Mijares, Angoitia, Cortés y Fuentes S.C. > Mexico City, Mexico > Firm Profile

Mijares, Angoitia, Cortés y Fuentes S.C. > The Legal 500 Rankings

Mexico > Banking and finance Tier 1

The practice at Mijares, Angoitia, Cortés y Fuentes S.C. is a prominent player in the Mexican banking and finance sphere, and ‘solves complex problems quickly and simply’, according to clients. It offers counsel on the full range of domestic and international financial transactions, with particular emphasis on syndicated loans and project, leveraged, asset and real estate finance. Its expertise also encompasses regulatory advice and fintech matters, and the team of ‘true experts’ regularly represents corporations from the infrastructure and real estate sectors, in addition to banks and non-bank financial entities. A team of nine partners front the group: Ricardo Maldonado handles infrastructure projects and represents issuers in public and private debt and equity offerings; and Patricio Trad and Manuel Echave deal with banking, corporate finance and capital markets' matters. Francisco Ibáñez (banking and finance, M&A, capital markets); Martín Sánchez (M&A, corporate finance, capital markets); Ignacio Armida (infrastructure financing and M&A); Patrick Meshoulam (equity, debt and structured securities offerings, financings); and Carlos Jiménez Cantú (public and private, debt and capital offerings; syndicated loans and project finance);  along with founding partner Pablo Mijares, complete the leadership team. Former partner Pilar Mata retired in April 2022.

Mexico > Capital markets Tier 1

Clients sing the praises of the capital markets group at Mijares, Angoitia, Cortés y Fuentes S.C., citing its ‘deep knowledge of the law and the regulatory authorities’ and its ‘openness and willingness to come to the aid of the client’. The ‘dedicated’ team advises on securities offerings, debt and equity issuances, FIBRAs, CKDs and CERPIs; and provides counsel to issuers, underwriters, structuring agents, investors and rating agencies. The practice is co-led by veteran practitioner Ricardo Maldonado; Patricio Trad, who has broad experience in corporate transactions and structured finance matters; Manuel Echave, who advises on transactions such as securitisations, and capital and debt issuances; and Martín Sánchez, who regularly represents issuers and underwriters in equity issuances and structured equity transactions. Other partner names to note are Patrick Meshoulam, who oversees debt and equity transactions, and Carlos Jiménez Cantú, who handles public and private debt and capital offerings.

Mexico > Corporate and M&A Tier 1

Fielding a team over 30 lawyers' strong - including no less than 13 partner - the powerhouse practice at Mijares, Angoitia, Cortés y Fuentes S.C. remains a market leader and is highlighted for its ‘incredible service’ advising major multinational corporates, banks, private equity firms and investors involved in high-value, cross-border M&A. With a robust client base spanning such sectors as aviation, real estate, manufacturing, financial services, life sciences and energy, the firm’s comprehensive offering covers matters ranging from stock acquisitions, asset sales and competitive processes, to non-solicited offers and mezzanine investments. The deep partner bench house an array of talent and experience, including: Ricardo Maldonado, who brings over 25 years' experience to M&A, joint ventures and strategic alliance-related matters; capital markets specialist and corproate finance all-rounder Patricio Trad , who has particularly notable M&A experience in the energy sector; real estate expert Lorenza Langarica, who handles structured financing, corporate matters and M&A, particularly with regard to the real estate and energy sectors; corporate finance and M&A specialist Patrick Meshoulam; and Francisco Glennie, who provides expertise in IPOs, follow-ons and debt issuances, all of whom have been very active over the last year. The group can also call on additional exepertise and firepower in the form of founding partners Pablo Mijares (M&A, private equity and private bidding processes) and Francisco Fuentes (M&A, antitrust and telecoms); along with Manuel Echave (banking and corporate finance), Francisco Ibáñez (banking and finance, capital markets, M&A and general corporate practice), Martín Sánchez (capital markets, M&A and corporate finance) and Eugenio Macouzet (domestic and cross-border M&A, joint ventures and strategic partnerships). Key associate support is provided by seniors Anacandy Perusquía, who utilises a multi-disciplinary skillset across both M&A and corporate tax matters; and Isabel Gamboa, who handles M&A, joint ventures and general corporate matters, and also has a niche specialism advising non-bank financial institutions on regulatory matters.

Mexico > Real estate Tier 1

The compact team at Mijares, Angoitia, Cortés y Fuentes S.C. has a first-rate real estate offering, and is adept at advising real estate investors, developers, and construction companies on transactional and regulatory matters. Well-equipped to handle commercial, industrial, residential, and tourism developments, the group also advises on real estate financings, asset and mortgage securitisation structures and M&A. The practice is jointly led by Lorenza Langarica, who is well-versed in structured financings, corporate, M&A, real estate and energy matters; and Eugenio Macouzet, who has focused his practice on advising hospitality companies and investors on the legal and regulatory aspects of real estate investments in the commercial, residential, hospitality and industrial sectors. Partner Carlos Jiménez Cantú has experience in portfolio acquisitions and the representation of FIBRAs in domestic and cross-border financing transactions; founding partner Patricio Trad, Manuel Echave and Ignacio Armida are additional department figures of note. Associates Juan Pablo Betancourt (corporate, financings and transactional matters), Rodrigo González Duarte Morales (project finance, energy, M&A), and Imanol Sánchez-Mújica (real estate development), who is currently undertaking his LLM, all engage in real estate-related matters.

Mexico > Competition and antitrust Tier 2

Following the retirement of former practice co-head Pilar Mata in April 2022, the competition law department at Mijares, Angoitia, Cortés y Fuentes S.C. is co-led by Francisco Fuentes and Carlos Orcí. The team is a crucial cog in the firm’s wider offering for heavyweight transactions in Mexico, with the group frequently engaged in some of the biggest M&A and joint ventures that require complex advice on gaining approval from the Mexican competition authority. Clients also benefit from the team’s specialised group of antitrust litigators, assisting with all stages of monopolistic practice procedures and contentious defence. Fuentes is one such litigator, as well as acting on merger analysis and day-to-day compliance. Orcí is an expert in dealing with the antitrust authorities and regulatory bodies in various sectors. Associate Patricio Rivas provides key practice support.

Mexico > Projects and infrastructure Tier 2

Mijares, Angoitia, Cortés y Fuentes S.C.’s practice has a track record in advising financial institutions, public entities, and private companies on infrastructure financing, PPPs and M&A – often involving renewables, oil-and-gas, airports and railroads. The 12-strong group is led by five partners: Horacio De Uriarte focuses on the legal and regulatory aspects of energy and infrastructure projects; Patricio Trad specialises in project finance, structured finance and capital markets transactions; Francisco Glennie has focused his practice on M&A, financings and general corporate matters; Carlos Jiménez advises on public, private, debt and capital offerings, as well as joint ventures, strategic partnerships and M&A; and corporate partner Francisco Ibáñez who completes the leadership team. Senior associate Anacandy Perusquía majors on M&A, joint ventures, private equity transactions, and corporate and project finance, while associate Aisha Calderón is primarily occupied with energy and environmental matters. Ex-practice co-head Pilar Mata Fernández retired in April 2022.

Mexico > Tax Tier 2

The tax practice at Mijares, Angoitia, Cortés y Fuentes S.C. ‘integrates different specialties’ across both advisory and litigious aspects, providing a robust foundation on all tax aspects of the major transactions that the wider firm advises on. Along with such high-end transactional support, the team also acts for multinationals in tax audits and litigation, as well as providing day-to-day counsel on effective tax structuring. Enrique Ramírez is a tax specialist with a focus on consulting, controversy and litigation; he has experience acting for the biggest names operating in Mexico and his recent mandates includes matters in the automotive, finance and communications sectors. Ramírez co-leads the department alongside Nora Morales, who is the name to note for transfer pricing and international operations; day-to-day tax planning advisor Manuel Tamez; and Luis Monroy, who assists with the tax elements of financings, M&A and capital markets deals. July 2023 saw Armando Elsharkawy raised to the partnership; he demonstrates notable strength in tax advice on real estate and infrastructure deals. The practice also has a strong pool of associates with Carlos Jiménez Chao, Eduardo Orellana and Swad Abbud all experienced figures.

Mexico > Bankruptcy and restructuring Tier 3

Mijares, Angoitia, Cortés y Fuentes S.C. houses an ‘efficient’ bankruptcy practice which assists all stakeholders in insolvency proceedings, financial restructurings, workouts and litigation. The group’s client roster includes major players in the energy, finance and mass media sectors (PEMEX, Banco Santander and Televisa). At the helm of the practice, Everardo Espino specialises in civil, commercial insolvency and administrative litigation. He is supported by a strong team of twelve associates with Ramiro Cota, who is experienced in insolvency proceedings and acting on civil and mercantile matters, being of particular note.

Mexico > Compliance Tier 3

The team at Mijares, Angoitia, Cortés y Fuentes S.C. ‘stands out from the competition’ for its ‘deep knowledge’ of compliance issues and regulations. Its practice covers two branches – the design and implementation of corporate compliance programmes, and defence and litigation on behalf of corporations and directors. Gabriel Calvillo - a former head of the environmental crimes unit of the Attorney General’s Office - steers the practice, and is experienced in litigation and compliance risk analysis. Associate Adriana Morales Figueroa counsels local and international companies on the application of AML regulations. Partner Pilar Mata retired in April 2022.

Mexico > Energy and natural resources Tier 3

Financings in the hydrocarbons and power sectors are standout strengths of the energy practice at Mijares, Angoitia, Cortés y Fuentes S.C. The department also has experience in advising on the construction and operation of oil rigs, conventional and renewable power plants, gas pipelines and LNG facilities. As a full-service firm, the offering also includes multi-disciplinary work in the sector, handling issues ranging from labour matters to corporate governance. Horacio de Uriarte regularly acts as project counsel, as well as on behalf of sponsors, lenders and borrowers. He co-leads the department with Patricio Trad, a corporate finance all-rounder with extensive experience acting for energy-sector stakeholders. Key associate Aisha Calderón has a focus on energy and environmental matters.

Mexico > Environment Tier 4

The environmental practice at Mijares, Angoitia, Cortés y Fuentes S.C. is co-led by of counsel Gabriel Calvillo and senior associate Paula Pérez, and constitutes one of the pillars of the firm’s new ESG practice, launched in August 2022. The five strong team handles the gamut of relevant matters, particularly environmental M&A due diligence, compliance, risk and damage prevention, and liability matters; it is perhaps best known, however, for its capabilities in relation to administrative and criminal environmental litigation. Recent headline work included advising Actis on the Mexican-law aspects of the sale of a portfolio of renewable energy projects to GIP Helios; with other matters including extensive environmental due diligence and environmental regulatory compliance, particularly in relation to the water segment. Nevertheless, like all in the sector, the practice has felt the effect of the considerable downturn in complex project-related mandates; indeed, Calvillo has to a certain degree re-oriented his practice so as to focus more on corporate criminal liability and criminal compliance, and was appointed the firm’s criminal compliance officer in July 2022. Key associate support comes from Paulina Martínez, whose experience includes two years as a director at the Procuraduria Federal de Proteccion al Ambiente; and the ‘impressive‘ Aisha Calderón, whose practice includes both environmental and energy aspects – particularly in relation to the electricity sector.

Mexico > Intellectual property Tier 4

Under the leadership of counsel Alejandro Díaz, Mijares, Angoitia, Cortés y Fuentes S.C.’s intellectual property practice is a key component of the firm’s wider offering in transactional matters, supporting on all relevant issues. In recent years the team has grown it IP portfolio management, protection and enforcement caseload; it also -in conjunction with the firm's litigation department- handles contentious IP matters. Areas of particular experience for the team include advertising matters, IP asset due diligence, and work in both the sports and entertainment sectors. Díaz is supported by associates Claudia Gutiérrez, who focuses on trade marks, patents, IT and regulatory matters; Alfonso Alcázar, who is often involved in copyright cases; and March 2022 hire Juan Pablo Cárdenas.

Mexico > Labour and employment Tier 4

In support of its market-leading corporate team, Mijares, Angoitia, Cortés y Fuentes S.C. fields a labour law team with capabilities on both the contentious side and the consultancy aspects of the sector. The practice acts for clients in general labour litigation as well as amparo cases, and has an active alternative dispute resolution component, while also focusing on conflict prevention and proactive union negotiations. For transactional matters, the team is experienced in labour and employment due diligence, and also advises US law firms if they have enquiries on Mexican labour law on their clients’ behalf. Practice head Claudio Jiménez de León is an advisor to national, foreign, public and private companies on the full range of labour and employment matters, from consultancy to individual and collective litigation, and appeal proceedings. He is supported by July 2022 partner appointment Rodrigo del Valle, who frequently assists with workforce restructuring post-M&A, and with compensation structures for high-level executives, compliance strategies, collective dispute resolutions and employee transfer processes. From a deep pool of associates, Francisco Cisneros is noted for his expertise in individual disputes.

Mexico > Dispute resolution: litigation Tier 5

Everardo Espino leads the 16-strong litigation practice at Mijares, Angoitia, Cortés y Fuentes S.C., which focuses on complex civil and commercial cases but also handles a range of administrative and constitutional matters as required by the full-service firm’s broad client base. Standout clients to have instructed the team, recently, include ICA, Televisa and Banco Santander. Formerly at his own boutique for over a decade (until 2018), Everardo is an experienced contentious practitioner who specialises in civil, commercial and administrative litigation, along with insolvency proceedings. The July 2023 promotion of Luis Pablo Ramírez Martínez, who focuses on administrative litigation and commercial arbitration) to the partnership further consolidates the practice, which can also draw on a substantial associate bench. Ramiro Cota and Fernando Cubillo have been particularly active over the last year; Santiago Costal, Salvador Alday and Elián Ávila are also noted.