Corporate/M&A
Global Guide 2024 : Panama
Band 1
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
+507 205 7000About
Provided by Arias, Fábrega & Fábrega
ARIFA has a constant deal flow of M&A transactions second to no other in Panama. Local leaders in terms of dollar value of domestic and cross-border deals, complexity and frequency of transactions.
The firm has successfully obtained antitrust regulatory approval for several of the largest and more difficult acquisitions in Panama.
Multidisciplinary approach to M&A transactional advice. Real specialists with a wide range of experience across many industries and legal practice areas work together to respond efficiently and proactively to all issues arising during complex commercial negotiations and fast-moving M&A transactions in Panama and the Latin America region with comprehensive and customized solutions adapted to the customer needs.
Recent work highlights
Emergent Cold Latin America - Acquisition of Galores Group.
Stonepeak - U$2.7 billion acquisition of Lumen Latin American Business.
Fertica - Sale of Panama’s assets to DISAGRO.
Simon Property - Sale of Forever 21’s Panamanian and Latin American operations to AR Holdings.
Rey Holding Corp. - Sale of 73 percent stake to Corporación Favorita.
Cable Onda - Sale of 80 percent stake to Millicom LIH, S.A.
McDermott International - Merger deal with Chicago Bridge & Iron Company (CB&I)
E. León Jimenes - restructuring of its joint venture with Ambev, S.A.
Assicurazioni Generali S.p.A. - asset sale agreement with respect to its Panamanian operations to ASSA Compañía de Seguros, S.A. for US$172 million.
Chambers Review
Arias, Fábrega & Fábrega is an esteemed transactional heavyweight representing clients from the aviation, telecommunications and retail arenas, along with real estate companies. The firm remains a top choice of local co-counsel for international firms handling cross-border corporate and M&A deals. The outstanding bench of stellar practitioners routinely advises on complex transactional mandates, including the disposal of majority and minority stakes, as well as tender offers, stock purchase and shareholder agreements in Panama. The department is also well placed to advise on day-to-day operational matters, including regulatory compliance and corporate governance.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Arias, Fábrega & Fábrega have the ability to give legal advice as a whole, not just looking at the legal side, but also considering commercial and business implications in their analyses."
"The team complement each other excellently and prove to be key in negotiating front-office commercial issues with our counterparties. They also demonstrate attention to detail in back-office legal and contractual structures."
"Arias, Fábrega & Fábrega have the ability to give legal advice as a whole, not just looking at the legal side, but also considering commercial and business implications in their analyses."
"The team complement each other excellently and prove to be key in negotiating front-office commercial issues with our counterparties. They also demonstrate attention to detail in back-office legal and contractual structures."
Notable Practitioners
Eminent practitioner Ricardo Arango boasts a significant practice advising clients on cross-border transactions. The market recognises him for his longstanding career in the Panamanian M&A domain.
"Ricardo Arango is one of the most experienced M&A lawyers in the country. He has been involved in highly relevant transactions throughout his career."
Dynamic partner Andrés Rubinoff receives significant recognition from interviewees for his expert handling of complex M&A transactions in Panama. He is admitted to practice in the state of Florida as well as Panama.
"Andrés Rubinoff is business-oriented. His experience and insights shine through during negotiations, and we always feel greatly represented and protected by him."
Well-regarded partner Estif Aparicio is endorsed by market interviewees for his strong skills in the Panamanian corporate and M&A arenas. Estif Aparicio is dual-qualified to practise in Panama and New York.
"Estif Aparicio has very strong skills in high-level commercial negotiations. Not only does he help reach final decisions, but he is also able to execute those decisions into their respective contracts."
Javier Yap Endara rises in the rankings as an up-and-coming partner this year after eliciting acknowledgement from the Panamanian corporate and M&A market.
"Javier Yap Endara is a great lawyer who keeps things moving forward and ensures we reach the desired outcomes."
Ranked Lawyers at
Arias, Fábrega & Fábrega
Panama
Members
Provided by Arias, Fábrega & Fábrega
Ana Isabel Quijano
Cedric Kinschots
Daniela Delvalle
Donald P. Canavaggio
Fernando Arias F.
Javier Yap Endara
Head of Department
Rodrigo Cardoze
Clients
Provided by Arias, Fábrega & Fábrega
Banco General
Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior (Bladex)
Bank of America Merrill Lynch
Caribbean Property Group, LLC
Citibank / Citigroup Global Markets
E. León Jimenes
Global Bank
Goldman Sachs
Inchcape
JPMorgan Securities Inc.
McDermott International
Morgan Stanley & Co Incorporated
Stonepeak
Industries
Provided by Arias, Fábrega & Fábrega
Automobiles & Parts
Banks
Commercial & Professional Services
Consumer Product Manufacturing
Energy
Financial Services
Food & Drink Producers
Government
Media
Mining & Metals
Private Clients / Individuals
Real Estate
Telecommunications
Travel & Leisure
Utilities