Hernando Padilla > Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uría > Bogota, Colombia > Lawyer Profile

A robust performer in both local and cross-border financings, Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uría added several new clients to its roster over the past year, including Banco Santander and Societé de Promotion et de Participacion pour la Cooperation Economique (Proparco). The group’s ability to draw on its top-tier projects practice is a significant differentiator and it has a strong record in project finance (particularly in the infrastructure space), as well as for corporate lending and acquisition finance. High-profile specialist Juan Fernando Gaviria excels in project finance and corporate lending; he recently spearheaded the team’s advice to International Finance Corporation (IFC) on the granting of a $150m two-tranche loan to Nu Colombia. Hernando Padilla maintains a broad transactional practice spanning banking and finance, capital markets and corporate work. Padilla recently teamed up with the projects group to handle several matters connected to the $906m refinancing of the Rumichaca-Pasto 4G toll-road project, including advising a group of international lenders on a $305m international credit facility, and also advising FDN, Bancolombia and Banco Davivienda on the provision of a $260m local credit facility. The team additionally draws on the senior experience of Claudia Barrero, whose diverse focus encompasses corporate, banking, capital markets and private client law, and corporate and finance partner Camilo Ballesteros. Impressive co-ordinating associate Daniela Mejia, is also recommended. Principal associate Paula Buriticá left the firm in May 2022.

The banking, finance and capital markets team at Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uría has an established track record in advising issuers and underwriters on debt and equity offerings —including flagship IPOs— as well as regulatory issues. Corporate and finance specialist Claudia Barrero is recognised for the breadth of her practice scope and recently led the Colombian aspects of the firm’s cross-office advice to the stock markets of Bogotá, Lima and Santiago in relation to their integration process. Hernando Padilla, who specialises in corporate and capital markets, and Juan Fernando Gaviria, who is an expert in project and corporate finance, co-lead the practice alongside Barrero. At associate level, principal Luz María Mercado  and practice coordinator Daniela Mejía provide support. Associate Paula Buriticá left the firm in May 2022. Since research concluded, Mercado has moved in house – effective as of September 2023.

Ranking among Colombia’s most dominant corporate practices, Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uría earns plaudits for its ‘specialised lawyers committed to corporate issues’. The international-facing group combines a formidably deep domestic bench with a strong regional network that takes in offices in Chile and Peru; it also benefits from platforms in Europe through its partnership with Iberian powerhouse, Uría Menéndez. Despite being managing partner, M&A heavyweight Martín Acero remains highly sought after by sources for his ‘personalised attention’; he recently advised Ferro and Gema de Inversiones on the acquisition of a 17.64% stake of Hojalata y Laminados. Claudia Barrero is also a go-to corporate specialist and recently teamed up with the firm’s Peru and Chile offices to advise Latam company, Quelaris Internacional, on its acquisition by IMCD Group. In another multi-jurisdictional highlight, Felipe Cuberos advised Inversiones Kaufmann on the acquisition of the Mercedes Benz truck and bus division in Colombia from Daimler. Other key partners include: Juan Carlos Rocha, who blends strength in corporate and real estate matters; Hernando Padilla, who sits in the banking, capital markets and corporate practices; and up-and-coming corporate and restructuring specialist Nicolás Tirado, who recently advised Kaufmann Ventures on the seed round it led in Colombian start-up, Velocity-X. Among the group’s sizeable band of associates, principals Luz María Mercado, Juan José Castaño, David Beltrán and Juan Guillermo Nur all stand out for their broad corporate and M&A activity. Senior associates Paula Buriticá and Alejandro Medina left in May 2022 and November 2022, respectively.

Noted for its ‘high technical level and great negotiation skills’, Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uría fields a full-spectrum projects practice that is composed of lawyers specialised in public procurement processes, public law, infrastructure and project finance. The group acts for an impressive roster of domestic and multinational clients, with experience in representing the full chain of industry stakeholders, from construction companies and government entities, through to major global lenders and institutional investors. Widely acknowledged as a leader in his field, Jorge Di Terlizzi’s broad infrastructure and projects experience encompasses roads, telecoms, energy, airports, and ports, among other spheres. Di Terlizzi co-heads the group alongside project finance expert Juan Fernando Gaviria, corporate and finance specialist Hernando Padilla, and next-generation projects and infrastructure partner Carlos Padilla. Projects and infrastructure associate Camilo Forero is also noted for his focus on state contracting and litigation.