Hall Of Fame

Projects and energy in Latin America: International firms

Global efforts to address energy security, energy transition and to develop infrastructure to facilitate economic growth, is very much in evidence in Latin America. Although political volatility, including shifts to the left, have caused some states to pause their investment in energy and infrastructure, the overall picture is positive for legal advisers. Higher interest rates puts pressure on the ability to raise finance, but commercial lenders, development finance institutions (DFIs) and other agency lenders are still active in funding projects in the region. Moreover, financial and strategic investors are also demonstrating an enthusiasm for Latin America energy and infrastructure assets. The growing focus on energy and infrastructure is, perhaps, best underlined by Clifford Chance LLP’s opening of a Houston office in June 2023, and more recently by Rimon Law’s establishment of a Latin American project finance practice led by former Baker McKenzie LLP partner John L Murphy.

Clifford Chance

Clifford Chance has a large team of Latin America specialists, which has built close connections to multilateral agencies and development banks, commercial banks and sponsors. It remains noted for its energy and infrastructure work in Colombia, although it has extensive geographic coverage, including projects and energy transactions in the Dominican Republic, Chile, Brazil, Uruguay and Ecuador. The firm has a history of advising on large conventional project financings, and has built its presence in project and infrastructure bonds. It is also at the forefront of green bonds and sustainability-linked financings. Moreover, it has earned accolades for its work in infrastructure financings, including toll roads, metro lines, mass transportation systems and port projects. The practice group is also increasing prominent in renewables, including solar and wind. Fabricio Longhin is a major name in energy and infrastructure projects, advising a range of multilateral lenders, commercial banks, sponsors and investors; he is a recognised force in Colombia infrastructure and renewables projects, along with major projects and energy transactions elsewhere in Latin America. Lori Ann Bean is also noted for representing development finance institutions (DFIs), export credit agencies (ECAs) and commercial banks on Latin America energy and infrastructure projects. New York partner Hugo Triaca provides further expertise in bond-driven financings and hybrid securities transactions, including green bonds and ESG-linked offerings. Jessica Springsteen and senior counsel Catherine McCarthy are also key figures in the team, along with counsel Alberto Haito. The launch of a Houston office, which included the hire of upstream oil-and-gas specialist David Sweeney from Akin in June 2023, has deepened the firm’s Latin America energy credentials. All named individuals are based in Washington DC unless stated otherwise.

Practice head(s):

Fabricio Longhin


Testimonials

Clifford Chance certainly has excellent working knowledge of the financial market for large scale infrastructure, with a highly qualified team.

Its best quality is its human team: Fabricio Longhin, José Guardo, Mariana Estevez, (counsel) Alberto Haito, and (associates) Fernando Liu and Daniel Justus.

Key clients

IDB Invest


CAFIntesa


SMBC


IDB


FDN


Bancoldex


Distrito Especial Industrial y Portuario de Barranquilla


ICBC


Proparco


Ortiz Construcciones y Proyectos


Energía de Colombia


The Bank of Nova Scotia


CIFI


Concesionaria Vial Unión del Sur


Sacyr Concesiones


Sudamericana Integral de Construcciones Sudinco


Itau BBA US Securities


Scotia Capital


Natixis


Work highlights


  • Advised Bancóldex, Davivienda, FDN, BID, BID Invest and the China-LAC Cooperation Fund on granting financing for the construction, operation and maintenance of the multipurpose port terminal in the Puerto Antioquia project, located in the Gulf of Urabá (Antioquia).
  • Advised Concesionaria Vial Unión del Sur, Sacyr Concesiones, Sudamericana Integral de Construcciones Sudinco, and certain of their affiliates in connection with the refinancing of the project finance debt incurred to finance the construction and development of the Rumichaca-Pasto 4G toll road in Colombia.
  • Advised IDB Invest and Bancolombia in connection with a multi-tranche and multi-currency financing to developer Solarpack to finance solar PV projects in Colombia.

Milbank

Milbank is a global leader in project development and finance and it has a prestigious history of landmark transactions in Latin America. Over the years it has worked on a range of power, energy and infrastructure projects, along with  mining, metals and natural resources transactions. It has a hugely impressive client base of international lenders, sponsors and investors. It continues to win recognition for its work in green and sustainability-linked financings, along with acquisitions of renewables and power assets by financial sponsors. Daniel Bartfeld is leader of the global project, energy and infrastructure finance practice; he has led many of the milestone energy and infrastructure transactions in Latin America over the years, and more recently has advised on a series of headline renewable energy financings, power plant acquisitions, project bond offerings and bank/bond financings. Carolina Walther-Meade is another senior practitioner with an established record in oil and gas, infrastructure, mining and energy projects. Jaime Ramirez has made a big impression on the market with a variety of headline engagements in renewables, transport infrastructure and data centres, among other segments. Roland Estevez and Alec Borisoff are also key partners with the former noted for renewables financings and the latter earning accolades for his work in the mining and metals sector.

 

Practice head(s):

Daniel Bartfeld


Key clients

BNP Paribas, BNP Paribas Fortis, ING Capital, ING Bank, Natixis, Société Générale and SEK, the Swedish Export Credit Corporation


The Bank of Nova Scotia, MUFG Bank, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, BNP Paribas, and Banco del Estado de Chile


The Carlyle Group


ZMP Fontibon


Ibereólica Renovables Chile and Repsol Chile


Natixis


Macquarie Asset Management – Green Investment Group


TotalEnergies


Global Infrastructure Management


BNP Paribas Securities Corp, JPMorgan Chase Bank, Société Générale, Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, ING Capital and Sabadell


Work highlights


  • Advised TotalEnergies in connection with its financial support to CDV Holding (a joint venture between TotalEnergies and investment fund Salus), which will be used by the sponsors to invest in renewable energy projects in Brazil.
  • Advised Fanalca and Transdev in connection with the financing for the Green Móvil project, comprising 406 electric buses and the associated support infrastructure.
  • Advised the ECAs and commercial lenders in connection with a $346.2m senior debt financing package for the development of the greenfield Araguaia Nickel Project in Brazil sponsored by Horizonte Minerals.

White & Case LLP

White & Case LLP stands out not only for its commitment to Latin America (spanning multiple offices), but also its breadth of clients across the sponsor, DFI, commercial bank and fund segments. Unusually, the core of the team is based in Miami, where Carlos Viana leads the Latin America group. Also in Miami, bilingual partner Sean Goldstein is pivotal to the firm’s relationship with IDB Invest, leading multiple deals across the region. The team has a longstanding presence in energy projects and is building its standing in infrastructure projects. It advised BNDES and the commercial banks on the design, construction, operation and maintenance of the São Paulo Metro system’s Line 6-Orange. It continues to advise on a raft of projects in Chile, while Colombia and Brazil have also become key markets. Smaller jurisdictions such as Paraguay and Ecuador also feature strongly for the team. New York partner Thomas Pate and Washington DC’s Martin Menski have had key roles in developing the firm’s infrastructure practice, while remaining active in energy. John Anderson is a major figure in São Paulo; and New York associate, Raffaele Turco, demonstrates ‘impressive understanding’ and is highly rated by clients. Former partner Jeannine Acevedo  moved in house at Atlas Renewable Energy in February 2023.

 

 

Practice head(s):

Carlos Viana; Chris Richardson; Andrew Clark


Other key lawyers:

Sean Goldstein; Thomas Pate; Martin Menski; John Anderson; Raffaele Turco


Testimonials

Unlike other firms, the partners stay involved in the issues and are always in the know. The most junior lawyers are excellent and there is clearly good internal coordination in the team. They have a good distribution of tasks among the team members, and they are efficient with their time, which means that we do not receive surprises in the invoices.

Thomas Pate and his team always make me feel like my company and our issues are a top priority. Apart from the fact that his team work is excellent, he has a very good business sense and clearly understands our objectives and the parameters within which we can manoeuvre.

What makes W&C unique compared to other law firms is that it takes the lead in the activities. In transactions in which different law firms from different countries are involved, W&C on its own initiative decides to take the lead and coordinate. Another aspect that makes it unique is that it provides a true support to the client, it is not limited to issuing concepts or sending documents, but rather provides a true support. Takes the customer by the hand.

They suffer and enjoy with the client, they have a unique ability to listen, they are respectful of the client’s opinion, they identify the client’s true needs and their priorities, they always try to find a solution that covers us legally but allows business to move forward. They know/manage counterparties to the point that they trust W&C to structure and draft contractual documents. As an in-house lawyer, I feel 100% supported and covered. Sean Goldstein and Raffaele Turco…the best! thanks to them I sleep peacefully!

From the beginning, Raffaele Turco was tireless, working all hours and weekends to turn drafts, get comments back to the deal team leaders, and keep the opposing side engaged and responding as quickly as possible. Beyond the high energy level and dedication to the deal, I consistently noticed in Raffa a high degree of creativity in structuring solutions in the negotiations which achieved our goals and addressed our commercial/legal concerns in often novel ways. He showed clear dominion over the terms of the working draft itself and saved us a lot of time by knowing exactly what needed to be marked up or reviewed based on whatever change had just been agreed. Together, we conceived of, and somehow got the other side to agree on an absolutely novel concept.

Raffaele Turco demonstrated an impressive understanding of the overall deal, the sensitive points in the financial, commercial and strategic aspects of the deal, and helped me carry the weight of getting the deal across the finish line on time. By the end, Raffa was running the deal for W&C by himself and we actually finished and executed the contract on the very final day of our regulatory deadline, following a marathon, 36hr all-nighter session.

Key clients

Akuo Energy


AMP Capital


BNDES


IDB Invest


Infraestructura Marina del Golfo


Salaverry Terminal Internacional


Sonnedix


Toesca Renovables


Work highlights


  • Represented BNDES and other commercial banks and developmental agencies as the senior lenders in the non-recourse senior secured financing to Concessionária Linha Universidade for the design, construction, operation and maintenance of Line 6-Orange Line of the São Paulo metro system.
  • Represented IDB Invest in the $262m equivalent social bonds issued by the concessionaire of the Rumichaca-Pasto 4G project, an 83-kilometre highway located in the Department of Nariño near the border between Colombia and Ecuador.
  • Represented Infraestructura Marina del Golfo (IMG), a joint venture of TC Energy Corporation and Sempra Infrastructure Partners, in a $1.56bn senior unsecured term loan financing for its natural gas pipeline Sur de Texas-Tuxpan, Mexico’s first undersea pipeline connecting the country with the US.

Allen & Overy LLP

Allen & Overy LLP continues to be recognised for its agency finance practice, which often enables it to land significant engagements in the Latin America market. It frequently advises DFIs and ECAs in headline financings in the region. It also represents a multitude of commercial lenders, alternative lenders and sponsors. Remaining active in traditional segments such as power, oil and gas, transport infrastructure, and metals and mining, the firm has successfully moved into growth areas including digital infrastructure, electric vehicles and energy transition projects. It has earned further prominence in US dollar-linked renewables power purchase agreements (PPAs) in Brazil. New York partner Dorina Yessios is head of the Latin America practice and co-head of the Americas energy and infrastructure group, and is growing her profile in digital infrastructure projects, alongside more traditional renewables and power transactions. Washington DC’s Sami Mir and Jean Lee are at the forefront of project financings driven by ECAs, MLAs and commercial lenders. Sao Paulo partner Bruno Soares has strong connections to Brazilian sponsors and lenders. In May 2023 the firm announced its merger with Shearman & Sterling LLP  to form A&O Shearman; the realisation of this combination remains in process and it is not yet possible to gauge its full impact. Since publication, Soares has left the firm, moving to DLA Piper LLP (US) in February 2024.

Practice head(s):

Dorina Yessios


Testimonials

The team has extraordinary knowledge and market experience for project financings. They have contributed greatly to us achieving two complex project financings. Their commercial knowledge rivals those of our financial advisor. The team led by Dorina Yessios is also incredibly likeable.

Dorina Yessios is simply fantastic. If I could, I would appoint her on every matter. She is one of the most skilled partners I have worked with.

Mohammad Mahmood is an associate in Dorina’s team. He has been our day-to-day contact. He has great knowledge, is very proactive and drives transactions forward.

Key clients

Inter-American Investment Corporation (IDB Invest)


IFC


Scotiabank


Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation Crédit


Société Générale


MUFG


EdgeConneX


Scania Finance Chile


BNP Paribas


Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank


Mizuho Bank


Hydro REIN


Termo Caribe


Equinor


Scatec


Work highlights


  • Advised EdgeConneX on a $1bn mezzanine holdco financing with Ares Capital Management for its growing pipeline of development projects globally, including in Latin America, North America and Europe.
  • Advised IDB Invest in the ongoing A/B Bond financing to a Central American telecommunications company.
  • Advised three Norwegian developers—Hydro REIN, Equinor New Energy AS and Scatec ASA —on the development, construction, operation and financing of the Mendubim project, an approximately 531MW photovoltaic solar farm located in Brazil.

Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton

Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton has a considerable track record of advising on landmark energy and natural resources transactions, along with milestone infrastructure projects. It has continued to advise Puerto Rico Public-Private Partnerships Authority (PREPA) on the second stage of the transformation of Puerto Rico’s electricity system, including addressing PREPA’s ageing generation capability through outsourcing the operation and management of its legacy thermal generation assets, the procurement of new base‑load generation capacity (particularly from renewable sources), and reserve power sources including peaking plants and battery storage. The firm is also active in debt restructuring engagements for Latin America energy clients and in sustainability-linked financings and bond offerings. Chantal Kordula has a formidable record in renewable and infrastructure projects, including PPPs. Richard Cooper is at the forefront of restructurings in the energy and infrastructure sectors, while Adam Brenneman is also noted for debt restructurings.

Key clients

The Puerto Rico Public-Private Partnerships Authority (P3A)


Ad hoc group of holders of Stoneway Capital Corporation


Alto Maipo / Alto Maipo Delaware


Aeroméxico restructuring: Apollo Management Holdings, BBVA and Syndicate of Secured Lenders under Credit Agreement arranged by Deutsche Bank


Suzano


Underwriters and Initial Purchasers of the Republic of Chile


The United Mexican States


Initial purchasers to Movida Europe


Lenders to Cemex


Colbún


Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE)


Lead Arrangers to Bio Pappel


América Móvil


International placement agents to Equatorial Energia


The Government of Barbados


Work highlights


  • Counsel to the Puerto Rico Public-Private Partnerships Authority (P3A) in connection with the second stage of the transformation of Puerto Rico’s electricity system.
  • Represented an ad hoc group of holders of Stoneway Capital Corporation’s 10% senior secured notes in connection with the restructuring of approximately $984m of indebtedness.
  • Represented Alto Maipo and Alto Maipo Delaware through their voluntary reorganisation and restructuring of debt under Chapter 11 protection in the United States.

Latham & Watkins LLP

Latham & Watkins LLP has a highly sophisticated projects and energy practice that is often engaged for innovative financings using bank and bond debt. It is at the forefront of the use of securitisation techniques to fund energy and infrastructure projects. It is also making further headway in the acquisition of renewables assets - including those financed by hybrid transactions. The firm has brought its expertise in novel areas such as energy transition to the Latin America market, including green hydrogen, carbon capture and battery storage, with Chile, Mexico, Peru and Colombia among its primary markets. Traditionally a sponsor-side practice, the firm has built out its client base to include a greater range of investment and commercial banks, and private equity investors. Gianluca Bacchiocchi and Guido Liniado are key figures in innovative and hybrid financings, including securitisation structures. Head of the Latin America practice Antonio Del Pino is a prominent name in energy and infrastructure M&A and private equity investments. Washington DC’s Carlos Ardila was promoted to the partnership in November 2022. Former global co-chair of the project development and finance practice David Penna joined Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP in May 2023.

Practice head(s):

Antonio Del Pino; Gianluca Bacchiocchi


Testimonials

Without a doubt, LW is the best law firm in the street for project finance. Their expertise is deep and broad, their response time is incredible, their creativity is impressive, and their commerciality is great.

Gianluca Bacchiochi and Guido Liniado are two of the best lawyers I have ever worked with.

Without a doubt, LW is the best law firm in the street for project finance. Their expertise is deep and broad, their response time is incredible, their creativity is impressive, and their commerciality is great.

Very good team in infrastructure financing in LatAm.

Latham’s energy team has a great technical capacity and for me what makes it unique is that they also have a lot of M&A knowledge so for M&A transactions in the energy sector, which is what we hire outside lawyers the most for. it’s a plus. They have a very commercial approach and perfectly understand the needs of the client.

The team’s insight, experience, innovation and ability to execute are exceptional and that sets it apart from many of the other infra-focused lawyers in Latin America.

Guido Liniado is one of the most versatile lawyers in the industry in Latam and presents practical and efficient solutions to all the challenges of a transaction. His experience and knowledge of the different markets make him a great sponsor adviser.

Key clients

Ares Capital


ArcLight Capital


Banco BTG Pactual


Banco Santander


BNP Paribas


CDPQ (Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec)


Credit Agricole


Global Infrastructure Partners


GM Holdings


Goldman Sachs & Co


HIF Global


HSBC Global Asset Management


JP Morgan


Matrix Renewables


Paracel


REDEN Group


Scotiabank


Telefónica


VGMobility


Vitol


Work highlights


  • Advised the banks on the Rumichaca-Pasto Toll Road project.
  • Advised Global Infrastructure Partners on the acquisition and acquisition financing of Atlas Renewable Energy from Actis.
  • Advised Scotiabank, BBVA, BMO and Mizuho Bank in connection with a $2.3bn  five-year credit facilities provided to Mexico’s TC Energía Mexicana.

Mayer Brown

Mayer Brown has an outstanding record in project finance with its excellent connections to key commercial lenders and multilateral agencies. Operating across the energy, oil and gas, and infrastructure spaces, the firm is also noted for its experience in M&A transactions, including the acquisition finance aspects of these deals. The firm also has strong links to project sponsors, special purpose vehicles, contractors, operators and governments. It has a fine reputation in project bond transactions, hybrid financings and PPP structures. The US-based team works closely with colleagues in Mexico City and Brazil, including oil and gas, LNG, and gas-fired and renewable power projects. Washington DC and New York-based Christopher Erckert leads the firm’s project bonds practice and Latin America projects practice; he continues to be active in major infrastructure, renewable energy and electricity transmission project financings. Chicago partner Douglas Doetsch is head of the Latin America and Caribbean practice, and is an experienced figure in transportation infrastructure financings and re-financings. Washington DC’s Gabriela Sakamoto and Chicago partner Juan Pablo Moreno are also key names, along with Gabriel Salinas, who joined the Houston office as a partner in April 2023 from Shearman & Sterling LLP.

Practice head(s):

Christopher Erckert


Key clients

Acciona Concesiones


Banco Santander


Bank of Nova Scotia


BNP Paribas


CDPQ


Deutsche Bank


Goldman Sachs


Santander


Sumitomo Mutsui Banking Corporation


Xinjiang Goldwind Science & Technology Co,


Work highlights


  • Represented Acciona (as part of the Concessionária Linha Universidade consortium), in connection with a $1.34bn financing deal with Brazil’s National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES) to develop Line 6 of the São Paulo subway – the largest public-private infrastructure project under construction in Latin America.
  • Represented Vinci Airports’ subsidiary Concessoc 31 SAS, as borrower, in the negotiation and execution of a credit and guaranty agreement with Banco Inbursa, HSBC Mexico and Scotiabank, as lenders, in support of the $1.17 billion acquisition of Fintech Advisory’s 29.9% stake in Mexican airport operator Grupo Aeroportuario del Centro Norte (OMA).
  • Represented Solarpack Corporacion Tecnologica in a pair of mirror project financings in favour of two Colombian SPVs to finance the design, development, financing, construction, ownership, operation and maintenance of photovoltaic solar plants with 80MWac and 99.9MWac installed capacity located in La Gloria (César), and Montería (Córdoba), respectively.

Norton Rose Fulbright

Norton Rose Fulbright has one of the largest teams in the market, spread primarily across its New York, Washington DC, Mexico City and Sao Paulo offices. This affords the Latin America team with a broad and enviable client base of sponsors, commercial banks and agency lenders. The firm has a strong pipeline of engagements, particularly in Brazil and Mexico, but also in other key markets such as Chile, Peru and Colombia. It has achieved further growth in data centre infrastructure projects in Brazil and Mexico, along with further urban infrastructure matters and green technology financings. The team is also active on the acquisition of power and renewables portfolios, including existing assets and those under development, along with the renewables refinancings. In Mexico, it remains focused on pipelines and LNG facilities, among other areas. Native Spanish speaker Raquel Bierzwinsky splits her time between Mexico City and New York, and advises on projects and transactions in multiple market segments - including metro lines and LNG liquefaction projects. Washington DC’s Sarah Devine represents numerous of agency lenders and development banks, and has a prolific recent record in Latin America. Sao Paulo partner Daniel Spencer is an experienced figure in energy and infrastructure projects in South American jurisdictions.

Practice head(s):

Keith Martin; Ben Koenigsberg


Testimonials

As a team, NRF has attorneys available at all times for our needs in Mexico. They integrate knowledge and ideas to implement new solutions. Unlike other firms, the NRF team comes prepared to meetings, they don’t improvise on the spot. This in turn is also reflected in that the stakeholders are also generally prepared to address the issues.

They have extensive knowledge of the energy sector in Mexico, in state and private companies and within regulatory bodies and State Secretariats. In addition, the attorneys at NRF have the ability to generate useful stakeholder interactions.

Key clients

US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC)


Corporación Andina de Fomento


International Finance Corporation


Nederlandse Financierings-Maatschappij voor Ontwikkelingslanden (FMO)


Inter-American Development Bank


MUFG Bank


Banco Santander


Horizonte Minerals


SIMPAR


Fitesa Naotecidos


Work highlights


  • Represented the senior lenders and senior noteholders in the over $2bn restructuring and Chapter 11 bankruptcy case of the 531MW Alto Maipo hydroelectric power project in Chile, sponsored by AES Andes.
  • Advised Horizonte Minerals on the $660m finance package for the construction and development of its Araguaia ferronickel mine in Brazil.
  • Represented Banco Santander in a $22.3m ECA-backed financing to Brazilian utility company Eletronuclear for the financing of ongoing feasibility studies for the proposed lifetime extension of its Angra 1 nuclear plant.

Paul Hastings LLP

Paul Hastings LLP has emerged as a major player in Latin America over the last decade and over the last two years has experienced a further overhaul of the team. Despite the retirement of the highly-rated Robert Kartheiser, it brought in a senior team from Shearman & Sterling LLP led by prominent figure Gregory Tan, who is the new global co-chair of the infrastructure and energy practice, and the increasingly established Alexandro Padrés, who has an outstanding record in Chile. Tan has a major focus on Latin America and Padrés is exclusively dedicated to the region. The new team has brought additional firepower in power, renewables, oil and gas, and LNG, to complement the legacy group’s expertise in transport infrastructure, including airports and toll roads. The group has close connections to a balanced number of lenders and sponsors, and has extensive geographic coverage across Latin America. Elicia Ling and newly-elected partner Thomas Sines are also key members of the legacy team, who are both rising in prominence.

Practice head(s):

Gregory Tan; Robert Freedman


Testimonials

The team has extensive experience advising on the financing of energy projects and, specifically, on transmission line projects in Chile. The members of the team share a business vision focused on excellence in advice and the success of their clients’ operations, which make this practice unique.

Availability and commitment of the partners and lawyers of this Firm. These are proactively involved in matters, offering their knowledge and experience and, therefore, providing confidence for the client and quality in their advice. Worked with Alexandro Padrés, infrastructure and energy partner. Alexandro’s work in the operations in which he has worked with Celeo has been characterised by his knowledge of the sector, his high professional commitment, his personal closeness and his conciliatory character. We value Alexandro’s absolute availability and the quality of the services he provides. We have had the opportunity to work with Rita Ghanem, who has collaborated proactively and has been at the service of the project at all times.

Paul Hastings team is very knowledgeable of energy transition topics and quite responsive to consultations.

Key clients

JP Morgan


BNP Paribas


Glenfarne


EVM


Natixis


EIG


Grupo Odinsa


SMBC


Macquarie


Sempra


Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP)


Grana y Montero


Sacyr


Citi


Strabag


FRV


EMPower/Riverstone


Braskem Idesa


Ashmore


VINCI


Work highlights


  • Advised Lima Airport Partners on the approximately $1.8bn expansion of the Jorge Chavez International Airport in Lima.
  • Advised JP Morgan Chase on the proposed financing to Celeo Redes in connection with the Enel Chile’s $1.34bn sale of its electricity transmission business.
  • Advised the note purchasers and letter of credit providers on the refinancing of the non-recourse debt of Innergex Renewable Energy’s portfolio of renewable assets in Chile.

Shearman & Sterling LLP

Shearman & Sterling LLP has a long history in Latin America energy and infrastructure projects. It continues to be especially active in Chile, where it has worked on a series of major projects (including desalination plants, electric generation, power and renewables projects); more generally, it works extensively throughout the Latin America region - including Central America, Dominican Republic and Argentina. Its wider practice ranges from power and renewables to mining and natural resources, oil and gas, and transport infrastructure projects. The Latin America team has an impressive mix of sponsor/borrower, investor and lender clients, including commercial banks, DFIs and MLAs. Cynthia Urda Kassis is the global leader of the firm’s project development and finance practice, with much of her focus on the Americas in their entirety; she is a recognised authority in the mining and metals sector, along with energy and infrastructure. Dual-qualified (Peru/New York) Augusto Ruiloba was elected to the partnership in June 2022 and has worked on headline deals in Chile, Panama and across the region. Robert O’Leary was promoted to counsel the same month; a fluent Spanish speaker, he is heavily focused on Latin America. Alexandro Padrés  and Gregory Tan left the firm in mid 2022. Since the conclusion of research, the firm has announced its merger with Allen & Overy LLP to form A&O Shearman; the realisation of this combination remains in process and it is not yet possible to gauge its full impact.

Practice head(s):

Cynthia Urda Kassis


Testimonials

Robert O’Leary – always there when you need him, very good quality of work.

Great team, with a lot of knowledge of the project and energy market, and especially how projects work in Chile. Very available and attentive to the operation and they interact very well with the local lawyers, which is not always the case. They understand the practical problems of different jurisdictions. Despite the challenges that the practice has faced due to the departure of partners, from the work point of view, no problem has been reflected.

Augusto Ruiloba, recently appointed partner, is an exceptional lawyer, with a great understanding of operations and a willingness to seek solutions.

They are not only knowledgeable as regards the US market but also ion the Mexican one, which is a great help.

Attorneys who speak multiple languages, which helps when interfacing with various team members who are not fluent in English.

Key clients

AES Corporation


KfW IPEX-Bank


Anglo American


Engie Latin America


DNB Bank


Bluestone Resources


Transelec


Credit Agricole


Deutsche Investitions- und Entwicklungsgesellschaft (DEG)


International Finance Corporation (IFC)


Transmisora Eléctrica del Norte (TEN)


The Nature Conservancy (TNC)


FMO


PROPARCO


Work highlights


  • Advised the joint mandated lead arrangers and lenders in connection with a $1.77bn secured term loan and $25m secured standby loan for the development, construction, operation and maintenance of a reverse osmosis desalination plant in Chile.
  • Advised the four largest electric generation companies in Chile on the securitisation (through Chile Electricity PEC) of certain credit rights generated by the 2019 Tariff Stabilization Law, which put a temporary cap on electricity prices to Chilean households and small businesses.
  • Advised The Nature Conservancy (TNC) on its sovereign debt transaction involving a debt for nature swap with the Government of Barbados in which savings generated by a structured refinancing of certain Barbadian domestic and international sovereign debt is used to fund marine conservation projects.

Baker Botts L.L.P.

Baker Botts L.L.P. is a major player in energy projects, especially upstream and downstream oil, gas, LNG and renewables. It continues to advise a large number of US-based clients on their interests in the region, along with a growing number of Latin American corporates and Latin American subsidiaries of international businesses. The firm is also increasingly active in private equity investments into Latin American energy and infrastructure. Energy transition, including hydrogen and carbon capture, are also fortes for the firm. Carlos Solé is a true Latin American specialist, particularly in LNG, upstream and downstream oil and gas, and renewable energy. David Jetter provides further Latin America LNG experience and is also active in other energy infrastructure projects. San Francisco partner Dino Barajas, firm-wide head of project finance, is a leading name in renewable energy projects across Latin America, including Mexico, Central America and Brazil. Taylor López impresses at associate level. All named attorneys are based in Houston unless stated otherwise.

Practice head(s):

Carlos Solé


Key clients

New Fortress Energy


AES Corporation


Sempra LNG / Sempra Gas & Midstream


Techgen


Work highlights


  • Advised New Fortress Energy (NFE) on its gas field development and offtake agreements with Pemex Exploration and Production, Mexico’s state-owned upstream oil company, related to the Lakach deepwater natural gas field.
  • Represented AES Corporation in connection with a 10-year strategic alliance with Google to accelerate the growth and adoption of clean energy by leveraging Google Cloud technology to pioneer innovation in the sector. This alliance builds on the recent agreement between Google and AES to provide long-term renewable power to Google’s data centre in Chile.
  • Represented Sempra in the development and marketing of a brownfield development of an LNG export project co-located and integrated with the existing Energía Costa Azul (ECA) regasification facility in Mexico.

DLA Piper LLP (US)

DLA Piper LLP (US) has a large team of Latin America specialists, spread across its US and Latin America offices. It has extensive connections to developers and project sponsors, and is increasingly building its presence in renewables and energy transition matters (including wind, solar, hydro and battery storage). The practice is also noted for PPP transactions, thanks to its headline role in advising LUMA Energy as the winning bidder in the PPP transaction for the management and operation of the transmission and distribution assets of the state-owned electricity utility in Puerto Rico. The firm is further noted for its M&A expertise in energy and infrastructure, including portfolio acquisitions of renewables assets. Marcello Hallake has joined the New York office from Jones Day, bringing significant energy sector transactional expertise. New York’s Margarita Oliva Sainz de Aja is Latin America head of banking and finance and has an excellent record in project financings in the region. San Juan partner Miriam Figueroa is a key figure in PPPs and infrastructure projects. Santiago partner Diego Peña is also an integral team member, as is Raul Farias in San Diego/New York. Since publication, the practice has been furhter strengthened with the hire of Sao Paulo-based Bruno Soares from Allen & Overy LLP - effective as of February 2024.

 

Practice head(s):

Margarita Oliva Sainz de Aja


Key clients

Innergex Renewable Energy


Luma Energy


Companhia Energetica de Minas Gerais (Cemig)


Total Energies


Empresa Distribuidora y Comercializadora Norte (EDENOR)


Puerto Rico Republic – Private Partnership Authority


Colbun


Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation


Termoelectrica El Tesorito


Eneva


CarbonFree Technology


SUSI Partners


Smitcoms


Work highlights


  • Advised Innergex Renewable Energy, as borrower, on the structuring and execution of a $803m refinancing transaction for its portfolio of assets in Chile.
  • Advised LUMA Energy, as winning bidder, on the PPP transaction for the management and operation of the transmission and distribution assets of the Puerto Rico state-owned electricity utility.
  • Advised Empresa Distribuidora y Comercializadora Norte (Edenor) on the issuance of Class 1 Notes, which marked the issuer’s debut in social bonds issuance.

Greenberg Traurig LLP

Greenberg Traurig, LLP has a substantial focus on Latin America, including through its large teams in Miami, New York and Mexico City. Many in the team are fluent Spanish and/or Portuguese speakers, with a large number also being dual-qualified in the US and a Latin American jurisdiction. Energy and infrastructure transactions account for a large slice of its Latin America practice, including high-value M&A and project finance transactions. Much of the practice centres on bond-driven financings, including green bonds and project bonds. Mexico and Chile currently constitute its primary jurisdictions. Marc Rossell is co-chair of the Latin America group and is noted for capital markets-driven financings of energy and infrastructure. Oscar Stephens is a native of Chile where he is especially active in project financings and bond offerings, having a principal focus on renewable energy and infrastructure. Mexico City partner Juan Manuel González Bernal is co-chair of the global infrastructure practice and has extensive experience in project finance, public procurement and PPPs in Mexico.

Practice head(s):

Antonio Peña; Marc Rossell; José Raz Guzmán


Testimonials

GT’s energy practice is very solid, they have lawyers involved in every sector of the industry from O&G to renewables. They advised us on structuring a project financing transaction for a portfolio of PV plants in Chile. The transaction was the first of its kind for our company as sole owner of the assets, which required certain tailoring to project particulars. The cost efficiency in terms of fees was unparalleled. Their energy partners are very knowledgable and provided us with great leads in terms of US business opportunities. They follow up with us and provide us with insights on our industry periodically.

Oscar Stephens, as a dual-qualified NY and Chilean lawyer, comes in with great acumen in terms of structuring financings for Chilean and Latam companies. Always reachable and superb abilities in structuring lean teams integrated with in-house legal.

Extensive knowledge of the market and know-how, great presence in Latin America. They understand the culture and the way of doing things. It is one of the most active law firms in Latin America.

Many of their lawyers speak Spanish and have strong points of contact with Latin America, which allows them to know and understand the culture, which is essential for the success of a relationship.

Key clients

ACI Airport Sudamérica


oEnergy


Aeropuertos Argentina 2000


Colombian Infrastructure Equity Fund


Elektra Noreste


Banco Security


Inversiones Latin America Power (LAP)


Banverde Solar I


Gas Natural del Noroeste


Engie Mexico


Work highlights


  • Acted as US counsel to Inversiones Latin America Power, one of the largest wind generation companies in Chile, as issuer, on the offering of $403.9m 5.125% senior secured notes (due 2033).
  • Advised ACI Airport Sudamérica (which operates the Carrasco International Airport near Montevideo, Uruguay), on a bond exchange offering and a concurrent offering of new notes totalling $246m.
  • Represented Gas Natural del Noroeste, a Mexican gas transportation company, as issuer, in a $200m direct placement of senior amortizing notes.

Herbert Smith Freehills

Herbert Smith Freehills has a healthy Latin America projects and energy practice, driven primarily by its New York and London offices. The team is noted for its expertise in energy and mining, particularly in Brazil, Colombia, Argentina and Chile. The firm is also building its presence in energy transition and desalination projects, and generally enjoys a growing reputation in the region through its burgeoning relationship with IFC. Edward Dougherty is co-head of the Latin America group and leads the project finance group in New York. Along with team members in New York and London, Melbourne partner Juan-José Zentner has a major focus on Latin America’s mining sector, particularly in Chile, and is a leading figure in project development and engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) agreements. London partner William Breeze is active in Brazil oil and gas, and offshore financings.

Practice head(s):

Edward Dougherty; Juan-José Zentner


Key clients

Mercuria Energy Trading


Mercuria


China Development Bank


BTG Pactual (Centro de Imagens e Diagnósticos)


IFC and ING


IFC and Nubank


Toesca Infraestructura II Fondo de Inversión


STOA Infra & Energy


Work highlights


  • Advised the Puerto Antioquia Project sponsors in connection with all aspects of the mezzanine financing provided by GIP Caps Antioquia Luxco for the development of the project.
  • Advised IFC on the New York law governed $150m A/B loan facility for Nubank Colombia, guaranteed by its Cayman Islands-based parent holding company Nu Holdings.
  • Advised IFC on the English law governed $225m A/B loan facility and ING Bank on the English law governed $50m loan facility to the Louis Dreyfus Company for on-lending to farmers in Brazil, structured as green loans aimed at reducing deforestation in the Amazon and Cerrado biomes in Brazil.
     
     

Hogan Lovells US LLP

Hogan Lovells US LLP has a lengthy track record of advising on landmark energy and infrastructure projects in Mexico, Central America, and South American states such as Ecuador and Peru. Recent mandates saw the Mexico City and New York offices advise IDB Invest on a $300m financing to ENGIE Energía for the expansion of Peru’s largest wind farm. Jorge Diaz-Silveira  is managing partner of the Miami office and head of the Americas infrastructure, energy, resources, and projects group; he has a longstanding focus on Latin America engagements. José Valdivia is co-chair of the Latin America group and has extensive experience in energy projects and M&A. Houston partner Bruno Ciuffetelli is another experienced figure in oil, gas and petrochemicals in Latin America.

Holland & Knight LLP

Holland & Knight LLP has continued to expand its Latin America capabilities, bringing in a 17-lawyer team from Sánchez Devanny in Mexico during the course of 2023, which has considerably strengthened its position vis-a-vis Mexico’s industrial north. This has positioned it well as regards participating in the development of manufacturing and other facilities -and concomitant infrastructure growth- associated with the near-shoring phenomena. The firm is also increasingly active in healthcare infrastructure expansion around Latin America, including in Ecuador. It remains at the forefront of energy, mining and infrastructure project financings with New York and Miami partner Norberto Quintana , who is an established name in energy and transport infrastructure financings, particularly toll roads and transmission lines in Colombia. Quintana led the team that advised FCP Deuda Infraestructura II Sura-Credicorp Capital as the liquidity lender on the Rumichaca-Pasto toll road project financing in Colombia led by Concesionaria Vial Unión del Sur and its Spanish sponsor Sacyr Concesiones. New York/Miami partner Lara Rios is another experienced figure in Latin America energy and infrastructure transactions; while New York’s Peter Baumgaertner can draw on some 30 years' experience across capital markets matters, project financings and restructurings.

Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP

Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP’s strong connections to multilateral agencies provides a platform for a raft of energy and infrastructure financings in Latin America. The firm has an impressive history in Mexico and Central America deals, along with engagements in the Southern Cone. It is seeing further growth in renewables and energy transition projects, including green hydrogen and battery storage. The practice is also a leader in digital infrastructure and the specialist niche of subsea fibre-optic cables. Fernando Alonso is chair of the Latin American and Iberian practice group, and has a wide-ranging focus that includes project development and finance. Washington DC partner Vera Rechsteiner has extensive experience in energy and infrastructure financings in Latin America, where she often represents multilateral and commercial lenders. Fernando Margarit is an experienced figure in infrastructure projects (notably telecoms subsea fibre optic cable systems and other digital infrastructure), as is Uriel Mendieta. Houston special counsel Doris Rodríguez provides further senior-level expertise. Chile-qualified Washington DC associate James Channing is also very active in Latin America projects. Named individuals are based in Miami unless stated otherwise.

Practice head(s):

Fernando Alonso


Key clients

BMR Energy


Inter-American Investment Corporation


International Finance Corporation (Latin America)


Servicio di Telecomunicacion di Aruba (SETAR)


Telconet


Wartsila North America Family


Corporacion Interamericana para el Financiamiento de Infraestructura (CIFI)


Sacyr


Ferrovial


Work highlights


  • Acted as counsel to Ecuadorian telecommunications service provider Telconet with respect to the construction and development of the Carnival (CSN-1) subsea cable system which, when completed, is expected to connect Ecuador, Panama and Chile.
  • Advised International Finance Corporation on a $140m revolving credit facility to Colombian electric power company Celsia Colombia; the proceeds of this sustainability-linked loan are to be used to finance the construction and/or acquisition of renewable energy projects.
  • Advised International Finance Corporation on a $70m unsecured loan, comprised of a A and B loans (each of up to $35m), to Agencias Universales.

King & Spalding LLP

King & Spalding LLP has a big presence in Latin America offshore oil and gas and LNG projects. The firm has also taken steps forward in renewables and is bringing its hydrogen expertise to the region. The firm has a good mix of project development, project finance and M&A work. This was given further impetus by the launch of a Miami office in February 2022, which included the hire of prominent Latin America project and acquisition finance specialist Fradyn Suárez. The practice continues to especially active in Mexico and Brazil, notably natural gas supply agreements, LNG import and export projects, upstream projects, and the financings of oil rigs and FPSOs; the new team in Miami provides further expertise in transport infrastructure, including toll roads. Scott Greer provides additional construction and project development expertise, and David Lang is highly rated for LNG projects and transactions. Washington DC partner James Bowe is another prominent name in commercial and regulatory matters. Named individuals are based in Houston unless stated otherwise.

Practice head(s):

Scott Greer


Testimonials

The dedication and customer service by the team led by Fradyn Suárez is exceptional and with great capacity and technical knowledge.

Their dedication to the customer and their understanding of the customer makes this team stand out from the rest.

King & Spalding is a true market leader in the provisions of legal services associated with project development and energy mandates. I would particularly highlight their knowledge and experience in LNG, with special mention to partner David Lang.

Key clients

Chevron Corporation


MODEC, Mitsui & Co, Marubeni Corporation and Mitsui OSK Lines


Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA)


Joint venture of Grupo Gondi and WestRock Company


Sempra Energy


Mexico Pacific


NIC Holding Corporation


Arroyo Energy Investment Partners


Pemcorp


Cosan


Sacyr


Sudinco


Terminal Portuario Paracas


Citibank


Work highlights


  • Advised HIF, an eFuels company, on the development of its Chilean project to use green hydrogen to produce carbon-neutral gasoline.
  • Advised Modec, Mitsui & Co and Mitsui OSK Lines as project sponsor and operator of the floating, production, storage and offloading vessel FPSO Miamte MV34, under a long term charter to the Mexican subsidiary of Italian oil major Eni and in connection with the development of the Area 1  offshore block, Mexico.
  • Advised Sudinco in connection with the project financing of the Naranjal–Tenguel highway, the first P3 toll road project in Ecuador.

Linklaters LLP

Linklaters retains a strong focus on Latin America with a core team of professionals whose practices include a significant caseload in the region. It stands out for capital markets-driven financings, including those undertaken for energy, natural resources and infrastructure clients; it is also recognised for its expertise in green and sustainability-linked bonds. In addition, it has a solid background in conventional project finance and recently advised ENGIE Energía Perú on an up to $300m loan from IDB and IDB Invest. Other major mandates included advising Fluxys on its joint acquisition (with EIG) of major Chilean LNG regasification terminal GNL Quintero, from Enagas Chile and OMERS Infrastructure. Michael Bassett has a background in energy-related project financings, including offshore oil and gas, LNG and renewables. Andrew Compton (who was part of the team advising Fluxys), and counsel Alejandro Gordano provide further senior level expertise. All are based in New York.

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP’s Latin America team is largely based in Houston, where the group has an impressive record in energy projects and transactions, particularly in Mexico and Brazil, along with other jurisdictions including Argentina, Bolivia and Dominican Republic. It continues to represent a range of project sponsors, financial institutions, governments and private equity investors. With a background primarily in oil and gas, the Latin America team has gradually -and successfully- broadened its mix of engagements to include power and renewables, and telecoms-infrastructure matters. Co-chair of the Latin America group John Crespo, a native Spanish speaker, has a fine reputation for oil and gas transactions. Brazilian Felipe Alice is also rated for hydrocarbons work, and Humberto Padilla Gonzalez is an experienced figure in Mexico energy transactions. Washington DC’s Ulises Pin specialises in communications infrastructure, including satellite and subsea cable projects. All partners are based in Houston unless stated otherwise.

Practice head(s):

Thomas Mellor; John Crespo


Key clients

Kellogg Brown & Root (KBR)


PetroRio


Gaia


Cemex


BCCK Engineering


Dellner Industrial


AES


Macquarie


Work highlights


  • Represented Gaia in connection with the licensing of oil and gas technology for deployment in Brazil.
  • Advised Dellner on its acquisition of worldwide industrial oil and gas divisions in the US and Argentina, relating to brake systems and marine brake applications used in the offshore industry.
  • Advised Patriotic Energies and Technologies on its acquisition and financing of Petrotrin, Trinidad and Tobago’s Petroleum Company.

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP’s core group of Latin America specialists leverages its extensive connections to lenders, sponsors and investors in transactions right across the region. It has an impressive record in the Southern Cone, Andean Region and -more recently- in smaller economies such as Panama and Costa Rica. It has gained further accolades for its work in energy and infrastructure M&A, including its representation of Chile’s SAAM on the sale of its shipping terminal and logistics business in South America, Central America and Florida to Hapag-Lloyd. It is also active in private equity investments into Latin America infrastructure assets, notably advising KKR on a series of fibre optic infrastructure investments. Capital markets fundraisings by energy and infrastructure businesses is another feature of the practice, including offerings to finance major projects. Splitting his time between New York and São Paulo, Todd Crider leads the Latin America team and remains active in M&A and private equity transactions. New York’s Juan Francisco Méndez is also a key partner. Since publication, the team has been further strengthened with the hire of Gabriel Silva (best know for his experience in the digital infrastructure projects segment) from Vinson & Elkins LLP in November 2023.

Practice head(s):

Todd Crider; Grenfel Calheiros; Juan Francisco Méndez; Juan Naveira; Paulo Fernando de Menezes Cardoso; Borja Marcos


Testimonials

Exceptional team of professionals who provide a full-time dedicated service to the entrusted assignment.’

They know the needs of the clients and accurately advise on the activities and businesses entrusted to them, feeling sure that the agreement reached is the best for the client.

Focused dedication of its partners and senior associates in an efficient and transparent manner.

Among the team members who deserve to be highlighted are Juan Mendez, Jaime Mercado, Todd Crider, Juan Naveira and Borja Marcos.

Great work team, which is always looking for solutions according to the needs of the business, focused on resolving the issues dealt with efficiently.

Excellent professionals, with great knowledge of their subjects and the business. Looking for innovative solutions and according to the client.

Gabriel Silva has remarkable experience advising clients on complex cross-border transactions in Latin America, and is our go-to lawyer for several matters. He is a tenacious lawyer who always fights for the interests of his clients without losing sight to being commercial and pleasant to deal with. Gabriel is able to navigate legal challenges in multiple LATAM jurisdictions (including Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Peru, and Uruguay) and balance speed, commerciality and tenacity throughout our transactions – all essential in getting a deal done. The debt and equity markets are currently extremely challenging, but Gabriel is able to deliver a deal that achieves deal certainty for the parties, bankability for the lenders and adequate protections for his client.

Key clients

América Móvil


Comisión Federal de Electricidad


Goldman, Sachs & Co


Itaú BBA USA Securities


JP Morgan Securities


KKR & Co


Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith


Morgan Stanley


MSU Energy Holding


Pan American Energy


Phoenix Tower International


SCC Power


Sudamericana, Agencias Aéreas y Marítimas


Work highlights


  • Advised Empresas Gasco and Abastible on their entry into an agreement to sell Gasmar to Inversiones Arco 4.
  • Advised Generación Mediterránea on its $130m bond issuance to fund the expansion of the generation capacity of the Ezeiza thermal power plant in Buenos Aires province.
  • Represented Stonepeak Infrastructure Partners, as selling shareholder, in the merger between Golar LNG and Stonepeak Infrastructure Fund II Cayman, to sell 100% of Hygo Energy Transition to New Fortress Energy.

Stephen Hood & Partners

Stephen Hood & Partners is a unique Sao Paulo-based project finance boutique, providing both New York and English law expertise. Much of its work centres on Brazil, along with a wider focus on other jurisdictions, such as Peru. The firm is noted for its expertise in oil and gas, power and infrastructure. It retains close links to Brazilian banks and corporates, along with international project sponsors and concession companies. Stephen Hood is one of the most experienced project finance specialists in the Latin America market. New York-qualified Rebecca Roman is another founding partner (having worked alongside Hood at Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP until 2020), and has played a pivotal role in a series of infrastructure projects in Peru and Brazil. Of late, the two have continued to advise Sete Brasil on a gargantuan project financing investment involving 28 oil drilling ships costing approximately $900m each, to be constructed at five different Brazilian shipyards.

 

Practice head(s):

Stephen Hood


Testimonials

Team extremely committed and specific knowledge well above the average, since it combines technical skill with large experience within a niche activity. Their unique practice, in my opinion, is related to their experience and the fact they have exposure to international practices and they can apply Brazilian cases/clients with the proper and required adjustment to the local jurisdiction. Their capacity to make this adjustment is the innovation they have brought.

I’ve worked with Stephen Hood and Rebecca Roman. They stand out from competitors by having the ability to know which international project finance practices can be replicated to Brazilian financing structures – and if an adjustment to implement is required, they are able to provide it. Similarly, they do have strong arguments to advocate against unreplicable international clauses or practices within Brazilian financing structures.

Stephen and Rebecca have great experience in the industry and have worked in Brazil-related deals for several years now. This is very helpful for the understanding of the local industry and players. I have recommended them to my clients (and will continue to) as they are very experienced finance lawyers and have built a boutique firm that adopts very reasonable fees considering the quality of their work. Both Stephen and Rebecca are always available and on top of the deals we have worked as co-counsel.

Key clients

Sete Brasil (in judicial recovery) and its subsidiaries


VINCI Concessions


LimaExpresa


DP World


Tenenge Engenharia


CDV Holding


Work highlights


  • Advised Sete Brasil (in judicial recovery) and its subsidiaries on all of its cross-border financing needs, including the original $3bn+ bridge facilities for the construction of 28 drillships and the expected $20bn long-term finance to be serviced by 28 separate Petrobras charter payment streams.
  • Acted as counsel to Casa dos Ventos in the negotiation and drafting of the Financial Support Framework Agreement with TotalEnergies, providing for debt financing and credit support from TotalEnergies for up to $4bn, and relating to the Latin American renewable energy sector-focused joint venture arrangement between Casa dos Ventos and TotalEnergies.

Vinson & Elkins LLP

Vinson & Elkins LLP has been a major force in energy and infrastructure projects over the years, most notably in upstream oil and gas. It has successfully diversified its practice across industries and geographies. Historically more focused on Mexico, it has successfully targeted other key jurisdictions such as Brazil, Colombia and Chile. It has also made significant inroads into the digital infrastructure field, including data centres and fibre optic cables. In transport infrastructure, the firm has made a further impact in toll roads, and has gained prominence in energy transition projects such as green hydrogen and ammonia production. Moreover, it has a significant presence in private equity investments into energy and infrastructure assets. Houston partner Alan Alexander has a significant focus on Latin America, especially energy transition, and oil and gas projects in Mexico. New York partner Eamon Nolan is also a key name. Since publication, the October 2023 departure of Gabriel Silva  has seen the firm hire energy-transition tax specialist Jorge Medina to its Los Angeles office (effective January 2024); formerly a partner in the project finance and development practices at Shearman & Sterling LLP, Medina has a particular focus on renewable energy in the Americas.

Practice head(s):

Eamon Nolan


Testimonials

Vinson & Elkins is the pre-eminent law firm for Latin America (and elsewhere) for Projects, Infrastructure and Energy in my view. They have a significant number of professionals with unprecedented skills in the industry, and are highly committed to hard work, excellence and integrity. They always take a business-minded approach to advising clients, which has proven to be extremely helpful to overcome challenging legal matters and delivering a sound transaction. Their worldwide projects, infrastructure and energy expertise is extremely valuable as allows V&E to apply the best global legal practices to our matters in Latin America.

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 Tallgrass Energy Partners on a joint venture with Equinor in relation to the development of an ammonia pipeline and deep water export terminal in Mexico.

Akin

Akin has a growing presence in Latin America projects and energy transactions. An expanding team in New York is complementing the established group in Houston, which has an outstanding record in upstream oil and gas matters in Mexico. The firm also has extensive experience in renewables and is active in various smaller markets (including Suriname, Dominican Republic and Uruguay), as well as other core markets such as Brazil, Chile and Colombia. Matthew Kapinos is co-head of the projects and energy transition practice and has a strong focus on Latin America, including storage terminal and renewables projects. At counsel level, Eduardo Canales negotiates in Spanish and English, and is a key figure in Latin America projects and transactions. Both are based in Houston. Upstream oil and gas specialist David Sweeney left the firm in June 2023.

Arnold & Porter

Arnold & Porter has a solid background in Latin America project finance in multiple jurisdictions, including PPP financings involving airport, toll road and metro projects. New York partner Christopher Willott has brought core Latin America project finance expertise to the firm since his arrival in 2021, landing a number of wind and solar project engagements in Chile, Brazil and Uruguay; he also has a notable track record in LNG regasification and oil refinery projects in Colombia, Mexico and Brazil.

Practice head(s):

Christopher Willott; Gregory Harrington


Key clients

Hydro REIN


GNL Chile


Work highlights


  • Advised Hydro REIN on its investments in two different renewables projects in Brazil, including both wind and solar facilities, and the negotiation of power purchase agreements with offtakers in relation to the production of green aluminium.
  • Acted for GNL Chile in relation to the commercial contracts relating to its 100% capacity in the Quintero LNG project, Chile’s first and largest onshore LNG regasification facility.

Baker McKenzie LLP

Baker McKenzie LLP has made bold moves to expand its Latin America practice in the US, building on its existing network of offices from Argentina up to Mexico. The arrival of Michael Fitzgerald and a senior team from Paul Hastings LLP brings real gravitas to the firm’s Latin America standing, particularly in financings and capital markets-driven fundraisings. They join a wider group of energy and infrastructure specialists in Latin America itself, that has a fine reputation for power and renewables projects, along with energy and infrastructure M&A. Sao Paulo partner José Roberto Martins has an extensive record in energy and natural resources projects and transactions in Brazil. Juan Carlos De Los Heros is a key name in Lima, along with mining sector specialist Antonio Ortúzar in Santiago.

Bracewell LLP

Bracewell LLP has a significant presence in project development, project finance, and energy and infrastructure sector M&A; moreover, it has a growing reputation in ESG finance, green loans and bonds. Its broad experience ranges from oil and gas projects and transactions in Mexico, through to port projects and gas-fired power projects across the region, along with the acquisition of renewable energy assets. New York partner Fernando Rodriguez Marin has a major focus on Latin America, as does Houston-based Manuel Vera, who is licensed to practice in Mexico.

CMS

CMS  has a large Latin America-based team (across its offices in offices in Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Mexico and Peru) which undertake local law and English law engagements. The firm enhanced this offering through a cooperation agreement with Brazilian law firm FAS Advogados, in cooperation with CMS in 2023. It has a strong record in energy (including oil and gas, electricity and renewables). In the renewables sector, it has made an impression in solar, wind and green hydrogen. It has also worked on headline infrastructure projects in Mexico, Peru and other jurisdictions; a Mexico City-based team advised Grupo Typsa in connection with the design, construction, and maintenance of  ‘El Tren Maya’, a railway that will traverse the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico. Rio de Janeiro managing partner Ted Rhodes is an experienced figure in oil and gas, and offshore projects and transactions; he has a growing presence in renewables. Daniel Rodríguez is a notable name in Bogota, along with Derek Woodhouse and Enrique Lorente Ludlow in Mexico City, and Carlos Hamann in Lima.

Practice head(s):

Ted Rhodes


Key clients

Prio (ex PetroRio)


Eneva


HydraWell Intervention


Walmart


CDPQ, CKD IM


Autopista del Norte del Grupo Aleatica


Vitol Electricidad de México


Thermion


Lewis Energy


Repsol


Electryon Power Inc


Chevron Petroleum


Enel Green Power


Engie


Perenco


Kimberly Clark


AES


Work highlights


  • Advised Enagás in an ICSID arbitration claim against the Peruvian Government based on the breach of the Bilateral Investment Treaty between Peru and Spain.
  • Advised the German vehicle manufacturer Porsche on the execution of options agreements for the acquisition of green hydrogen production and the purchase of 12.5% of HIF Global.
  • Advised Grupo Typsa in connection with the the design, construction and maintenance of El Tren Maya.

Cuatrecasas

Cuatrecasas’ projects and energy practice in Latin America is largely driven by its local office in the region, in Mexico, Colombia, Chile and Peru. It has a broad-based practice covering transport infrastructure, social and community infrastructure, and energy (including renewables, oil and gas, and mining). The firm has worked on a series of road and highway projects in Colombia and Mexico, and advises a range of project sponsors and lenders in the wider region. Bogota partner Manuel Quinche is an experienced project finance expert, especially in the transport infrastructure (including roads, railways and metro lines) and renewables segments. Lima’s Aldo Reggiardo is also a recognised project finance specialist in the energy, infrastructure and mining fields. Mexico City partner León López is another key figure.

Practice head(s):

Manuel Quinche; Aldo Reggiardo


Key clients

Vinci Highways, Constructora Conconcreto, Industrial Conconcreto, Vía 40 Express


Concesionaria Férrea de Occidente S.A.S. (wholly owned by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation), Bank of China


Bancolombia, Inter-American Investment Corporation, Inter-American Development Bank


BTG Pactual


Sacyr Construcción


Metro Línea 1


Natixis (New York Branch)


BBVA


Exolum


Unión para la Infraestructura


IDE Water Technologies


Etermar – Engenharia e Construção, Sociedad Anónima Sucursal en la República del Perú


Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation and Société Générale


Banco Davivienda


Currie & Brown


DVP Solar


IBT Health


Work highlights


  • Acted as special Colombian counsel to Concesionaria Férrea de Occidente in connection with the financing of the project to design, build, operate and maintain the 40km Regiotram de Occidente railway in Bogotá.
  • Advised Metro Línea 1 on a $200m bridge loan governed under Colombian law and a $100m bridge loan governed under UK law for the design, construction, provisioning, operation, development and maintenance of Bogota’s first metro line.
  • Advised Exolum Aviation on the infrastructure and regulatory matters relating to the new fuel farm for Jorge Chavez International Airport, Lima.

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP has an established reputation in Latin America project finance and project development, frequently representing commercial lenders, ECAs, multilaterals and borrowers in large-scale energy and infrastructure projects. This includes power and renewables, energy transition, mining, oil and gas, and transport infrastructure projects. Melissa Raciti-Knapp is co-head of the Latin America group, a fluent Spanish speaker, and has extensive experience in multiple Latin American jurisdictions from large economies such as Brazil and Mexico, to smaller nations including Honduras.

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP has demonstrated real commitment to the Latin America region, which has brought it a steady stream of project finance engagements, though it is best known for its expertise in debt offerings to fund project developments. The firm is also active in M&A and private equity investments, including acquisition and disposals of projects and energy/infrastructure assets. Tomer Pinkusiewicz is co-chair of the Latin America group and has extensive experience in capital markets and infrastructure, notably project bonds and infrastructure financings for a range of sponsors and banks. Marwan Azzi is an experienced figure in energy and infrastructure transactions, often advising private equity houses, infrastructure funds and strategic investors.

Practice head(s):

Lisa Alfaro; Tomer Pinkusiewicz


Work highlights


  • Advised Brookfield Renewable and Stonepeak Infrastructure Partners on 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.

Morrison Foerster

Morrison Foerster’s expansion of its agency finance practice in 2021 has paid considerable dividends in relation to Latin America. The firm now frequently advises DFIs, multilateral lenders, ECAs and regional development banks in headline project financings. The team has achieved considerable market penetration in key markets such as Chile, Colombia, Peru, Mexico and the wider Central America region. Notably it has landed a series of wind and solar project engagements, along with road and port infrastructure, metro lines and telecoms infrastructure projects. Key clients include IDB Invest, US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank) and International Finance Corporation (IFC). Greg Smith is a seasoned agency finance specialist with a considerable focus on Latin America. Ann Lilienthal is another key member of the Latin America-focused agency finance group. Both are based in Washington DC.

Practice head(s):

Greg Smith; Ann Lilienthal


Key clients

Inter-American Investment Corporation (IDB Invest)


US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC)


Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank)


International Finance Corporation (IFC)


Export-Import Bank of Korea (KEXIM)


Central American Bank for Economic Integration


Société de Promotion et de Participation pour la Coopération Economique (Proparco)


Work highlights


  • Advised KEXIM and IFC on their financing of the Recaudo Bogota mass transit project.
  • Advised IDB Invest in connection with senior secured financing to support Phoenix Tower International (PTI) in its shared infrastructure business in Ecuador.
  • Advised DFC in all aspects of its $165m financing of the GTS Majes and GTS Repartition solar power plants.

Reed Smith LLP

Reed Smith LLP has a well developed project finance practice in both the energy and infrastructure sectors. It is also noted for commodities trading matters, representing a number of commodities traders in cross-border transactions involving Brazil. Mexico is another key market for the firm, along with several smaller economies. New York partner Lee Ann Dillon has a major focus on Latin America, particularly in relation to project and infrastructure financings. Washington DC’s Edwin Nazario was promoted to the partnership in January 2023, and specialises in commodities trading and project finance. Former partner Nicolas Borda left the firm in July 2022.

Sidley Austin LLP

Sidley Austin LLP’s Houston office is well connected to the Latin America region, particularly in the oil and gas, offshore and renewables segments. It also has strong LNG and renewables expertise in its New York and Washington DC offices. The firm remains especially active in the development of Brazil’s offshore oil and gas sector, along with mining projects in the jurisdiction and solar projects in Chile. A fluent Spanish and Portuguese speaker, Brian Bradshaw is a seasoned practitioner in the oil and gas, LNG and power sectors across the region. Timothy Chandler is a fluent Portuguese speaker and specialises in Brazil-related oil and gas, power, mining and infrastructure transactions.

Practice head(s):

Brian Bradshaw


Key clients

China National Oil and Gas Exploration


Development Company (CNODC)


Denham Capital Management


Barra Energia


Denham Capital Management


Work highlights


  • Advised China National Oil and Gas Exploration and Development Company (CNODC) on its participation ( through its Brazilian subsidiary), in the development and production of the Búzios field in Brazil’s Santos Basin pre-salt, the largest discovered deepwater field in the world.
  • Advised Denham Capital’s portfolio company, Serra Verde, on a $150m investment by Vision Blue Resources and The Energy & Minerals Group.
  • Advised Barra Energia on the development of Brazil’s offshore Atlanta Field.

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP’s reputation as a transactional powerhouse, coupled with its longstanding focus on Latin America, consistently lands it significant engagements. From classic project finance to project bonds and energy sector M&A, the firm’s Latin America practice has an impressive reputation. Amongst a number of major deals, it recently advised Termoeléctrica El Tesorito (Colombia) and Celsia Colombia on a $170m loan to finance the construction of a new thermoelectric power plant. The firm also frequently advises on loans to Latin American energy businesses. Alejandro González Lazzeri is a genuine specialist in Latin America financings, including project finance.

Sullivan & Cromwell LLP

Sullivan & Cromwell LLP has an impressive background in project finance and M&A in the mining sector. Its core Latin America team of three partners are highly rated practitioners with a reputation for advising on the highest value and most complex deals in the market. Sergio Galvis leads the Latin America team, which includes experienced project finance specialist Christopher Mann, who heads the global infrastructure practice. Werner Ahlers completes the partner ranks in the Latin America group.

Practice head(s):

Sergio Galvis


Winston & Strawn LLP

Winston & Strawn LLP’s impressive expansion of its Latin America practice, which has involved the assembling of a large team in its new Miami office, has brought it to prominence in the projects and energy market. This development has included the hire of experienced figure Richard Puttré - who brings an impressive record in renewables and transport infrastructure projects - as chair of the Latin America projects practice. Latin America department heads Talbert Navia and Allen Miller also provide extensive client relationships in the region, which have led to a series of major engagements.

Work highlights


  • Represented the underwriter supporting San Juan Cruise Port in connection with a project to repair, expand, finance, maintain, and operate certain marine cruise terminals in the San Juan Bay.