Corporate/M&A
Latin America Guide 2025 : Panama
Band 1
About
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
- Fanatics' acquisition of FexPro
- Moody’s Corporation's acquisition of SCRiesgo
- PSA Marine Americas’ acquisition of a 45% stake in Meyer's Tugs
- US$60 million Hyatt Hotels' acquisition of Mr & Mrs Smith
- US$36 million Lenus Capital Partners’ acquisition of the Medicadiz Hospital
- Inversiones Atlántida's acquisition of Pacific Bank
- IMC Alimentação's sale of its restaurant operations at Tocumen Airport
- Mediam Group's sale of a minority stake to Aleph Group
- Stonepeak - U$2.7 billion acquisition of Lumen Latin American Business.
- Simon Property - Sale of Forever 21’s Panamanian and Latin American operations to AR Holdings.
- McDermott International - Merger deal with Chicago Bridge & Iron Company (CB&I)
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.
Work Highlights
- Arias, Fábrega & Fábrega represented Singapore's PSA Marine Americas in the acquisition of a 45% stake in Panama-based Meyer’s Tugs (MTSA) from Inversiones Maritimas CPT, a subsidiary of Chile’s CPT Empresas Maritimas
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Arias, Fábrega & Fábrega are pro-business. They are always looking for ways to make things possible and make things flow smoothly."
"The lawyers at Arias, Fábrega & Fábrega complement each other very well, making them very effective and efficient. They are available and follow up on queries and issues."
"Arias, Fábrega & Fábrega are pro-business. They are always looking for ways to make things possible and make things flow smoothly."
"The lawyers at Arias, Fábrega & Fábrega complement each other very well, making them very effective and efficient. They are available and follow up on queries and issues."
Notable Practitioners
Eminent practitioner Ricardo Arango boasts a significant practice advising clients on cross-border transactions. The market recognises him for his long-standing career in the Panamanian M&A domain.
"Ricardo Arangois a great lawyer with a good reputation; he has done many transactions in Panama."
Dynamic partner Andrés Rubinoff receives significant recognition from interviewees for his expert handling of complex M&A transactions in Panama.
"Andrés Rubinoff is very polished and practical with his advice. He is also a good negotiator and solution-oriented."
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 a very professional, committed lawyer and a great human being."
Up-and-coming partner Javier Yap Endara receives acknowledgement from the Panamanian corporate and M&A market.
"Javier Yap Endara has deep legal knowledge and the ability to find solutions and understand problems. He is an available lawyer and it is nice to work with him."
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
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