Martínez de Hoz & Rueda > Buenos Aires, Argentina > Firm Profile
Martínez de Hoz & Rueda Offices
TORRE FORTABAT
BOUCHARD 680 PISO 19
C1106ABJ
Argentina
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Martínez de Hoz & Rueda > The Legal 500 Rankings
Energy and natural resources > Oil and gas Tier 1
An undoubted reference point in the sector, Martínez de Hoz & Rueda handles the full range of industry issues concerning exploration, production, transportation, distribution and marketing. ‘Its lawyers’ years of experience in the sector makes this firm unique in the market’, according to sources, who also suggest it as being at the forefront of green hydrogen developments as the industry confronts energy transition. Operating from offices in Buenos Aires and Neuquén, the team provides a stand out offering as regards hydrocarbon concession extension agreements and renegotiations, and also advises major international gas producers operating in Argentina on multi-party, multi-contract commercial arbitrations arising out of cross-border transactions. ‘One of the best Argentine lawyers in O&G – if not the best‘, José Alfredo Martínez De Hoz is known for his profound expertise in both hydrocarbons matters and associated arbitration; he co-leads with fellow veteran oil, gas and electricity specialist, Pablo Rueda, and transactional and regulatory specialist Tomás Lanardonne, who heads up the Neuquén office and also handles arbitral and litigious matters. Associates Marcos Blanco (oil and gas, renewable energy/electricity, project finance, and M&A, and litigation & arbitration), and Valeria Celesti, who is fully dedicated to hydrocarbons matters, are also noted.Practice head(s):
José Alfredo Martínez de Hoz; Pablo Rueda; Tomás Lanardonne
Testimonials
‘Its lawyers years of experience in the sector makes this firm unique in the market.’
‘Knowledge of the O&G business, its regulations and regulators. Practical vision in advice. Response speed. Clarity.’
‘José Martinez de Hoz is one of the best Argentine lawyers in O&G, if not the best. He is also excellent in other areas such as arbitration. The team members are also very good.’
‘Practical Advice. Speed and quality of response.‘
‘Ideal and immediate response. Creativity and rigor in the analysis. Very good team specialized in the matter.‘
‘Dedicated and personalised attention of the partners.‘
Key clients
Axion Energy Argentina
CAPEX
Centaurus Energy
Chesapeake Energy Corporation
Chevron Corporation and Chevron Argentina
Compañía MEGA
Compañía de Hidrocarburo No Convencional
Delta Patagonia
Dow Chemical Company
Equinor
ExxonMobil Exploration Argentina
Gasoducto Atacama Chile
International Financial Corporation
Mitsui & Co
Oleoductos del Valle (OLDELVAL)
Pan American Energy Group
Petroquímica Comodoro Rivadavia
Phoenix Global Resources
President Petroleum
Refinor
Saipem
Schlumberger Production Management (SPM)
ShearwaterGeo Seismic Services
Shell
Sinopec Argentina Exploration and Production
Petroquimica Comodoro Rivadavia
Total Austral
Trafigura Group Pte.
Transportadora Gas del Sur
United States Development Finance Corporation (formerly, OPIC)
Wintershall DEA Argentina
YPF
Work highlights
- Assisted Trafigura with a $250m transaction with Vista Oil & Gas Argentina, consisting in the negotiation and execution of a joint investment agreement for the development of 20 oil wells in the Bajada del Palo Oeste block.
- Advised Wintershall DEA Argentina on a complex transaction involving the sale to Vista Argentina of WDEA’s 50% participating interest in the two unconventional hydrocarbons exploitation concessions.
- Assisted Patagonia Energy with a complex transaction involving the acquisition from Medanito of a hydrocarbons concession in the Aguada del Chivato-Aguada Bocarey block, located in the renowned Vaca Muerta shale play.
Energy and natural resources > Electricity Tier 2
The broad energy expertise of Martínez de Hoz & Rueda covers electricity generation (hydro, thermal and renewable), distribution and transmission, along with associated environmental matters. The practice is particularly strong on power sector regulation, as well as on the origination of complex finance structures for conventional and renewable energy projects, where it frequently represents credit agencies, ECAs and leading commercial banks. The practice is also experienced at representing clients before federal authorities and regulators to obtain permits, concessions, licenses, extension requests and contractual amendments, as well as in challenges to administrative acts and rulings. Public law specialist Juan Cruz Azzarri co-leads the team with Jimena Vega Olmos, who focuses on public law, infrastructure, power, project financing and international arbitration. Senior associate Marcos Blanco is also active in the area and handles power and renewable energy, oil and gas and TMT matters.Practice head(s):
Juan Cruz Azzarri; Jimena Vega Olmos
Testimonials
‘Knowledge of regulation and business.’
‘Practical Advice. Speed and quality of response.’
‘Ideal and immediate response. Creativity and rigor in the analysis. Very good team specialized in the matter.’
‘Dedicated and personalised attention of the partners. Jimena Vega Olmos and José Martínez de Hoz are excellent.’
Key clients
Albioma
Capex
Corporación Andina de Fomento
Eoliasur
Enercon
Goldwind
Green Power Renewables
International Finance Corporation (IFC)
Jinko Power and JinkoSolar Holding
Neoen
NEXTracker
Orazul Energy
Parque Eólico Arauco
Greenmap
YPF
YPF Energía Eléctrica
Work highlights
- Assisting Greenmap with the design, structuring and implementation of an international guarantee trust for renewable energy projects (iTrust).
- Representation of Neoen in all legal aspects of its operations in Argentina.
- Advised Goldwind on all legal matters pertaining to the development of fve wind farms in Argentina, with an aggregate capacity of 348MWs.
Argentina > Banking and finance Tier 3
Martínez de Hoz & Rueda leverages its exceptional energy industry track-record to secure a steady stream of high-end debt capital markets work. The firm’s ‘highly efficient’ and ‘technically very good’ banking and finance team is a leading force in the renewable-energy project-finance space and demonstrated its cross-border capabilities when representing blue-chip client Pan American Energy in the only new money international deal in Argentina in 2021. Outside of its core energy client base, the firm has also taken on agribusiness and sub-sovereign debt restructuring work. The ‘brilliant’ José Martínez De Hoz (n), who advises borrowers and banks on cross-border and domestic financings, co-leads the team with Martín Lepiane, who handles project and trade finance along with banking regulatory matters and litigation.Practice head(s):
José Martínez de Hoz (n); Martín Lepiane
Testimonials
‘The team provides regular advice on on foreign exchange regulations and steers clients through a constantly changing regulatory environment with confidence.’
‘They are highly efficient. Their comments focus on the topics that matter and they provide concrete and effective opinions.’
‘The team is enthusiastic about every project that comes their way. Technically very good. They have been able to address novel issues and resolve them with very good results.’
‘José Martinez de Hoz (nieto) is brilliant. Technically very prepared and very clear explaining issues. Luisina Luchini is an efficient and decisive lawyer.
In addition to technical knowledge, the team has proven to be a group of good people to work with.’
Key clients
International Finance Corporation
UBS
Santander
Deutsche Bank
JPMorgan
Corporación Andina de Fomento
BNP Paribas
Pan American Energy
Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank
Banco de Galicia
BCP Securities
Contrarian Capital Management
Banco Sabadell
Trafigura
Puente
President Petroleum
Work highlights
- Advised Pan American Energy on the international issuance of senior secured notes falling due in 2027.
- Supported BCP Securities, as dealer manager, in an international exchange offer and related consent solicitation conducted by Argentina’s Compañía Latinoamericana de Infraestructura & Servicios.
- Advised CAF on the provision of a loan to oil and gas company YPF.
Argentina > Compliance Tier 3
Experienced transactional a regulatory lawyer Martín Lepiane is the key compliance contact at energy and project finance specialists, Martínez de Hoz & Rueda, which leverages its deep sector expertise to support clients on infrastructure and banking compliance matters.Argentina > Corporate and M&A Tier 3
The deep oil-and-gas expertise of Martínez de Hoz & Rueda is a key driver of deal flow for the firm’s ‘compact, agile’ corporate and M&A practice, which advises on Argentina’s biggest and most complex energy deals. The ‘responsive’ and ‘commercial’ M&A lawyer Fernando Zoppi co-leads the practice with corporate all-rounder Tomás Dellepiane, who was raised to the partnership in January 2022. Veteran energy lawyer José Martínez De Hoz and finance practice co-head Martín Lepiane provide additional senior input. Although energy is the key fee earner, the team has worked hard to expand into other sectors, gaining madates on technology, retail and financial services deals, among others.Practice head(s):
Fernando Zoppi; Tomás Dellepiane
Testimonials
‘The team knows energy market our company operates in. This, added to a team with great experience that provides practical solutions, has made us choose them for many years.’
‘The firm gives practical advice and delivers work with speed and quality.’
‘A compact, agile team with great expertise in the issues they focus on.’
‘Jose Martinez de Hoz is an exceptional lawyer, with great technical quality and excellent interpersonal skills.’
‘Fernando Zoppi is an excellent lawyer. He is responsive and commercial.’
Key clients
ExxonMobil
Trafigura
YPF
Equinor
Puente Hnos
Delta Patagonia
Schlumberger
International Finance Corporation
Wintershall
President Petroleum
SunDreams
Megeve
The Cyprinus
Wonder Brands
Reciqlo
Patagonia Energy
Grupo Capex/Capsa
Work highlights
- Assisted Patagonia Energy with a complex transaction involving the acquisition of a shale concession in the Aguada del Chivato-Aguada Bocarey block (located in the Vaca Muerta), from Medanito.
- Assisted Trafigura on a joint venture with Vista Oil & Gas Argentina for the development of 20 oil wells in the Bajada del Palo Oeste block.
- Advised software testing and business assurance company QualiTest Group on the acquisition of a local subsidiary, owned by Olenick & Associates.
Argentina > Dispute resolution Tier 3
‘Extremely professional’, Martínez de Hoz & Rueda's dispute resolution practice is led by ‘superb’ founding partner José Martínez De Hoz, an arbitration specialist, and the ‘brilliant’ Francisco Amallo, who focuses on international and domestic commercial arbitration, investment arbitration and international law. The team represents clients in high-stakes disputes that involve complex transactions and multiple contracts, not infrequently involving parallel proceedings in different jurisdictions. The firm is particularly strong in international investment and commercial arbitration and is comfortable handling cases under a range of different arbitration rules, including ICC, AAA/ICDR, LCIA, ICSID and UNCITRAL. The energy sector is a key area of work, with the team advising global energy companies on landmark international litigations in Argentina related to the annulment and enforcement of arbitral awards.Practice head(s):
José Martínez de Hoz; Francisco Amallo
Testimonials
‘Francisco Amallo is a brilliant lawyer who is extremely responsive and very easy and pleasant to work with. In particular, he is a very good arbitrator.‘
‘Jose Martinez de Hoz has a great reputation and is a superb lawyer. Francisco Amallo brings a fresh energy into the team. I have seen them in action in arbitration proceedings and other projects and highly recommend their work.’
‘They are extremely professional, always available and have always sound legal judgment.’
‘Jose Martínez de Hoz and Francisco Amallo are outstanding.’
‘The lawyers understand processes in detail and are experienced in the design of the procedural strategy.‘
Key clients
CAPEX
Chevron Argentina
Chevron Corporation
El Paso
Exxon Mobil
Moshe Keshet
Pan American Energy
Petroquímica Comodoro Rivadavia
Task Force Argentina
TGLT
Total Austral
Wintershall
YPF
Task Force Argentina
Work highlights
- Advise and represent YPF in an ongoing claim initiated by TGN in relation to YPF payments under a gas transportation agreement.
- José Martínez de Hoz was appointed as arbitrator by the Mexican telecom company América Móvil in an investment dispute against Colombia under ICSID rules.
- José Martínez de Hoz is acting as arbitrator appointed by a group of US investors in the petroleum industry in a dispute with Nicaragua before ICSID.
Argentina > Public law Tier 3
The ‘responsive’ Martínez de Hoz & Rueda delivers ‘practical’ public law advice on a range of matters including concessions, licenses, authorisations and representations in public tenders. The team also handles litigious and arbitral matters, supporting clients in administrative and judicial proceedings. The public law team leverages the firm’s formidable energy-sector expertise and is regularly sought out by global and domestic energy and oil-and-gas players to address all their public law requirements. Juan Cruz Azzarri, who has broad administrative, constitutional and energy law expertise, co-leads the practice alongside Jimena Vega Olmos, who specialises in public law, international arbitration, infrastructure, power and project financing.Practice head(s):
Juan Cruz Azzarri; Jimena Vega Olmos
Testimonials
‘The team delivers practical advice and shows an understanding of a sector and its regulation.’
‘The team is responsive and the partners are accessible.’
Key clients
Parque Eólico Arauco
JinkoSolar
Goldwind
Neoen
International Finance Corporation
Retamco Operating Group
YPF
Total Austral
Transportadora Gas del Sur
CAPEX
Equinor Argentina
Aon Risk Services
Orazul Energy
Solbayres
Wintershall DEA Argentina
Exxon
Mitsui & Co
Work highlights
- Advised Equinor on securing hydrocarbon exploration permits in an offshore bidding process; and provision of ongoing advice on regulatory matters regarding those blocks.
- Advised Mitsui & Co in securing hydrocarbon exploration permits in an offshore bidding process; and provision of ongoing advice on regulatory matters regarding those blocks.
- Advising Equinor on legal claims against the federal government regarding environmental impact statements.
Argentina > Competition and antitrust Tier 4
Led by public law specialist Juan Cruz Azzarri, Martínez de Hoz & Rueda 's competition and antitrust practice has broad experience assisting local and international clients with transactional filings and clearance. The team also represents companies before the Argentine Antitrust Authorities, with Azzari's practice encompassing administrative and constitutional law.Practice head(s):
Juan Cruz Azzarri
Testimonials
‘Knowledge of antitrust law and knowledge of the specific deal is required. The firm has solid experience in deals involving O&G assets in Argentina since, in my opinion, it is one of the best in this field.’
‘They know the legal and commercial market for acquisitions of O&G assets. They are proactive and practical.’
Key clients
ExxonMobil Exploration Argentina
DeltaPatagonia
Trafigura Group
Schlumberger Production Management (SPM)
Wintershall DEA Argentina
Patagonia Energy
Capex
Work highlights
- Assisting Trafigura with its notification to the Argentine Antitrust Authorities regarding an economic concentration.
- Assisting Patagonia with a notification before the Argentine Antitrust Authorities.
- Successfully represented Wintershall DEA on a notification and clearance process before the Argentine Antitrust Authorities.
Argentina > TMT Tier 4
Martínez de Hoz & Rueda represents technology companies and non-technology companies active in TMT issues arising from software licenses, data protection, privacy and cybersecurity, cloud computing and IT law. As well as regulatory and contract matters, a key area of practice for the team is the digital transformation of traditional banking institutions. TMT and banking and finance specialist Martín Lepiane co-leads the team in conjunction with experienced associate Marcos Blanco, whose experience ranges from privacy and data protection to fintech regulation and implementation.Practice head(s):
Martín Lepiane; Marcos Blanco
Testimonials
‘In our experience with the Martinez de Hoz & Rueda studio, the analysis of the various issues, although coordinated by our account manager, is carried out by different members of a team that provides the appropriate answers as required by our activities.‘
‘They stand out for the certainty in the answers, the depth of the analyses carried out and the experience in the development of each topic. Our main point of contact is Martin Lepiane who is an excellent professional and treated us very well. Clear and precise.‘
Key clients
Fortex / Prex
Chronoswallet
Delta Patagonia (licensee of “Gulf Oil” trademark)
Cabify
Equinor
Optaris
Western Union
Remitee
Santander Superdigital
Ebanx
Chevron
The Cyprinus
Work highlights
- Represented The Cyprinus (Spanish SaaS provider) in connection with a broad corporate reorganisation to carry out business in Latin America and an initial round of venture capital investment.
- Assisted Fortex with the implementation of a digital payment platform, prepaid card, outsourced crypto services and online foreign exchange broker (Prex and Fortigold) in Argentina.
- Assisting Chronoswallet with the implementation of a digital payment platform in Argentina.
Martínez de Hoz & Rueda > Firm Profile
The firm: Martinez de Hoz & Rueda (MHR) is a full-service powerhouse in Argentina that combines the prominent expertise and experience of corporate, finance, dispute resolution, tax and regulatory lawyers with the undisputed leadership of the best energy team of the country.
Accordingly, MHR offers:
- deep industry specific knowledge
- solid transactional experience and capabilities
- innovative and sound legal advice
- optimally staffed teams and tech solutions to deliver efficient and added value outcomes.
MHR is headquartered in Buenos Aires, and it is the only full-service law firm with an office in Neuquen (Vaca Muerta, in the Argentine Patagonia). Further, the firm has correspondents throughout Argentina and has developed close and solid working relationships with first-tier law firms around the world. The team at MHR has also gained a reputation for representing clients in transactional and disputes resolution matters across Latin America.
MHR’s focus is on understanding our clients’ business, goals and needs as a critical condition to provide the finest legal services for them.
Areas of practice: MHR’s lawyers have been playing a key role in the Argentine legal market for more than 25 years, and their acclaimed first-class services are now enhanced by MHR’s state of the art platform that includes the latest technologies and first-class offices.
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Corporate and M&A | Fernando Zoppi | fernando.zoppio@mhrlegal.com | 54 11 2150 9779 |
Banking and finance | Jose Martinez de Hoz(n) | jose.mdehoznieto@mhrlegal.com | 54 11 2150 9779 |
Bankruptcy and restructuring | Martín Lepiane | martin.lepiane@mhrlegal.com | 54 11 2150 9779 |
Competition and antitrust | Juan Cruz Azzarri | juancruz.azzarri@mhrlegal.com | 54 11 2150 9779 |
Dispute resolution | José A. Martinez de Hoz | jose.martinezdehoz@mhrlegal.com | 54 11 2150 9779 |
Energy and natural resources | José A. Martinez de Hoz | jose.martinezdehoz@mhrlegal.com | 54 11 2150 9779 |
Environment | Pablo Rueda | Pablo.rueda@mhrlegal.com | 54 11 2150 9779 |
Insurance | Maximiliano Batista | Maximiliano.batista@mhrlegal.com | 54 11 2150 9779 |
International trade and customs | Martín Lepiane | martin.lepiane@mhrlegal.com | 54 11 2150 9779 |
Labour and employment | Rodolfo Vedoya | rodolfo.vedoya@mhrlegal.com | 54 11 2150 9779 |
Public law | Juan Cruz Azzarri | juancruz.azzarri@mhrlegal.com | 54 11 2150 9779 |
Real estate | Francisco Amallo | Francisco.amallo@mhrlegal.com | 54 11 2150 9779 |
TMT | Maximiliano Batista | Maximiliano.batista@mhrlegal.com | 54 11 2150 9779 |
Tax | Maximiliano Batista | Maximiliano.batista@mhrlegal.com | 54 11 2150 9779 |
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | Mr Fernando Zoppi | Partner | View Profile |