¡Viva México!
Garrigues and Pérez-Llorca lead expansion in Mexico with key integrations strengthening their position in Latin America and creating a transnational collaboration model in the legal sector. Iberian Lawyer discusses this with Javier Ybáñez and Iván Delgado
by ilaria iaquinta
Mexico whets the appetite of Spanish law firms. In recent months, two of the most prominent firms, Garrigues and Pérez-Llorca, have made strategic strides in their expansion within Mexico.
Garrigues has announced its integration with Sánchez Devanny, which is expected to be finalised in the fourth quarter of 2024, once the confirmatory due diligence process is completed and the final terms of the agreement are settled (here the news), while Pérez-Llorca has finalised its merger with González Calvillo, following its announcement in spring (here the news). These mergers not only bolster the presence of both firms in Latin America but also represent a significant step towards creating a more cohesive and interconnected transnational legal market.
Iberian Lawyer interviewed the international executive partners of both Spanish firms to analyse the implications of these integrations and their expectations for the future.
PÉREZ-LLORCA AND GONZÁLEZ CALVILLO
In July, Pérez-Llorca completed its integration with González Calvillo, another renowned legal firm in Mexico, thereby consolidating its presence in one of Latin America’s most dynamic markets. This operation, announced in April, significantly expands Pérez-Llorca’s service offerings and opens new business opportunities in the region.
Pérez-Llorca views Mexico as a natural market for expansion. “Mexico is not only the most populous Spanish-speaking country with a GDP of $2 trillion, but it is also a thriving and developed economy, larger than the combined totals of Spain and Portugal where Pérez-Llorca was already operating”, states Iván Delgado, international executive partner. He further emphasises that Mexico’s strategic location, along with cultural and economic ties to Spain, and the interconnectedness between the business communities of both countries, makes it fertile ground for the firm’s growth. “We are confident that the strong and sophisticated Mexican legal industry will continue to develop, grow, and consolidate in the coming years, and with the integration of the elite firm González Calvillo, we are positioned and equipped to contribute positively and significantly to that process of institutionalisation”.
The merger is a full integration, meaning that both teams and strategic objectives are unified, a factor that distinguishes Pérez-Llorca from other international firms operating in the country. “We do not conceive of this union as an alliance but as an integration in the strictest sense of the word, and we believe this is something that sets us apart from other firms”, explains Delgado. “Pérez-Llorca enters Mexico through the integration of an elite firm with nearly 40 years of experience in the country, boasting extensive regional and global connections due to its renowned transactional work. This gives us profound knowledge of the Mexican business landscape, its specificities, and present and future needs”, he notes. Moreover, this integration is based on a relationship of over two decades between both firms, which has facilitated the establishment of shared culture and standards, easing the consolidation of this union.
