Kuri Breña, Sánchez Ugarte y Aznar played a central role in one of Mexico's most complex transactions of the year: the acquisition of Servicios Corporativos Javer by Vinte Viviendas Integrales. With a legal strategy spanning M&A, antitrust, securities, and finance, the firm navigated a 16-month process involving multiple regulatory bodies and stakeholders. In this interview, the team at Kuri Breña shares insights into the legal challenges behind the deal, how they structured it for a smooth transition, and the firm's broader approach to supporting clients through Mexico's evolving corporate landscape.
In this exclusive interview, we sit down with Luis Octavio Núñez, Partner at Kuri Breña, Sánchez Ugarte y Aznar. Luis discusses the complexities behind one of Mexico's most significant recent M&A transactions-the acquisition of Servicios Corporativos Javer by Vinte Viviendas Integrales-and shares how his firm is navigating a rapidly evolving corporate landscape while positioning itself at the forefront of legal innovation and strategic client support.
Luis, Congratulations on your recognition in the 2025 Finance Monthly Deal Maker Awards. What does this achievement mean to you and Kuri Breña, Sánchez Ugarte y Aznar?
Thank you. It is indeed a paramount achievement derived from the great opportunity that our firm had to participate in all stages of this complex and relevant transaction, of a very important client that we have advised in numerous transactions since 2008, that is, for more than 17 years.
Can you walk us through your role in the acquisition of Servicios Corporativos Javer by Vinte Viviendas Integrales? What were the key legal challenges in this transaction?
Our firm advised Vinte in the preliminary stage of the evaluation and acquisition and through the M&A process, antitrust analysis, filing and clearance, securities regulatory approvals and tender offer process, corporate and creditors approvals, as well as equity and debt financing for the acquisition from various investors and lenders, including debt offering in the capital markets. The whole process lasted approximately 16 months.
The key legal challenges related to coordinating the various stages and parties involved, including investors, lenders and law firms, to achieve a smooth closing of the tender offer on the targeted closing date and tight deadline. All involve different practice areas and regulatory authorities.
How did Kuri Breña structure the deal to ensure a smooth transition, and what strategies were used to address regulatory and compliance complexities?
The different stages were led by a partner expert in their respective practice area, supported by a team of associates, all closely coordinated among us, the client, counterparty, co-counsel and opposing counsels.
Filings for regulatory approvals were carefully reviewed and prepared, in close coordination with all parties involved, to ensure comprehensive and consistent work to secure unconditional and timely approvals.
With Mexico's evolving corporate landscape, what trends are currently shaping M&A deals, and how does your firm help clients navigate them?
We focus on studying constantly, and recent legal reforms to identify potential challenges, obstacles, opportunities, alternatives and solutions for our clients and be close to their business needs to provide value-added solutions and careful analysis of such evolving landscape within their respective business activities and industries.
Beyond transactional work, how does Kuri Breña support its clients in long-term corporate strategy, governance, and risk management?
Our firm's strategy includes constant study and evaluation of market trends for public companies, best practices and compliance requirements of sustainability, including ESG framework compliance requirements, as well as transparency and accountability. This allows us to better advise them in business and investing opportunities that require such assessment or compliance.
What sectors does Kuri Breña specialize in, and how does this expertise give your clients a competitive edge in complex corporate deals?
Large and complex businesses in various industries and commercial sectors, including manufacturing and logistics, automotive, real estate development, and financial sector, among others. The specialized and deep knowledge of the legal framework applicable to different industries and commercial sectors allows us to be prepared to assist a wide range of clients and combine the required expertise applicable to each case and demand.
With cross-border transactions becoming more frequent, how does your firm assist international clients in navigating Mexico's legal framework?
We focus on constant efforts of continued education for our legal professionals regarding existing and evolving legal frameworks which may be relevant and applicable to international clients in the different industries and commercial sectors, in order to be able to efficiently describe and summarize the appropriate and important issues and requirements for each specific case, and also accurately address queries and concerns that may arise in the process.
How does Kuri Breña integrate innovation and technology into its legal services to enhance efficiency and client outcomes?
We have designated a team of professionals within the firm that, with the advice of experts, are leading the implementation of innovative technological tools that may result in more creative and efficient, but also ethical and reliable, work product solutions and assistance to our clients with their constant legal needs.
Looking ahead, what's next for Kuri Breña? Are there any upcoming developments or strategic goals that the firm is focusing on?
Yes. The firm has implemented a drastic change in the partner compensation system to align and coordinate efforts focused on the greatest benefit for our clients. Also, with the advice of experts, we have reformulated leading roles for management and strategic areas in order to continue with the growth and productivity of the firm for future generations of professionals, facing the challenges of a constantly competitive and changing business environment.
