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Rankings published in 2026

Ferrere is a firm with a strong South American presence, with offices in Bolivia, Paraguay and Uruguay.

 

Focusses / specialisms 

Financial and corporate work for the firm sees it advise in debt capital markets, project finance, banking and M&A.  The capital market team stands out for its work on sustainability bonds and the M&A work for the firm sees it advise on complex local and cross-border transactions.

 

Key clients

Clients for the firm include Mobile Cash, a subsidiary of Millicom, Interfisa Banco, IDB Invest, IFC, Itau and CAF.

 

Client feedback: 31st edition (2020/2021)

Financial services regulatory

"The law firm has experts in various fields that have a wide experience within the public sector, which gives them an understanding of how the public sector works and how to execute changes within policy to bolster the private sector."

 

M&A

"Experts on property, labour, corporate secretarial and statutory matters. Along with their accountancy firm partners, they also provide tax and audit services."

"Good knowledge of the local market, good expertise, amazing responsiveness."

 

Restructuring: Corporate

"Analytical advice, super fast responses."

Attention to detail, specialized lawyers on each specific legal topic, professionalism, straightforward and forward looking, anticipating potential company's needs and issues."

Established in 1951, BKM | Berkemeyer is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious law firms in Paraguay. They provide expert advice in all areas of business law with a particular focus on the clients' individual business needs. Due to their creative vision, the profile of their clients and the breadth of talented partners they maintain a competitive advantage in the market. The firm is active in all areas of financial and corporate as well as project development, often representing developers in multi-jurisdictional matters.  

  

Highlights

Advising a private investor in the first project finance for a public-private partnership (PPP) in Paraguay, focusing on the design, financing, construction, operation, and maintenance of two toll roads BKM displays its commitment to innovation and quality legal work. They are also providing legal assistance to Consorcio Así Paraguay, a consortium formed by two Spanish companies, in managing the public contract for the construction of a wastewater treatment plant which will have a significant impact in the region. 

 

Key clients  

Rutas del Este, Consorcio DC Stiler, Centro Médico Jerovia, NeoGreen Hydrogen Corporation, Monsanto/Bayer Paraguay 

Vouga Abogados, with over 30 years of experience, is a leading Paraguayan firm specializing in financial, corporate, and project development. The firm operates from offices in Asunción and Ciudad del Este, and maintains foreign desks in Brazil, Germany, Spain, France, and the US. Vouga Abogados excels across all practice areas, representing strategic buyers, sellers, and investors in acquisitions, restructurings, and incorporations. It also represents borrowers and lenders in various financings, including project finance transactions. The project development team supports financial sponsors and developers in oil, gas, and infrastructure projects, often involving acquisitions.

 

Highlights  

In 2024, the firm advised Paracel and its subsidiary Paracel Forestal on financing Paraguay’s largest private investment—the development of a pulp mill on the Paraguay River. Counsel included a loan from Sudameris Bank, a credit facility from Banco Nacional de Fomento, and the extension of a syndicated loan with an innovative structure secured by future carbon credits, marking a pioneering step in sustainable finance. The firm also represented Proparco in structuring a credit facility to Banco Río, supporting gender equality and financial inclusion through programs for women-led projects. Both matters showcase the firm’s expertise in complex, transformative transactions with significant economic and social impact. 

 

Key Clients 

Key clients include American Tower Company, Banco Atlas, CAF, Marriott, OikocreditParacelProparco, Puma Energy and Teixeira Duarte. 

 

Testimonials 

Excellent teamwork.” (Banking)  

“The firm has a wide range of services, responsiveness and subject matter expertise.” (Financial Services regulatory)  

The firm has great professionalism and provides personalized attention.” (M&A)  

“The firm provides Precise and technical opinions.” (Project development)  

“Belen Rodriguez has great responsiveness.” (Banking client)  

“Cecilia Vera provides personalized attention and interest in knowing the business.” (M&A client) 

Carlos Vouga is straight to the point in his legal opinions.” (Project development client) 

“Rodolfo Vouga is very smart and business oriented.” (FInancial services regulatory client) 

“Rodolfo Vouga has professionalism, flexibility and expertise.” (M&A client) 

Berkemeyer Attorneys and Councelors, or BKM for short, was founded in 1951 and since then has become a major player in the Paraguayan market. The firm is in Asunción.  

 

Focusses / specialisms 

The firm is active in both the financial and corporate and project development practice areas. In financial and corporate, the firm works in mergers and acquisitions as well as banking and capital markets. In projects, the teams work often focuses on infrastructure and includes PPP as well as project finance matters. 

 

Key clients 

Key clients include Astarte Capital Partners, Johnson & Johnson, Master Card, Monsanto/Bayer Paraguay and Pearson Education. 

 

Research period review: 33rd edition (2022/2023) 

During the research period the firm was active in financial and corporate and project development.  

The financial and corporate team worked on payments and fintech, mergers and acquisitions, loans and bond placements. 

The project development team was particularly active in PPPs, with a focus on infrastructure. 

 

Deal highlights: 33rd edition (2022/2023) 

Omega Green $800 million project financing 

Centro Médico Jerovia $180 million project development 

NeoGreen Hydrogen $500m green hydrogen plant development 

 

Client feedback: 33rd edition (2022/2023) 

Financial services regulatory 

They are notable for their availability to deliver opinions and content in a very expedient manner, for their exceptional knowledge of all items discussed, and a reasonable cost structure that is always agreed in advance. 

Professionalism, ethics, knowledge and expertise. 

 

M&A 

They were very responsive, always providing solutions in time and in full depth. Very good at covering all aspects and providing pragmatic solutions. 

 

Project development 

Quick turnaround and comprehensive advice. 

 

Project finance 

Berkemeyer has one of the strongest teams in financing and infrastructure matters in Paraguay. 

 

Restructuring 

A generalist law office with great lawyers and quick responses. 

They have been an incredible support for our organisation, in particular because we're a non-profit organisation that works with corporate sustainability, they have understood our need and accepted to work pro bono with us. BKM's support at the important transformation we're facing for the reorganisation gives us also confidence, to be supported by such an important and respected law firm as BKM. 

 

Alexander Berkemeyer 

First quality to us is the interest he shows at every situation we bring to the table, as well as towards the work we develop in terms of sustainability for the private sector. The second, and most valuable for us, is the quick responses we receive from him, despite the fact that the firm are providing this support pro bono. 

 

Martin Carlevaro 

Notable for his availability to deliver opinions and content in a very expedient manner, exceptional knowledge of all items discussed, and a reasonable cost structure that is always agreed in advance. 

 

Milena Sljivich 

Very kind and attentive to what we are asking for. 

Interpersonal skills, in-depth knowledge, native English-speaking. 

Always available and on top of matters. Very professional with very deep understanding of her subject matter. Extremely reliable. 

 

Jorge Peralta Sosa 

In-depth knowledge in the labour and corporate area. 

Estudio Jurídico Gross Brown, founded in Asunción in 1944, has grown to become one of Paraguay’s most esteemed law firms. Renowned for its excellence across all practice areas, the firm particularly excels in financial and corporate law, as well as project development. In the financial and corporate sector, it represents clients in general corporate matters, including investment-grade and sovereign bond issuances. In project finance, the firm supports developers across various industries. 

 

Highlights 

The firm provided advisory services on a syndicated loan for the construction of Distrito La Perseverancia. Additionally, they advised their regular clients Citigroup Global Capital Markets and Itaú BBA USA Securities, as joint bookrunners and dealer managers in the twelfth issuance of sovereign bonds in the international market. This demonstrates the firm’s proficiency in handling complex matters and highlights their high standard of service, which fosters strong client relationships 

 

Key Clients 

Starlink, Sudameris Bank, Bank of American Securities, Citibank, Paraguayan Bank Association

 

Testimonials 

A great deal of experience and practical advice to avoid pitfalls” (Project Development) 

Estudio Jurídico Gross Brown
3 practice areas
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Gross Brown has been providing top-tier legal services in Paraguay since 1944. The Firm provides comprehensive legal advice with a simple approach and a global perspective to a diverse portfolio of clients, ranging from financial institutions and corporations to non-profit organizations and individuals. The team comprises highly trained and renowned professionals in several areas of practice, with great experience in the most basic to the most complex aspects of legal practice.

Vouga Abogados
2 practice areas
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With a team of professionals with experience spanning more than three decades, Vouga Abogados is one of the most prominent and experienced law firms in Paraguay.

Vouga Abogados is a full service firm that advises large and small businesses, financial and multilateral credit institutions, NGOs, public entities and individuals, complying with the most stringent ethical standards. Our client base includes a significant number of Fortune 500 companies operating across a broad range of industries.

The Firm has a solid team of legal and accounting professionals, organized in practice groups whose leaders are widely recognized in their fields. Our firm's focus on responsiveness, which is built on strong investments in human resources and technology, enables us to render world-class services in a time-efficient manner. In fact, the team has lead several of the most relevant transactions in the country during the last years.

With offices in Asunción and Ciudad del Este, a regional reach and an international outlook, Vouga Abogados is one of the largest law firms in the country and a main point of call for doing business in Paraguay.

BKM | Berkemeyer
3 practice areas
View full profile

Established in 1951, BKM | Berkemeyer provides expert legal services to local and foreign clients, gaining global reputation for quality, responsiveness and in-depth expertise. Berkemeyer is recognized by the ability to meet clients’ needs directly, providing practical advice, high quality work through teamwork and collaboration. The team is experienced to lead sophisticated transactional work and to advise clients on their day-to-day operations in Paraguay. Our practice’s strength comes from partnering with clients and understanding their business, and from keeping a strong pulse on the local and international markets to anticipate trends and help clients understand Paraguay’s legal and business landscape.

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Deal Highlights
66 results66 results
Deal Name Deal Date Firm Name Jurisdiction Deal Type Lawyer Names Client Names Client Role
CPC Corp Taiwan - Project development
2022-02-24
Vouga Abogados
Paraguay
Project development
Rodrigo Fernández, Carlos Vouga
CPC Corp Taiwan
Concession company
AMERICAN TOWERS Corp (ATC) / BLUE TRANSFER SA (ATC PARAGUAYAN SUBSIDIARY) - M&A
2022-02-24
Vouga Abogados
Paraguay
M&A
Rodrigo Fernandez, Rodolfo G Vouga
AMERICAN TOWERS Corp (ATC) / BLUE TRANSFER SA (ATC PARAGUAYAN SUBSIDIARY)
Acquirer
CIC RESOURCES - Project development
2022-02-24
Vouga Abogados
Paraguay
Project development
Rodolfo Vouga
CIC RESOURCES
Concessionaire
Citigroup Global Markets; Goldman Sachs - Bond issue
2022-01-15
Estudio Jurídico Gross Brown
Paraguay
Bond issue
Sigfrido Gross Brown
Citigroup Global Markets, Goldman Sachs
Underwriter
BNP Paribas; Goldman Sachs International; Morgan Stanley; Nomura International - Bond issue
2022-08-02
Estudio Jurídico Gross Brown
Paraguay
Bond issue
Sigfrido Gross Brown
BNP Paribas, Goldman Sachs International, Morgan Stanley, Nomura International
Underwriter
Acciona Agua SA (Sucursal Paraguay) - Project development
2022-02-24
BKM | Berkemeyer
Paraguay
Project development
Martín Carlevaro
Acciona Agua SA (Sucursal Paraguay)
Contractor
Agar Cross Paraguaya SA and Dow Agrosciences Paraguay SA (CORTEVA Group) - M&A
2022-02-24
BKM | Berkemeyer
Paraguay
M&A
Hugo Berkemeyer
Agar Cross Paraguaya SA and Dow Agrosciences Paraguay SA (CORTEVA Group)
Acquirer
Ambipar Participacoes e Empreendimentos SA - M&A
2022-01-02
Estudio Jurídico Gross Brown
Paraguay
M&A
Sigfrido Gross Brown
Ambipar Participacoes e Empreendimentos SA
Merger party
Caja de Valores del Paraguay SA - Joint venture
2021-01-05
BKM | Berkemeyer
Paraguay
Joint venture
Martín Carlevaro
Caja de Valores del Paraguay SA
Joint venture partner
Banco Continental SAECA - Financing
2022-02-24
BKM | Berkemeyer
Paraguay
Financing
Hugo Berkemeyer
Banco Continental SAECA
Lender
Banco Itaú Paraguay - Financing
2021-08-15
Estudio Jurídico Gross Brown
Paraguay
Financing
Sigfrido Gross Brown
Banco Itaú Paraguay
Lender
Bank of America Merrill Lynch - Financing
2021-09-15
Estudio Jurídico Gross Brown
Paraguay
Financing
Sigfrido Gross Brown
Bank of America Merrill Lynch
Lender
Bearing Agro SAE - M&A
2022-02-24
BKM | Berkemeyer
Paraguay
M&A
Hugo Berkemeyer
Bearing Agro SAE
Merger party
BofA Securities - Bond issue
2021-07-15
Estudio Jurídico Gross Brown
Paraguay
Bond issue
Sigfrido Gross Brown
BofA Securities
Underwriter
BTG PACTUAL - Financing
2021-02-15
Estudio Jurídico Gross Brown
Paraguay
Financing
Sigfrido Gross Brown
BTG PACTUAL
Lender
CINVEN - M&A
2022-02-15
Estudio Jurídico Gross Brown
Paraguay
M&A
Sigfrido Gross Brown
CINVEN
Acquirer
Citibank NA – US DFC - Financing
2021-08-15
Estudio Jurídico Gross Brown
Paraguay
Financing
Sigfrido Gross Brown
Citibank NA – US DFC
Lender
COFCO Corporation - IPO
2021-09-15
Estudio Jurídico Gross Brown
Paraguay
IPO
Sigfrido Gross Brown
COFCO Corporation
Issuer
Consorcio Asi Paraguay - Project development
2022-02-24
BKM | Berkemeyer
Paraguay
Project development
Martín Carlevaro
Consorcio Asi Paraguay
Contractor
Consorcio Corredor Vial Bioceanico - Project development
2021-01-08
BKM | Berkemeyer
Paraguay
Project development
Martín Carlevaro
Consorcio Corredor Vial Bioceanico
Sponsor
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By Firm
8 results8 results
Firm Name Jurisdiction Total Deals Deals (Last 12 Months)
BKM | Berkemeyer
Paraguay
22
0
Bufete Aguirre Quintanilla Soria & Nishizawa
Bolivia
1
0
Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton
2
0
Estudio Jurídico Gross Brown
Paraguay
22
0
Ferrere
Paraguay
3
0
Milbank
2
0
Parquet & Associates
Paraguay
1
0
Vouga Abogados
Paraguay
13
0
IFLR1000
IFLR1000 speaks with Hugo Berkemeyer and Martín Carlevaro of Berkemeyer Attorneys and Counselors about the Route 2 and Route 7 highway PPPs in Paraguay and the country’s project development market
IFLR1000
IFLR1000 analyses some of the main projects and market trends in the sectors in Latin America
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