News: Latin Lawyer (May 2006)

Estudio Reyes Rius
Go-to: partner Joaquin Reyes Delgado
Other names: members Joaquin Reyes Puig and Manuel Reyes Puig

Experience
Reyes, 65, has practised aviation law since becoming an attorney, although his practice also incorporates business, labour and corporate law. He is a co-founding member of Uruguay’s institute of aviation and space law. He has represented Lan Airlines in Uruguay since 1968, through its evolution from state-owned company to competitive private airline. Other clients include Mexicana and TAP, as well as other aviation-related companies, such as insurance companies in claims related to cargo transported by air.

What clients say
“His knowledge of the aviation industry is well known, and not only in Uruguay. He represented us when Chile was negotiating the open skies agreement with Uruguay, and his expertise on a difficult topic, his relationship with the parties and his determination to help the authorities find the best option was clear. He focused on the real aspects of the agreement, which was great.” Cristian Barroilhet, sales director south, Lan Airlines.

What changes have you seen in the industry?
The changes have been many, and in Uruguay, unfortunately the law is not keeping up – Uruguay has approved the Varsovia Convention, but has not yet approved the Montreal Convention.

What area of law does aviation resemble?
Business, contract and international law.

Did you have a mentor?
My father and founder of this firm, Joaquin Reyes Rius. Has been the legal advisor of the Uruguay’s civil aviation chamber as well as the head of its judiciary department for more than 40 years.

News: Latin Lawyer (December 2004)

Danone sells Uruguayan beer interests

French good company Danone and its Uruguayan subsidiary Compañía Salus SA have spun-off their local beer business, and sold it for an undisclosed amount to Fábricas Nacionales de Cerveza SA (FNC). The spin-off was completed in April, and the deal was implemented in October.

Salus is reportedly the largest Uruguayan mineral water bottling company; the deal should allow it to focus on this core business. Similarly, it gives FNC a substantially increased share of the local beer market. FNC is a subsidiary of Argentina’s Quilmes, part of Brazilian drinks company AmBev.

In addition to the sale, the companies executed a contract for the joint distribution of their products within the city of Montevideo on August 18.

Guyer & Regules advised Salus, through partner Alvaro Tarabal, and associates Diego Baldomir, Anabela Aldaz and Andrea Fatás.

Partner Joaquín Reyes Delgado and Joaquín Reyes Puig, of Reyes Rius, advised FNC.

It was also advised by its in-house counsel Charles Hughes.