Jose Sariego
Partner
305-350-7230
jsariego@bilzin.com
Hablo Español
Falo Português
Area of Focus:
Corporate
"He has the right knowledge and perspective and is able to bring in others when needed." - Chambers USA source
Jose Sariego
Partner
305-350-7230
GET TO KNOW
JOSE
Jose is a corporate partner at Bilzin Sumberg with over 30 years of experience negotiating and closing domestic and international mergers and acquisitions, investments, joint ventures, divestitures and other transactions.
Jose's firsthand experience with the complex inner workings of major companies and the challenges facing high level executives and in-house counsel is one of his unique differentiators. For more than 20 years, he was a member of senior management of three companies, where he served as chief legal and compliance officer as well as secretary to the Board of Directors of two of the companies. It is precisely this inside knowledge and experience that allows him to appreciate both the business and legal consequences of company strategies and decisions.
Jose has particular experience in media, entertainment and technology law, having served as General Counsel of HBO Latin America and as head of Business & Legal Affairs for Telemundo Network. In these roles, he led complex negotiations with some of the largest media companies in Latin America, closed multi-million dollar programming deals with major studios and independents, and handled development and production deals with producers on numerous shows throughout the region. Jose also has extensive experience in negotiating and closing talent and executive employment and related agreements
Jose's firsthand experience with the complex inner workings of major companies and the challenges facing high level executives and in-house counsel is one of his unique differentiators. For more than 20 years, he was a member of senior management of three companies, where he served as chief legal and compliance officer as well as secretary to the Board of Directors of two of the companies. It is precisely this inside knowledge and experience that allows him to appreciate both the business and legal consequences of company strategies and decisions.
Jose has particular experience in media, entertainment and technology law, having served as General Counsel of HBO Latin America and as head of Business & Legal Affairs for Telemundo Network. In these roles, he led complex negotiations with some of the largest media companies in Latin America, closed multi-million dollar programming deals with major studios and independents, and handled development and production deals with producers on numerous shows throughout the region. Jose also has extensive experience in negotiating and closing talent and executive employment and related agreements
Q & A
What are some of the challenges facing international companies doing business today?
International companies face increased legal and regulatory scrutiny as well as intense global competition for business and talent. The advent of the internet and increased international interdependence means companies must be prepared to act quickly to rapidly changing trends and market conditions. An agile lawyer and executive accustomed to responding and adapting to these constantly shifting dynamics is essential in today's international environment. I have spent my entire career helping companies navigate these uncertain landscapes both as an outside lawyer and as an inside general counsel for three international companies.
Why should a client hire you as opposed to another lawyer with a similar practice?
As the lead lawyer for three major companies for more than 20 years, I know the challenges and pressures that in-house legal departments face and what they expect from their outside lawyers. I understand the mindset and concerns of busy executives and what they encounter day to day. I have handled not just in-bound international transactions, but have extensive experience closing deals throughout Latin America and elsewhere. I have built a broad network of international contacts, and I am intimately familiar with the intricacies of foreign transactions, both from a legal and as importantly from a practical point of view.
What did you do before becoming an attorney?
I was a professional journalist with The Miami Herald, and I use that training every day — the analytical skills, the ability to communicate effectively and efficiently, and how to get to the point quickly and succinctly. I have translated those skills to my practice and expanded them to teaching at the University of Miami Law School.
EXPERIENCE
Representation of major U.S. luxury homebuilder in the $88-million strategic acquisition of the assets and business of a regional Midwest homebuilder to expand its national footprint.
Representation of a group of hospital-based anesthesiologists in the $54 million sale of their practice to a major national healthcare company, including the negotiation of related long-term employment and non-competition agreements as part of the transaction.
Representation of a foreign food products manufacturer in its sale to an international food products conglomerate for $27 million. Advised on the negotiation, documentation, and closing of the transaction, including securing tax benefit approvals from the local government, drafting a transition serv...
Negotiation of a three-party joint venture agreement, limited liability company agreements, hotel management agreement, trademark agreements, and lease agreements with New York-based developers and high-end hospitality group regarding a historic building in a long-stalled redevelopment in lower Manh...
Representation of GMexico Transportes, the transportation unit of a Mexico-based mining company, Grupo Mexico, as Florida counsel in the $2 billion acquisition of Florida East Coast Railways. Also assisted with two separate financings related to the acquisition: a $1.55 billion bridge loan and a $26...
Representation of internationally acclaimed hotel and restaurant brand in its national and international expansion. Negotiation of the hotel management agreements, joint venture agreements, and mixed-use hotel development transactions in the Caribbean and Latin America.
Representation of media and publicity startup in the negotiation of licensing and distribution agreement with distributors in South America.
Representation of a Spanish language broadcaster in a $300 million Chapter 11 restructuring, including a $20 million credit facility.
Representation of a U.S. public international telecom contractor in a public $200 million high yield bond offering.
CREDENTIALS
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University of Michigan, J.D., cum laude, 1981University of Florida, B.S., Journalism, 1977
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Alliance of M & A AdvisorsSouth Florida Chapter, Board of Directors, 2018 - PresentAmerican Bar Association
International Law Section, International Corporate Counsel Committee, Co-Chair, 2019 - Present
International Law Section, International M&A Joint Venture Committee, Vice-Chair, 2021, Steering Member, 2021 - PresentAssociation of Public CorporationsPresident and member of the Board of Directors, 1997 - 2002Chapman Partnership for the HomelessBoard Member, 2016 - 2021Friends of WLRNBoard Member, 2016 - PresentGreater Miami Chamber of CommerceBoard Member 2001 - 2002
Chairman of Hispanic Market Committee, 1993 - 1994Juncadella Corporate Counsel GroupCo-Chair, 1998 - PresentLaw360 Editorial Advisory BoardMedia & Entertainment, 2017 - 2019United Way of Miami-DadeCo-Chair, Legal Division, 1999 - 2001University of Florida Center for Latin American StudiesAlumni Board President, 2011 - 2019University of Miami School of Law LL.M. Program in Entertainment, Arts, and Sports LawAdjunct Professor, 2016 - Present
Advisory Board Member, 2016 - Present -
Florida
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Chambers USA, Corporate/M&A & Private Equity, 2021
The Best Lawyers in America, International Mergers and Acquisitions, 2022
Daily Business Review, Innovators Honoree, 2021
National Law Journal, Crisis Leadership Trailblazer, 2020
Daily Business Review, Most Effective Lawyers - International, Winner, 2017
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