Quito, Ecuador – June 23, 2026 – BUSTAMANTE FABARA is pleased to announce its role as Ecuadorian legal counsel to Grupo Nutresa S.A. in connection with the signing of an agreement to acquire 100% of the shares of Universal Sweet Industries S.A., commercially known as La Universal, one of Ecuador’s most iconic chocolate and confectionery companies.
The transaction represents a significant step in Grupo Nutresa’s regional growth strategy and is expected to strengthen its presence in Ecuador’s food, chocolate and confectionery market through the addition of a longstanding local brand portfolio deeply embedded in Ecuadorian consumer culture.
BUSTAMANTE FABARA advised Grupo Nutresa on this complex cross-border M&A matter, conducting a comprehensive legal due diligence of Universal Sweet Industries S.A. across corporate, regulatory, contractual, labour, intellectual property, real estate and compliance matters.
The firm also advised on the structuring, negotiation and signing of the Share Purchase Agreement and related transaction documents, supporting the allocation of key risks and the development of the agreed transaction framework.
The transaction remains subject to the required regulatory approvals before Ecuador’s competition authority.
This matter reflects BUSTAMANTE FABARA’s ability to support leading regional companies in strategic investments involving significant Ecuadorian businesses, combining transactional, regulatory and competition law expertise to navigate complex cross-border operations.
The BUSTAMANTE FABARA team is led by partners José Rafael Bustamante C. and Kirina González, and Senior Associate José Antonio Bustamante.
About BUSTAMANTE FABARA
BUSTAMANTE FABARA is one of Ecuador’s leading full-service law firms, with extensive experience advising domestic and international clients on complex corporate, M&A, competition, regulatory and transactional matters. The firm supports companies, investors and business groups through every stage of strategic transactions, from due diligence and structuring to negotiation, execution and regulatory authorization.
About Grupo Nutresa
Grupo Nutresa is one of Latin America’s leading food companies, with a diversified portfolio across categories including chocolates, biscuits, coffee, ice cream, processed meats and culinary products. Through its regional platform, Grupo Nutresa serves consumers across Latin America and other international markets, combining established brands, broad distribution capabilities and a long-term growth strategy.
About La Universal
Universal Sweet Industries S.A., commercially known as La Universal, is one of Ecuador’s most established chocolate and confectionery companies. Founded in 1889, the company has built a portfolio of brands that are widely recognized in Ecuadorian consumer culture, including Manicho, Cocoa Universal, Huevitos, Menta Glacial and Leche y Miel. Its operations include the production and commercialization of chocolate, cocoa-based products and confectionery items in Ecuador.
Press contact
María José Sotomayor Hidalgo
Marketing and Communications Director
BUSTAMANTE FABARA
Email: msotomayor@bustamantefabara.com
Phone: +593 2 256 2680
