The ‘top-tier‘ team at regional firm Alta QIL+4 Abogados is highly regarded for the depth and breadth of its corporate offering, with a practice spanning M&A, joint ventures, capital raises, restructurings and corporate governance and compliance issues. In particular, the group has a stellar reputation for acting on both the buyer and seller side of multi-jurisdictional transactions, including joining forces with the firm’s offices in Costa Rica, El Salvador and Honduras to assist foreign companies with their expansion in the Central American market. ‘Top-notch' managing partner Marcos Ibargüen and María Isabel Luján, who leads the pro bono practice, head the sizeable team. Other key figures include compliance practice head José Quiñones, who is particularly active in M&A in the financial and insurance sectors; Alejandro Cofiño, a go-to name for energy and finance-related matters; Andrés Lowenthal, an expert in cross-border transactions; up-and-coming M&A partner Melissa Echeverría; and senior associates Santiago Granados and Ignacio Grazioso. In addition, the firm has established a steering committee focused on diversity and inclusion initiatives.

Highlighted for its ‘deep knowledge‘ and ‘exceptional‘ support, the Guatemalan office of Arias is able to leverage the firm’s extensive regional network to assist international clients with investments throughout Central America. The team has particular expertise in acting on the buyer side of multi-jurisdictional M&A transactions, counting an array of leading multinational companies among its clients, but has recently played an increasingly prominent role in advising local sellers. In addition to M&A, the comprehensive practice covers corporate finance, company incorporations, the creation of joint ventures, and corporate governance and compliance issues. Luis Pedro Del Valle, who wins praise for his ‘great communication skills and analytical thinking‘, leads the practice and is adept at handling M&A, corporate restructurings and venture capital transactions. The deep bench also includes director Cindy Arrivillaga; of counsel Luis Pedro Jegerlehner, who joined the firm in August 2023 from an in-house role at PepsiCo; and senior associates Jorge Ordoñez (who is well versed in advising multinational clients, particularly in the real estate sector), Florencio Gramajo and Francisco Zuluaga.

The ‘excellent’ corporate team at Central American firm BLP is an increasingly strong choice for multinational clients seeking to invest in Guatemala – in addition to branches throughout the region and a representative office in Madrid, the firm’s clients now benefit from the strong international profile of highly regarded practice co-head Jorge Luis Arenales, who joined from Arias in June 2023 and is based part-time in Paris. The team has an impressive skill set in regional M&A deals, but its practice also extends to the constitution of companies, corporate restructurings, commercial contracts and compliance and regulatory matters. Department co-head Luis Ruiz is also a highly experienced corporate all-rounder, with complementary expertise in IP and labour law. The growing team also includes senior associates Gustavo Gamboa, whose practice covers cross-border M&A and restructurings, Jeaneth Divas and Ana Ávila, who joined from Arias alongside Arenales and associate Anneliss Wohlers. Other notable developments include the implementation of the firm’s BLP 180 programme, which targets recruitment and talent retention, collaboration, education and investment in technology.

Regional heavyweight Consortium Legal houses a comprehensive corporate practice, with particular strong suits in the consumer goods, retail, agroindustrial, manufacturing and financial services sectors. Sofia Escribá takes the lead on the M&A side of the practice, which has a strong record of advising multinational clients on regional deals (often teaming up with its counterparts from the firm’s network of offices across Central America), while Maria Fernanda Morales, who was promoted to partner in May 2023, heads the department focused on company incorporations, corporate governance and regulatory issues in the aviation and telecoms spaces. Highly experienced corporate and tax partner Alfredo Rodríguez and firm president Álvaro Castellanos, who is widely regarded as a market leader for foreign investment matters, oversee the practice. At junior level, senior associate Roxana Sandoval provides key support across the full spread of transactional matters. The firm is also noted for its commitment to corporate social responsibility across the region, with established diversity and inclusion, pro bono, innovation and environmental committees.

Mayora & Mayora, S.C. leverages its full-service model and the support of its offices throughout the Northern Triangle region of Central America to provide comprehensive advice to clients ranging from local family-owned businesses to major multinationals. Combining ‘excellent knowledge of local requirements' with ‘a good understanding of international practices', the team is well equipped to handle multi-jurisdictional mandates, assisting with M&A (including both deals in the region and in Latin America more widely), corporate reorganisations, joint ventures, divestments and the incorporation of the Guatemalan subsidiaries of international companies. Additionally, the firm has an active practice advising on local compliance and corporate governance issues. Sandra Castillo leads the practice, with a strong record of assisting multinational clients with M&A, restructurings and compliance, while banking head Claudia Pereira, Rafael Briz (an expert in administrative, labour and energy matters) and managing partner Eduardo Mayora are also key names at top level. They are ably assisted by senior associates Ana Cristina Garita and María de la Concepción Villeda and associate Sheyla Vargas.

The ‘extremely dynamic and reliable‘ corporate team at well-established domestic firm A. D. Sosa & Soto is skilled in advising national businesses and the Guatemalan subsidiaries of large multinationals on a wide range of transactional, commercial and regulatory matters. The team frequently advises companies on issues relating to their day-to-day operations in the country, including drafting distribution, supply and licensing agreements and establishing compliance and corporate governance frameworks, in addition to handling both local and cross-border M&A. The experienced trio of Juan Sebastián Soto (whose areas of expertise also include IP and technology law), Carlos Rafael Pellecer (whose practice covers foreign investment and international business transactions) and Einar Klanderud leads the team. At associate level, Jacqueline Soto, Daniela Salas Vásquez and Giovanna Menegazzo (who specialises in corporate governance and compliance matters) are the names to note. Since the conclusion of research, the firm has merged into Costa Rica's Tactic Legal (by which name it is now known), as part of the development of a regional firm which also has offices in El Salvador and Honduras.

Advising on cross-border M&A transactions is a key dimension of the corporate practice at Aguilar Castillo Love, whose clients benefit from the firm’s regional structure (as well as additional offices in Bolivia, Ecuador, Panama and Paraguay). The team stands out for its advice to major regional and multinational clients on the acquisition of Guatemalan targets, with strong skill sets in the energy, financial services, pharmaceuticals and tech sectors. In addition, the firm assists with entry to the local market, the launch of new products, and local and regional distribution issues, while practice co-head Natalia Callejas Aquino is frequently the first port of call for clients requiring advice on corporate compliance and investigations. Fellow co-head Juan Carlos Castillo Chacón remains a high-profile name for M&A and corporate governance matters, and associate Rudy Villatoro provides capable support. The firm also has a robust initiative focused on gender diversity, Proyectos ACL Mujeres.

Hailed as ‘a comprehensive practice, with highly capable lawyers with excellent business understanding', the corporate offering at full-service domestic firm Legalsa stands out for its advice to local clients on the expansion of their operations in Central America, and has seen strong recent activity in the financial services and agroindustrial sectors. The team is also adept at advising foreign clients on establishing branches in Guatemala, including assisting with commercial contracts and regulatory and licensing issues. Other key pillars of the practice are advising local family-owned businesses on corporate governance and succession issues and supporting start-ups in the food and tech industries. At the head of the team, David Font is well regarded for his expertise in foreign investment, real estate and fintech matters, while Johann Hartleben enjoys a thriving M&A practice. Senior associates Mónica Linares and Andrés Dubón provide assistance with the full range of corporate issues.

The ‘responsible and efficient' team at longstanding domestic firm Carrillo & Asociados is frequently sought out by foreign clients intending to expand their operations both locally and in the Central American market, and is well versed in advising on complex due diligence processes, cross-border M&A and restructuring transactions and international commercial contracts. Sara Santacruz (who is also a co-founder of Transforma, an organisation dedicated to supporting women lawyers) leads the team, bringing a wide range of expertise in M&A, tax, IP and estate planning matters to the table. At junior level, key contacts include senior associate Juan Francisco Sandoval, who is experienced in handling M&A and due diligence processes and leads the firm’s notarial practice.

Regional firm CENTRAL LAW significantly strengthened its corporate offering in Guatemala in April 2024 with the additions of David Sikaffy, a specialist in franchising and the development of businesses in Central America, who joined as a partner from his own practice, and Maria Monzón, who has notable expertise in corporate governance and legal audits, as director of the corporate and finance area. The ‘forward-looking and proactive' team routinely provides international clients with region-wide corporate support, in addition to assisting with M&A, restructurings and the incorporation of local subsidiaries. Juan Pablo Carrasco de Groote, who focuses his practice on foreign investment, particularly in the energy and natural resources sectors, oversees the practice. Associates Verónica González (who directs the international department) and Sandra Méndez are also noted.

Praised as ‘very dynamic‘, with ‘deep knowledge of the legal issues', boutique firm Estudio Chávez Bosque S.A. continues to gain traction in the Guatemalan market, following its establishment in 2020 by former Carrillo & Asociados partner Francisco Chávez Bosque. The team is well equipped to take on both local and regional mandates, including handling M&A, joint ventures, corporate restructurings and regulatory, distribution and franchising issues. Assisting high-net-worth families with corporate governance and estate planning is another key element of the practice. At the head of the team, Mélida Pineda (who is also sought out for corporate governance and compliance advice) and Rodolfo Alegría (a go-to name for energy-related deals) take the lead on the transactional side, while Carolina Flores advises on notarial and commercial matters.

Benefitting from its position as a global firm, Dentons plays a prominent role in advising international clients on their investments into Guatemala, with a notable recent emphasis on the energy, mining, oil and gas, and healthcare sectors. The team handles a significant volume of transactional and regulatory matters, spanning M&A, joint ventures, company incorporations and corporate restructurings, as well as obtaining licences and environmental permits and assisting with compliance and internal investigations. Office managing partner Luis Abundio Maldonado, who also co-chairs the firm’s transportation and infrastructure practice for Latin America and the Caribbean, leads the team, with a strong skill set in advising on investments in regulated industries. He receives key support from energy, labour and compliance director Andrea Jarquín.

Palomo Abogados' corporate team wins praise for its ‘substantial knowledge of the insurance market and maritime legislation', drawing on firm-wide expertise, as well as the support of its association with international firm Kennedys, to advise clients in these sectors. However, the firm counts companies from a wide spread of industries – including manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, tech and advertising – among its clients, with notable strength in advising international corporations with the incorporation and expansion of their branches in Guatemala, as well as related compliance and regulatory issues. Héctor Palomo (who is also a key contact for IP matters) and Federico Palomo (a specialist in insurance and maritime law) lead the team. Experienced associates Alejandro Jáuregui and Cynthia Guillioli (who heads the notarial practice) are also noted.

Highlighted for its ‘availability and accessibility‘, Alegalis leverages its membership of regional alliance LEGIC and its representative office in Hong Kong to advise Central American clients on corporate matters both locally and internationally. The team demonstrates particular strength in the real estate sector, frequently advising domestic developers on investments in real estate projects in Latin America and the US. In addition, the firm offers legal support to start-ups and entrepreneurs in rural areas of Guatemala through its association with Fundación Paso Dos. Director Mildred Almengor Roca leads the corporate and international business department, while managing partner Juan Antonio Mazariegos lends senior expertise to the team.

Boutique firm Bermejo & Bermejo has a particularly strong presence in the real estate sector, with extensive experience of advising developers on the corporate structuring of real estate projects and assisting with the day-to-day operation of building administrations. The practice also extends to advising regional clients on the local law aspects of cross-border mandates, including joint ventures, corporate restructurings and M&A, and the incorporation of their Guatemalan branches. Practice heads Juan Carlos Bermejo and Luis Fernando Bermejo bring complementary expertise in real estate and IP law, respectively, to the team, while associate Flor de María Folgar assists with compliance and regulatory issues.

As part of the Alliott Global Alliance, corporate and finance boutique Clarity Law is able to tap into an extensive network when advising domestic and international clients, in addition to drawing on the robust experience of practice heads José Augusto Toledo and Ligia Salazar in cross-border transactions. The team is well versed in handling M&A, as well as advising on commercial contracts, corporate governance and compliance issues. Toledo is well regarded in the market for his capabilities in M&A, capital markets and real estate transactions, while Salazar has notable strengths in the aviation and insurance industries. Associate Georgina Jiménez stands out for her franchising expertise.

The legal arm of the global consultancy firm, Deloitte Legal Guatemala is well positioned to handle cross-border corporate transactions and to offer comprehensive advice on the financial, tax and compliance aspects of M&A and other matters. This is reflected in the team’s recent caseload, which includes advising a steady stream of multilatina clients on the acquisition of Guatemalan targets. Ruby Asturias, who has a strong track record of coordinating regional M&A deals and investments into Central America, is the key contact in the team, supported by senior lawyers Allan Jeancarlo Morales (who also advises on labour matters) and Carmen María Mérida.

Formed in 2019 by experienced all-round practitioner Juan José Porras Castillo following his departure from Palomo Abogados, GT Legal has established an active practice focused on corporate, international commerce, insurance and regulatory law. The firm advises a varied roster of clients, ranging from leading domestic chemical, energy and insurance companies to the Guatemalan Chamber of Industry, on matters such as M&A and the expansion of their operations in Central America, in addition to offering a dedicated team specialising in corporate governance. Juan José Porras Ramírez co-heads the practice and has notable expertise in the tech sector, advising on international contracts and licensing issues.

Business and techn0logy-focused boutique LegalPlus stands out for its niche strength in venture capital transactions, with an excellent record of advising clients ranging from family offices to investment funds and venture capital firms on equity financing rounds. The team also assists with M&A, corporate restructurings and corporate governance matters, and has an active practice focused on the acquisition of aircraft and marine vessels. Alvaro Hurtado, a specialist in local and international venture capital transactions, leads the team alongside associates Juan Andrés Campos and Pamela Rodas (both of whom are also skilled in advising start-ups and tech companies) and US-based of counsel Mauricio Duarte.

Since opening its doors in 2021, the Guatemalan office of Lex Atlas has built an active corporate practice, encompassing advice on M&A, corporate restructurings, joint ventures and the incorporation of the local subsidiaries of regional companies. Another notable area of activity is assisting high-net-worth clients with the structuring of family foundations, as well as succession and estate planning. Office managing partner Ignacio Andrade Aycinena, a well-known name in the real estate and telecoms industries, leads the practice, with support from Alejandro Solares Solares and a sizeable team of experienced associates which includes Claudia Pontaza, Lester Meda and Carlos Gándara.