Competition/Antitrust: Mexico

Sources widely agree that this is one of the strongest firms in Mexico for competition and antitrust matters. The litigation side of the practice is singled out for particularly high praise and has recently represented clients from the pharmaceutical and technology industries, amongst others. The practice has also been active in merger control filings and recently provided local counsel to Smith International following the merger with Schlumberger. Sources compliment the practice for its “highly responsive client service and excellent working relationship with the authorities.” Luis Omar Guerrero Rodríguez is co-head of the practice and advises at a senior level on both antitrust and competition matters. He has an exceptional reputation as a litigator. Bernardo Carlos Ledesma Uribe mainly focuses on M&A filings and is increasingly recognised as an expert in this area. He receives outstanding feedback from clients, who describe him as “proactive, easy to talk to and completely in touch with the requirements of the regulators.” Ricardo Arturo Pons Mestre is “a knowledgeable and highly committed litigator” with experience representing multinational companies in cartel investigations.

This is a firm that fully understands the complexities of Mexican competition law and is virtually unrivalled in its experience of all aspects of the market, according to sources. The firm is especially highlighted for its ability to handle cartel investigations. An ongoing mandate of note in this area is the firm's representation of Telefónica Movistar in the long-running investigation by Mexico's Federal Competition Commission (CFC) regarding alleged abuse of dominant market position by Telmex and Telcel. The practice has recently been strengthened by the addition of an economic analysis department, one of the few firms in Mexico to have such a resource at its disposal. Clients say the team offers “highly personal and results-driven client service.” Ex-CFC official Rafael Valdés Abascal leads the team. He is widely regarded as one of the best litigators in the country and is hailed for his “attention to detail, strategic vision and detailed knowledge of the material.” Partner Rafael Brito Anderson continues to consolidate his reputation as one of the market's standout lawyers. Clients say he presents their cases to the authorities in "an innovative and highly effective manner." 

This full-service firm continues to carry out a high volume of merger control filings on behalf of an impressive portfolio of international clients. The firm has also been busy advising clients from the manufacturing and technology industries in cartel investigations and has a growing presence in antitrust cases, according to sources. A recent mandate of note includes providing counsel to Genworth Life Insurance on competition matters relating to the company's acquisition by Talanx. Clients say the practice offers "high-quality, pragmatic advice and works around the clock to meet our needs.” Luis Gerardo García Santos Coy combines his knowledge of M&A and competition law to great effect, according to clients. He is described as being “a good negotiator who can always be relied upon to get the job done.” Partner José Ruíz provides counsel on antitrust and competition matters. He recently advised Nucor in connection with a series of acquisitions. Associate Mauricio Serralde has been present on some of the practice's most significant cases.

This leading Mexican firm has a strong grounding in corporate and M&A law and is prominent in handling merger control filings with the CFC. Clients include big-name local and international companies, such as Ferromex and sanofi-aventis respectively. Recent highlights include advising Heineken in connection with its acquisition of FEMSA Cerveza's holdings in Mexico and Brazil. Sources say: “The team has detailed knowledge of the material and maintains good working relations with the authorities.” Partner Christian Lippert is acknowledged as being a leading figure in competition matters in Mexico. He has been providing counsel to Ferromex in its long-running dispute with the CFC following the state company's acquisition of Ferrosur in 2005.

This firm has consistently been involved in some of the most significant competition and antitrust cases to have taken place in Mexico in recent years. The firm's impressive portfolio of clients includes Banamex, BP and Michelin. Local giant Grupo Televisa is an important source of work for the practice and recently sought counsel in an appeal before the authorities in connection with a fine for alleged abuse of dominant market position. Sources maintain that the lawyers' thorough understanding of corporate and competition law combine to great effect and describe the service as “business-oriented and good value for money.” Practice head Francisco Fuentes-Ostos has an excellent reputation as an M&A and competition lawyer. According to market commentators, “he has great negotiation skills and is always focused on meeting clients' expectations.”

The competition and antitrust department at SAI Consultores is made up of lawyers and economic analysts, a distinguishing characteristic in the Mexican market. In recent years, the team has represented a number of high-profile international and local clients in merger control filings and cartel investigations, such as CEMEX, Wal-Mart and Nestlé. Clients praise the firm's economics-focused approach and say that by hiring SAI "we are showing the authorities that we are serious about the issue.” Lucía Ojeda is an extremely well-known and respected name in the market. She is described by sources as being “highly knowledgeable, proactive and attentive to clients' needs.” Partner Luis Alberto Aziz Checa recently assisted with the notification of a joint venture before the CFC.

This firm has had a busy year assisting clients on merger control clearances, cartel investigations and subsidiary restructurings. Clients include big-name local and international companies, such as El Paso, BAT and General Mills. Recent highlights include advising Bemis on its acquisition of Rio Tinto's Food Americas business. This was a cross-border transaction totalling USD1.3 billion. Clients say the team is “versatile, thorough and always available when needed.” Partner Reynaldo Vizcarra-Méndez co-ordinates the practice area. Associate Carlo Pérez-Arizti Morales is one of the most hands-on members of the team. He advises clients on a range of competition and antitrust matters and continues to impress market commentators. Luis Francisco Amado Cordova, also an associate, joins the rankings this year. He recently assisted Cisco Systems in the reorganisation of its Mexican subsidiaries. Senior associate Gerardo Calderón-Villegas left Valdés Abascal y Brito Anderson to join Baker & McKenzie in 2011. Before moving, he gained experience on some of the market's most high-profile cases, and is identified as one to watch in the future.

This firm continues to be a popular choice for high-profile clients in competition and antitrust matters. In recent years the firm has handled a high volume of merger control filings with the CFC. A mandate of note in this area includes representing Iberia and British Airways in their recent merger. The team is also highly regarded for its litigation work and has a track record of advising large multinationals in investigations into possible monopolistic practices. Practice head Amilcar Peredo takes the lead on the firm's most significant work. Clients say he is "proactive, thorough and flexible according to our needs.” Associate Sara Gutiérrez Ruíz de Chavez has recently assisted with merger control filings and cartel investigations.

This small boutique firm is well regarded for its competition work and maintains a visible presence in the market. Sources praise the firm for the experience and knowledge of its name partner, Gabriel Castañeda. Sources say Castañeda, a former executive secretary of the CFC, is “an excellent lawyer who has a good working relationship with the authorities.” Partner Ricardo Hernández has been active on merger control filings.

This traditional firm assists its clients with all aspects of competition and antitrust law and has a growing profile in the market, according to peers. The impressive portfolio of high-profile clients includes Unilever, IBM and Colgate-Palmolive. Recent mandates of note include representing MetLife in an antitrust investigation into the Mexican anaesthesiology market. “The firm offers advice that is good value for money and rooted in a detailed knowledge of competition matters,” say sources. Practice head David Hurtado Badiola is the main point of contact and is a highly regarded figure in the market. According to clients, he is “analytical, knowledgeable and always keeps us in the loop.”

This medium-sized firm advises local and international clients on a broad range of competition and antitrust matters, such as merger control filings, cartel investigations and litigation. Recent highlights include helping client Delta Air Lines obtain the first immunity-like resolution from the CFC in connection with the Delta Air Lines-Northwest Airlines and Air France-KLM joint venture. The practice has also been active in a number of cross-border antitrust investigations involving the technology and telecoms industries. Clients say the firm's knowledge and experience of corporate and M&A law is a major plus point to the service. Luis Cervantes Muñiz is an important contact for the practice.

The traditionally M&A-focused team at this firm has been active in representing clients in merger control filings and in cartel investigations. The practice's impressive client portfolio includes high-profile local and international companies, such as sanofi-aventis, PepsiCo and AIG. A recent mandate of note includes representing AIG and the US Treasury in their dealings with the CFC following the US Federal Reserve Board's bailout of the insurance company. Clients warmly praise the team for the quality and consistency of its advice and say: “The lawyers make every effort to get to know our business and can offer precise and relevant advice as a result.” Practice head Marco Antonio Nájera Martinez is an attorney from a regulatory and corporate background. Sources say that he "works to a high level of detail and delivers great results."

This strong corporate firm has provided counsel to clients in connection with merger control clearances from the CFC. The practice's client list includes local and international players, such as Grupo Villacero and Siemens respectively. Daniel Kuri Breña is an important contact for the practice and is a highly regarded lawyer who uses multidisciplinary skills.

This traditional, full-service firm offers clients “accurate and high-quality advice” and is consistently busy on the transactional side. Recent highlights include representing Schlumberger in its dealings with the competition authorities following the acquisition of oilfield services company Smith International. Sources praise the firm for its “speed, efficiency and client focus.” Practice head Ernesto Duhne has significant experience handling merger control clearances for big-name clients. According to sources, “he is knowledgeable, responsive and has an excellent working relationship with the authorities.”

New to the ranking this year, this firm is at the forefront of dispute resolution, and therefore enjoys a considerable and high-profile caseload before the CFC. "It has a very good competition practice with excellent attitude to service," clients say. The team has acted on behalf of big-name clients such as Motorola, Mars and Fresenius Medical Care. Fernando Carreño is the main contact point at the firm.