Department profile
Arias, Fábrega & Fábrega

Corporate/M&A

Global Guide 2026 : Panama

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Arias, Fábrega & Fábrega

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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
Emergent Cold Latin America - Acquisition of Galores Group.
Stonepeak - U$2.7 billion acquisition of Lumen Latin American Business.
Fertica - Sale of Panama’s assets to DISAGRO.
Simon Property - Sale of Forever 21’s Panamanian and Latin American operations to AR Holdings.
Rey Holding Corp. - Sale of 73 percent stake to Corporación Favorita.
Cable Onda - Sale of 80 percent stake to Millicom LIH, S.A.
McDermott International - Merger deal with Chicago Bridge & Iron Company (CB&I)
E. León Jimenes - restructuring of its joint venture with Ambev, S.A.
Assicurazioni Generali S.p.A. - asset sale agreement with respect to its Panamanian operations to ASSA Compañía de Seguros, S.A. for US$172 million.

Clients (13)

  • 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 (15)

  • 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

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Corporate/M&A - Panama

Band 1

What the Team is Known For
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.
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Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Arias, Fábrega & Fábrega's team is responsive, attentive and detail-oriented. It leaves no stone unturned, making us feel protected. Its lawyers put themselves in our shoes.

    Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal

  • The team at Arias, Fábrega & Fábrega has high technical knowledge, experience and analytical capacity. Its service is unbeatable, due to the depth, scope and opportunity of the advice given.

    Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Ricardo M Arango
    Ricardo M Arango

    Ricardo M Arango

    Senior statesperson Ricardo Arango boasts a significant practice advising clients on cross-border transactions. The market recognises him for his longstanding career in the Panamanian M&A domain.

    • Ricardo Arango is a maestro and a first-class lawyer.

      Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal
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  • Andrés Rubinoff
    Andrés Rubinoff

    Andrés Rubinoff

    Dynamic partner Andrés Rubinoff receives significant recognition from interviewees for his expert handling of complex M&A transactions in Panama. He is admitted to practice in the state of Florida as well as Panama.

    • Andrés Rubinoff is a lawyer with strategic vision and strong negotiation skills. More than an adviser he’s a business partner who helps maximise commercial opportunities.

      Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal
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  • Estif Aparicio
    Estif Aparicio

    Estif Aparicio

    Well-regarded partner Estif Aparicio is endorsed by market interviewees for his strong skills in the Panamanian corporate and M&A arenas. He is dual-qualified to practise in Panama and New York.

    • Estif Aparicio is a proactive lawyer who remains attentive and ready to support us in our commercial endeavours.

      Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal
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  • Javier Yap Endara
    Javier Yap Endara

    Javier Yap Endara

    Up-and-coming partner Javier Yap Endara receives acknowledgement from the Panamanian corporate and M&A market.

    • Javier Yap Endara is the most empathetic corporate lawyer I know, with a strong ability to turn business needs into creative legal solutions. He’s quick, helpful and highly intelligent.

      Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal
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Ranked Individuals at Arias, Fábrega & Fábrega (4)

Panama

Members

Provided by Arias, Fábrega & Fábrega

Arias, Fábrega & Fábrega has rankings in the following guides

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