Baker Hostetler is formally affiliated with Enríquez, González, Aguirre y Ochoa, S.C., (EGAO), a Mexican law firm practicing primarily in trans-border business operations. The firm provides comprehensive legal services to foreign and domestic clients.

Business and Corporate Law
A significant portion of the firm’s practice is devoted to international and domestic corporate matters, ranging from the initial incorporation procedures and routine legal corporate affairs, to more complex issues such as stock purchases, mergers, investments, buy-outs, joint ventures and corporate dissolution. EGAO attorneys have actively participated in a number of complex national and multinational transactions.

Direct Foreign Investment in Mexico
The laws and regulations of Mexico are continually evolving to encourage foreign corporations to participate in the Mexican marketplace. The firm has represented foreign investors in their Mexican enterprises, from the initial planning stage through ongoing operations. EGAO keeps clients and friends abreast of changes in the law and new opportunities through alerts, letters and other regular communications.

In-Bound Companies, Maquila and Shelter Programs
EGAO helps many foreign corporations reduce their manufacturing costs by establishing Maquiladoras in Mexico. This strategy enables clients to take advantage of special customs treatment and lower labor and operating costs available in Mexico. EGAO’s services include incorporation of Mexican subsidiaries, drafting of the pertinent contracts and securing of all necessary permits, licenses and authorizations from the government’s agencies.

Banking Law
EGAO represents a number of American and Mexican banks and provides legal counsel regarding financing Mexican business enterprises and foreign corporations engaged in business in Mexico. The firm also represents corporations in the arrangement of significant financial operations with U.S. and Mexican banks.

Comprehensive Services
In addition to the primary legal services described above, EGAO serves clients in a full range of areas throughout Mexico, including:

Environmental Law
International Sales of Goods
Immigration Law
Labor Law, Counseling and Litigation
Notarial Law
Real Estate Transactions
Customs Law
Tax Planning and Litigation

Representative Examples

Established a Maquiladora company for a U.S. manufacturer of molded fiberglass. Legal services included corporate, customs, labor, foreign investment, environmental, real estate and tax law.
Established a joint venture operation in Mexico City for a U.S.-based multinational office supply retailer. Legal services included corporate, tax and labor law.
Assisted a U.S.-based building insulation product manufacturer in a joint venture involving technology, trademark, trade name licensing and equipment lease issues.
Assisted a U.S. corporation in restructuring its operations in Mexico. The project involved converting a Maquiladora company into a real estate holding company and subsequent sale of real property and other assets.

United States Contact
Stephen J. Petras, Jr.
International Team Leader
Telephone: (216) 861-7862
E-mail: spetras@bakerlaw.com