Garrigues integrates Chilean firm BSVV, adding 11 new partners
Garrigues and Chilean law firm Barros, Silva, Varela & Vigil (BSVV) have agreed to merge their Chilean practices under the Garrigues brand. Under the terms of the agreement, BSVV’s 11 partners will join the Garrigues partnership. The deal, which still requires formal approval from both firms’ partner meetings, will produce a combined team of more than 130 lawyers, including 24 partners, capable of advising across all areas of business law.
Deal details
The two firms describe their practices as highly complementary in terms of both advisory approach and market positioning. Contractual documents are expected to be finalised over the coming weeks before being submitted to the respective partners’ meetings for ratification.
BSVV is a full-service firm that has operated in the Chilean legal market for over a decade, with more than 50 lawyers and coverage across more than 20 practice areas. The integration is expected to generate synergies by combining Garrigues’ international network with BSVV’s knowledge of the local market. This transaction follows the integration of Sánchez Devanny into Garrigues Mexico in 2025.
Fernando Vives, Garrigues’ executive chairman, stated that “we are highly satisfied with this integration which, following the transaction in Mexico last year, confirms Garrigues’ interest in retaining its leading position in Latin America. Garrigues’ partners and BSVV’s partners share the same values and objectives relating to excellence in client service. We are convinced of the success of the common project we are starting”.
Luis Felipe Merino, partner in charge of the Garrigues office in Chile, is of the view that “it is a privilege to be able to combine with BSVV, a firm of young professionals, notable for its major growth over recent years. The complementary match between practices and the similarity of their cultures which we have identified in our conversations place us in an excellent position to stay at the forefront of the Chilean market together, underpinned by our commitment to our professionals and clients”.
Fernando Barros Vial, partner at Barros, Silva, Varela & Vigil, noted that “by integrating with Garrigues we are taking a fundamental strategic step which is fully aligned with the objectives we have crafted at BSVV. The transaction will enable us to strengthen our leading position in Chile, take a definitive leap forward in institutionalization, enhance our talent development, and build on innovation to confront the challenges presented by today’s market. We are joining a first class human and professional group, which fills us with pride and motivates us to continue on the path of service to our clients and collaborators”.
Strategic rationale
The move deepens Garrigues’ footprint in Chile at a time of moderate economic recovery in the country. The firm, which already has offices in Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru, has been active in Latin America for more than 50 years and operates across 12 countries on four continents. In 2025, Garrigues posted revenues of €527.69 million, with its international business — representing more than 17% of total revenue — growing 44.5% year on year.
The combined entity is positioned to offer clients a one-stop shop for regional and cross-border advisory services across Latin America.
The integration reflects a broader trend of international law firms consolidating their Latin American platforms through local tie-ups. For BSVV, the deal represents a strategic step towards greater institutionalisation and talent development, according to the firm’s own characterisation of the transaction.
Photo: Garrigues’ entrance in the corporate headquarters of Madrid’s Torres de Colón.
