Best known for its robust offering in the construction segment, COMAD, S.C. (Corporación Mexicana de Asesores en Derecho) advises clients on construction law - particularly mandates regarding transactions, or contentious issues (including dispute boards) - both in Mexico and elsewhere in Latin America, as well as acting as project counsel. The firm advises a stellar roster of clients -to which it recently added both Banco Centroamericano de Integración Económica (BCIE) and Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo (BIID)- on construction projects across the energy and natural resources, transportation, manufacturing, health and hospitality sectors, among others. The practice is led by Roberto Hernández García, who specialises in public procurement, construction law, anti-corruption and dispute resolution. Key support comes from senior associate Juan Pablo Sandoval who is a disputes specialist who handles administrative, civil and commercial litigation, amparos, international commercial arbitration and construction law. The firm added a new associate - Zeltzin Castillo - in June 2022.
Projects and infrastructure in Mexico
COMAD, S.C.
Practice head(s):
Roberto Hernandez-Garcia
Key clients
Bridgestone
Gilbane Alberici
Irongate/Costa Palmas
ThyssenKrup North America
Ingerop
Banco Centroamericano de Integración Económica
Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo
CloudHQ
Daikin
T-Systems
Thornton Tomasseti
Work highlights
- Sole, permanent legal counsel to Gilbane Alberici in its role as construction manager of a Constellation Brands mega-brewery project as regards national legal matters, including the drafting of contracts; general advise on Mexican legal matters, bonding company claims, commercial litigation and compliance matters.
- Counsel to Costa Palmas regarding the development of the 1000-acre master plan on Baja California’s East Cape, involving a full-service marina, a golf course, a residential ‘village’, a yacht club and hotels.
- Advised Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo (BID) delegations relating to Panama, Guatemala and Trinidad/Tobago on FIDIC (construction) contracts.
Galicia Abogados S.C.
Galicia Abogados S.C. houses a leading projects and infrastructure practice which is regularly sought out by local and international banks, energy companies, investment funds and companies in the construction segment. The 31-strong group has significant experience assisting with the development, financing, construction, operation and sale of long-term infrastructure and energy projects, as well as public bidding processes, financing structures, concession titles, PPAs and PPPs. The department is jointly led by Carlos de Maria y Campos and Alejandro De La Borbolla who both specialise in energy and infrastructure projects, with an emphasis on project finance; Francisco Fernández Cueto, who advises clients on the development, construction, financing, operation and maintenance of energy projects; and Bernardo Martínez Negrete, who majors on project finance and M&A with particular emphasis on life sciences and infrastructure. Other key partner-level contacts include Antonio Borja (energy and project finance); Ernesto Partida (cross-border financings, project finance, infrastructure and energy project development); and Eduardo García-Travesi (the development, purchase, sale and financing of power projects, with a focus on renewables). Senior associate Alan Rogel is noted for his contributions on the financing of infrastructure projects.
Practice head(s):
Carlos de Maria y Campos; Alejandro de la Borbolla; Francisco Fernandez Cueto; Bernardo Martinez-Negrete; Antonio Borja; Eduardo García-Travesi; Ernesto Partida; Humberto Perez-Rocha; Eugenio Sepúlveda
Key clients
Grupo Roadis
Grupo Azvi Cointer
Grupo Empresarial San José
Grupo Nieto
Promecap
BlackRock
UDRA
IDB Invest
NadBank
Abertis Infraestructuras
GIC Special Investments
Banco Monex
Banco Santander
Saavi Energía
Grupo México
Terminales Portuarias del Pácifico
Latam Capital Advisors
Orden Cardinal
Ardian
Work highlights
- Advised Santander in connection with the shelf registration and offering of notes for the securitisation of toll road and governmental payments with respect to the “Autovía Nuevo Necaxa-Tihuatlán” toll road.
González Calvillo
The ‘highly sophisticated’ and ‘extremely responsive’ team at Gonzalez Calvillo is noted by one client for its ‘significant infrastructure expertise’, which encompasses a range of transactional, regulatory and dispute resolution work relating to infrastructure and project finance. The group has a strong track record assisting financial institutions, government entities, local and international development banks, multilateral entities, suppliers, contractors, and sponsors in connection with project development and financing transactions in various segments – including power, oil-and-gas, water, roads, airports, ports, railways and telecoms. The team’s six partners head up the department on an equal partnership basis: name partner Enrique Gonzalez Calvillo specialises in cross-border transactions involving energy and power generation, as well as M&A, joint ventures and project finance; Jorge Cervantes Trejo majors on M&A, project finance, private equity, energy and infrastructure. Rodrigo Rojas Robleda advises on project finance, lending and power generation projects, while Oscar Moreno Silva regularly represents clients on the regulatory and contractual components required for project development. Hernando Becerra de Cima advises developers and banks on infrastructure financing transactions; and Diana Pineda Esteban handles private and public tenders, oil-and-gas and infrastructure projects, and completes the senior team. Of counsel Antonio de Lisi is noted for his participation in financings, energy and infrastructure development transactions, joint ventures and M&A. Julia González, promoted to of counsel in January 2022, is active on the development of infrastructure projects, dispute resolution and risk prevention matters. Since publication, Pineda Esteban has left the firm - effective as of April 2024.
Practice head(s):
Enrique González Calvillo; Jorge Cervantes; Rodrigo Rojas Robleda; Oscar Moreno Silva; Hernando Becerra; Diana Pineda
Testimonials
‘The GC team is extremely responsive and their work exceeds expectations. They have significant infrastructure expertise.’
‘What really stands out is the client service – the team excels at delivering quality work fast.’
‘The projects and infrastructure team is highly sophisticated. Their attorneys are very collaborative and great at navigating complex issues.’
‘Oscar Moreno Silva – strong market knowledge, efficient, fast, flexible.’
Key clients
Abu Dhabi Investment Authority
Actis
Saavi Energía
Chevron
Global Infrastructure Partners
GPO
Proman
Grupo Lodemo
J.P. Morgan Securities
Mizuho Securities
Scotia Capital
Marathon Petroleum
Mizuho Bank
Nordex
Pattern Energy
Thermion Energy
TPG Capital
Vopak Mexico
Work highlights
- Represented ADIA in its acquisition of a non-controlling 10% interest in Sempra Infrastructure Partners.
- Advised JP Morgan Securities, Mizuho Securities and Scotia Capital in connection with Electricidad Firme de México Holdings’ $350m senior secured note issuance.
- Acted as counsel to GPO, outlining strategy for the construction, operation, and maintenance of a petrochemical complex in Sinaloa.
Nader, Hayaux y Goebel, SC
Highlighted for their ‘attention to detail, skill at handling complex issues and speedy responses’, the lawyers that comprise Nader, Hayaux y Goebel, SC’s 11-strong projects practice demonstrate expertise in PPPs; the representation of lenders, strategic and financial investors, sponsors, sellers and buyers; and the handling of debt restructurings, negotiations and bidding processes. Three partners head up the team: Javier Arreola Espinosa has extensive experience advising lenders on project financing, and sponsors on projects structuring and bidding processes; Vanessa Franyutti handles project finance, PPPs, concessions, and joint ventures; and Alejandro Rojas, who also has extensive PPP expertise, has developed niche skill advising on municipal and state water and lighting projects. Rojas is also knowledgeable about the public health sector, energy, railroad projects, toll roads and port concessions. Partners Santiago Medina and Michell Nader and also noted for their contributions on PPP mandates. Associate José Manuel López Castro majors on public procurement contracts, PPPs, and project finance.
Testimonials
‘The team understands how companies work and adapts to the needs of the client; they offer competitive fees. The ability of the lawyers to delve into key issues is excellent.’
‘The lawyers’ best qualities are their attention to detail, skill at handling complex issues and speedy responses.’
‘The team is always an ad hoc one assembled to meet the needs of our company. The firm knows perfectly well the way our company works and always adapts to our needs. They offer competitive fees in the market. Its professionals have a responsiveness that is found in few places and their ability to delve into core topics is excellent.’
‘Their best qualities are attention to detail, depth and investigation of complex topics, very high response capacity and mastery of the topics the matter deals with.’
Key clients
Organismo Operador Municipal del Sistema de Agua Potable, Alcantarillado y Saneamiento de Los Cabos
Aguas Hermosillo
Banco Nacional de Obras Públicas
Empresas Públicas de Medellín
Government of the State of Yucatán
Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation
Blackrock
Constructora y Edificadora GIA+A
Fondo Nacional de Infraestructura
Apollo Communications
Química Apollo
UK Partnering for Accelerated Climate Transitions
Work highlights
- Advised Desarrolladora y Operadora de Infraestructura de Oaxaca (a subsidiary of Constructora y Edificadora GIA+A), on the total voluntary redemption of the trust stock certificates identified with ticker symbols “DOIXCB 15” and “DOIXCB 15U”.
- Advised the Water Operator Agency of Los Cabos Municipality on a PPP international bidding process to retain a private entity to improve and operate the potable water system of Los Cabos.
- Advising the Government of the State of Yucatán through the Ministry of Sustainable Development, and the Municipality of Mérida on the development and structuring of a Decentralized Public Inter-Municipal Agency.
CMS Woodhouse Lorente Ludlow
In the words of its clients, ‘professional’, ‘up-to-date’ and ‘highly specialised’ are some of the standout qualities of CMS Woodhouse Lorente Ludlow’s 12-strong team. The group is frequently sought out by private and public sector clients for its wide-ranging projects and infrastructure experience, and assists with PPPs and financing for toll roads, railroads, highways, hospitals and hydrocarbons projects. A recent highlight saw it advise the Mexican government on a new international border crossing between Tijuana and San Diego. Founding partner Enrique Lorente Ludlow steers the practice and specialises in matters ranging from the design, structuring, financing, construction and operation of projects. A pair of younger partners provide key support: Giancarlo Schievenini handles all aspects and stages of infrastructure project development, including financing, and has significant expertise in toll roads concessions; and the ‘always attentive’ Fernando Nava Herrera, majors on project finance and PPPs and stands out for his ‘personalised service, empathy and skill’. Marcia Santome Sanchez completes the senior team. Senior associate José Antonio Ruiz P, active on project development, regulatory matters and financing, is an additional key contact.
Practice head(s):
Enrique Lorente Ludlow
Testimonials
‘The firm is up-to-date and highly specialized in infrastructure projects; their work is of a higher standard than that of other firms in the same field.’
‘Enrique Lorente Ludlow and Fernando Nava Herrera – personalized service, empathy and skill.’
‘CMS remains at the forefront; its well-prepared lawyers work as a team and provide exhaustive analyses for PPPs, concessions and public works.’
‘Their knowledge of the subject and the market allows them to have greater business understanding. The diversity in the practice areas that the firm offers allows for a comprehensive service. The partners demonstrate leadership, motivation, commitment to their work and collaboration.’
‘Professionalism and technical knowledge.’
‘Fernando Nava showed interest in the development of the case from the beginning; he was always attentive and clarified the differences between Mexican and US legislation.’
Key clients
Grupo Typsa
Grupo INDI
Mota-Engil México
Gobierno del Estado de Durango
Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico
Secretaría de Comunicaciones y Transportes
Grupo Osme
Valorum Capital
Súper Carreteras del Norte
NAFIN
Work highlights
- Advising the Federal Government on various aspects of the Maya Train since 2019, including the design and construction of five sections of the railway track.
- Currently implementing an urban development instrument with the participation of the National Infrastructure Fund, the Government of the State of Durango and the Municipal Government of Durango for the development of a polygonal area of approximately 30 hectares in Durango.
- Advising Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico on the necessary road works to interconnect the International Airport of Guadalajara, Jalisco with the city of Guadalajara.
Creel, García-Cuéllar, Aiza y Enríquez, S.C.
‘Unconditional focus on the client’s needs and market intelligence’ are the calling cards of Creel, García-Cuéllar, Aiza y Enríquez, S.C.’s nine-strong practice, which is known for its expertise in developing and financing infrastructure projects in the oil-and-gas, renewables, telecoms, transport (including airports, railroads and toll roads), water and waste management sectors. The group is regularly instructed by international and domestic sponsors, developers, engineering and construction companies, investors and financiers, as well as Mexico’s Federal Electricity Commission (CFE). The practice is co-led by partners Santiago Sepúlveda, who handles the structuring, development and financing of infrastructure projects, along with M&A and private equity investments; and José Ignacio Segura, who focuses on the electricity and natural gas industries from both regulatory and transactional perspectives. Counsel Vanessa Gimenez and senior associate Ana Irma Amado major on energy and infrastructure transactions, while associate Juan Carlos Luna R supports on matters relating to oil-and-gas, infrastructure, project finance and PPPs. Since publication, Luna has been promoted to counsel - effective as of January 2024.
Practice head(s):
Santiago Sepúlveda; José Ignacio Segura
Testimonials
‘One of the best firms in Mexico, if not the best. Unconditional focus on the client’s needs and market intelligence make Creel a firm without equal.’
‘Extensive knowledge of industry, regulations, market players and the ability to protect the client from risk.’
‘José Ignacio Segura is an outstanding lawyer in energy matters. One of the best lawyers I have ever worked with.’
Key clients
Mitsui
CFEnergía
China Three Gorges
Comisión Federal de Electricidad
InfraRed Capital Partners
Work highlights
- Advised CFEnergía on its joint venture with TC Energy.
- Represented Mitsui, as Mexican lead counsel, on the sale of a 100% equity interest in the independent power producer portfolio consisting of a 247.5MW and a 495MW combined cycle power plant, among others.
- Advised Comisión Federal de Electricidad on the renewal of a $1,5bn revolving syndicated loan.
Mijares, Angoitia, Cortés y Fuentes S.C.
Mijares, Angoitia, Cortés y Fuentes S.C.’s practice has a track record in advising financial institutions, public entities, and private companies on infrastructure financing, PPPs and M&A – often involving renewables, oil-and-gas, airports and railroads. The 12-strong group is led by five partners: Horacio De Uriarte focuses on the legal and regulatory aspects of energy and infrastructure projects; Patricio Trad specialises in project finance, structured finance and capital markets transactions; Francisco Glennie has focused his practice on M&A, financings and general corporate matters; Carlos Jiménez advises on public, private, debt and capital offerings, as well as joint ventures, strategic partnerships and M&A; and corporate partner Francisco Ibáñez who completes the leadership team. Senior associate Anacandy Perusquía majors on M&A, joint ventures, private equity transactions, and corporate and project finance, while associate Aisha Calderón is primarily occupied with energy and environmental matters. Ex-practice co-head Pilar Mata Fernández retired in April 2022.
Practice head(s):
Horacio M de Uriarte; Patricio Trad; Francisco Ibáñez; Francisco Glennie; Carlos Jiménez
Key clients
Banco Santander
Red de Carreteras de Occidente
Riverstone Holdings
BBVA
Banorte
Ascenty
Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets México
Aleatica
Actis
Fintech Holdings
Brookfield Asset Management
Empresas ICA
Fotowatio Renewable Ventures
Mexico Pacific Limited
Work highlights
- Acted as legal advisors to Banco Santander México and Grupo Financiero Santander México on the structuring and negotiation of an MXN$4,6bn senior secured bridge to bond loan granted to Concesionaria Autopistas del Sureste.
- Represented Red de Carreteras de Occidente in the negotiation and execution of a revolving loan agreement with Banco Sabadell, (as lender) and BBVA Bancomer (as lender and administrative agent).
- Represented Riverstone Holdings in the creation of VEMO by way of the merger of four mobility companies.
Ramos, Ripoll & Schuster
The ‘efficient and coordinated’ team at Ramos, Ripoll & Schuster is well-versed in advising clients on project and infrastructure matters, covering all phases of projects, from early planning, budgeting and bidding, and public & private partnerships, to financing, execution and sale. The group is routinely instructed by developers, lenders, investors and government entities, and it has notable expertise in highways, renewable energy plants and prisons; recent highlights include assisting China Communications Construction Company with the Tren Maya bidding process. Practice co-head Guadalupe Esparza Sanchez focuses her practice on energy law, infrastructure and project finance, and has experience advising government entities and private sector companies on the design, structuring and implementation of public works projects and PPPs. Alongside her, Alejandro Ripoll Gonzalez specialises in the structuring, bidding, financing, execution, purchase and sale of large-scale energy and infrastructure projects. Key senior associate Diego Alvarez Ampudia specialises in infrastructure and energy projects, and has experience advising national and international clients on the structuring, bidding and execution of large-scale and complex operations including metro lines, port facilities, roads, railways, dams and renewable energy facilities.
Practice head(s):
Guadalupe Esparza Sanchez; Alejandro Ripoll-Gonzalez
Testimonials
‘Teamwork: coordinated and with good use of digital tools, which allows the lawyers to work efficiently.’
‘Solid command of the legal framework applicable to public works and related services.’
Key clients
Harbin Electric International
Red de Carreteras de Occidente
China Communications Construction Company
China Harbour Engineering Company
INVEX Infraestructura
Grupo Triada
Egis Group
Grumesa
Inmobiliaria la Rumorosa
Certe Energy
Government of the State of Aguascalientes
BorgWarner
Saverglass
Grupo KMM
Grupo Lauman
Comtelsat
SIG Combibloc
Atlas Renewable Energy
Work highlights
- Advising Harbin Electric International on all matters required for the award and construction of a 350MW combined cycle power generation plant for the Federal Commission of Electricity.
- Performing due diligence for Red de Carreteras de Occidente on a road concession SPV for its acquisition, along with all steps and documents required for the transaction.
- Providing advice to China Communications Construction Company for the execution of the construction contract of section 1 of the Maya Train project; and to Egis Group, Transconsult and Grupo Triada on the supervision works of sections 4 and 5 south.
White & Case S.C.
The eight-strong practice at international firm White & Case S.C. is known first and foremost for its work advising sponsors and developers on matters that span the full life-cycle of projects, as well as its activity in the renewables and oil-and-gas segments. The group is comfortable handling complex cross-border transactions, as demonstrated by its recent participation in the negotiations for the construction of a new international rail bridge connecting Laredo, Texas, USA and Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico. Electricity regulatory specialist Francisco De Rosenzweig steers the practice and advises clients on projects in the energy, transactional, infrastructure and transport sectors. January 2023 saw the promotion of both Former Braskem Idesa GC Juan Ruenes and Juan Carlos Llorens to international partner; Ruenes handles project and asset finance, infrastructure development and general corporate matters, while Llorens majors on corporate law, and energy, infrastructure and project financing. Since publication, Mariana Montemayor has left the firm, effective as of October 2023.
Practice head(s):
Francisco de Rosenzweig
Testimonials
‘What makes White & Case unique is the attention that its partners and associates give to the matters entrusted to them, the ability to make them their own, to establish reasonable strategies and execute them efficiently. Their team is above the rest, not only for their technical capacity of excellence, but also for their support during the processes.’
‘The leadership of Francisco de Rosenzweig was – without a doubt – the “plus” of seniority, capacity and support to achieve our objectives. The role played by Enrique Espejel and Diego Mora is also highlighted, with efficiency, audacity and drive to achieve the closing.’
Key clients
Kansas City Southern
Banobras
Braskem Idesa
X-Elio
Work highlights
- Advised Kansas City Southern Mexico on the negotiations for the construction of a new international rail bridge that will connect Laredo, Texas, US, and Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico.
- Advised Banobras, acting as lender, on a loan granted to Autopista Urbana Siervo de la Nación, for an amount up to MXN$7.7bn, for the financing of a 14.5 kilometre toll road.
- Advised Braskem Idesa on its joint venture with Advario to build an ethane import terminal in Mexico.
Baker McKenzie Abogados, S.C.
According to one client, Baker McKenzie Abogados, S.C.’s sizable team stands out for fusing ‘strong local knowledge’ with ‘international support’. The group regularly supports sponsors, investors, developers, lenders and operators with projects and infrastructure matters, covering the planning, structuring, financing, developing and construction stages. The practice is jointly led by Gaspar Gutierrez-Centeno, who specialises in project finance and M&A); and Benjamin Torres Barrón, who focuses on project development, construction and public bids. Key partner Daniel Sánchez-Morales‘s expertise spans corporate, energy, project finance and infrastructure matters; he has experience assisting multinational public and private corporations, private equity funds, real estate developers and investors, and financial entities. Associate Carlos Maass-Porras supports the partners on energy, mining, infrastructure, projects and real estate matters. Former senior asociate Carlos Muskus Guardia left to establish his own practice in October 2022.
Practice head(s):
Gaspar Gutiérrez-Centeno; Benjamín Torres-Barrón
Testimonials
‘The firm has strong local knowledge as well as international support. They have experts on a wide variety of topics; their fees are reasonable.’
‘They lawyers are available to answer even the smallest questions without necessarily incurring greater costs. They finish their work to a high standard.’
Key clients
Oiltanking
Advario
Inversionistas en Autotransportes Mexicanos
Baja California Railroad
Inversionistas en Autotransportes Mexicanos
Banco Nacional de Obras y Servicios Públicos
Nacional Financiera
Banco Nacional de Comercio Exterior
InfraRed Capital Partners
Ammper Energía Mexico
Gas del Litoral
Koch Industries
Japan Bank for International Cooperation
TC Energy
Thor Urbana Properties
GE Energy
Canelo Energ
Work highlights
- Acted as counsel to Oiltanking and spun-off company Advario in their 50% joint venture participation with Braskem Idesa into Terminal Química Puerto México.
- Acted for Baja California Railroad in connection with the due diligence for a potential transaction involving the financing for the rehabilitation of the Desert Line project in Mexico and the United States.
Greenberg Traurig, S.C.
Praised for its ability to ‘understand the client’s needs and get fully involved in the business’, the ‘hands-on’ team at Greenberg Traurig, S.C. is active in project structuring, development, financing and refinancing, as well as PPPs and transactions involving infrastructure investment trusts such as FIBRAs-E. The group is routinely instructed by banks and institutional investors, FIBRAS, insurance companies, and Mexican states and municipalities. The practice is co-directed by a seasoned trio, comprising: Juan Manuel González Bernal, who specialises in project finance, public procurement and PPPs; José Antonio Butrón, who handles M&A, refinancings, project finance, capital markets transactions, securitisations, and the structuring and implementation of infrastructure funds (CKDs, CERPIs and FIBRAs-E); and Gabriela Palomino, who was promoted to the partnership in January 2023 and focuses on M&A, infrastructure and project development. Associate Edgar Fernando Orozco assists with public procurement and project finance matters.
Practice head(s):
José Antonio Butrón Quintero; Juan Manuel Gonzalez; Gabriela Palomino Bandala
Testimonials
‘They understand the client’s needs and get fully involved in the business.’
‘It is a hands-on legal team. In addition to attending to our corporate needs, GT assigned a fiscal, labor and infrastructure team to the project to attend to all needs in a comprehensive manner.’
‘It is very easy to reach the partners; they understand the client’s needs very quickly. They very reasonable fees for their service. In particular, it has been a pleasure working with Juan Manuel González.’
Key clients
Mexico Infrastructure Partners
Banobras
Concesionaria Autopistas del Sureste, Ainda and Aldesa Mexico
Fibra Infraestructura México
Banco Azteca
Hermosillo Municipality
Credit Suisse
BBVA
Santander
Colombian Infrastructure Equity Fund
Banco Santander
Grupo GIA
Engie Mexico
Operadora Quantum
Autovía Querétaro
Impulsora de Desarrollo al Empleo en América Latina
Holland & Knight
The group at Holland & Knight LLP is well-equipped to handle a broad range of project and infrastructure matters, including project financing, joint ventures, environmental permits, bidding processes, the structuring of equity and debt capital, and risk mitigation. The team is regularly sought out by clients seeking assistance with electricity, natural gas, urban infrastructure, waste water and hospitality projects. Practice head Alejandro Landa, lauded as ‘very dedicated and proactive’, specialises in project finance, capital markets and M&A with particular focus on infrastructure, energy and real estate matters. The department’s key partners include Carlos Ochoa, who focuses on energy, infrastructure and real estate transactions; and Rodolfo Rueda, who splits his time between Mexico City and Houston, where he is a certified foreign practitioner. Rueda majors on cross-border natural resources and energy transactions. Aldo Gonzalez Melo, a senior counsel as of April 2023, has focused his practice on corporate and project finance transactions relating to renewables, infrastructure and technology, while associate Adrián Ortiz de Elguea is active on renewables and hydrocarbons projects.
Practice head(s):
Alejandro Landa
Testimonials
‘The team is always available and willing to propose innovative and creative strategies.’
‘Alejandor Landa and Aldo Gonzalez are very dedicated and proactive; 24-7 availability.’
Key clients
Grupo HYCSA
North American Development Bank
Banco Santander
Grupo Financiero Santander
Banco Multiva
Veolia
Cemex
Engie
Johnson Controls Enterprises Mexico
Grupo Mexico – Valero
Grupo Mexico – Acciona
Grupo Mexico – Ferromex
Jones Day
In the words of one client, the projects and infrastructure lawyers at international full-service firm Jones Day demonstrate ‘skill at negotiation, teamwork, collaboration with other firms, business skill and emotional intelligence’. The group specialises in the development and financing of energy and infrastructure projects – especially those related to airports, oil-and-gas, and renewables – as well as related contracts and due diligence work. It is routinely instructed by developers, construction companies, sponsors, borrowers, and financial institutions. The team is led by a trio of partners, comprising: Alberto de la Parra, who focuses on project structuring, corporate and project finance, M&A and restructuring; José A Estandía, who specialises in project finance transactions in Mexico’s energy sector for clients working in renewables and oil-and-gas; and Manuel Romano, who advises developers, buyers, and financing parties on development projects. Associate-level names to note include Fernando Verdín (energy projects) and Mariana de Maria y Campos (project finance and infrastructure matters).
Practice head(s):
Alberto de la Parra; José Estandía; Manuel Romano
Testimonials
‘Arturo de la Parra and Alexandra Sibaja – focused on the goals of the client.’
‘We consider that the participation of Jones Day, in particular Arturo de la Parra and Alexandra Sibaja, in the design of the structure, contracts and general documentation was vital so that the counterparties showed willingness to sign the initial documents, as well as advance the process.’
‘Among the qualities I highlight: negotiation, adaptation to the environment, teamwork, not only to manage the parties involved, but also to collaborate with other firms and establish common objectives, commercial skills and emotional intelligence.’
Key clients
Banco Santander
Beel Infra
Grupo Energía México Gemex
Iberdrola
Invex Infraestructura 4
Grupo Gigante
Vitol Electricidad de México
Ainda Energía e Infraestructura
Constellation Brands
Saavi Energía
Banco Nacional de Comercio Exterior
Banco Nacional de Obras y Servicios Públicos
Nacional Financiera
Banco Sabadell
Desarrollos Eólicos Mexicanos
Work highlights
- Represented Banobras, NAFIN, and Bancomext in connection with a $2.1bn revolving loan granted to a Special Purpose Mexican Trust for the acquisition of Jet Fuel collection rights generated by Aeropuertos y Servicios Auxiliares.
- Advised Banco Nacional de Comercio Exterior on an amendment and increase of a bridge loan granted to PTI Infraestructura (a subsidiary of PEMEX), with PEMEX as joint obligor.
Ritch, Mueller y Nicolau, S.C.
The team at Ritch, Mueller y Nicolau, S.C. assists clients with all aspects of the development, financing and acquisition of infrastructure projects. The group is frequently instructed by local and international banks (acting as lenders or sponsors), as well as by corporate clients in the energy and hydrocarbons segments. The practice is co-directed by an experienced duo: Federico Santacruz González has a notable track record participating in public auction processes for the acquisition of energy certificates, and also handles projects-related M&A and financing; and Jorge Oria Anaya represents sponsors and lenders in energy, infrastructure and power transactions. Gabriel Del Valle deals with cross-border financial transactions, particularly project finance, structured finance and capital markets; while Asaf Jimenez Adorno specialises in the electricity sector, M&A and finance. Alejandra Echeverría González also covers finance and the acquisition of energy and infrastructure assets. Senior associate Marco Portillo handles energy, hydrocarbons, ESG and compliance. Since publication, Portillo has left the firm - effective as of October 2023.
Practice head(s):
Federico Santacruz González; Jorge Oria y Anaya
Key clients
Banco Mercantil del Norte
The Bank of Nova Scotia
Scotiabank Inverlat
Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation
MUFG Bank
International Finance Corporation
Blackrock
Ainda, Energía & Infraestructura
Banco Nacional de Obras y Servicios Públicos
Banco Inbursa
MPC Energy Solutions Latin America Holdings
Banco Santander
Banco Inbursa
Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation Group
BBVA Bancomer
Banco Sabadell
Mizuho Bank
Japan Bank
Fisterra Energy
Work highlights
- Advised Banco Mercantil del Norte (as agent bank and collateral agent), and Banobras, BBVA México, SMBC and Banco Sabadell (all as lenders), in connection with several loan agreeements.
- Represented Banorte, Banobras and SMBC, on a financing to Autopista Mante Tula for the development and construction of the “Mante-Ocampo-Tula” toll road.
- Represented Ainda in the acquisition of 3.6% of the participating interest in the offshore oil Block 1.2, contract area 2, owned by Hokchi Energy and E&P Hidrocarburos y Servicios.
Chávez Vargas Minutti Abogados
The ‘highly knowledgeable’ group at Chávez Vargas Minutti Abogados is qualified to assist with PPPs, the preparation of legal documents for bid procedures, and the implementation, financing and development of its clients’ respective projects, including matters related to toll roads, water and drainage, transport, and social infrastructure such as hospitals. Senior associate Cynthia Ibarra majors on project finance, PPPs, and bid procedures. She is flanked by founding partner Jose Antonio Chavez Vargas, who has significant experience in the implementation and design of PPP structures for the development of infrastructure; and fellow partner Alejandro Carreño, who focuses on project finance.
Practice head(s):
José Antonio Chávez Vargas
Testimonials
‘The lawyers are highly knowledgeable about the issues and take the time needed to analyze and find the best answer.’
Key clients
Conservadora Mexiquense de Caminos del Sur
Banco Santander
Libramiento Elevado de Puebla
Constructora de Autopistas Michoacán
FCI Administradora
HR Ratings
Fondo MX5
Gestión Integral de Hospitales Zumpango
Relogar
Work highlights
- Advised Conservadora Mexiquense de Caminos del Sur on obtaining a financing of up to MXN$4,47bn.
Garrigues
The projects and infrastructure offering at the local office of Spanish firm Garrigues includes counsel on financing, public tenders and construction contracts, primarily for notable industry players in the energy, transportation, tourism and healthcare sectors. The practice is led by David Jiménez Romero, who specialises in public works, concessions, PPPs and project development. Key support is provided by senior associate Gabriela Cosio Patino, who assists with energy, healthcare and tourism projects; in September 2022 she was appointed to the ICC’s Global Arbitration Commission for a period of two years. Ex-practice co-head Roberto Torres left the firm in May 2023.
Practice head(s):
David Jiménez Romero
Santamarina y Steta
The ‘extraordinarily skilled’ practice at Santamarina y Steta is regularly instructed by local and international banks and developers, and energy, construction and telecoms companies for its assistance with the planning, development, execution, and financing of urban infrastructure projects. The group is directed by a trio of partners, comprising: Juan Carlos Machorro, who focuses on the development and implementation of investment and manufacturing projects in Mexico; Sergio Chagoya (described by one client as ‘the lawyer you want in your legal team … the go-to person for closing difficult negotiations’), who advises lenders, sponsors and borrowers on infrastructure projects, public offerings and securitisations; and Ricardo Orea, who focuses on financing for energy, transport and social infrastructure projects, as well as asset-backed financing transactions. Diego Ostos is an additional key partner-level contact, and specialises in banking and finance, capital markets, project finance, infrastructure, M&A, PPPs and government procurement. Senior associate Margarita Casarin (corporate and financial law, including syndicated, structured and project finance) is also noted.
Practice head(s):
Juan Carlos Machorro; Sergio Chagoya D; Ricardo Orea
Testimonials
‘The firm has the capacity and the necessary experts to advise its clients on all legal aspects related to large operations, as well as to offer timely and complete solutions to any challenges that may arise.’
‘Sergio Chayoga is the lawyer you want in your legal team. He handles top priority transactions with an extraordinarily skilled team and is the go-to person for closing difficult negotiations.’
Key clients
International Finance Corporation
Inter-American Investment Corporation
KfW IPEX-Bank
Groupe Agence Française de Développement (Proparco)
Deutsche Investitions- und Entwicklungsgesellschaft (DEG)
Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation
Development Bank of Austria
Banco Nacional de Obras y Servicios Públicos
Banco Multiva
Institución de Banca Múltiple
Grupo Financiero Multiva
MUFG Bank
Walter P Moore & Associates