Garrigues integrates Chilean firm Barros, Silva, Varela & Vigil (BSVV)
This transaction will strengthen Garrigues’ position in Chile and solidify its leading position in Latin America
International tax and legal services firm Garrigues and Chilean law firm Barros, Silva, Varela & Vigil (BSVV), a multi-service law firm operating for over a decade in the Chilean legal market, have struck a deal to combine their practices in Chile, which will operate under the Garrigues brand.
They will complete the contractual documents over the coming weeks and submit the agreement to their respective partners’ meetings.
The integration of the two firms, which present a highly complementary match achieved from both their approach to advisory services and their positioning in the market, will result in the consolidation of a leading law firm in Chile, sustained by a team of over 130 lawyers (including 24 partners) and the capacity to provide comprehensive advisory services in all areas of business law. The transaction is also poised to prompt major synergies from combining Garrigues’ international strength with BSVV's extensive knowledge of the Chilean market, strategic vision and technical experience. BSVV’s 11 partners will join the Garrigues partnership.
Through this integration, Garrigues steps up its focus on Chile in a context of economic recovery in the country, showing signs of moderate growth underpinned by solid foundations and a good outlook. The transaction will also help the firm strengthen its position in Latin America by providing clients with a one-stop shop for regional and cross-border advisory services.
Garrigues’ focus on Latin America is strategic. With offices in Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru, the firm has gained more than 50 years’ experience in connection with the region. Its one-stop shop model means that for the coordination of projects and transactions it can draw on the support of an international network across 12 countries in 4 continents.
In 2025, Garrigues generated €527.69 million in revenues. Its international business, accounting for a share larger than 17% of the total, rose by 44.5% year on year. The main milestone of the year was the integration of Sanchez Devanny into Garrigues Mexico.
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”.