Dentons, the world's largest leading law firm, has announced the completion of its combination with Costa Rica-based Muñoz Global, making it the first global law firm to have a footprint across Central America. The combined firm will be known as Dentons Muñoz.

The combination follows the launch of Dentons López Velarde in Mexico and Dentons Cardenas & Cardenas in Colombia last year. It marks the next step in Dentons' strategy to grow its presence in Latin America and the Caribbean.

"As the first global law firm with offices in Central America, we are once again at the forefront of breaking new ground for the global legal community and are uniquely positioned to serve our clients who have growing needs in this region," said Joe Andrew, Global Chairman of Dentons.

"Since our launch in Mexico and Colombia last year, we have seen tremendous growth in cross-border work into and out of the region," said Elliott Portnoy, Global Chief Executive Officer of Dentons. "Given the interconnectedness of the economies of Costa Rica, Panama and Guatemala, we see real opportunity to provide a service other global firms cannot match."

"Our combination with Dentons transforms our regional firm into a truly global law firm, further enabling us to deliver innovative market-leading solutions to clients in Central America and abroad," said José Antonio Muñoz, Founding Partner of Muñoz Global. "This visionary combination will open doors to global opportunity and access to increased foreign direct investment across the region."

The Costa Rica office is managed by Founding Partner, José Antonio Muñoz, a recognized regional leader in public law, public international law and government relations with unmatched experience in corporate governance, foreign direct investment, international investment disputes, international and domestic corporate and tax structuring, and real estate law.

The Panama office is managed by Gisela Alvarez de Porras, a leader in corporate law, mergers and acquisitions and international finance, including vast experience advising in multijurisdictional transactions. Gisela has held several positions in the Executive Cabinet (2004-2009); including Director General of the Internal Revenue Service, Vice-Minister of Finance in the Ministry of Economy and Finance, and Minister of Trade and Industry.

The Guatemala office is managed by Luis Abundio Maldonado Ayala, a respected leader advising local and multinational corporations on fiscal issues and estate planning, mergers and acquisitions and on debt refinancing and complex investment fund structures in areas such as energy, petroleum, agroindustry, real estate, and banking. He is committed to developing strong capital markets and supporting foreign-direct investments in Central America to drive the region’s economic progress.

About Dentons

Across over 80 countries, Dentons helps you grow, protect, operate and finance your organization by providing uniquely global and deeply local legal solutions. Polycentric, purpose-driven and committed to inclusion, diversity, equity and sustainability, we focus on what matters most to you. www.dentons.com