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Grupo LALA re-allocates businesses in Nicaragua
By Guy José Bendaña-Guerrero & Asociados
Grupo LALA, a Mexican company focused on the healthy food industry, closed its Costa Rica operation on December 11, 2020, following a comprehensive evaluation of its geographic footprint and a careful analysis of performance and future strategic fit, aligned with the company’s strategy to focus on its core markets, increase profitability and improve the return on invested capital.The closure will have a USD $3 million favorable impact on 2021 full year EBITDA for the company’s Central America operations.
Arquímedes Celis, LALA’s CEO commented: “After a detailed analysis and review of LALA’s Costa Rica operation, we determined that related resources and focus are better allocated towards stronger paths to profitability and shareholder value within the company, while we also remain focused on ensuring that all of LALA’s businesses achieve performance targets closely aligned with our goals and expectations. Moreover, the capital freed up with this closure will be re-allocated to our businesses in Nicaragua and Guatemala where there is more potential to achieve sustainable and profitable growth.”
LALA’s Costa Rica operation represents 0.4% of the company’s consolidated sales, with assets comprised primarily of one production plant, one distribution center and 12 distribution routes. Assets associated with the operation will be sold or reassigned within the region.
Guy José Bendaña-Guerrero & Asociados
GUY JOSE BENDAÑA GUERRERO & ASOCIADOS has a long and prosperous tradition in the field of intellectual property (IP) in Nicaragua, with roots that go back to more than 100 years, resulting on long-term relationships with renowned clients and attorneys worldwide.
The firm has its origins in the law firm Henry Caldera & Henry Caldera-Pallais, founded in 1907 by Mr. Henry Caldera. That same year of 1907, through the efforts of Mr. Caldera, Nicaragua had its first Trademark Law. In the late 1930’s, Mr. Caldera’s oldest son, Dr. Henry Caldera-Pallais, after studying law in Nicaragua, attended the University of Michigan, where he graduated as a Registered U.S. Patent Attorney. Dr. Caldera-Pallais in 1964 was a founding member of the Interamerican Association of Intellectual Property (ASIPI), the first regional intellectual property organization in the Americas. The firm continued to grow during the administration of Dr. Franklin Caldera, son of Dr. Caldera-Pallais, who obtained his doctoral degree in law from the Universidad Centroamericana in 1973.
Since 1985 the current partners, Dr. Guy José Bendaña Guerrero and Mrs. Blanca Aragón de Bendaña, took over the management of the firm. Dr. Bendaña Guerrero, Director of the firm, has distinguished himself as one of the most respected authorities in Central America in the field of intellectual property and law in general, being the author of several books such as “Course of Industrial Property Law”, “Study of the new Laws of Industrial Property” and “New Study of Contracts “, among others. Mrs. Aragón de Bendaña has served as the firm’s general manager and, thanks to her excellent management, the firm has been in constant growth, with a highly qualified staff committed to excellence. Since 1996, partner Julián José Bendaña Aragón joined the firm, and has been standing out as one of the most recognized attorneys in the field of intellectual property.
We have adapted to the constant change of the business world, supporting our clients in finding the most appropriate legal solutions for each moment. The firm distinguishes itself by understanding the needs of its clients, offering personalized service and adding value to its activities.
Nowadays we continue to be the leading firm in Nicaragua in the area of intellectual property, and at the same time, we have been consolidating other areas of service within the civil, commercial and labor fields, as well as litigation and consulting in general. The firm is well positioned to guarantee a pragmatic service that meets the requirements of the most demanding clients.
