Garrigues has voted in new co-managing partners with Fernando Vives and Ricardo Gomez to take over at the helm on 1 September.

Vives heads the firm's corporate and M&A practice, while Gomez is head of tax. The duo will replace co-managing partners Miguel Gordillo and Jose Maria Alonso, who have run the firm together since 2000.

The new leaders were elected at a Garrigues partnership meeting earlier this month, receiving almost 100% backing. The vote followed a sounding process among the partnership, during which the duo emerged as favorites.

One Garrigues partner said: "After the screening process it was crystal clear that they were the best candidates. The have headed their respective departments for years and everyone has been very happy with their leadership."

Gomez and Vives have told partners that they are not planning any revolutionary changes to the firm's direction, while stressing that key objectives at present are to retain close client relationships and manage firm funds prudently. Internationally, a key target will be to secure coverage in Brazil.

The firm has a strong Latin America focus and runs a network of South American 'best friend' firms known as Affinitas. However, Brazilian member Barbosa Muessnich & Arago pulled out earlier this year leaving Garrigues without a presence in the continent's largest economy. The firm is aiming to either establish a new alliance or launch its own office in the country.

It is thought that Gordillo and Alonso may return to fee earning at Garrigues, but this is as yet unconfirmed.

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