Panama

Panama, September 11, 2025. Morgan & Morgan acted as legal advisor to Inversiones Cuscatlán Centroamérica, S.A. (Inversiones Cuscatlán), as purchaser, in the closing of the transaction for the acquisition of 100% of the shares of La Hipotecaria (Holding), Inc., the holding company of Banco La Hipotecaria, S.A. and other operations in Colombia, El Salvador, and the Turks and Caicos Islands. Inversiones Cuscatlán, parent company of Banco Cuscatlán, is a Salvadoran financial conglomerate founded in 1972 and one of the leading financial institutions in the Central American region. Banco La Hipotecaria has operated in Panama since 1997 and is one of the country’s main providers of mortgage loans for middle and lower-middle income clients. This strategic transaction strengthens Inversiones Cuscatlán’s presence in El Salvador and expands its operations in Panama and Colombia, while enhancing its ability to offer broader and more robust financial solutions to its clients. Partner Roberto Vidal, and associate Ariana Linares, participated in this transaction.

Panama, July 30, 2025. Morgan & Morgan advised Mercantil Bank (Schweiz) AG, a Swiss entity specializing in private banking and wealth management, throughout the process of obtaining its Representative Banking License from the Superintendency of Banks of Panama (SBP). This license enables the bank to establish a representative office in Panama and carry out activities authorized by the SBP in accordance with current banking regulations. Mercantil Bank (Schweiz) AG, headquartered in Zurich, is part of the international financial group of Mercantil Banco, which has a presence across the Americas and Europe. The bank operates under the supervision of the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) and focuses on delivering tailored private banking solutions to international clients. This milestone not only marks a strategic step in the international expansion of the Mercantil Group but also reinforces Panama’s position as a premier international banking center, attracting global financial institutions seeking to operate in a robust, transparent, and competitive regulatory environment. Partner Roberto Vidal, international associate Miguel Arias M., and associate Katia Pallares, supported the client through all stages of the process—from legal structuring to the formal granting of the license.

Panama, June 11, 2025. Morgan & Morgan acted as legal counsel to Sojitz Corporation in the acquisition of 100% of the shares of Petroautos, S.A., the exclusive distributor of the Hyundai brand in Panama. With over 30 years of experience, Petroautos has established itself as one of the leading players in the Panamanian automotive sector, operating a network of nine dealerships nationwide and offering comprehensive services ranging from vehicle importation and sales to after-sales service and spare parts. According to a statement from Sojitz Corporation, this transaction represents a strategic step for the Japanese conglomerate, which has over 50 years of experience in automotive distribution across more than 50 countries. In Panama, Sojitz is already actively involved in the automotive sector through its subsidiary Sílaba Motors, the authorized distributor of KIA, MAZDA, OMODA, JAECOO, KARRY, and NIU. With the addition of Petroautos, Sojitz Corporation significantly strengthens its presence in the country and expands its portfolio of leading automotive brands in the local market, reinforcing Sojitz’s commitment to long-term investment in Panama. The legal team from Morgan & Morgan was led by partners Inocencio Galindo and Roberto Vidal, along with international associate Miguel Arias, with the support of José Rafael Reyes, partner at the firm’s tax department, who provided tax advisory services for the transaction. As a key part of the process, Morgan & Morgan also conducted a thorough legal due diligence of Petroautos and its operations. This work was led by partners Inocencio Galindo and Roberto Vidal, together with international associate Miguel Arias, and supported by partner Milagros Caballeros, senior associate Allen Candanedo, associates Arantxa Fernández, Ariana Linares, Katia Pallares, and associate David Ramos.

Panama, April 2, 2025. Morgan & Morgan advised the shareholders of Aguafuerte, S.A. and Aquavoltaic, S.A. (the “Companies”) on the sale of their shares to Cox Energy. Cox Energy is a leading company in the development and promotion of energy solutions in America, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. The Companies operate two solar plants of 12 MW each —Solar Pro I and Solar Pro II— both located in the Province of Chiriqui and in operation since early 2025. The acquisition of Solar Pro supports the energy diversification of Panama, where more than 60% of the current electricity generation comes from hydro sources. Enrique Riquelme, CEO of Cox Energy, highlighted in a statement that this operation reflects the company's commitment to energy transition and sustainable prosperity in the regions where it operates. Solar Pro I and Solar Pro II represent a boost to the country's development by generating employment and contributing to the advancement towards a greener and more resilient economy. Partner Ana Carolina Castillo and international associate Miguel Arias participated in this transaction.