IBA Latin America Conference 2019

The International Bar Association (IBA) hosted the "Latin America: Challenges and Best Practices in the Era of Compliance" conference from March 20 to 22, 2019, in Santiago, Chile. This event brought together over 850 legal professionals from 35 countries, marking it as the largest IBA M&A conference held in Latin America to date.

The conference addressed a range of critical topics pertinent to the Latin American legal landscape. Key sessions included discussions on the M&A market in the region, the role of commodities, cybersecurity and data protection in M&A transactions, opportunities in distressed M&A, due diligence practices in the compliance era, and strategies for funding M&A deals. Notably, Werner Ahlers participated in the "Commodities in Latin America" panel, emphasizing the development of commodities in Latin American economies and the paramount importance of compliance issues.

Attendees had ample opportunities for networking, with events such as a private cocktail reception on March 20 at Margó, an upscale bistro-style restaurant in Las Condes. This gathering attracted over 300 lawyers, in-house counsels, investment bankers, CEOs, and CFOs, facilitating meaningful professional connections.

This conference was particularly beneficial for legal practitioners, in-house counsels, and professionals involved in M&A activities within Latin America. It provided a platform to gain insights into the evolving M&A landscape, understand compliance challenges, and explore best practices, making it an invaluable event for those seeking to navigate the complexities of the region's legal and business environment.