Department profile
Arias, Fábrega & Fábrega

Corporate/M&A

Latin America Guide 2027 : Panama

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Arias, Fábrega & Fábrega

Rankings

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

  • Fanatics' acquisition of FexPro
  • Moody’s Corporation's acquisition of SCRiesgo
  • PSA Marine Americas’ acquisition of a 45% stake in Meyer's Tugs
  • US$60 million Hyatt Hotels' acquisition of Mr & Mrs Smith 
  • US$36 million Lenus Capital Partners’ acquisition of the Medicadiz Hospital
  • Inversiones Atlántida's acquisition of Pacific Bank
  • IMC Alimentação's sale of its restaurant operations at Tocumen Airport
  • Mediam Group's sale of a minority stake to Aleph Group
  • Stonepeak - U$2.7 billion acquisition of Lumen Latin American Business.
  • Simon Property - Sale of Forever 21’s Panamanian and Latin American operations to AR Holdings.
  • McDermott International - Merger deal with Chicago Bridge & Iron Company (CB&I)

Clients (13)

  • JPMorgan Securities Inc.
  • Banco General
  • Global Bank
  • Bank of America Merrill Lynch
  • Citibank / Citigroup Global Markets
  • Goldman Sachs
  • Morgan Stanley & Co Incorporated
  • Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior (Bladex)
  • Caribbean Property Group, LLC
  • E. León Jimenes
  • McDermott International
  • Inchcape
  • 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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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Arias, Fábrega & Fábrega advised Cemex on the sale of its operations in Panama to Grupo Estrella.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Arias, Fábrega & Fábrega's lawyers demonstrate rigorous attention to detail and compliance, excel in complex and at times challenging negotiations, and offer sound strategic judgement for difficult decisions. Their response times are unmatched, as is the quality of their deliverables, and their understanding of our business and commercial objectives is second to none.

    Corporate/M&A respondentLatin America

  • Arias, Fábrega & Fábrega has strong corporate and M&A expertise and a practical, business-oriented approach. The team is consistently responsive and identifies issues early, helping deals move forward more efficiently.

    Corporate/M&A respondentLatin America

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 widely recognised in Panama for his legal expertise, creativity and vision. His ability to look beyond conventional approaches enables him to develop effective solutions to complex challenges and distinguishes him as a leader in the legal profession.

      Corporate/M&A respondentLatin America
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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.

    • Andrés Rubinoff is an excellent negotiator with strong business and commercial judgement. His sincerity, combined with his ability to navigate difficult conversations, makes him a trusted adviser.

      Corporate/M&A respondentLatin America
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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.

    • Estif Aparicio is a skilled lawyer with extensive experience and a strong understanding of his clients’ needs. His commitment to his clients is absolute and he maintains a strategic approach, always striving to add value to their businesses.

      Corporate/M&A respondentLatin America
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  • Javier Yap Endara
    Javier Yap Endara

    Javier Yap Endara

    Javier Yap Endara is noted in the Panamanian corporate and M&A market for his work on acquisitions, disposals and cross-border transactions.

    • Javier Yap Endara is excellent in negotiations, with exceptional business judgement and the ability to look beyond immediate issues. He is also an effective communicator.

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

Panama

Members

Provided by Arias, Fábrega & Fábrega

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