Latin America M&A deal activity declined in 2022 after the highs of 2021. Brazil continues to be the dominant country, typically accounting for more than half of all deals in the wider region. Technology remains a buoyant segment for deals with persistent transactional activity, along with private equity and venture capital investments. Mexico is the second most active M&A market with continued resilience in the industrial sectors, largely linked to the development of manufacturing, supply chains and logistics capability as part of the nearshoring trends that have been driven by geopolitical tensions and new legislative initiatives in the US. Overall, political shifts to the left in a number of states and general economic volatility have inhibited deal flow in 2022 and 2023.
Corporate and M&A in Latin America: International firms
Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton
For many, who regard it as having the leading Latin America practice among international law firms, Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton remains the benchmark. Its sheer number of Latin America-focused partners and lawyers has afforded it an exemplary client base and contacts throughout the region. As a result, it has worked on many of the bulge-bracket and headline deals related to the Latin American region. Brazil, Mexico, Chile and Argentina have been its primary markets over the years, although it has extensive geographic coverage including deals in Colombia, Peru, Paraguay, Uruguay, Ecuador and Panama. The practice remains noted for its connections to major state-owned enterprises (SOEs), and for its record in the energy, mining and resources sectors. Along with big-ticket M&A and private equity transactions, the firm is also building its presence in venture capital and emerging company deals, including in the media, digital and crypto areas; it advised SoftBank on its equity investment in Univision Holdings relating to the latter’s acquisition of the content and media assets of Grupo Televisa. Chantal Kordula has emerged as the firm’s preeminent figure for Latin America M&A transactions, particularly in relation to Mexican businesses. Sao Paulo partner Juan Giráldez is at the forefront of Brazil M&A deals, often representing some of the biggest corporate names in the jurisdiction. Jeffrey Lewis remains a prominent name in energy, mining and natural resources, advising some of Latin America’s largest corporates in high-value transactions. Francesca Odell impresses in private equity and venture capital deals. Moreover, the bench was strengthened further with the promotion of transactional tax counsel Matthew Brigham to the partnership in October 2023. At associate level, native Spanish speaker Jessica Batlle Welling is an impressive up-and-coming talent. All named individuals are based in New York unless stated otherwise.
Testimonials
‘It is an excellent team, with people of great experience and creativity. I would say that the greatest strength is creativity, the ability to face problems in a new, creative way.’
‘I would mention Chantal Kordula and Jeffrey Lewis as two of the standout partners in the office. Always present and with the ability to understand business and problems in depth.’
‘Cleary’s team stands out in comparison to other law firms mainly for the quality and commitment of its advice Its international network and reaction capacity during the structuring and negotiation of transactions.’
Key clients
SoftBank
Grupo Bimbo
Puerto Rico Public-Private Partnerships Authority (P3 Authority)
LATAM Airlines
América Móvil
Vitro
Bio Pappel
Coca-Cola FEMSA
Mitsui
Fintech
BlackRock
Advent International
Ontex Group NV (Ontex)
Americold Realty Trust
Grupo Kuo
BBVA
Banagricola
Falabella
Vale
Codelco
Suzano
Work highlights
- Advised Ontex Group on the sale of its Mexican business activities (and related exports to regional markets) to Softys.
- Represented Americold Realty Trust on its entry into a joint venture with Patria Investments.
- Advised the Puerto Rico Public-Private Partnerships Authority in a series of landmark transactions intended to transform Puerto Rico’s electricity sector.
Latham & Watkins LLP
Latham & Watkins LLP has a highly integrated Latin America practice with many team members crossing various disciplines at the same time as having high levels of core specialisation. Over the years, it has advanced to the forefront of energy and infrastructure transactions in the region, which now includes growth areas such as renewables and energy transition. While it has historically focused on investments going into Latin America, it is now increasingly active in cross-border transactions into North America by businesses in Brazil, Mexico, Chile and other jurisdictions. Moreover, it is leveraging its status as a leader in start-ups and emerging companies to target this sector in Latin America; it advised Avenir Growth Capital on its $111m Series B funding of Chile-based Xepelin, a provider of B2B payments and financial services for SMBs in Latin America. New York partner Antonio Del Pino, global chair of the Latin America practice, has an outstanding record in M&A and private equity transactions. Madrid’s Ignacio Pallarés has a long history of representing Spanish corporates in their investments in Latin America. Washington DC’s Carlos Ardila, a Colombian native, was promoted to partner in January 2023; he has impressive experience in corporate transactions and financings. Dual-qualified (Argentina/New York) associate Francisco J Lanusse is one-to-watch.
Practice head(s):
Antonio Del Pino
Testimonials
‘The work of Antonio Del Pino and his team is highly specialised, they have very complete specialists in different areas and an absolute level of commitment to the client.’
‘Thorough knowledge of their areas of expertise and especially of operations in Latin America.’
‘An experienced team with a great ability to negotiate successfully and a very quick response to customer needs. They were able to put together a team to take on a transaction that was negotiated in less than two weeks, very efficiently and quickly.’
‘All of the firm’s attorneys displayed in-depth knowledge of their practice areas and were able to resolve all sensitive points in the transaction very quickly; there was a special dedication from the team of specialised contracts for manufacturing, the commercialisation of products and intellectual property, which demonstrated great capacity. Antonio del Pino is an extraordinary partner, who transmits calm, is very rational and focused on results, and a great negotiator. He knows what the points to deliver are, and which issues are critical. He had a very quick and efficient response time. Francisco Lanusse is a great associate, with a great capacity for work, who knows all the issues of M&A transactions perfectly, and is very dedicated and extraordinary in negotiating contracts.’
‘The LW team has a very strong M&A practice, with extraordinary professionals. They have a great ability to work in cross-border operations, with a diverse staff that has roots in Latin America — certainly on the operations in which I have interacted with them. The integration of their team helps a lot in these types of operations.’
‘I would highlight Tony del Pino and Javier Stark. Very keen to find solutions and get deals done.’
‘Latham has a great M&A team led by Tony del Pino. Tony, in particular, has great skill and astuteness as a negotiator, avoiding unnecessary clashes and tailoring the direction of the negotiation to meet the client’s interests, without creating unnecessary tension. A wise and cunning negotiator. This sets them apart from other law firms in NY, which negotiate with more intensity.’
‘Latham’s M&A team has the support and depth of the entire firm, with highly specialised and sophisticated areas. In one operation, in the energy area, a negotiation was achieved in record time, with the support of various teams of specialists in the firm. The leadership of Tony del Pino is fundamental. We have also had a very positive interaction with Carlos Ardila.’
Key clients
Global Infrastructure Partners
Tresalia Capital
SierraCol Energy Limited
Octal Holding & Co
Telefónica
Paracel
Softys
AME Holding
ArcLight Capital
Vivalto Santé
Triumph Modular
PopUP Design
ParaFi Capital
Repsol
BHP Billiton Petroleum
Marlin Equity Partners
Emergent Cold LatAm Management
Work highlights
- Advised Global Infrastructure Partners on its acquisition of Atlas Renewable Energy (a clean energy company that develops, builds, and operates solar and wind projects in Latin America), from private equity firm Actis.
- Advised Telefónica Colombia on the sale of a 60% stake in its Fiber-to-the-Home infrastructure business to KKR.
- Advised AME Holding on the investment in HIF Global (a Chile-based developer of carbon-neutral eFuels projects), by Porsche, EIG, AME, Baker Hughes, and Gemstone Investments.
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP has a core team of six Latin America specialist partners across its New York and Sao Paulo offices. The partners all focus on corporate and M&A transactions to varying degrees and have built a commanding presence in the market. Beyond this dedicated Latin America group, the firm has a range of partners that also lead or support transactions in the region. The Latin America team continues to set the benchmark in bulge-bracket private equity transactions, building on the firm’s global status in this field. It also stands out for its record in M&A, especially in the financial services sector, along with transactions in the energy and technology fields. Recent mandates include advising Stonepeak Infrastructure partners on its $2.7bn acquisition of the Latin America business of Lumen Technologies, and KKR on its agreement with Telefónica to establish Colombia’s first independent nationwide open-access wholesale digital infrastructure company. Along with its historical strength in cross-border investments into Latin America, the team is also increasingly active in outbound transactions into North America. A case in point was the team’s advice to The Fresh Market (and its controlling shareholders), on the $1.56bn sale of a 67% stake to South American retailer, Cencosud. Todd Crider leads the Latin America group and divides his time between New York and Sao Paulo, often advising on some of the largest and most high-profile deals in the market. Juan Naveira is a recognised Latin America M&A specialist and Juan Francisco Méndez is another senior practitioner with a fine reputation in M&A. Grenfel Calheiros is a big player in Sao Paulo, while up-coming figure Borja Marcos was promoted to partner in January 2023. Former partner Jaime Mercado has become of counsel. Named individuals are based in New York unless stated otherwise. Since publication, the Sao Paulo-based team has been further strengthened with the promotion of senior associate Luiz Felipe Noronha to counsel - effective as of November 2023.
Practice head(s):
Todd Crider; Grenfel Calheiros; Juan Francisco Méndez; Juan Naveira; Paulo Fernando de Menezes Cardoso; Borja Marcos
Testimonials
‘Excellent professionals, highly trained in corporate M&A issues and equity and debt placements, with great knowledge of the market and its trends, great listening skills, strategists by nature. clearly a great option for the implementation of projects at an international level.’
‘In depth knowledge of the market and its trends, great listening skills, strategists by nature. They are alert to the market, and its evolution, exceptional professionals.’
‘The level of work and dedication is absolute. It shows that they are top top NY firm.’
‘Juan Naveira is exceptional and deserves all the recognition as a young partner. Todd Cridder is an undisputed leader for LatAm too.’
‘Juan Naveira is meticulous and hardworking.’
‘It has an outstanding team with a practical approach. They provide legally sound advice, but understand business needs and particular knowledge of Latam clients. In our experience, they excel in comparison to their peers based on practice experts, delivery and sensibility.’
‘Juan Francisco Mendez, Borja Marcos and Juan Naveira are outstanding. Dream team with overlapping abilities. Juan Francisco’s attention to detail is beyond comparison. Borja has a technical knowledge and an ability to pause when needed to dive into detail; that is amazing. Juan has impressive negotiation skills with an amicable aura to him.’
Key clients
3R Petroleum
Advent International
Agrovision
Billpocket
BlueMacaw
Covalto
Creditas
Crescera
Despegar
Grupo Somar
Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima (IRSA)
KKR & Co
Masplay
Nadir Figueiredo
SAAM
SCC Power
Stonepeak Infrastructure Partners
The Fresh Market
Work highlights
- Advised Stonepeak on its $2.7bn acquisition of Lumen Technologies’ Latin American business.
- Advised The Fresh Market on its $1.56bn acquisition by Cencosud.
- Advised SAAM on the proposed sale of its shipping terminal and logistics businesses in South America, Central America and Florida to Hapag-Lloyd.
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP’s Latin America group has a major focus on M&A and corporate transactions. Both Latin America department heads Paul Schnell and Paola Lozano are based in New York and specialise in M&A, private equity and other corporate matters, with Lozano also sitting as head of the Spanish language corporate practice. The firm is a global powerhouse in M&A and this is very much in evidence in Latin America where it routinely advises on high-value deals, including those valued in excess of $1bn. It regularly advises multinationals on their most significant investments and divestments in the region. Lozano led the team that advised Citigroup on its sale of Citi International Financial Services (Puerto Rico) and Citi Asesores de Inversion Uruguay to Insigneo Financial Group in 2022. The practice also has an impressive track record in representing Brazilian corporates, recently advising Embraer (and its subsidiary, Embraer Aircraft Holding), on UAM’s merger with Zanite Acquisition Corp, with UAM subsequently becoming a publicly traded company; this was one of a series of SPAC transactions that the firm has advised on. Filipe Areno is a key figure in Sao Paulo where he is playing a pivotal role in SPAC deals and representing Brazilian businesses in their outbound acquisitions. Mathias von Bernuth is another key figure in Sao Paulo. Since publication, private equity and M&A-focused counsel Ralph Pérez has been raised to the partnership - effective as of May 2024.
Practice head(s):
Paul Schnell; Paola Lozano
Key clients
WST (Grupo Werthein)
Moneda Asset Management
Citigroup Inc
Wal-Mart de Mexico
Embraer
HPX Corp
SuperBac Protecao Ambiental
Aliansce Sonae Shopping Centers
Exportadora e Inversiones Agroberries
Compania Cervecerias Unidas
Ultrapar Participações
Semantix
Shareholders of Casa do Adubo
C6 Holding
Work highlights
- Advised Citigroup on its sale of Citi International Financial Services (Puerto Rico) and Citi Asesores de Inversion Uruguay to Insigneo Financial Group.
- Advised Embraer (and its subsidiary, Embraer Aircraft Holding), on UAM’s merger with Zanite Acquisition Corp, with UAM subsequently becoming a publicly traded company.
- Advised Compañía Cervecerías Unidas (Chile) on its strategic alliance with Danone.
White & Case LLP
White & Case LLP has demonstrated more commitment to Latin America than almost any other international firm in the market. It has large Latin America-focused teams in its Sao Paulo, Mexico City, New York, Miami and Houston offices. It is in Houston where it houses the core of its Latin America M&A team with Rodrigo Dominguez and William Parish having outstanding reputations in Latin America M&A; both have been instrumental in the firm’s recent record of advising on a steady pipeline of headline strategic and private equity transactions. The two are closely linked to oil and gas, LNG, renewables, mining and industrial real estate deals, with Brazil, Mexico and Chile featuring uppermost. Both advised EIG on its joint acquisition with Fluxys of an 80% equity stake in GNL Quintero, the largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) regasification terminal in Chile, from Enagas Chile and affiliates of OMERS Infrastructure. Technology is another growth area for the team, notably with a series of fintech deals. The Latin America M&A team has also assembled an enviable client list of Latin American corporates, family groups, multinationals and private equity houses. Sao Paulo’s Donald Baker is widely regarded as the best connected international lawyer in Brazil. Emilio Grandío was elected to the partnership in 2022 and is an emerging talent - particularly in private equity transactions. Luisa Muskus is an impressive associate. All named individuals are based in Houston, unless stated otherwise.
Practice head(s):
Carlos Viana; Rodrigo Dominguez; Bill Parish
Testimonials
‘What makes the W&C practice stand out is the quality of their customer service. They work to generate a close relationship with the client, through which a very effective work dynamic is developed. For me personally, my W&C team has become my “go to” for any query. It is a pleasure to work with them.’
‘What stands out the most about them is their personalised customer service. They are always available and with the best attitude they accommodate and deliver the results I ask for (which are not always easy and usually very urgent). The accompaniment that Emilio Grandio gave me during an M&A was exceptional. His in-depth knowledge of the subject, his availability including weekends, his quick responses, connecting me with the right experts, and all this while we had long and cumbersome negotiations. The most important thing for us is that based on the quality of their work, we have developed a very strong relationship of trust and reliability.’
Key clients
EIG Global Energy Partners
Sonnedix
CSN Cimentos
Alpha Capital
Del Rio family
Pernod Ricard
Macquarie
7 Bridges Capital Partners
Invenergy
JBS
Vale
Carlyle Group
Zanite Acquisition Corporation
Ultrapar Participacoes
Itau
Cubico Sustainable Investments
Sellagic Investments
Sempra Energy
Operadora de Transportes Maritimos
Work highlights
- Advised EIG on its joint acquisition with Fluxys of an 80% equity stake in GNL Quintero (the largest liquefied natural gas regasification terminal in Chile), from Enagas Chile and affiliates of OMERS Infrastructure.
- Advised Sonnedix on its acquisition of ARCO Holding and Inversiones ARCO 1, 2, & 3 from Arroyo Energy Investors.
- Advised CSN Cimentos on its $1.02bn acquisition of Lafarge Holcim (Brazil).
Clifford Chance
Clifford Chance is relatively unusual in having an established M&A team in Sao Paulo, backed by a number of Latin America-facing M&A specialists in the US and Europe. It is also active in cross-border transactions between Asia and Latin America. It continues to impress in representing corporates and financial investors in Latin America deals and advises a range of businesses in Brazil and other key markets around the region. Energy and infrastructure is a key strength for the team, which has worked on a series of investments in renewable energy projects. It has a numerous Spanish and Portuguese speakers, both Latin American-born practitioners and those that have lived and worked in the region. Although most of its Latin America-focused lawyers are based in the Americas, the firm’s London office has also worked on a series of recent headline deals. David Brinton is a leader in energy and infrastructure deals, and is noted for his experience in financial sponsor investments. Anthony Oldfield is managing partner of the Sao Paulo office and a vastly experienced M&A specialist, with a recent track record in venture capital investments in the Brazilian fintech sector. Thais Garcia is an increasing established talent in M&A and a genuine Latin America expert who now leads many of the firm’s headline deals in the region. Madrid’s Samir Azzouzi is another key figure with a fine record in financial sponsor investments; senior figure Javier Amantegui (corporate/M&A, private equity and investment fund work) also operates from the Spanish capital. At associate level, senior Carla Ruggero is a talented up-and-comer. The team was further strengthened in June 2023 with the hire of oil-and-gas transactional specialist, David Sweeney (who joined the firm’s new Houston office) from Akin. All named individuals are based in New York unless stated otherwise. Since publication, Ruggero has been promoted to the partnership - effective as of April 2024.
Practice head(s):
Sarah Jones; Benjamin Sibbett; Anthony Oldfield
Testimonials
‘It is a firm that has lawyers who are fluent in Spanish, which is a plus for M&A practice in Latam.’
‘Alan Sakar is a business oriented lawyer. He provides easy to understand answers and is always looking for practical solutions to problems. He is available and always with a practical point of view in negotiations.’
‘CC is a great firm. David Brinton and Thais García have a very deep knowledge of the market, they are always available and they propose creative solutions. Their value is at the highest level.’
Key clients
ACS
Interconexión Eléctrica
Actis
Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB)
Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ)
Cubico
Empresas Públicas de Medellín
Macquarie
MPC Energy Solutions
Work highlights
- Advised ISA Inversiones Chile on its joint venture with Transelec and China Southern Power Grid International (through the Yallique Consortium) for their joint bid for the construction and operation of Chile’s Kimal-Lo Aguirre line, a 1,500-km-long high voltage direct current line, with an estimated value of $1.3bn.
- Advised Actis on the sale of Brazil’s largest independent renewables platform, Echoenergia, to listed Brazilian utilities company, Equatorial Energia.
- Advised MPC Energy Solutions on its first investments in renewable energy projects in Latin America, including a ready-to-build wind park in Panama and multiple solar PV plants in various stages of development in Colombia, Honduras, and Mexico.
Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP
Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP‘s commitment to capital markets work in Latin America has provided the foundation for an impressive corporate and M&A practice, thanks to its ever-expanding client base; recent (April 2023) transactional mandates include advising Natura & Co on the proposed sale of Aesop to L’Oréal. The firm has also made headway in take private and SPAC transactions, and has built a significant presence in Brazil’s burgeoning fintech sector. It advised PagoNxt Merchant Solutions on the take private of Brazilian payment solutions business Getnet Adquirência e Servicos para Meios de Pagamento; and also represented Lavoro Agro on its combination with TPB Acquisition Corporation I, a SPAC sponsored by The Production Board. Head of the Latin America practice Manuel Garciadiaz divides his time between Sao Paulo and New York; he is best known for capital markets work, but has worked on a long list of headline M&A engagements over the years. Many other New York-based partners also regularly advise on Latin America deals.
Practice head(s):
Manuel Garciadiaz
Key clients
Afya
Arco Platform
Banco Santander Brasil
Codere Online
Cosan
Digicel Group
EBanx
Fibria Celulose
Gafisa
Grupo Aval
Lavoro
LIV Capital
Millicom
Natura Cosméticos
Nubank
Natura
Petrobras
Sesajal
StoneCo
Vitru
Vivo Participações
XP
Work highlights
- Advised Natura on the $2.52bn sale of Aesop to L’Oréal.
- Advised Alpha Capital Acquisition Company, a SPAC, on its $1bn combination with Semantix, Latin America’s first fully integrated data software platform.
- Advised Grupo Aval on the spinoff of a 75% stake in its indirect subsidiary, BAC Holding International, to its shareholders and shareholders of Banco de Bogotá.
Debevoise & Plimpton LLP
Debevoise & Plimpton LLP has an impressive background in representing strategic corporates and private equity sponsors in Latin America. Along with a range of multinationals and international investors, the firm has also built a significant client base of Latin American businesses. Energy, infrastructure, financial services, insurance, mining and telecoms are primary sectors for the Latin America team. The transactional group often work alongside litigation colleagues in relation to anti-corruption due diligence (the firm is ranked tier one for compliance and investigations in this guide). Maurizio Levi-Minzi has huge experience advising private equity houses and strategic investors in Latin America; he led the team that advised Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan and Alberta Investment Management Corporation on their portfolio company Grupo Saesa’s $1.5bn acquisition of a 99.09% interest in Enel Transmisión Chile. David Grosgold is also noted for transactions in the financial services and insurance sectors. Signalling the firm’s commitment to the Brazil market in particular, the team’s senior ranks were further strengthened with the promotion of dual-qualified (New York/Brazil) Sergio Torres to counsel in July 2023; a key member of the practice group, he works on many of the firm’s Latin America transactions.
Practice head(s):
Maurizio Levi-Minzi
Testimonials
‘It is a very strong team that responds in a timely and accurate manner to all customer inquiries. They are very used to working with the LATAM region and have a lot of experience in the area, in large and complex matters.’
‘Maurizio Levi-Minzi is a lawyer with extensive experience and knowledge of his clients, who always has high-level solutions added to transactions. He is very clear and proactive so that the deal goes ahead. Together with the associate Sergio Torres they make a very good team, with a focus on LATAM deals. They know the market and the idiosyncrasies of the countries in the region very well, which brings the client and their lawyers very close.’
‘The high specialisation in financial services and its multicultural and pragmatic team with experience and knowledge of the market.’
‘David Grosgold – his simplicity and ability to deal with complex issues, in addition to his knowledge of the financial services market and industry in Latin America.’
‘Strengths and skills of this team: they are very experienced lawyers who have a great knowledge of the industry involved in the project and the legal practice area (including complex tax issues). They compare favorably with other teams precisely because the partners are very present leaders in the transaction. This is reflected in a very efficient planning of the project process, and then in the obtaining of many achievements and benefits in the transaction negotiation process.’
‘Very involved in the entire process of the M&A project, from the beginning to the end. Their best qualities are: great knowledge of the business or industry; bilingual and very international; very focused on achieving the objectives defined by the client and with a lot of concern for the latter’s interests; top lawyers with experience and very up to date on the alternatives that can be used in international deals. Names to note: Maurizio Levi-Minzi, David Grosgold, Mike Gillespie, Greg Gooding, Sergio Torres. Other areas also involved in M&A projects: Dietmar Prager and Laura Sinisterra, Andrew Levine, and Jonathan Adler.’
Key clients
AIMCO
Ambev
Antofagasta
Brookfield Asset Management
BTG Pactual
Carlyle Group
Chubb Limited
CPPIB
Gympass
H I G Capital Management
Johnson & Johnson
Naviera Ultranav Limitada
Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan Board
Pernod Ricard
Prudential Financial
Temasek
Verizon Communications
Work highlights
- Advised Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan and Alberta Investment Management Corporation on their portfolio company Grupo Saesa’s $1.5bn acquisition of a 99.09% interest in Enel Transmisión Chile.
- Advised Pernod Ricard on its acquisition of a majority stake in Código 1530, a range of ultra-premium and prestige tequila.
- Advised Gympass on its acquisition of online personal traing group, Trainiac, henceforth known as Trainiac by Gympass.
Paul Hastings LLP
Paul Hastings LLP has developed a phenomenal Latin America practice over the last decade with M&A being very much at the heart of this growth. The core M&A group is known for deals in Peru and Colombia, along with Brazil, Ecuador, Bolivia and Argentina; the firm also has a highly-rated M&A group in its Sao Paulo office. A measure of its success lies in its impressive client base of Latin America-based businesses, coupled with multinational corporates and global financial institutions. Robert Leung is co-vice chair of the global corporate department and has a major focus on Latin America M&A and private equity, particularly in Peru and Colombia, as does Mike Huang. Jonathan Kellner is chair of the Sao Paulo office and has an outstanding reputation for inbound and outbound M&A in Brazil. Sao Paulo of counsel Filipe Lima also has an excellent reputation. Houston partners Luis Gomar and Rocio Guadalupe Mendoza are also noted for energy transactions in the region, especially Mexico and Brazil. However, former head of the Latin America group Michael Fitzgerald -one of the architects of its success in the region- left the firm in June 2023; as did Luke Iovine in 2022. Named individuals are based in New York unless stated otherwise. Since publication, Alexander Temel has joined the Boston office from Sidley Austin LLP.
Testimonials
‘The capacity for work and mastery of technical issues are outstanding. In addition, Paul Hastings’ team has a very good ability to negotiate contracts and a practical sense that makes them very good. They are efficient, agile and practical.’
‘The team led by Robert Leung and Mike Huang is very good. Their greatest differentiator is their work capacity, technical qualities and commitment. The combination of these three factors makes them one of the best teams in Peru.’
‘Highlight the availability of their teams and willingness to carry out the entrusted transactions. Excellent level, quality and response time to doubts, questions and changes. Knowledge of a very good level of the market and type of transactions entrusted.’
‘Excellent availability and level of response to concerns, questions and possible changes. Technically they have an excellent level. Very cordial treatment and response and with a good attitude, they are reliable, they have a very broad vision of the business/transaction possibilities. Great experience. A privilege to have been able to work with Robert Leung and his team, his vast experience, knowledge and excellent teamwork were essential to us as clients and to our transaction.’
Key clients
AGP/Transtech Glass Investment Limited
Alunorte
Arco Educação
BHP
Compass.UOL
EIG Partners
Embraer
Fomento Económico Mexicano
Generate Capital
Genomma Lab Internacional
Glenfarne Group
Grupo Acerero
Grupo Campollo
Grupo Prize
Intercorp
Javelin Global Commodities
Moove
Nexus Group
PetroBAL
Petz
SYN Prop e Tech
UOL Educação Tecnologia Educacional
Uxlam Assets Corp
Valorem
Vistra Advisors
Work highlights
- Advised Chilean-based Grupo Prize on its definitive $425m business combination agreement with Rose Hill Acquisition Corporation.
- Assisted Generate Capital with its investment in Conasa Infraestrutura, its first investment into Brazil.
- Advised Moove on its $479m acquisition of PetroChoice Lubrication Solutions from Golden Gate Capital.
Sullivan & Cromwell LLP
Sullivan & Cromwell LLP has a rich history in Latin America M&A transactions. Through its relatively small team of Latin America specialists, it has built a hugely acclaimed reputation in the field. In 2022, it advised Chilean food tech The Not Company on its joint venture with Kraft Heinz. The Latin America group has advised on some of the largest deals in the mining and metals sector over the years, and is also noted for financial services deals. Sergio Galvis leads the Latin America team and is widely praised for his expertise in complex transactions. Christopher Mann and Werner Ahlers are also highly regarded Latin America experts.
Practice head(s):
Sergio Galvis
DLA Piper LLP (US)
DLA Piper LLP (US) has made rapid progress over the last five years with sizeable corporate and M&A teams in Colombia, Brazil, Chile, Peru, Argentina, Mexico and Puerto Rico, along with Latin America-focused practitioners in Miami and New York. It continues to advised North American corporates, multi-latinas, family offices, private equity firms and sovereign governments. TMT, industrial manufacture, and energy and natural resources are key sectors. The firm’s strong connections in the region have resulted in a mounting number of cross-border engagements involving Latin American businesses looking to invest into other regional markets and into North America. The group is also active in fund establishments and relocations. Miami and New York-based Francisco Cerezo is chair of the US-Latin America practice and chair of the Latin America corporate and finance practice. Senior figure Marcello Hallake joined the New York office in January 2023 from Jones Day, bringing extensive experience in cross-border M&A – particularly in relation to Brazil; joining alongside him was Michael McGuinness, another senior name with a major focus on Latin America cross-border M&A. San Diego and New York-based Raul Farias is another recent hire, who has boosted the firm’s record in Mexico, Peru and Chile-related transactions. Puerto Rico associate Joseline Rodríguez is also highly rated. Since research concluded, the firm has strengthened its New York offering with the hire of Amadeu Ribeiro, a compliance, investigations and Brazilian competition law-focused practitioner (formerly at Mattos Filho), with effect from September 2023.
Practice head(s):
Francisco Cerezo; Felipe Quintero; Fabiano Gallo; Juan Manuel de la Rosa; Luis Vargas
Testimonials
‘DLA’s corporate team, specially in NY, is highly well-prepared and responsive to the clients’ needs.’
‘Marcello Hallake is a top-notch M&A/Corporate lawyer, with a solid background of interesting deals in the US and in Brazil. We have successfully worked together for many mutual international clients in the last 10 years. Marcello is always very responsive and sensitive to the client’s needs, being my first option for M&A and Corporate in the US.’
‘This group is very unique because they bring skills to a transaction that are not generally available from law firms located in the Latin America countries that we do business in. As important, is DLA’s understanding of what institutional investors require in a transaction.’
‘Francisco Cerezo is a major legal talent in dealing with issues. He is totally bi-lingual (English and Spanish) so he can effectively deal with local counsel in their language. Plus, and most importantly, Francisco has years of experience in guiding major transactions through Latin America to successful conclusions. He never losses his cool.’
‘Joseline Rodriquez was primarily trained by Francisco Cerezo so she is a killer too. Smart, effective and fearless.’
Key clients
Banco Itau Uruguay
Puerto Rico Public Private Authority
Luma Energy
Cemig
Total Energies
Work highlights
- Advised Banco Itaú on the acquisition of the minority stakes in two Uruguayan fintech companies, Prex and Paigo.
- Advised the Puerto Rico Public Private Authority on several projects including the Puerto Rico Regional Airports Operation and Maintenance Project, and regarding the completion of the San Juan Cruise Terminals Project.
- Advised LUMA Energy as the winning bidder in the P3 transaction for the management and operation of the transmission and distribution assets of the state-owned electric utility in Puerto Rico.
Greenberg Traurig LLP
Greenberg Traurig LLP’s substantial Miami office has a long history of advising multinationals and Latin American businesses on cross-border corporate and M&A transactions. The Latin America group represents a variety of public companies, major family enterprises, private equity houses and venture capital funds. The firm has reinvigorated this emphasis in recent years with a shift in the leadership group that now sees Antonio Peña as co-chair of the Latin America group with co-managing shareholder of the Miami office, Yosbel Ibarra, who also has a key role in Latin America-related transactions. In conjunction with the additional platform provided by the firm’s substantial Mexico office (opened 2012), this has led to a wider geographical focus across Latin America, building on its longstanding links to Central America, and resulting -particularly- in an uptick in Brazil inbound and outbound deals; Brazilian Arnaldo Rego was promoted to shareholder in 2023. The Latin America team is also working on matters involving increased capital flows into North America from Chile and continues to stand out for its expertise in SPAC transactions. Veteran M&A practitioner Emilio Alvarez-Farré is immensely experienced; while Carol Barnhart and Geiza Vargas-Vargas are both key corporate transactional partners who participate significantly in Latin America-related deals. Associate Anthony Fernandez is a rising star. All named individuals are based in Miami.
Practice head(s):
Antonio Peña; Marc Rossell; José Raz Guzmán
Testimonials
‘Commitment to the client, focused on the requested results.’
‘Extraordinary advisers in general, with access to different specialties at the same point of contact.’
‘Greenberg Traurig is a first class office, with a full service team, they respond quickly and are always available. They are my first option when I have to hire an office with international capabilities in the corporate field and M&A.’
‘The team is incredibly nice, good people, with a human quality. It is evident that they are always willing to go the extra mile to meet customer needs. Yosbel Ibarra and Antonio Peña are the ones I have the closest relationship with. Both stand out for their teamwork, customer orientation, speed, expertise in corporate law and first-rate human qualities. I have worked with many lawyers in the USA and without a doubt Yosbel and Antonio are the ones with the best combination of personal qualities with professional capacity.’
‘It is a solid team, with great knowledge of the region. They have very good empathy with clients and colleagues and are flexible with fees. It is very important that they are native Spanish and Portuguese speakers, which makes transactions with clients from the Latam region very efficient.’
‘Antonio Peña, Yosbel Ibarra and Arnaldo Rego are excellent lawyers and people.’
‘We have worked together for many years, there is a lot of trust and their availability to serve us is immediate.’
‘Very high professional quality and they know very well the key points that add value when it comes to generating value and giving an opinion. Practical and fast with commercial sense.’
Key clients
DD3 Acquisition Corp II
Paysafe Limited
Navent Group Limited
Procaps Group
Betterware de México
Megalabs Group / Megalabs USA
EFL Global Logistics
Grupo Empresarial Keralty
VAS Aero Services
Hapag-Lloyd
Work highlights
- Advised Hapag-Lloyd on the $1bn acquisition of the port terminals and inland logistics business of SAAM.
- Advised Procaps Group on its acquisition of Grupo Somar (including Grupo Farmacéutico Somar, Química y Farmacia and Gelcaps and related entities) from private equity fund Advent International.
- Advised DD3 Acquisition Corp II on its business combination agreement with Codere Online.
Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP
Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP’s Miami office houses the core of its Latin America corporate and M&A practice. The group has a stellar record in Central America, although it has broadened its geographic focus in recent years and achieved further growth in outbound transactions and investments from Latin America into North America; notably, it has advised a series of Mexican and Central American family offices and investment vehicles on their investments into the US. The practice is also active in intra-regional deals under New York law and has an impressive track record in fund formation. The team has close links to Latin American financial institutions, family-owned businesses, funds and a range of multinationals. It is also connected to a number of development banks and multilateral agencies, which it advises on equity investments as well as debt financings. Fernando Alonso leads the Latin America team and is immensely experienced in M&A transactions. Fernando Margarit is an experienced Latin America specialist with particular expertise in the telecoms sector. Uriel Mendieta is another fundamental member of the Latin America team, along with associate Gabriel Lopez. All named individuals are based in Miami.
Practice head(s):
Fernando Alonso
Testimonials
‘What makes this team unique is the ability to respond and coordinate with other offices of the firm in the USA.’
‘Easy access to lawyers and speed of response. Outstanding people.’
Key clients
Santander Bank
Diageo
Mondelez International
Prival Bank
Gestionadora de Credito de Costa Rica
Grant Thornton
CIBanco
WE Acquisition Co
Credit Andorra
Promerica Financial Corporation
Tecnicard
Finaccess Capital
International Finance Corporation
Work highlights
- Advised WE Acquisition Co, a wholly-owned acquisition vehicle of PG Growth Opportunities Fund I, on its acquisition of the Wild Eggs brunch chain from Patoka Capital; the limited partners in PG Growth Opportunities Cayman Fund I are primarily from Panama, including Panamanian investment bank, Prival.
- Advised Mexican investment company Finaccess Capital on its investment in Sunshine Restaurant Partners, which owns and operates IHOP restaurants throughout Southeastern US.
- Advised Telconet on the construction and development of the Carnival (CSN-1) subsea cable system which will connect Ecuador, Panama and Chile.
Jones Day
Jones Day remains busy in Latin America matters despite a series of recent senior-level departures, including Miami partners Enrique Martin and Nicholas Rodríguez, along with Marcello Hallake in Sao Paulo. The firm’s sheer size and longstanding focus on the region has ensured it remains well positioned for big-ticket transactions, particularly those involving North American corporates and private equity houses. The firm is also building its presence advising Spanish clients on their investments in Latin America. Brazil continues to be a major focus for the firm, with senior name Wade Angus splitting his time between New York and Sao Paulo. Luis Vélez is now the key corporate partner in Miami and frequently represents US-based clients on their investments in the region, including TotalEnergies, which he advised on its strategic alliance and investment agreement with Omaha Beach Investment Corp, Sunix Petroleum, and Tropigas Dominicana in the Dominican Republic. Head of the Mexico City office Manuel Romano is another senior figure in M&A, joint-ventures and strategic alliances; while Sao Paulo of counsel, Artur Badra, has extensive experience in cross-border transactions in Brazil and across South America.
Practice head(s):
Luis Riesgo; Wade Angus
Testimonials
‘Solid and pragmatic advice; Always available; Efficient with the use of time; knowledge of the client and the market.’
‘Luis Velez is an excellent lawyer, very friendly but also focused on his work. Always available to help.’
‘Jones Day is a great firm and we have worked with them on many M&As. Its partners and lawyers are always very available and technically highly qualified.’
‘The people at Jones Day are experts in Corporate Law and M&A. They understand the responsibility of an M&A transaction and have a great ability to connect all the jurisdictions involved in the case. Partner Sanjiv Kapur has been a great reference in international M&A transactions for many years and we had excellent experiences with him in transactions in Brazil and elsewhere. He is technically great, he is always available and conducts transactions in a very dynamic way and with a lot of quality. Attorney Nathalia Cipelli is a great asset working with partner Sanjiv Kapur and she has always impressed us with her quality.’
Key clients
Nutrien
Sanofi
GIC
Group 1 Automotive
Astellas Pharma
Ansys
AGUNSA
TotalEnergies
Work highlights
- Advised Ansys on its acquisition of Rocky DEM.
- Advised TotalEnergies on its strategic alliance and investment agreement with Omaha Beach Investment Corp, Sunix Petroleum and Tropigas Dominicana in the Dominican Republic.
- Advised Group 1 Automotive on the sale of 100% of its Brazilian business to Original Holdings, an affiliate of Brazilian publicly listed company Simpar.
Mayer Brown
Mayer Brown is a leading name in energy (including oil and gas), mining and infrastructure M&A. Much of the firm’s Latin America M&A capabilities sit in Houston where Argentina native Pablo Ferrante and Peruvian Jose Valera have decades of experience in big-ticket transactions. They work closely with the firm’s growing Mexico City office and Brazilian partner firm Tauil & Chequer Advogados; global head of oil and gas, Alexandre Chequer splits his time between the Houston and Rio de Janeiro offices and has an outstanding record in inbound and outbound Brazilian M&A. Carlos Motta is another key figure in Sao Paulo; he was part of the team that advised Brazil-based footwear company, Alpargatas, on its $475m Series B investment in online eco-friendly footwear retailer, Rothy’s. Along with the firm’s prestigious background in conventional energy, the Latin America M&A team is increasingly active in green energy and mining deals; it advised LSC Lithium on the sale of all of the outstanding shares of Lithea Inc, the owner of the Pozuelos-Pastos Grandes lithium mining properties located in Salta, Argentina, to GFL International. Energy and mining deals in Mexico, Colombia, Chile and Peru are also a forte for the team, which is additionally building its presence in Guyana’s developing oil and gas sector. Mexico oil and gas M&A specialist Gabriel Salinas rejoined the Houston office as a partner from Shearman & Sterling LLP in April 2023.
Practice head(s):
Pablo Ferrante; Jose Valera
Key clients
LSC Lithium
Alpargatas
Nestlé
Ceiba Energy
Waterwheel Capital Management
Locaweb
Casa Lumbre
TS Infraestrutura e Engenharia
STOA Infra & Energy
Decolar.Com
Work highlights
- Advised Alpargatas, the Brazil-based footwear company, on its $475m Series B investment in online retailer of eco-friendly footwear, Rothy’s.
- Advised LSC Lithium on the sale of all the outstanding shares of Lithea Inc, the owner of the Pozuelos-Pastos Grandes lithium mining properties located in the Province of Salta, Argentina, to GFL International.
- Represented Nestlé in its purchase of Brazilian foodtech company Puravida from São Paulo-based private equity group Aqua Capital.
Milbank
Milbank has decades of experience in Latin America, especially in the energy and infrastructure fields. It is also further developing its standing in private equity transactions, including investments by sovereign wealth funds, and it is a recognised force in aviation and transportation, financial services and technology, media and telecoms. John Franchini is global head of the corporate and M&A group, co-heads the international infrastructure practice, and has a fine record in Latin America deals, including those by private equity and sovereign wealth funds. Dean Sattler is another senior practitioner with genuine Latin America experience, while native Spanish speaker Francisco Nuñez is increasingly prominent in big-ticket deals in the region, along with Aaron Stine; Nuñez led the team that advised Cencosud on its acquisition -through one of its subsidiaries- of 67% of the post-closing issued and outstanding common stock of The Fresh Market. The New York-based team, frequently works alongside colleagues in Sao Paulo.
Practice head(s):
John Franchini
Testimonials
‘The Milbank team, headed by John Franchini, is highly focused, experienced, thorough and practical. we would recommend them any day. also, they have deep regulatory knowlege in energy and infra deals and broad experience in Latin America, including Mexico.’
‘They are proactive, practical, business oriented and fun to work with.’
Key clients
Abra Group
Actis
Cempro
Cencosud
EIG
Global Infrastructure Partners
I Squared Capital
JERA
Macquarie
Mitsui Co.
New Fortress Energy
Oaktree Capital Management
OMERS
Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan
Work highlights
- Advised OMERS on its joint sale with Enagás of their combined 80% interest in GNLQ – an LNG reception, unloading, storage and regassification terminal in Chile – to a consortium made up of EIG Partners and Fluxys.
- Advised a Middle East-based sovereign wealth fund on its $1.78bn minority investment in Sempra Infrastructure Partners.
- Advised Cencosud on its acquisition of 67% of the post-closing issued and outstanding common stock of The Fresh Market.
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP has an established Latin America team with its M&A expertise primarily located in Houston. It is noted for its energy expertise in Mexico, Brazil and other nations in the region. The core Latin America group has a number of senior practitioners that are licensed to practice in the US and a Latin America jurisdiction. It has links to large Latin American corporates, multinationals and private equity houses. Having historically focused on outbound transactions from North America into Latin America, it is now increasingly active on inbound work; a case in point was its advice to Grupo Lala US (a subsidiary of the Mexico-based dairy products manufacturing business), on regulatory and corporate matters relating to its operations in the US. More broadly, the group remains recognised for oil and gas, LNG, technology and telecoms transactions in the region. Co-chair of the Latin America group and Bolivian native John Crespo is a senior figure with a fine reputation in oil and gas transactions. Admitted to practice in Mexico, New York and Texas, Humberto Padilla Gonzalez is an experienced figure in strategic M&A and private equity in Mexico and across Latin America. Brazil educated, Felipe Alice is also noted for oil and gas transactions and has a growing profile in technology deals. Washington DC partner and native Spanish speaker Ulises Pin is a TMT specialist, particularly in relation to telecoms and fibre optics transactions. Named individuals are based in Houston unless stated otherwise.
Practice head(s):
Thomas Mellor; John Crespo
Key clients
Grupo Lala
Ranman USA
Mirabilis Homes
Grupo Elektra
Aeromexico
Premise Data Corporation
Apollo Advisors
HSBC
Patriotic Energies and Technologies
Sigga Technologies
Decartes Systems Group
Dellner Industrial
AES
Atlas Capglo
Enel
Grupo Prolamsa
Semex / Oriux
Tadano
Sama Capital
Transportes Garza Leal
BBVA Mexico
Work highlights
- Advised New State Capital Partners on its acquisition of Afimac Global, an international security company with significant operations in Latin America, including Brazil and Mexico.
- Represented Graycliff Partners as the sponsor in an acquisition financing involving a $44m senior secured loan facility provided by Truist Bank.
- Advised Premise Data on its acquisition of Grupo Meiko, a Colombia-based technology company that generates and analyses data.
Proskauer Rose LLP
Proskauer Rose LLP’s Latin America-focused corporate and M&A team is primarily located in New York, but draws further support from its sizeable São Paulo office. The team has a history of headline cross-border M&A and private equity transactions in the region, notably in the financial services, energy and natural resources, life sciences, manufacturing and mining sectors. It has close connections to major multinationals, financial sponsors, multi-latinas and family groups in the region. New York partner Carlos Martinez leads the Latin America group and has an extensive history in M&A and corporate transactions, building close connections to a number of major clients in the region. New York’s Daniel Ganitsky is global co-head of the M&A practice, and also has a fine record in cross-border M&A and private equity transactions in Latin America. São Paulo and New York-based Fábio Yamada provides further advisory, transactional and finance experience – particularly in relation to institutional investors, private equity and other alternative asset fund managers. While not solely focused on Latin America, associate Lauren Kim impresses.
Testimonials
‘I worked with the Latin American team of Proskauer Rose, namely Dan Ganitsky, Kunal Dogra and Lauren Kim. I was very well impressed by the knowledge of the team regarding the private equity industry, infrastructure agreements and their ability to coordinate multi-jurisdictional work with a very proactive and pro-deal approach.’
‘Dan Ganitsky is an excellent lawyer, very business-oriented, very knowledgeable about issues involving Latin American companies. Kunal is a deep lawyer, knows the agreement in detail. Lauren Kim seems to be an excellent senior associate.’
‘Proskauer Rose is the NY firm we always go to. Their lawyers have excellent treatment and good manners, in addition to being very efficient in terms of fees and very honest when transferring fees to clients. Unlike other firms, we really like that their partners are very committed to the transaction until the end, following up, and they don’t let the partners manage the transactions. It is a first class firm, and without a doubt its ranking does not reflect the quality or experience of the firm and its lawyers.’
‘Daniel Ganitsky, partner. He is an excellent lawyer, very knowledgeable, highly sophisticated, and with outstanding negotiation skills. He is a person we love working with, because he is also very charismatic and always knows how to achieve the result we want. Kunal Dogra, partner. He is also very skilled and sophisticated. He is very patient, and he knows how to handle situations very well in the most tense moments. Carlos Martinez, partner. He is a highly networked lawyer, very charismatic and very knowledgeable not only of M&A and corporate law, but also of financial law.’
‘The M&A team is creative, highly resposive and problem-solver. Team understands Latam’s difficulties better than any other US practices I have worked with.’
‘Daniel Ganitsky – senior partner, attentive to main issues and always bring main risks for discussion. Kunal Dogra – very diligent partner, problem-solver Lauren Kim – amazing associate, responsive, deals well with different and complex demands at the same time and answers with assertviness and quickly.’
Key clients
GCM Mining Corporation
Gilinski Group
Patria Investments
Lightrock Brazil
ASA Investments
BRZ Investimentos
BBDTVM
7CC
Vox Capital
Fourth Sail
Work highlights
- Advised Canadian gold mining company GCM Mining Corporation, which has operations and interests in Colombia and Guyana, on its merger with Aris Gold Corporation.
- Advised the Gilinski Group on its two hostile takeover bids in Colombia to acquire Grupo Nutresa and Grupo Suramericana.
- Advised Patria Investments on its definitive agreement to sell its portfolio company ODATA to Aligned Data Centers.
Winston & Strawn LLP
Winston & Strawn LLP has rapidly developed its Latin America practice, initially in New York, susbsequently in Sao Paulo, and most recently in Miami, where it has assembled a large and multi-skilled team. The legacy group had built a reputation for public M&A involving Latin America businesses that are publicly traded in the US, Latin America-focused private equity work (notably fund formation and transactions), and advising Latin American businesses on their expansion initiatives in North America, including significant acquisitions. Having built a very credible Sao Paulo office, primarily through the hire of the highly rated Rodrigo Carvalho in 2021, the practice is now reaping the rewards with a steady pipeline of Brazil-related deals, particularly venture capital and emerging company transactions, along with crypto and blockchain deals. The launch of its Miami office in May 2022 turned heads, not least because it saw the arrival of senior corporate partner Enrique Martin and Colombia born Nicholas Rodríguez from Jones Day, along with a number of other prominent partners and associates, covering multiple disciplines. Co-head of the Latin America and Caribbean group Talbert Navia is a hugely experienced and very much at the forefront of Latin America-focused private equity fund formation and transactions. Fellow practice co-head Allen Miller is another seasoned practitioner with an excellent record in public M&A, particularly involving Chilean entities. Completing the senior NY-based partner group for Latin America, Kevin Smith is also an experienced specialist with a focus on M&A and private equity matters. All named individuals are based in New York unless stated otherwise.
Practice head(s):
Talbert Navia; Allen Miller
Testimonials
‘Rodrigo Carvalho is a very experienced lawyer with an outstanding business and transaction experience that makes him a good leader to his team. Also, they have plenty experience in cross-border deals because of his track record.’
‘Winston & Strawn are able to render services in any area of law in different jurisdictions. The teams are totally integrated and render services with the same quality no matter the area or the person in charge for such demand.’
‘Rodrigo Carvalho and team have a comprehensive knowledge regarding all the sectors related to a big industrial company. They are available 24/7, business oriented and capable to solve any corporate demand in a smooth way.’
‘The Winston and Strawn team is very competent and extremely dedicated. The people allocated are to each deal based on expertise, as opposed to office location/affinity with partner as is the case in many US law firms present in Brazil.’
‘Further to the expertise, which is second to none, the lawyers (including partners and associates) are amiable and cordial, easy to deal with and very responsive.’
‘Besides capital markets, Winston & Strawn has been quite active in M&A in Brazil and Latam, especially in the infrastructure sector (energy in particular). The team is business oriented and has a hands-on approach towards different matters.’
‘Rodrigo Carvalho leads in Brazil. He is a hands-on partner, a dual qualified lawyer (NY and Brazil), and has significant experience working in local and international firms, and also as an in-house counsel.‘
‘Isabelle Ferrarini Bueno is currently working with the W&S team in Miami. One of the brightest, she has deep experience in corporate matters, especially involving transactions in the energy sector.’
Key clients
Miffin Associates Corp
Fazenda Futuro Produtos Alimenticios
Paysafe Holdings UK
LarrainVial
Paymentz
Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile (SQM)
Work highlights
- Represented Fazenda Futuro, the Brazilian producer of plant-based meats, in connection with corporate and tax planning to launch its business in the US.
- Acted as M&A and financial regulatory counsel to digital payments platform, Paysafe, on its acquisition of SafetyPay.
- Advised Terold on its acquisition of a majority stake in California-based WX Brands, a global wine company.
Baker McKenzie LLP
Among the international firms, Baker McKenzie LLP has one of the largest teams across Latin America – and this is backed by a substantial group of Latin America specialists in the US. In Brazil, it operates through its cooperation with Trench Rossi Watanabe, which has a wide-ranging M&A practice that includes Anna Mello in Rio de Janeiro and Daniel Facó in Sao Paulo. In Lima, Liliana Espinosa (of associate firm Estudio Echecopar member firm of Baker McKenzie International), has a fine reputation and recently advised Talma Servicios Aeroportuarios on its $163m acquisition of Inversiones Talma from the shareholders of Enfoca Servicios Logísticos. In the US, New York and Miami-based partner Federico Cuadra Del Carmen has a history of working on headline Latin America deals; moreover, the team was significantly enhanced by the arrival of Latin America titan Michael Fitzgerald and a further three partners from Paul Hastings LLP in June 2023, a development that will undoubtedly see a significant upshift in the firm’s engagement in the region from the US.
Brown Rudnick LLP
Brown Rudnick LLP has a strong focus on Latin America through a number of senior specialists. It remains noted for corporate restructurings, distressed M&A, private equity and venture capital, along with blockchain-related transactions. It has also made an impression in media and entertainment transactions, and SPAC deals. The team features a number of Latin American-born practitioners as well as those that have lived and worked in the region. Boston-based Alejandro Fiuza heads the Latin America practice; formerly a partner at leading Argentine firm Marval O’Farrell Mairal, he is a long-standing private equity and corporate transactional specialist. Also in Boston, Adolfo Garcia has a a broad corporate practice (including financings, private equity, securities, M&A, joint ventures, investments and restructurings), and also leads the firm’s Cuba initiative. In New York, Venezuelan-qualified Clara Krivoy is head of digital commerce, Ibero-American private clients and co-head of the global fintech group; while Colombia-licensed counsel Edgard Alvarez‘s practice has an emphasis on private and public offerings of asset-backed and other structured products. Since publication, Fiuza has left the firm - effective as of November 2023.
Practice head(s):
Alejandro Fiuza
Key clients
Endeavor Global, Endeavor Catalyst and Endeavor Catalyst I and Endeavor Catalyst II
Staples
Tempur-Sealy
Seaboard Corporation
CBS Television
Puerto Rico Oversight Board
Emmis Corporation
TripAdvisor
Draper Cygnus
Audax Management Company
AG Processing
The Catalyst Capital Group
The Smithsonian Channel, Showtime
LAVCA, GPAC
Icahn Enterprises
Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC)
Nitron
Securitas Biosciences
Alaya Capital Partners
Work highlights
- Advised Dubai-based private equity fund on the acquisition of a mobile virtual network operator with businesses in Colombia, Mexico, Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia and other countries in Latin America.
- Advised a US media firm and the producer of a TV reality show regarding corporate agreements and regulatory compliance for filming in five confidential destinations in South America and the Caribbean.
- Continued advice on a multibillion energy infrastructure joint venture involving an Argentine oil company and several Chinese construction and oil giants.
Covington & Burling LLP
Covington & Burling LLP has a long track record of Latin America engagements, representing a wealth of multinationals, Latin American businesses and private equity houses in significant transactions in the region. Technology, financial services and energy are key sectors for the team. The firm continues to work on significant cross-border M&A transactions between the US and Latin America, along with private equity and venture capital investments, joint-ventures, corporate restructurings and commercial arrangements; recent mandates saw the team advise Grupo Bursátil Mexicano on SoftBank Latin America Fund’s $150m investment into one of its subsidiaries. Gabriel Mesa heads the Latin America practice, with special counsel Gustavo Akkerman leading the Brazil team. Senior counsel Rubén Kraiem provides additional high-level experience, while associate Laura Bleier is another integral member of the team. Prominent Latin America and private equity specialist Sergio Urías left the firm in mid-2022. All named individuals are based in New York.
Practice head(s):
Gabriel Mesa
Testimonials
‘The M&A team supported our M&A deal in Latin America in an aggresive and timely manner.’
‘Partner Gustavo Akkerman and counsel Eugene Yoon always are professional and very supportive. We were very satisifed with their assistance on our matter.’
Key clients
Grupo Bursátil Mexicano (GBM)
EMX Capital
Industrias Mass
General Electric Company
Prisma Medios de Pago
Merck
Linzor Capital
Grupo Proeza
The Nature Conservancy
Univision
Work highlights
- Advised Grupo Bursátil Mexicano on SoftBank Latin America Fund’s $150m investment into one of its subsidiaries.
- Represented Bacardi on corporate issues relating to its rum production operations in Puerto Rico.
- Advised the seller group in the sale of a 49% ownership stake in Prisma Medios de Pago, Argentina’s largest payments processing company, to Advent International.
Cuatrecasas
Cuatrecasas is a significant player in Latin America thanks to its offices in Peru, Colombia, Mexico and Chile. Alongside its growing teams in these jurisdictions it has a substantial group of Latin America-facing practitioners in Iberia and New York. It is among the most prolific advisers on Latin America transactions, excluding Brazil. Along with a range of local transactions, the firm has extensive experience in cross-border deals, including private equity investments and exits. In January 2023, the firm absorbed Mexican four-partner firm Rico, Robles, Libenson, S.Cl into its local Mexico office and wider Latin America team – which remains best known for operations in the energy and infrastructure, healthcare and retail sectors. Alfonso Ugarte transferred from Santiago to New York in 2022 to head the Latin America M&A, finance and special situations practice in North America. He joined an established Latin America-facing M&A team there, including Antonio Baena and Diego Pérez-Yarza; Baena recently advised Patria on the sale of Odata, the local company that operates a network of data centres in Latin America. Alfonso Reina led the launch of the Bogota office before returning to Madrid where he continues to have a strong focus on cross-border M&A in Colombia. Peru-based Oscar Trelles is head of the Latin America M&A and private equity practice and has a fine record in cross-border transactions, including intra-regional deals. Chile’s Roberto Guerrero V, Colombia-based Juan Felipe Vera and Santiago Ferrer in Mexico City are also key partners.
Practice head(s):
Oscar Trelles
Key clients
Aon Mexico
Bestinver
Cementos Argos
CMB Prime Administradora General
Contourglobal
Copptech Apparel
Edgeconnex
Hortifrut
Hoya Optical Labs of America
IDE Water Technologies
Macquarie Capital
Pernod Ricard Chile
Sapia
Sociedad de Inversiones Norte Sur
Sterling
Stracon
Vass Consultoria de Sistemas
VFS Chile
Work highlights
- Advised Array Technologies on its acquisition of Soluciones Técnicas Integrales Norland (STI Norland), one of the solar market leaders in Spain, Portugal and several jurisdictions in Latin America.
- Advised Patria on selling Odata (Brazil).
- Advised Linzor Capital on selling Mundo Pacífico (Chile).
Hogan Lovells US LLP
Hogan Lovells US LLP has a highly-reputed Latin America practice that encompasses an impressive spread of corporate and M&A transactions. Much of the firm’s Latin America M&A expertise sits in New York, Miami and Mexico City, with a caseload primarily consisting of Mexico and Brazil transactions, along with a growing proportion of intra-regional deals. Miami partner Jorge Diaz-Silveira leads the Americas infrastructure, energy, resources and projects group, and has a fine record in Latin America transactions, including M&A in the energy and infrastructure sectors. Former managing partner of the firm’s Mexico office, Juan Francisco Torres Landa is a multi-faceted practitioner with considerable experienced in M&A and other corporate transactions. Also in Mexico City, Carlos Ramos is another recognised M&A specialist with particular expertise in the insurance, energy and infrastructure sectors. the practice was further strengthened in February 2022 with the hire of Luke P Iovine (from Paul Hastings) to the firm's New York office. at the At associate level, Spain-qualified Pedro Martínez -in the Miami office- handles project development, finance and corporate matters, primarily in relation to Latin America.
Practice head(s):
Juan Francisco Torres Landa
Testimonials
‘Hogan Lovells has been instrumental in the growth of our company. It has accompanied us in more than 20 M&A transactions. It goes without saying that we have never had any problems because his work has always been impeccable. They have protected our company while helping us close many transactions with great flexibility. They are always able to find a solution acceptable to all parties.’
‘Jorge Diaz Silveira is a great negotiator, tough on problems and soft on people. He always gets results. José Valdivia III is a very capable and intelligent lawyer. One associate in particular has caught my eye. Pedro Martínez, works tirelessly without compromising quality. Excellent team. They understand the region and are just as capable in the US as Ecuador, Peru or Jamaica, just to name a few of the jurisdictions where we have used them.’
Key clients
Mondelēz International
Cemex
Central America Bottling Corporation
Harbour Group
BIA Coffee Investments
Total Express
HID Global
Calibre Scientific
Assa Abloy
Work highlights
- Advised Mondelēz International on its acquisition of Ricolino, Grupo Bimbo’s confectionery business.
- Advised Cemex on its agreement to sell its operations in Costa Rica and El Salvador, through certain of its subsidiaries, to Cementos Progreso Holdings.
- Advised Harbour Group on its acquisition of 100% of Xanor de México.
Holland & Knight LLP
Holland & Knight LLP benefits from a steady flow of Latin America inbound and outbound transactions. The firm has a sizeable on-the ground presence in both Colombia and Mexico, with the latter being bolstered by he hire of a 17-lawyer team from Sánchez Devanny in Mexico City and Monterrey; this has given the firm a boost in targeting investments into the industrial growth in northern Mexico as part of the nearshoring supply chain phenomenon. Inbound investments from Latin America into the US is a major trend for the team, particularly from Colombia, Peru and Chile (the latter especially in terms of the renewables sector); and the practice has been particularly active advising a series of Latin American family offices on investments into US real estate holdings and technology businesses. It has also represented Latin American hotel companies on investments into North America. Roberto Pupo chairs the Latin America practice group, which includes Aymee Valdivia, Enrique Conde, and Alexandra Aguirre who joined from Morrison Foerster in 2022; Aguirre has led teams on a number of deals since joining the firm, including Mediam Group’s sale of a minority stake to Adelph Group. Since publication, the practice group has been further strengthened with the raising of Daniel A Ramos to the partnership - effective as of January 2024. All named individuals are based in Miami.
Practice head(s):
Roberto Pupo
Testimonials
‘Enrique Conde Alexandra Aguirre are very insightful and experienced.’
Work highlights
- Advised Mediam Group (Google’s official media representative in Central America) on the sale of a minority stake to Aleph Group.
Linklaters LLP
Linklaters LLP is a global leader in M&A and has a fine record in Latin America deals. While the Latin America team is better known for other disciplines such as capital markets and project finance, it does have genuine M&A credentials, particularly in relation to cross-border Brazil deals and recent SPAC transactions. Sao Paulo partner Matthew Poulter led the team that advised Moolec Science (a Latin American science-based food ingredient company), on its business combination agreement with LightJump Acquisition Corp, a SPAC. He also advised Bioceres Crop Solutions Corp on its merger with NASDAQ-listed agricultural company Marrone Bio Innovations. Madrid-based managing associate Alberto García Linera heads the Mexico group.
Sidley Austin LLP
Sidley Austin LLP is best known for cross-border M&A, fund formation and energy deals. With the launch of a Miami office and the arrival of Juan Delgado and a team from Morrison Foerster in July 2022, the firm is now a considerably more significant player in venture capital and emerging company transactions in the region – in part as a result of its appointment as a panel firm for SoftBank Latin America Fund. The firm continues to be active in Latin America fund formation, including growth capital and impact investment funds. It also remains prominent in oil and gas transactions in Brazil. In addition to Brazil, Mexico and Colombia are key jurisdictions for the practice – although it is also active in a number of other smaller markets in the region. New York partner Alyssa Grikscheit is a leading figure in fund formation in Latin America; while Boston partners Alexander Temel and Daniel S Rawner are noted for M&A and private equity. Miami-based managing associate Axel Miranda is another key figure for venture capital and emerging company transactions. Since publication, Alexander Temel has moved to Paul Hastings LLP.
Practice head(s):
Alyssa Grikscheit
Testimonials
‘Sidley’s team accopmanied us through a sell-side process, where they participated in all phases of the project (from open bid, to closing). Their level of expertise in helping us guide the process was extraordinary. The process was particularly challenging, since we had multiple (3) jurisdictions, with multiple firms involved across several disciplines. Sidley acted as the head of counsel for all our advisors and helped us navigate the process from start to finish.’
‘Alexander Temel and Daniel Rawner are incredibly talented lawyers. They were very helpful in navigating the business side of things (negotiation). They always had a clear understanding of the implication of things and helped us a lot with our internal decision making process.’
Key clients
Darling Ingredients
Davidson Kempner Capital Management
Crescera Investimentos
China National Oil and Gas Exploration and Development Company
Napier Park Global Capital
SoftBank Latin America Fund
United Airlines Holdings
Univision Communications
Vinci Partners Investments
Work highlights
- Advised Darling Ingredients on its agreement to buy Brazilian company, Gelnex, for $1.2bn in cash.
- Advised Brazilian alternative assets manager, Crescera Capital on the formation of Crescera Growth Capital Fund V, a growth equity fund seeking commitments to invest in mid-market growth capital investments in Brazil.
- Represented United Airlines in connection with its interests in Avianca Airlines.
Uría Menéndez
Uría Menéndez has worked on a range of seminal deals in Latin America and together with Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uria (its associated regional firm which has offices in Colombia, Chile and Peru), it has extensive coverage of the region. It continues to advise a multitude of Spanish and Iberian businesses in connection with their interests and acquisitions in the region, along with other multinationals, investors and a growing number of Latin American clients. It advised Telefónica on its joint acquisition (with Telecom Italia and America Movil) of the mobile assets of Oi, as part of the judicial reorganisation of the Brazilian telecom operator. Eduardo Rodríguez-Rovira has decades of experience in Latin America M&A transactions. Pablo González-Espejo specialises in Brazil transactions, having previously been resident there; and Juan Martín Perrotto is another expert on the region, particularly in relation to investments from Asia and Europe. All named individuals are based in Madrid.
Practice head(s):
Eduardo Rodríguez-Rovira
Key clients
Telefónica
Rovensa
Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria
Brookfield Spain Asset Management
Ferrovial Servicios
Odinsa
Work highlights
- Advised Telefónica on its acquisition of the mobile assets of Oi, the Brazilian telecom operator, jointly with Telecom Italia and America Movil, as part of the judicial reorganisation of Oi in Brazil.
- Advised Rovensa, Bridgepoint and Partners Group on the acquisition of Cosmocel.
- Advised Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria on its acquisition of a 21.7% stake in Brazilian digital bank Neon through the subscription of Series D Preference Shares of the holding company, Neon Payments.
Vinson & Elkins LLP
Vinson & Elkins LLP handles both US and English law governed transactions throughout Latin America. It is also noted for its expertise in relation to private equity investments and energy-sector transactions, including tax structuring capabilities. The increasingly prominent practice has earned a growing number of engagements in the data centre and digital infrastructure segments. Gabriel Silva has an impressive record in transactions throughout the region, most notably in the digital infrastructure and data centre fields, and Eamon Nolan is an experienced figure in energy transactions in Mexico and across Latin America. Houston partners Alan Alexander and Shay Kuperman are noted for energy and infrastructure deals, particularly in Mexico. Named individuals are based in New York unless stated otherwise.
Practice head(s):
Eamon Nolan
Key clients
Apollo Global Management
DigitalBridge Group
Woodside Energy
MIP IV Holdings
QEP Partners
Tallgrass Energy Partners
The Goldman Sachs Group
New Fortress Energy
Andean Telecom Partners
Mundo Pacífico
Mexico Tower Partners
Work highlights
- Advised Woodside Petroleum on its merger with BHP Group.
- Advised Macquarie Group subsidiary MIP IV Holdings on its acquisition of certain pipeline assets in Central Mexico owned by Enagas Internacional.
- Advised funds managed by Apollo on the sale by New Fortress Energy of 11 LNG infrastructure vessels to a newly formed venture owned approximately 80% / 20% by by Apollo funds and NFE.
Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP
Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP has developed impressive regional coverage and has a broad array of venture capital, private equity and strategic M&A engagements. The Latin America team is also noted for its experience in energy and infrastructure M&A, along with transactions in the financial services and insurance fields. Significant recent mandates included advising Colombian transportation infrastructure company Odinsa (owned by Grupo Argos), on the sale of a 50% stake in its airport concessions to Macquarie Asset Management (MAM). Maria-Leticia Ossa Daza is the founding partner of the Latin America practice, a member of the firm’s executive committee, and a native Spanish and fluent Portuguese speaker; she has extensive corporate transactional experience throughout the region. Anna Martini Pereira is originally from Brazil and is a native Portuguese speaker. Both are based in New York. Since publication, Ossa Daza has moved to Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP - effective as of May 2024.
Testimonials
‘WFG has very strong points and team skills are stronger. They are knowledgeable about laws, financial and legal structures so that a negotiation goes well. They are fast and accurate. It is also one of the few firms that has a woman in the leadership of the team, which combined with other male lawyers makes the diversity of ideas and thoughts create an innovative and favorable deal for their clients.’
‘Maria Leticia Ossa is a star, not only in her legal knowledge, but also in relationship and business structure. I was negotiating with a public capital company that acquired my company and she handled this universe very easily. We also had other firms involved in the transaction and Maria Letica knew them, which made the negotiation much easier. Ana Martini is another star of the office.’
Key clients
Meridiam Infrastructure
Odinsa
Platinum Equity
STOA Infra & Energy
Avenue Holding
CMA CGM
Meridiam, HDF and SARA
Work highlights
- Advised Colombian transportation infrastructure company ed Odinsa (owned by Grupo Argos), on the sale of a 50% stake in its airport concessions to a Macquarie Asset Management (MAM) affiliate, as part of the expansion of the infrastructure platform the two partners formed.
- Represented Avenue Holding Cayman on the sale of a 35% stake in the business to Itaú Unibanco Holding.
- Advised Chilean insurance-tech startup, Betterfly, on its partnership with Chubb to expand their collective footprint in Latin America.
Akin
Akin has significantly bolstered its Latin America M&A practice with the June-2022 hire of New York partner Sergio Urias from Covington & Burling LLP. Urias brings an extensive background in Latin America private equity and M&A. The wider team is drawn from the firm's Houston and Los Angeles offices, and has a particularly strong track record in Mexico, along with experience in other key markets such as Colombia, Chile and Brazil. It is particularly known for energy transactions, including oil and gas, and renewables. Houston counsel Eduardo Canales is another key figure. Former partner David Sweeney left the firm in June 2023.
Practice head(s):
Sergio Urias
Key clients
Ad hoc group of Holders of 7.000% Senior Notes due 2025 of Aerovías de México
Ad hoc group of Unsecured Noteholders of TV Azteca
PJSC LUKOIL
The conflicts committee of the board of directors of Golar LNG Partners
Apache Corporation
GBM Management (Grupo Bursatil Mexicano)
Paine Schwartz Partners
EMX Capital
Work highlights
- Advised GBM Asset Management, Mexico’s largest asset manager, on a minority investment by SoftBank Latin America Fund.
- Advised Paine Schwartz Partners on its acquisition of Humic Growth Solutions, a producer of humic and fulvic acid products, with operations in the US, Brazil and Canada.
- Advised the banks in connection with the sale of 49% of Prisma Medios de Pago, the leading payments company in Argentina to Advent International.
CMS
CMS has a deep commitment to Latin America through its multiple offices in the region; it has local offices in Mexico, Colombia, Chile and Peru, along with an office of international lawyers in Brazil. It augmented this with a cooperation agreement with Brazilian law firm FAS Advogados, in cooperation with CMS in 2023. The Latin America team continues to make an impression in private equity investments and exits, along with energy and infrastructure transactions; oil and gas, renewables and the digital environment are key fortes for the team. The group frequently works alongside some of the top law firms on Wall Street and across the US. Jorge Allende Destuet and Ramón Valdivieso are co-heads of the corporate and M&A team in Chile, and are noted for private equity and M&A transactions. Juan Camilo Rodríguez leads the group in Colombia, and Peru office managing partner Juan Carlos Escudero is also an experienced transactional practitioner. Ted Rhodes is a key figure in Rio de Janeiro and is noted for his expertise in energy transactions.
Practice head(s):
Ted Rhodes
Key clients
KKR
Blackstone
OnNet Fibra
CB Investment
Porsche
Mobile Streams
Garrett Motion
Movyon
Klarna
IMCD Group
Dr Reddys
Weir Group
Hive Energy
Serabi Gold
Alpla
CTS Eventim
Work highlights
- Advised KKR and its portfolio company OnNet Fibra on M&A and financing matters related to the acquisition of the existing fibre optic network of Entel Chile, comprising the primary fibre-to-the-home and distribution networks, and the primary fibre optic network for P2P services.
- Advised Blackstone and Edizione on their $46bn tender offer to acquire the remaining stake in Atlantia, one of the world’s largest mobility infrastructure companies.
- Advised CC Neuberger Principal Holdings II on the due diligence process and closing on the combination of Getty Images with CC Neuberger Principal Holdings II (a publicly traded SPAC formed through a partnership between CC Capital and Neuberger Berman).
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP has a lengthy history in Latin America, particularly in the energy and infrastructure fields, and enjoys genuine credibility in M&A, private equity and venture capital transactions. Moreover, the firm has bolstered its standing in representing financial sponsors in investments in energy and infrastructure assets. Tomer Pinkusiewicz is co-chair of the Latin America group and has extensive experience in Latin America energy and infrastructure transactions. Marwan Azzi has made a significant impression on the practice since joining the firm in 2021, particularly in transactions by private equity funds and their portfolio companies; he has worked on a series of deals for I Squared Capital and its portfolio company Inkia Energy. Both Pinkusiewicz and Azzi are based in New York.
Practice head(s):
Lisa Alfaro; Tomer Pinkusiewicz
Work highlights
- Represented Brookfield Renewable and Stonepeak Infrastructure Partners in relation to their joint investment in InterEnergy Group.
- Advised Coeur Mining on its definitive agreement to sell the La Preciosa silver project (in Mexico) to Avino Silver & Gold Mines.
- Advised Inkia Energy on the sale – through an auction process – of the 50MW Agua Clara wind project, located in Montecristi, Dominican Republic.
Gunderson Dettmer LLP
Gunderson Dettmer LLP is a leading firm across the world in venture capital and emerging company transactions. Its Latin America-focused team is largely located in Silicon Valley, New York and Sao Paulo. It holds a major market share of venture financings in Latin America and has an impressive record in M&A, notably advising Brazil-based client isaac on its acquisition by Arco. It also advised Brazil-based client Solfácil on its $100m Series C financing led by QED, with participation by the Softbank Group, VEF and Valor Capital. The firm announced the launch of a Sao Paulo office in July 2022 with Brian Hutchings, Adan Muller and Christel Moreno now based there. Silicon Valley partner Daniel Green is co-head of the Latin America group and a fluent Spanish speaker. Although much of the firm’s focus is on Brazil, it is also active in Mexico, Chile, Argentina and other key jurisdictions.
Work highlights
- Advised Brazil-based fintech isaac on its acquisition by Arco.
- Advised Brazil-based client Solfácil on its $100m Series C financing, led by QED and with participation by the Softbank Group, VEF and Valor Capital.
- Advised Brazil-based online accounting platform, Contabilizei, on its $63.2m Series C financing led by SoftBank.
Haynes and Boone, L.L.P.
Haynes and Boone, L.L.P., with its roots in Texas, has a major focus on Latin America, especially Mexico. The firm’s Mexico City office has existed since 1994, while its Houston and Dallas offices house a large number of Latin America specialists. The firm has fine record in energy transactions, with a growing emphasis on renewables, along with infrastructure, water, technology and healthcare. It has experienced further growth in industrial parks, logistics, and manufacturing investment as part of the trend for nearshoring manufacturing and supply chains in northern Mexico. The firm is also active in Chile, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia and Central America. It is particularly known for middle market transactions, including restructurings and cross-border joint-ventures. Ricardo Garcia-Moreno and George Gonzalez are senior names for both inbound and outbound Mexico transactions; Brad Richards is also known for Mexico deals. Dallas partner Alberto de la Peña, is another key figure. All named individuals are based in Houston unless stated otherwise.
Practice head(s):
Tom Harris
Testimonials
‘Excellent lawyers and support staff with experience that you can count on.’
‘I have worked with Ricardo Garcia-Moreno, a partner, for many years. He is knowledgeable and very dedicated to providing excellent service and finding the right resources within the firm when needed.’
‘Deep knowledge, experience and rapid response to requirements and inquiries.’
Herbert Smith Freehills
Herbert Smith Freehills LLP has a considerable track record of energy, oil and gas, and mining transactions in Latin America. London partner Laura Hulett has advised on a multitude of cross-border hydrocarbons and renewables investments into Brazil, including Mercuria Energy Group’s debt and minority equity investments in international oil investment business Seacrest Petróleo to facilitate the company's acquisitions of the Cricare and Norte Capixaba onshore oil assets in Brazil. Hulett previously advised on a series of deals connected to Petrobras’s divestment programme. In New York, Edward Dougherty is best known for project finance, although he to has worked on a number of oil-and-gas M&A transactions in the region.
McDermott Will & Emery LLP
McDermott Will & Emery LLP is noted for tax-driven M&A matters and fund formation operations. The practice has particular profile for cross-border real estate transactions, including inbound and outbound deals. It is also recognised for representing Latin American high-net-worth individuals and family offices (especially those based in Mexico and Brazil), along with prominent multinationals and financial sponsors. Michael Silva is an experienced tax specialist with an exceptional record in inbound and outbound Brazil and Mexico transactions. Arianne Plasencia is a private client specialist, who represents a number of wealthy families in Latin America in connection with their investments in the US. Senior figure Howard Kleinman has joined the New York office as co-head of the Latin America group. Named individuals are based in Miami unless stated otherwise. Manuel Rajunov has left the firm.
Morrison Foerster
Morrison Foerster’s Miami office has achieved prominence through its regular advice to SoftBank Latin America Fund, which it continues to advise on a wide-range of investments. It recently assisted the fund with its agreement to invest up to $150m in a subsidiary of Grupo Bursátil Mexicano. The Miami office is also active advising corporates and financial institutions on cross-border deals, including inbound and outbound Latin America transactions; a case in point was its advice to publicly-traded Brazilian digital bank, Banco Inter, on its $157m acquisition of US-based fintech company Pronto Money Transfer, which has subsidiaries in Brazil, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Randy Bullard is co-chair of the Latin America desk and managing partner of the Miami office; he has profound experience in cross-border Latin America transactions. Ludovica Gardani is a key figure at associate level. Former partners Alexandra Aguirre and Juan Delgado left the firm in 2022.
Practice head(s):
Randy Bullard
Testimonials
‘They are very hands on and have a business-oriented mindset. Further, are very easy to deal with.’
‘Randy Bullard is a incredibly experienced lawyer, with great soft skills that help negotiations.’
‘I would highlight the personalised service. I think the service and capabilities are quite comparable with what some of the big NY firms can offer.’
‘Randy Bullard. He is an outstanding partner. He is savvy and technical but at the same time practical. Business oriented.’
‘The team is made up of partners with extensive experience in the best companies and firms in the USA. They work together, thinking in the best interests of the client. They know the market perfectly and are always looking for solutions efficiently. They give a better service and for a better price than other US firms that are supposedly more recognised.’
‘Randy Bullard is certainly the person who stands out dramatically in the law firm and in the field. He has a deep understanding of the Latin American market and tied to his deep knowledge of the client, allows him to understand the macro situation, as well as the details and roadblocks that any given strategy will bring. Bottom line, Randy stands out as someone that adds much more value than what is expected from law firm partner. He is a trusted adviser to the General Counsel and to the whole organisation, who will partner with the client to strategise and develop plans for achieving the goals for a the legal team, for a specific transaction or for a governance matter. His experience allows him to handle highly complex matters in a simplified and easy fashion, characteristics that are rare for the segment.’
Key clients
Banco Inter
Belcorp
EBCO
MesoAmerica Investments
Petlove Cayman
SoftBank Latin America Fund
Visa
Wizeline
Work highlights
- Represented SoftBank Latin America Fund, the largest venture fund in Latin America, in its agreement to invest up to $150m into a subsidiary of Grupo Bursátil Mexicano (GBM).
- Advised entities managed by SoftBank Latin America Fund and Riverwood Capital in connection with co-leading a Series B funding round for Gupy, a Brazilian human resources technology startup.
- Advised Banco Inter, a publicly-traded Brazilian digital bank (and its affiliates), on its $157m acquisition of Pronto Money Transfer.
Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP
A leader in venture capital, start-up and growth company work, Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP is increasingly evident in Latin America. The firm has developed an excellent record in venture capital investments and mandates involving start-ups in Brazil, along with activity in Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Argentina, El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala. It also frequently works with Brazil tech companies expanding into the US. Jackson Hwu represents a wide range of start-ups and early-stage companies, particularly in Series A financings and M&A exits from fintech, payment solutions and blockchain businesses. Leandro Molina is a venture capital specialist whose track record includes representing SoftBank Latin America Fund in fintech, edtech and healthtech investments; Molina led the team that advised Lightrock on its $27m Series B financing round for Brazilian fintech Agrolend Holding. John Haley is noted for Central America transactions. Caio Prado is another key partner and Rebecca Lester impresses at associate level.
Practice head(s):
John Haley; Jackson Hwu
Testimonials
‘The firm and the team are highly specialised in startups.’
‘They are very proactive and always taking care of our business on topics that founders sometimes are not even aware. Special mention to Leandro Molina and Rebecca Lester.’
Key clients
Autopistas del del Nordeste
Boulevard Turístico de Atlantico
Lightrock
SoftBank
Paris Global
Palmex Alimentos
Work highlights
- Advised Autopistas del Nordeste, Boulevard Turistico del Atlantico, and their respective sponsors in connection with the sale of the Autopistas del Nordeste and Boulevard Turistico del Atlantico Toll Road projects and related concessions back to the Government of the Dominican Republic.
- Advised Paris Global on its acquisition of energy assets in El Salvador held by five separate entities belonging to a private equity group.
- Represented Lightrock as its US counsel in a $27m Series B financing round for Brazilian fintech Agrolend Holding.
Norton Rose Fulbright
Norton Rose Fulbright is highly-regarded for energy and infrastructure deals throughout Latin America. Its sizeable offices in Sao Paulo and Mexico City provide it with a platform for numerous Latin America deals, and this is backed by Latin-America focused colleagues in the US and elsewhere. The firm has also built its presence in the SPAC segment and in agribusiness. Sao Paulo partner Silvia Fazio is a specialist in Latin America M&A and Mexico City partner Andrés Nieto, who joined the firm in April 2022, is a well-rounded practitioner with extensive experience in M&A across multiple industries. Since publication, Nieto has left the firm - effective as of December 2023.
Practice head(s):
Silvia Fazio; Hernan Gonzalez
Testimonials
‘Customer service and in-depth knowledge of complex M&A issues.’
‘Andrés Nieto is highly professional, with in-depth knowledge of complex international issues. He is always available and takes the time to address any request immediately. Excellent customer service, very reliable and deep knowledge of the subject, not only local, but also international.’
‘Andrés Nieto is the partner who undoubtedly delivers the best quality of services entrusted to him. He is a solid, experienced lawyer who goes over all the details.’
‘They are very well connected worldwide; Silvia Fazio is the key figure.’
Key clients
Equatorial Energia
LATAM Airlines
Suzano
Bemobi
Sumitomo Chemical
Cosan
Clear Channel Brasil
Banco do Brasil
Itau BBA
Osisko Gold Royalties
General Motors
RKIM Limited
Accenture
American International Group
Shell
Agrinam Acquisition Corporation
Work highlights
- Represented Brazil’s Equatorial Energia in a successful bid to purchase the entire issued share capital of Brazil Echoenergia Participações from Ipiranga Fundo de Investimento em Participações Multiestratégia, a fund owned by Actis.
- Advised Sumitomo Chemical Company on its agreement to purchase Nufarm’s crop protection business in Brazil, Argentina, Colombia and Chile and IP assets in Peru, Uruguay and Ecuador.
- Represented Agrinam Acquisition Corporation, a newly organised special purpose acquisition corporation (SPAC) in its Initial Public Offering (IPO).