active in M&A and banking and finance. The banking and finance practice represents lenders and borrowers in corporate financing matters.
In capital markets, the firm participates in general debt transactions and public M&A transactions. It also works with private equity and asset management firms in investment fund and ETF formations and compliance.
The M&A practice has experience on the buy and sell side in private acquisitions. It also represented companies in capital increases.
The project development practice area is active in the mining, energy and construction industry. The team is made up of 11 specialists that act for developers in various projects.
Key clients
Key clients for the firm include the Silk Road Fund, Oaktree Capital, PIMCO, Hayfin, Puertos y Logistica, Territoria Apoquindo, Coordinador Independiente del Sistema Eléctrico Nacional, Cervercerías Chile, SQM Salar, Sierra Gorda and Patio Riesco.
Aninat Abogados was born in 2020 from the cessation of Aninat Schwencke. The firm is located in Santiago and is active in the corporate practice areas. Aninat is made up of five partners, with three of them specializing in corporate law. In the corporate practice, the firm works on a lot of M&A transactions, acting on the buy and sell side in strategic acquisitions. It also works on financing related transactions such as capital raises and investments. In the more general corporate practice, the team advises companies on incorporations.
Located in Santiago, Arteaga Gorziglia’s corporate practice is well known in the market. It is regarded for its work in the M&A and project development practices. While the firm works with many types of industries, it is focused on the infrastructure, real estate, retail and energy industries. In M&A, the firm acts for buyers and sellers in acquisitions and joint ventures. The corporate practice also has experience representing lenders in financing transactions. The project development team is active in the infrastructure and energy industries. The team represents developers and financial sponsors in project development and finance matters.
Baraona Marshall & Cia was created in 2020 from the cessation of Baraona Fischer & Cia, which then split into two firms. It is known for its work in financial and corporate practice areas. The firm is best known for its work in the banking and finance and M&A practice areas. In banking and finance, the firm acts on both the borrower and lender side in project and corporate financings, as well as refinancings. The M&A team works on the buy and sell side in private acquisitions across numerous industries including banking and financial services, telecommunications and technology.
Barros & Errázuriz is one of the leading full-service law firms in Chile. Founded in 1988, the firm has built a solid reputation for its legal excellence, professional integrity, and commitment to its clients. With a team of over 150 highly qualified lawyers, Barros & Errázuriz advises a broad range of national and international clients across more than 30 practice areas and industries.
Founded in 1905, Carey has become Chile’s largest law firm. Located in Santiago, the firm is highly regarded across all practice areas. It is a part of numerous international alliances such as Interlex, giving the firm a global reach. The banking and finance team represents both borrowers and lenders across many types of financing including project financing, credit facility issuances, acquisition financing and refinancing. The capital markets team works across all types of capital markets, including debt and equity, on matters including bond issuances, capital increases, public offerings and IPO’s. The group also works with numerous pension funds and investment funds.
Chirgwin was founded in 2009 in Santiago. Since then, it has grown and joined several international networks including Lexwork International, ILF and the Pacific Alliance Legal Network. In August 2020, the firm began working in collaboration with Andersen Global. Chirgwin specializes in the banking and finance, M&A and project development practice areas. Most of the firm’s clients are midsize multinational corporations and are most active in the entertainment, transportation and consumer goods and services industries. In banking and finance, the team represents borrowers in corporate and asset financing, as well as refinancing matters.
Founded in 1999, CMS is an international law firm that has 77 offices spread across 43 countries. In Chile, 45 lawyers make up the Santiago office. It is known for its corporate and project development practices. CMS Carey & Allende has notable banking and finance, capital markets, M&A and project development teams. In banking and finance, the practice acts for borrowers in project finance, refinance and general corporate finance transactions. The capital markets team has experience on the debt and equity side of capital markets. It acts for issuers in bond issuances, public M&A matters and equity investments.
One of the world’s largest law firms, Dentons is truly a global law firm, with 193 locations across 77 countries. The Chilean office is located in Santiago and was formed in 2019 with the combination between Dentons and Larraín Rencoret. The firm has experience across banking and finance, capital markets, M&A and project development practices. In banking and finance, the team acts for lenders in project, acquisition and corporate financing. The capital markets team has experience in debt capital markets, representing issuers in investment grade bond issuances.
Founded in 2000, FerradaNehme is known for its work in the corporate space. The firm is located in Santiago.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is recognized for its notable work in the M&A practice area. It represents buyers and sellers in private acquisitions. It also acts for companies in capital increases and strategic investments.
Key clients
Key clients for the firm include AB InBev Chile, Acciona Industrial, Neogen and Copec.
Client feedback: 31st edition (2020/2021)
Asset finance
"Deep knowledge of laws and regulations. Always meet established deadlines. "
M&A
"Updated and versatile team."
Formed in 2021 as a result of the separation of Baraona Fisher & Cia, Fischer & Cia is located in Santiago. The firm is focused on tax, financial and corporate law. The firm specializes in the banking and finance and M&A practice areas. In banking and finance, the firm acts for borrowers in refinancings. In M&A, the team represents buyers and sellers in private acquisitions. It also represents companies in reorganizations and day to day compliance, in addition to other corporate matters.
Grasty Quintana Majlis & Cía is a skilled Chilean firm that is well-established in Latin America.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm specializes in M&A transactions, participating in mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures and corporate reorganizations. The firm focuses on the mining, insurance, agriculture, technology, venture capital and finance sectors.
Key clients
Some of the firm’s key clients include Nexo Water Ventures, ApiuxTecnología, Convertia, Caja de Ahorros de EmpleadosPúblicos, General Electric and Punta Blanca Grupo Inmobiliario.
Client feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)
M&A
“Client orientation, responsiveness and high level advise.”
Located in Santiago, Guerrero Olivos is a highly regarded firm across all corporate practice areas. It maintains a global presence through its membership in TagLaw, Global Law and the Legal Alliance of the Americas. Guerrero Olivos maintains a distinguished practice in banking and finance, capital markets, M&A and project development, especially in the mining industry. In banking and finance, the team acts for borrowers and lenders in project financing, refinancing, acquisition financing and general corporate financing matters. Many of its transactions are cross border financing
Honorato | Delaveauis a mid-sized Chilean firm allied with the Ibero-American Legal Network.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm specializes in M&A transactions, being particularly skilled in fintech, energy, real estate, construction, investment fundsand cryptocurrency sectors.
Key clients
Some of the firm’s key clients include Ebi Operation, BlackRock, Innergex Renewable Energy, Tanner Group, Fressenius Medical Care and Inversiones Magnani.
Labbe Abogados is located in Santiago. The firm is active in litigation, labor and corporate law.
Focusses / specialisms
Within corporate law, the firm specializes in the M&A practice area. It acts for acquirers in private acquisitions. The practice works mostly in the food, mining and energy industries.
Key clients
Key clients for the firm include Neoelectra Chile.
Founded in 1994, Larraín & Asociados has grown into a highly regarded firm in project development and banking and finance. Larraín is highly experienced in the infrastructure, energy and natural resources industries. In addition to its outstanding project development and banking and finance practice, it also has a noteworthy M&A practice. In banking and finance, the practice acts for lenders and borrowers in project financing, refinancing, acquisition financing and general corporate financing. The M&A practice represents buyers in acquisitions, reorganizations and strategic investments. Many of the acquisitions are related to project development matters, where the firm represents developers in development and financing matters.
Lavín Abogados is a boutique law firm known for its work in project development. It is headquartered in Santiago, but has a second office in Valdivia. Lavín is focused on the energy, natural resources, mining, maritime and infrastructure industries. In project development the firm acts for public institutions, environmental institutions, concessionaires and developers in development and construction of projects.
Located in Santiago, Lembeye Abogados was founded in 2017. The firm is active in the financial and corporate and project development practice areas. The firm is best known for its work in the M&A and project development practice areas. In the M&A practice, the team acts for buyers and sellers in private acquisitions. It also represents startups in strategic investments. In project development, the firm represents developers in projects in the mining, infrastructure and renewable energy industries. Within the renewable energy industry, solar and wind are particular popular for the firm. It also frequently works on public procurement matters.
Located in Santiago, Molina Ríos is a well known law firm in the project development practice area. The firm has four partners, one counsel and an additional 10 associates.
Focusses/specialisms
Because the firm’s expertise is in the project development practice area, it is focused on the energy, mining, infrastructure and construction industries. It has experience working for both public and private projects, advising developers and concessionaires in all states of project development from financing to construction.
Key clients
Key clients for the firm include CJV Consortium, OHL, Mainstream Renewable Power, Eiffage, Acciona, Besalco, AVA Montajes and ENAP.
Client feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)
Project development: Energy
“Practical experience, arbitration-oriented experience, good relationship with the client (not necessarily lawyers).”
Founded in 1992, Morales & Besa has grown to become one of Chile’s leading firms in financial law. The firm is located in Santiago. In addition to its top tier practice in banking and finance, capital markets and project development, the firm also has an outstanding M&A practice. In banking and finance, the firm acts for lenders and borrowers in project financing, refinancing and acquisition financing. The capital markets team has experience on both the debt and equity side, representing issuers and underwriters. In debt capital markets, the team works on sovereign bonds, green bonds, investment grade, high yield and project bond issuances. In equity capital markets, the team helps with IPOs.
Pérez Alati, Grondona, Benites & Arntsen was founded in 1991. It is a large, full-service firm with an international presence. The firm has offices in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Santiago de Chile, and New York. The Chilean firm is allied with Schwencke & Cia from Argentina.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm’s practice specialties include corporate M&A, private equity, project development and capital markets. The firm advises clients in various industries.
Key clients
Some of the firm’s key clients include WPP Group, MCormick, Smollan, ExitoWeb, Olam International, Cacao Paycard, Glade Brook, South Am Freeze Dry, Austral Capital Partners, H.G Kaufman Group London and TD Advanced Technology Solutions Chile.
Russi & Eguiguren | Quadrant is a full-service law firm established in 1993, with an office in Santiago.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm advises clients in corporate and M&A transactions.
Key clients
Among the clients of the firm are Papa Johns and Medismart.
Established in 1960, Urenda Rencoret Orrego & Dörr is a member of Multilaw and World Law Group, making it a firm that skillfully services international clients. The firm is very capable in banking and finance, capital markets, M&A and project development. The banking and finance team and the capital markets team work together on debt securitization. The capital markets team is also adept on the equity side, advising on initial public offerings among other stock market matters. The M&A department is skilled in joint ventures, corporate restructuring and shareholders agreements. In project development the firm focuses on power generation, specifically non-conventional renewable energy.
Founded in 1917 and headquartered in Barcelona, Cuatrecasas is a prominent international law firm with 27 offices across 13 countries, including Spain, Portugal, Colombia, Chile, Mexico, and Peru. The firm combines deep local knowledge with global reach, offering legal services across a wide range of practice areas. In Colombia, Cuatrecasas advises clients on corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, financing, capital markets, and project development, particularly in the infrastructure and energy sectors. The firm also provides counsel in dispute resolution, tax, labor, compliance, and environmental law, supporting both domestic and cross-border matters with multidisciplinary teams.
Highlights
Cuatrecasas advised leading financial institutions, including Davivienda, Banco BTG Pactual, and Macquarie Bank, on complex cross-border transactions in 2024. The firm played a pivotal role in the USD 209 million debt restructuring for Procaps Group, involving multiple jurisdictions—Colombia, Spain, Peru, Luxembourg, Brazil, and the U.S.—and the formalization of a multi-country guarantee package. This innovative deal combined refinancing with a USD 130 million capital injection, balancing creditor recovery and corporate reorganization. Additionally, Cuatrecasas advised Macquarie Bank on a USD 75 million financing for Canacol Energy Ltd., requiring a sophisticated structure across Colombia, the U.S., and Canada. These transactions underscore the firm’s expertise in multi-jurisdictional finance and its ability to deliver strategic solutions in high-stakes scenarios.
Key Publishable: Davivienda, Banco BTG Pactual, and Macquarie Bank
Testimonials
"Very business minded, with a strong focus on results. Practical and knowledgeable " (Banking and finance client)
Natalia Arango
"Deep understanding of business economics Extremely knowledgeable Ability to explain in simple terms complex legal framework"