Spanish giant Garrigues has reached an agreement to combine its operations in Chile with leading Chilean law firm Barros Silva Varela & Vigil (BSVV).
The terms of the deal are expected to be finalised shortly before being submitted to their respective partners.
Garrigues said the deal would combine its international presence with BSVV’s in-depth knowledge of the Chilean market.
The move is also intended to capitalise on Chile’s economic growth, which reached a relatively strong 2.5% last year, according to central bank data.
Overall, the combined Chilean team will comprise 130 lawyers, including 24 partners, with BSVV’s 11 current partners joining the Garrigues partnership.
The deal continues Garrigues’ strategy of expanding its footprint in Latin America, where it has offices in Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru.
Last year, the Spanish firm entered into a similar agreement with Mexican law firm Sánchez Devanny, creating the second-largest presence of any international law firm in the jurisdiction and establishing a key conduit for investment flows between the US and Europe.
Fernando Vives, Garrigues’ executive chairman, said: “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.”
Fernando Barros Vial, a partner at BSVV, described the deal as a “fundamental strategic step”.
He added: “The transaction will enable us to strengthen our leading position in Chile, take a definitive leap forward in institutionalisation, enhance our talent development and build on innovation to confront the challenges presented by today’s market.”
BSVV was founded in 2012 by a team of prominent partners. It has more than 50 lawyers working across 21 practice areas, including capital markets, financing and infrastructure.
It is ranked across a range of practice areas by Chambers and Partners, including corporate/M&A, where it is a Band 1 firm, alongside Baker McKenzie Chile, CEPD Abogados, DLA Piper Chile and Guerrero Olivos.
In February, Garrigues reported a 9.5% increase in global revenue for 2025, reaching €527.7m and consolidating its position as the largest law firm in the EU.
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