The PSM Is No Longer a Formality: It Is a Condition of Validity
Article by Xavier Santana In June 2025, the First...
About us
Experts in legal services,
committed to our clients’ success
We are a boutique law firm with a solid reputation built since 2001. Our practice is defined by personalized attention, strong professional ethics, and the continuous evolution of our legal services.
Our primary focus is corporate and transactional law. We work closely with our clients not only in their day-to-day business operations, but also in the design, structuring, and execution of complex projects.
Based in Monterrey—Mexico’s leading industrial and business hub—Canales® has established itself as a leading law firm in corporate transactions and high-level strategic legal advisory.
About us
Experts in legal services.
Committed to our clients' success.
We are a boutique law firm with a solid reputation built since 2001. Our practice is defined by personalized attention, strong professional ethics, and the continuous evolution of our legal services.
Our primary focus is corporate and transactional law. We work closely with our clients not only in their day-to-day business operations, but also in the design, structuring, and execution of complex projects.
Based in Monterrey—Mexico’s leading industrial and business hub—Canales® has established itself as a leading law firm in corporate transactions and high-level strategic legal advisory.
Distinctions and
recognitions
The strength of our firm, the commitment of our team, and the trust of our clients have been consistently recognized by the world’s leading legal ranking institutions.
Since 2017, we have been continuously distinguished as a leading and highly recommended firm by international platforms such as Chambers & Partners, Legal 500, IFLR1000, and LatinFinance.
Specialists united by
a shared vision
Our team brings together attorneys educated at some of the most prestigious universities in Mexico and the United States, with experience in top-tier law firms and international companies. This background provides us with a broad and informed perspective, enabling us to understand and respond effectively to the needs of both domestic and international clients conducting business in and outside of Mexico.
We actively participate as independent board members and corporate secretaries for companies across a wide range of industries, including real estate, pharmaceutical, mining, energy, aerospace, textile, electronics, education, and steel.
We understand the value of international cultural exchange and possess deep knowledge of the challenges involved in working across different legal systems and business cultures.
Bernardo Canales
Founding Partner
He has more than 25 years of experience in corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, banking, project finance, private equity, and aviation law. Beyond his legal experience, he is widely recognized for his talent as a negotiator and his sharp business sense, qualities that have positioned him as a trusted advisor to top-tier companies and investors. Likewise, he serves on the boards of directors of various corporations and national and international investments.
Education:
• Universidad de Monterrey, Licenciatura en Derecho (1993)
• IATA, Aircraft Purchase and Operating Leases (1999)
• Columbia University School of Law, Master of Laws (2001)
Recognitions:
• Legal 500, Corporate and M&A – Leading Partner, 2026
• Chambers & Partners, Banda 1 – Corporate/Commercial: Monterrey, 2026
Mauricio Montes
Partner
With extensive experience in corporate transactions, he advises on real estate transactions, fund formation, private equity, banking and finance, and wealth planning. Throughout his career at prestigious law firms and multinational companies, he has participated in complex, high-profile matters with international scope. He has also served as an independent board member in public and private companies.
Education:
• Universidad Regiomontana, Licenciado en Ciencias Jurídicas (2004)
• Universidad Iberoamericana, Diplomado en Finanzas (2007)
• Georgetown University Law Center, Diplomado en Inglés Jurídico (2011)
• Georgetown University Law Center, Diplomado en Contratos (2011)
Recognitions:
• Chambers & Partners, Banda 2 – Corporate/Commercial: Monterrey, 2026
• Legal 500, Corporate and M&A – Key Partner, 2026
Emilio Sáenz
Partner
He has a distinguished track record advising on complex international mergers and acquisitions transactions. He is widely recognized for his experience in the energy and power industries, where he has built a solid reputation as a trusted advisor to leading companies and investors. His extensive connections and deep knowledge of the sector make him a key figure in high-level negotiations and cross-border transactions.
Education:
• Escuela Libre de Derecho, Licenciatura en Derecho (1990)
• Cemex International Management Program, Wharton, Insead, Stanford, ITESM (2006)
• Northwestern University/Kellogg School of Management, Master of Laws and Business (2000)
• Harvard Law School, Program on Negotiation (2007, 2008, 2010 y 2014)
Recognitions:
• Legal 500, Corporate and M&A – Key Partner, 2026
Ana de la Paz
Partner
Her professional practice focuses on commercial transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, corporate financing transactions, private equity, joint ventures, corporate restructurings, and corporate law in general. Throughout her extensive career at Canales®, she has successfully participated in large-scale and highly complex matters, consolidating herself as a trusted advisor to companies and investors.
Education:
• Facultad Libre de Derecho de Monterrey, Licenciatura en Derecho con honores (2004)
• Boston College Law School, Master of Laws con concentración en Derecho de Negocios y Comercial (2010)
Recognitions:
• IFLR1000, Fusiones y Adquisiciones, 2025
• Legal 500, Corporate and M&A – Leading Partner, 2026
Francisco Ramírez
Associate
Francisco specializes in transactional, real estate, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate law. He has extensive experience in the creation of investment vehicles and strategic alliances, as well as in the operation of trusts for real estate, infrastructure, and wealth planning projects. He has advised business groups on corporate governance, legal audits, and the purchase and sale of companies across various economic sectors.
Education:
• Facultad de Derecho y Criminología de la Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, modalidad bilingüe, mención honorífica (2022)
• Premio CENEVAL al Desempeño por Excelencia en el Examen General de Egreso de Licenciatura en Derecho (2022)
Javier Rodríguez
Associate
Javier has more than 13 years of experience in corporate and commercial law. His practice focuses on the structuring, negotiation, and documentation of commercial transactions, including acquisitions, corporate restructurings, joint ventures, and real estate projects. He has advised domestic and international clients in company formations, trusts, and complex legal structures, supporting business development across different industries.
Education:
• Universidad de Monterrey, Licenciatura en Derecho con Honores, Cum Laude (2011)
• Duke University School of Law, Master of Laws, con Certificado en Derecho de Negocios (2016)
Recognitions:
• Legal 500, Corporate and M&A – Key Associate, 2026
Emiliano Leal
Associate
Emiliano focuses his practice on commercial transactions, mergers and acquisitions, financing matters, and corporate governance. He has advised clients on high-complexity operations in Mexico and abroad, participating in the negotiation and documentation of contracts, corporate restructurings, and legal strategies for business expansion.
Education:
• Facultad Libre de Derecho de Monterrey, Licenciatura en Derecho con mención honorífica (2022)
Fernanda Santisteban
Associate
Fernanda has experience in transactional and corporate law. She has participated in mergers and acquisitions, financings, private equity matters, restructurings, and real estate projects. Her practice includes the negotiation and drafting of contracts, as well as the implementation of legal structures aimed at strengthening clients’ corporate strategies.
Education:
• Universidad de Monterrey, Licenciatura en Derecho con mención honorífica (2023)
• Universidad de Nebrija Madrid: Programa de Derecho Internacional (2022)
Xavier Santana
Associate
Xavier focuses on real estate transactions, corporate financings, and mergers and acquisitions. He has advised domestic and international clients in the structuring, negotiation, and closing of relevant transactions, as well as in wealth planning and corporate governance matters for the efficient management of their investment vehicles.
Education:
• Tecnológico de Monterrey, Licenciatura en Derecho (2023)
• ESADE Business & Law School, Experiencia Internacional (2023)
Juan Pablo Garza
Associate
Juan Pablo specializes in real estate and corporate transactions. He has participated in the structuring of investment funds, financings, mergers and acquisitions, and private equity transactions. He works closely with investors and developers from legal due diligence through the operational implementation of their projects, ensuring comprehensive and efficient solutions.
Education:
• Tecnológico de Monterrey, Licenciatura en Derecho (2023)
• Premio CENEVAL al Desempeño por Excelencia en el Examen General de Egreso de Licenciatura en Derecho (2023)
Ana Isabel Garza
Associate
Ana Isabel specializes in corporate and financial law. She has participated in mergers and acquisitions, real estate projects, and financing transactions, as well as in capital markets regulation and corporate governance matters. She has experience advising technology companies and in the implementation of innovative business models.
Education:
• Facultad Libre de Derecho de Monterrey, Licenciatura en Derecho (2025)
• London School of Economics and Political Science, General Course: Concentración en Finanzas (2023)
Santiago Castaño
Intern
He has more than 25 years of experience in corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, banking, project finance, private equity, and aviation law. Beyond his legal experience, he is widely recognized for his talent as a negotiator and his sharp business sense, qualities that have positioned him as a trusted advisor to top-tier companies and investors. He is also a member of the boards of directors of various corporations and national and international investments.
Alfonso García
Intern
With extensive experience in corporate transactions, he advises on real estate transactions, fund formation, private equity, banking and finance, and wealth planning. Throughout his career at prestigious law firms and multinational companies, he has participated in complex and high-profile matters with international scope. He has also served as an independent board member in public and private companies.
Mariel Delgado
Intern
She has a distinguished track record advising on complex international mergers and acquisitions transactions. She is widely recognized for her experience in the energy and power industries, where she has built a solid reputation as a trusted advisor to leading companies and investors. Her extensive connections and deep knowledge of the sector make her a key figure in high-level negotiations and cross-border transactions. Master of Laws in International Law (LL.M) en SMU Dedman School of Law, como parte de un programa de doble titulación.
Sofía Naya Garza
Intern
Her professional practice focuses on commercial transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, corporate financing transactions, private equity, conversions, corporate restructurings, and corporate law in general. Throughout her extensive career at Canales®, she has successfully participated in large-scale and highly complex matters, consolidating herself as a trusted advisor to companies and investors.
Unique service,
comprehensive solutions
Private equity
Mergers and acquisitions
Banking and finance
Fund formation
Real Estate
Capital markets
Corporate compliance and governance
Aviation
Wealth planning
Energy and infrastructure projects
Mergers and acquisitions
Banking and finance
Private equity funds
Brindamos asesoría especializada en todas las fases de procesos de fusión, adquisición y reestructura corporativa, desde la planeación y estructuración legal de la transacción hasta su cierre e implementación. Nuestros servicios comprenden la preparación de documentos preliminares, la ejecución de procesos de due diligence, la negociación de contratos y el acompañamiento post-cierre, garantizando una implementación ordenada, eficiente y estratégica.
Advisory on banking regulation
Advisory on financial regulation
Prestamos servicios especializados en la constitución e implementación de fondos de capital privado y vehículos de inversión, incluyendo fideicomisos emisores, de administración y de desarrollo. Nos enfocamos en optimizar su estructura legal, establecer esquemas eficientes de gobierno corporativo y regular adecuadamente la relación entre inversionistas y administradores.
Construction
Real estate development and planning
Investment funds and vehicles (FIBRA, FIBRA E, CKD and CERPI)
Regulatory compliance and corporate governance
Capital and debt transactions
Public offerings and structured finance
Mergers and acquisitions of public companies and investment vehicles
Corporate governance and corporate secretarial services for civil and commercial entities.
Acquisitions and leases
Financing for companies and individuals
Estate planning
Structuring of estate trusts
Nuestra práctica se especializa en la estructuración y financiamiento de proyectos en sectores estratégicos, incluyendo petróleo, gas e hidrocarburos, energía eléctrica, energías renovables, minería y metalurgia. Brindamos asesoría en el diseño de estructuras contractuales y de financiamiento que impulsen la viabilidad, correcta ejecución y sostenibilidad de cada proyecto.
News
Amendment to the Civil Code of Nuevo León: New Rules for the Lease of Urban Properties
Article by Sofía Naya Garza The Congress of the State of...
Chambers and Partners Global Practice Guides – Aviation Finance & Leasing 2020
Bernardo Canales and Áldo Álvarez collaborated in the drafting of the Mexico chapter...
International Comparative Legal Guides – Project Finance Laws and Regulations 2020
Emilio Sáenz, Bernardo Canales, and Gina Decanini collaborated in the drafting of the Mexico chapter...
