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Founded in 1993, Tobar ZVS is based in Quito.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm represents clients in all aspects of energy, infrastructure, mining and natural resources projects, including the finance, bidding and development stages. The team is currently involved in a particularly high concentration of major Ecuadorian mining concessions.
Key client
Among the firm’s key clients are Aurania, Challenger Exploration, Lumina, Minera Mesaloma and SolGold.
Romero Arteta Ponce Law Firm was founded in 1950 and provides counsel to clients from its office in the capital city of Ecuador. The firm is a member of the Meritas global network of independent law firms.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm represents an impressive array of clients from industries including aviation, infrastructure, insurance, oil and gas, technology and transportation in relation to a variety of financial and corporate matters.
Key clients
Key clients include the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Nissan, Siemens, Timberland and Toyota.
Client feedback: 32nd edition (2021/2022)
Financial services
“Deep knowledge, full availability, and reasonable response times.”
Pérez Bustamante & Ponce was founded in 1916 and services clients from its two offices in the cities of Quito and Guayaquil.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is noted for its ability across a diversity of practice areas including capital markets, finance, M&A, project finance, project development and restructuring.
The firm’s capital markets involvement focus largely on the debt side, where the firm is particularly active in representing sovereign bond issuers.
In the project finance space, the firm is active in advising on the lender side of mining, renewable energy and other projects.
Key clients
Among the firm’s key clients are Altius, Banco Pichincha, DP World, FMO, IBT Group, Procesadora Nacional de Alimentos PRONACA and Visa.
Client feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)
M&A
“Lot of experience in natural resources. Good communication. Deep knowledge of the mining sector.”
Project development: Energy
“They have a clear knowledge of regulations, as well of the business approach required to serve in the interest of the company.”
Founded in 1991, Dentons Paz Horowitz offers its services to a diverse set of clients including NGOs, multinational companies and family businesses. The firm has one office in Quito. In 2021, the firm officially launched its combination with Dentons, which now has a presence in 28 countries in the Latin America region and over 80 countries worldwide.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm has a wealth of experience in setting up and establishing foreign companies in Ecuador, enabling business to obtain the licenses necessary to operate and structure the business for the jurisdiction.
Key clients
Key clients for the firm include Air France, Royal Caribbean, Agip Oil Ecuador, Baker Hughes, Nokia Alcatel-Lucent, Mafer Real Estate Holding and Automotores y Anexos AYASA
Client feedback: 31st edition (2020/2021)
Bank lending: Lender side
"Detailed review of loan agreement - analysis and recommendation for applicable laws in Ecuador - detailed review of promissory notes in Ecuador."
Project development
"Partner accessibility. Resources available in broad areas of law. Responsive. Innovative problem-solving. Absorb large workload, execute and meet time deadlines."
"The firm has a great network and relationship with all areas of the local government that allowed us to have a direct relationship when arranging all requirements for the investment contract, discussing them directly prior to submitting them in a timely matter. I also greatly appreciate the adequate follow-up they always do, keeping us informed on every step and making things happened. The technical experience and legal know-how were also very valuable when applying the different concepts to reach the best possible tax benefit scenario."
Project development: Infrastructure
"Always willing to help and provide proper advice."
Project development: Mining
"They are experts in the mining space and their reputation proceeds then in a country of problems."
Project finance
"This law firm supports us on a daily basis for all general legal matters in Ecuador, including tax, finance, labour, litigation, commercial and general corporative matters."
"PH are very knowledgeable around the Ecuadorian law and especially in the sector where our company operates. Their advice is valuable and reliable."
Restructuring: Corporate
"Solution-based legal alternatives, access to partners and legal team always available seven days a week, instruction/execution on deliverables, resources appropriately applied to urgent matters."
Founded in 1956, Bustamante & Bustamante advises corporate clients, local and international, in a variety of financial matters. It is based in Quito.
Focusses / specialisms
The financial and corporate group is capable in a variety of areas, including M&A, private equity, project finance, credit agreements, loans and refinancing.
Key clients
Notable clients for the firm include Phoenix Tower International, Itaú Corpbanca, Banco Santander, Credicorp / Scotiabank and European Investment Bank.
Noboa Peña Larrea & Torres was founded in 2003. It has two locations, with offices in Quito and Guayaquil. The firm is a member of the Martindale network.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm advises public and private entities in corporate and M&A matters. It advises both buyers and sellers. In terms of banking work the firm assists in loans.
The projects team is strong in energy and mining work, where it advises international and Ecuadorian investors in bids and renewable and non-renewable development.
Key clients
Key clients for the firm include Nestle, Goldman Sachs, Roddome Pharmaceutical, Citibank and Banco Santander.
Client feedback: 31st edition (2020/2021)
Asset finance
“Complete local knowledge in assessing all needs of the company to do due diligence of the company to be purchased."
Investment fund: Retail funds
"They have a lot of experience so we trust in this firm."
M&A
"Extensive knowledge on the subject. Good at communicating all aspects of the deal in terms easy to understand for non-lawyers."
Project development: Energy
"They have a great team, very good knowledge of the energy field."
"Knowledgeable of the industry and very diligent."
Highlights
The firm’s corporate work was complex, involving navigating challenges of family-owned businesses. In one instance, the firm advised the Ripaldi Family as Hunter in the restructuring of the family business. This was complex due to the family’s businesses in Ecuador, Peru and Colombia.
In another interesting matter, the firm advised Grupo Fajardo in its strategic investment designated to the initiation of an animal feed processing plant. This matter also involved a crucial asset acquisition related to the plant operations.
Key clients
Anheuser-Busch InBev, The Tesalia Springs Company, Grupo Fajardo, Odema, Minutocorp and Betterfly Ecuador.
Testimonials
Project development
“They are very professional, not only on the law side but also on the negotiation side. Very entrepreneurially orientated.”
Fernanda Guzman Amador
“Assertive and good communication.”
Daniel Pino
"Very proactive and business and finance oriented. Also knowledgeable of the law.”
Founded in 1948, Apolo Abogados has grown to four offices across Ecuador. Located in Guayaquil, Quito, Manta and Machala, the firm is best known for corporate and M&A advice. Apolo Abogados is recognized for its work in the aquaculture, fishing and food services industries. It also advises clients in the auto and consumer goods and services industries. The firm assists clients with acquisitions, corporate restructurings, mergers and other corporate transactional services.
Highlights
The firm’s banking and M&A practice was active on cross-border transactions including a maritime acquisition financing. The firm advised MANTARAYA FISHING CORPORATION.
The firm’s M&A practice was also involved in another cross-border acquisition, specifically regarding INDUSTRIAL PESQUERA SANTA PRISCILA being partially acquired by Mitsui & Co.
Again, in banking and finance, the firm advised ANDINO CHEMICHAL DEL ECUADOR ANDICHEM in a cross-border credit agreement awarded by Comerica Bank.
Key clients
Metal House, Towerbank, Industrial Pesquera Santa Priscila
Testimonials
“Highest level of knowledge, impeccable service.” (Project Development client)
Founded in 1997, ECIJA is a global, Iberian-American firm with initial roots in Spain. Since its conception, it has expanded to include 30 offices in 16 countries across the western hemisphere, in addition to maintaining an international China desk. As a result of its merger with Ecuadorian firm GPA Abogados, the firm’s presence now includes four locations across Ecuador in Cuenca, Guayaquil, Manta and the capital city of Quito.
Focusses/specialisms
The firm is noted for its activity in the financial and corporate sphere, particularly in the practice of M&A, as well as in project development. The firm is particularly active in the energy and transportation sectors.
Key clients
Among the firm’s key clients are Alstom, CIM, the NGE Group and Ineo UTS.
Founded in 1956, Bustamante & Bustamante advises corporate clients, both local and international, in a variety of financial matters. It is based in Quito.
Focusses / specialisms
The financial and corporate group is capable in a variety of areas, including M&A, private equity, project finance, credit agreements, loans and refinancing.
Key clients
Notable clients of the firm include Veolia, Nomura Securities, AT&T, Grupo Werthein, DirecTV, Seguros Equinoccial, Equivida Compañía de Seguros, Barnana, Goldman Sachs, Credit Suisse and Phoenix Tower International Ecuador.
Robalino Abogados is a prominent Ecuadorian law and business consulting firm founded in 2020 following the transition from Ferrere’s Ecuador practice. With offices in Quito, Guayaquil, Machala, and Manta, the firm offers multidisciplinary services to a wide range of clients, from startups to multinational corporations. Robalino is especially recognized for its expertise in finance, advising development banks and international lenders across various sectors. The firm also has deep experience in the energy industry and is active in mergers and acquisitions, representing both buyers and sellers in complex cross-border transactions. Its integrated approach and regional reach position it as a key player in Ecuador’s legal market.
Highlights
The firm offers multidisciplinary legal and business consulting services to a wide range of clients, from startups to multinational corporations. It is recognized for its strong finance practice, advising development banks and international lenders across various sectors. Robalino also brings deep expertise in the energy sector and is active in mergers and acquisitions, representing both buyers and sellers in complex cross-border transactions. Its integrated approach, regional reach, and commitment to innovation position it as a key player in Ecuador’s legal market.
Key Publishable: DA VITA INC., DFC (Development Finance Corporation)
Testimonials
“Especialidad, experiencia y buena comunicación” (Project development client)
Galo Guarderas
“Siempre con disposición y mucho conocimiento”
ROBALINO: Strategic Excellence in Ecuadorian Finance
ROBALINO is a premier full-service law and CPA firm with five strategic offices across Ecuador. We provide multidisciplinary solutions for complex cross-border transactions and regulatory challenges, bridging local expertise with global standards.
Our finance and corporate practices are led by a powerhouse team: Javier Robalino-Orellana (International Strategy), Josemaría Bustamante (Banking & Finance), Martín Pallares (M&A & Real Estate), Daniel Robalino (Corporate & Banking), and Rafael Serrano (Banking & Finance). This cohesive leadership combines decades of experience to serve as the trusted partner for multinational corporations and financial institutions navigating the Ecuadorian market.
