#IBAMA26 | IBA Mergers & Acquisitions Latin America | 23-25 March 2026 | Punta del Este, Uruguay
Executing acquisitions and strategic transactions in Panama
We advise buyers, sellers, and investors on domestic deals and cross-border transactions involving Panama companies, assets, or operations. Senior-level engagement. Integrated regulatory counsel. Execution certainty.
Ricardo Chanis
M&A & Corporate Transactions | Panama
Ricardo leads Chanis’s M&A and corporate transactions practice. He advises buyers, sellers, and investors on acquisitions, corporate reorganizations, joint ventures, and strategic transactions in Panama, both domestic deals and cross-border transactions involving Panama assets or entities.
His approach combines deep transactional expertise with commercial insight: structuring advice to achieve client objectives while managing regulatory and compliance dimensions as integral parts of every deal, not afterthoughts. Ricardo is a recognized Legal Mergers & Acquisitions Expert (LM&A) by the Institute for Mergers, Acquisitions and Alliances.
CERTIFICATION Legal Mergers & Acquisitions Expert (LM&A) Institute for Mergers, Acquisitions and Alliances
M&A & TRANSACTIONS PRACTICE
We execute acquisitions, corporate reorganizations, and strategic transactions in Panama, advising buyers, sellers, and investors on domestic deals and cross-border transactions involving Panama companies, assets, or operations.
Mergers & Acquisitions
Representing buyers, sellers, and investors in stock and asset acquisitions, mergers, and business combinations.
- Stock and asset acquisitions
- Mergers and consolidations
- Transaction structuring and negotiation
- Representations and warranties
- Earn-outs and contingent consideration
- Post-closing adjustments and disputes
Corporate Reorganizations
Structuring and implementing corporate reorganizations in Panama and serving as Panama counsel on regional restructurings across Latin America.
- Cross-border reorganizations within Latin America
- Spin-offs, carve-outs, and divisional separations
- Corporate group simplification
- Tax-efficient reorganizations
- Migration of entities and operations
Joint Ventures & Strategic Alliances
Formation and governance of partnerships, including cross-border joint ventures with foreign partners.
- Joint venture structuring and formation
- Shareholder agreements and governance frameworks
- Tag/drag provisions and exit mechanisms
- Cross-border JVs with foreign partners
- Dispute resolution provisions
Due Diligence
Comprehensive legal, regulatory, and compliance due diligence identifying material risks and recommending mitigation strategies.
- Corporate structure and organizational review
- Material contracts and commercial arrangements
- Real estate and asset verification
- Litigation and contingent liabilities
- AML/CFT and regulatory compliance review
- Red flag reports and risk assessment
Transaction Financing
Legal support for M&A financing, working with lenders and financial sponsors to structure and document transactions.
- Leveraged buyouts and recapitalizations
- Seller financing and earnout structures
- Syndicated facilities and club deals
- Security packages and guarantees
- Mezzanine and subordinated debt
Post-Transaction Integration
Legal support for post-closing execution ensuring a smooth legal transition so you can focus on business integration.
- Corporate structure alignment
- Contract novation and assignment
- Regulatory notifications and filings
- Integration of policies and procedures
- Resolution of post-closing issues
OUR FULL-SERVICE CAPABILITY
Beyond M&A, Chanis delivers integrated legal counsel across all dimensions of business operations in Panama.
Corporate & Business Law
Comprehensive legal support for day-to-day operations, governance, compliance, and commercial matters. We serve as ongoing corporate counsel for companies, family-owned businesses, and international operations based in or expanding to Panama, covering corporate governance, commercial contracts, employment, tax planning, real estate, compliance, and commercial disputes.
Technology, Digital Business & Innovation
Specialized counsel for tech companies, fintechs, digital platforms, and startups. We advise on technology contracts, data protection under Panama’s Law 81, fintech regulatory structures, digital business formation, and startup financing, from launch through scaling and exit.
International Business & Investment Structuring
Cross-border structures and international expansion for businesses and investors. We advise on holding company design, international corporate structures, multi-jurisdictional coordination, Panama as a regional hub, and residency structuring through investment programs.
Turkey Desk
Specialized legal expertise for Turkish companies and investors establishing operations or making investments in Panama and the Americas. Led by Associate Alexandra Guzmán, who holds a law degree from Istanbul University and speaks fluent Turkish, our Turkey Desk provides seamless legal support in Turkish, Spanish, and English. This is the only boutique business law firm in Panama offering this depth of Turkey-focused expertise and cultural understanding.
About Chanis Legal
Founded in 2005 by Ricardo Chanis, Chanis is a Panama-based boutique law firm specializing in corporate law, M&A transactions, technology, and cross-border business structures. We serve companies, international investors, family businesses, and entrepreneurs with legal needs that require deep expertise, senior-level attention, and practical, business-oriented advice. We focus on what we do best, delivering exceptional quality on every matter.
Senior Attention on Every Matter
Business-Oriented Thinking
Efficient & Responsive
International Reach
Ready to discuss your transaction?
Schedule a consultation with Ricardo Chanis to explore how we can support your M&A or business transaction objectives in Panama.
