The international legal services firm Garrigues and the Chilean law firm Barros, Silva, Varela & Vigil, a full-service firm with more than a decade of experience in the Chilean legal market, have reached an agreement for the integration of their practices in Chile, which will operate under the Garrigues Brand

In the coming weeks, the contractual documentation will be finalized, and the agreement will be submitted to the respective partners’ meetings.

The integration of both firms, which are highly complementary both in their advisory approach and in their market positioning, will lead to the consolidation of a leading firm in Chile, with a team of more than 130 lawyers (including 24 partners) and the capacity to provide comprehensive advice across all areas of business law. Likewise, the transaction will generate synergies arising from the combination of BSVV’s deep knowledge of the Chilean market, strategic vision and technical expertise with Garrigues’ international strength. The 11 partners of BSVV will become integrated into Garrigues’ partnership.

For its part, through this integration, Garrigues strengthens its commitment to Chile in a context of the country’s economic recovery, marked by moderate growth but underpinned by solid fundamentals and favorable prospects. The transaction will also help consolidate the firm’s position in Latin America, providing its clients with a single platform for regional and cross-border advisory services.

Garrigues’ commitment to Latin America is strategic. With offices in Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru, the firm has accumulated more than 50 years of engagement with the region. Its one-stop shop model enables it to coordinate cross-border projects and transactions, supported by an international network in 12 countries across four continents.

Fernando Barros Vial, partner at Barros, Silva, Varela & Vigil, stated: “By integrating with Garrigues, we are taking a fundamental strategic step that is fully aligned with the objectives we have set for ourselves at BSVV. The transaction enables us to strengthen our leadership in Chile, make a decisive leap in institutionalization, reinforce the development of our talent, and drive innovation to address the challenges the market faces today. We are integrating into a first-rate human and professional group, which fills us with pride and motivates us to continue on our path of service to our clients and colleagues.”

Fernando Vives, Executive Chairman of Garrigues, said: “We are deeply satisfied with this integration which, following last year’s transaction in Mexico, confirms Garrigues’ interest in continuing to be a benchmark in Latin America. The partners of Garrigues and BSVV share the same values and objectives of excellence in client service. We are convinced of the success of the common project we are beginning.”

Luis Felipe Merino, partner in charge of Garrigues’ office in Chile, added: “It is a privilege to be able to integrate BSVV, a firm of young professionals that has stood out for significant growth in recent years. The complementarity of practices and the similarity of cultures that we have identified in our conversations place us in an excellent position to lead the Chilean market together, with a commitment to our professionals and clients.”