Mergers and Acquisitions in Latin America
Legal Advice in business Mergers and Acquisitions in Latin America
25+ years guiding M&A in Latin America with trusted legal expertise
At GLC Legal, we guide businesses, private equity firms, and international investors through the complex process of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) across Latin America. With over 25 years of experience and offices throughout the region, we provide strategic legal counsel, risk mitigation, and regulatory guidance to ensure your transactions are secure and successful.
Why Latin America for M&A?
Latin America offers a dynamic environment for mergers and acquisitions due to its emerging markets, growing consumer base, and increasing international investment. Whether you’re acquiring a fast-growing startup in Mexico, merging with a logistics company in Costa Rica, or divesting assets in Panama, our regional insight gives you a competitive edge.
Our M&A Legal Services
- We offer comprehensive legal services for every stage of the M&A process, including:
- Legal due diligence and red flag assessments
- Deal structuring and negotiation support
- Drafting and reviewing share purchase agreements (SPAs) and asset transfer agreements
- Antitrust and regulatory compliance (including SUGEF, CNBS, COFECE, etc.)
- Tax-efficient transaction structuring
- Cross-border coordination with foreign counsel
- Post-merger integration and compliance support
Country-Specific Expertise
- GLC Legal provides tailored support in the following jurisdictions:
- Costa Rica – M&A for tech, tourism, and medical services sectors.
- Mexico – Industrial, fintech, and startup acquisitions.
- Panama – Holding company and cross-border tax optimization.
- Dominican Republic – Real estate and hospitality-focused M&A.
- Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua – Mid-market M&A and regional consolidation strategies.
Case Study: Cross-Border Acquisition of a Logistics Firm
A U.S.-based logistics group engaged GLC Legal to acquire a regional transport company operating in Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Guatemala. We led the due diligence across jurisdictions, structured the share purchase agreement to meet compliance in all three countries, and coordinated post-closing labor transitions. The transaction closed successfully within 90 days.
Why Choose GLC Legal?
- Over 25 years advising foreign investors and multinational clients
- Multijurisdictional coordination with a single point of contact
- Deep bench of bilingual attorneys with regulatory and tax expertise
- Proven results in cross-border and regional M&A transactions
Schedule a Consultation
Whether you are acquiring a local company or participating in a regional merger, our team of M&A lawyers is ready to help you minimize risk and maximize opportunity.
Call us at +506 4052-2550 or email us at info@glclegal.com to speak with an M&A expert today.
FAQS
(Frequently Asked Questions on M&A in Latin America)
1- Q: What is the legal process for completing a merger or acquisition in Latin America?
A: The process typically includes due diligence, transaction structuring, regulatory approvals, contract negotiation, and post-closing integration. Each country may have specific local compliance and tax requirements.
2- Q: How long does an M&A transaction usually take in Latin America?
A: Timelines vary depending on the complexity and jurisdictions involved, but cross-border transactions typically take between 60 and 120 days, from due diligence to closing.
3. What are the biggest legal risks in M&A transactions in Latin America?
A: Common risks include regulatory compliance, labor liabilities, unclear property rights, tax exposure, and antitrust issues. Our team helps identify and mitigate these through thorough due diligence and strategic structuring.
4. Which industries are most active in M&A across Latin America?
A: Technology, logistics, healthcare, tourism, fintech, and energy are among the most active sectors for M&A in countries like Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, and the Dominican Republic.
5- Q: Does GLC Legal handle multi-country M&A transactions?
A: Yes. We specialize in multijurisdictional coordination across Central America and the Caribbean, offering a single point of contact and harmonized legal strategy.
6- Q: How does GLC Legal support foreign investors in Latin America?
A: We provide bilingual legal support, regulatory guidance, and tax-efficient transaction structures tailored to each country’s legal framework.
7- Q: Do M&A transactions in Latin America require antitrust approval?
A: Yes, in many cases. Authorities like COFECE (Mexico), SUGEF (Costa Rica), and CNBS (Honduras) may require prior approval depending on the transaction size and sector.
8- Q: Can GLC Legal help with post-merger integration?
A: Absolutely. We support legal compliance, labor transitions, and contract realignment to ensure smooth integration after the transaction closes.
9- Q: How is due diligence conducted across multiple Latin American countries?
A: GLC Legal manages coordinated due diligence efforts across all relevant jurisdictions through its network of expert lawyers based in several Latin American countries. We provide clients with consolidated risk reports, country-specific legal insights, and actionable recommendations to support informed decision-making.
10- Q: What sets GLC Legal apart in the Latin American M&A market?
A: Over 25 years of regional experience, bilingual legal teams, deep regulatory knowledge, and a strong track record in successful cross-border deals.
Contact Us
Tell us about your case and legal needs, and our multi Latin lawyers will get back to you as soon as possible to talk about how we can help you!
Costa Rica, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, Panamá, México, República Dominicana, EE.UU.