Santamarina y Steta > Monterrey, Mexico > Firm Profile
Santamarina y Steta Offices
AV. RICARDO MARGAIN ZOZAYA 335, TORRE 1, FLOOR 7
COL. VALLE DEL CAMPESTRE
66265 GARZA GARCIÁ, NL
Mexico
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Santamarina y Steta > The Legal 500 Rankings
Mexico > Labour and employment Tier 1
Santamarina y Steta’s labour and employment team is ‘one of the most recognised in Mexico’ and its ‘excellent lawyers’ are some of the country’s best-regarded advisors for collective bargaining issues and designing union negotiation strategies. Union conflicts are a standout specialism and the team has recently seen plenty of activity assisting companies with rapid response mechanisms. The team is also well-versed in representation before the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare and the local labour ministries in several Mexican states. On the non-contentious side, the department works closely with transactional teams to support clients with M&A processes. Clients strongly endorse employment litigator Francisco Udave, who is one of four practice heads, along with Juan Carlos de la Vega, the firm’s Monterrey-based managing partner; Andrés Rodríguez, whose expertise includes legal audits focused on labour compliance; and counsel María Elena Abraham, head of the firm’s immigration law department. A further key contact is counsel Jaime Vázquez, who represents clients at all court levels, as well as in investigations.Practice head(s):
Juan Carlos de la Vega; Andrés Rodríguez; Francisco Udave; María Elena Abraham
Testimonials
‘Santamarina y Steta’s labour team is one of the most recognised in Mexico, it has excellent lawyers with very competitive rates compared to other firms of similar quality.’
‘Francisco Udave is capable of clearly and precisely communicating the legal and operational aspects related to his practice. His quality of being bilingual (Spanish-English) is undoubtedly a great differentiator in the matter. Reliable and with a very deep knowledge not only of the letter but also of the operation of the law.’
‘The Santamarina and Steta labour practice team is an expert, collaborative team, with excellent service, both in the quality of their work and their response times. Their practice is recognised inside and outside the office and they have extensive knowledge and experience in collective issues, which is very useful today.’
‘Juan Carlos de la Vega is a reference in the field, an expert in collective issues and with very good handling of complex issues. He anticipates the risks we may have, which makes us feel protected and well advised. Nicolás Acevedo is an expert in the field, he is very creative in solving the problems that arise, and he works on clients’ issues as if they were his own. He is a very reliable lawyer, very focused on giving results, and who shows excellent disposition.’
‘The S&S office provides comprehensive labour advice, not only stopping to see the specific query but always analysing the matter as a whole, and additionally supporting budget management.’
‘The quality of its services is excellent, coupled with the fact that it has a very good relationship with the authorities, always within the framework of legality and ethics; Likewise, being an office with multiple clients provides the opportunity to analyse matters from different perspectives.’
Key clients
General Motors de México
Teksid Hierro de Mexico
Martinrea Internacional de México
Absormex
Morgan Stanley
Grupo Mexico
Endeavour Silver
Pfizer Mexico
Unilever
Home Depot Mexico
Envoy Global
Holcim Mexico
Editorial Santillana
Diario el País
Elektra
Work highlights
- Represented Teksid Hierro de México against claims of violations to the principles of freedom of association and collective bargaining.
- Acting for Martinrea Internacional de México on a claim in which the CTM local union in Sonora demanded recognition as representative of the majority of employees and a party to the collective bargaining agreement of in the company’s Hermosillo plant.
- Advising Preferred Compounding de Mexico on a claim filed by an alien union demanding the execution of an agreement to manage the mandatory collective bargaining agreement for the rubber industry in Mexico, without including the union with which the company has executed a private ordinate collective bargaining agreement.
Mexico > Banking and finance Tier 2
Santamarina y Steta excels at representing development financing institutions, including local banks, international and multilateral institutions, as both lenders and borrowers; it also has expertise in financial workouts. Its active Monterrey office is regularly instructed by high-profile borrower clients in the northeast of the country and complements the ‘responsive’ team led by Juan Carlos Machorro from Mexico City; he has extensive experience in investment and manufacturing projects. Sergio Chagoya represents lenders, sponsors and borrowers in a range of financial transactions including public offerings, securitisations and privatisations; ‘exceptional lawyer’ Ricardo Orea advises banks and other financiers on energy, transport and asset-backed financing transactions; and Diego Ostos provides counsel on debt issuances and cross-border financial transactions. Of counsel Margarita Casarin - who works on syndicated and structured finance, project finance and infrastructure projects - is an additional name to note.Practice head(s):
Juan Carlos Machorro
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 the challenges that arise in their negotiation.’
‘Sergio Chayoga handles top priority transactions with extraordinary competence; he is the person to choose to close difficult negotiations.’
‘They stand out in the market for the speed and quality of service. The team is solid in terms of knowledge and consolidated in terms of work dynamics. Ricardo Orea is an exceptional lawyer, committed to their work and always available to help their clients.’
‘Very responsive, always there for us.’
‘Ricardo Orea takes the initiative by informing us about new developments without our having to ask him to do so.’
Key clients
AT Engine México
Banco Mercantil del Norte (Institución de Banca Múltiple)
Banco Santander (Spain)
Cadari (Cadari)
Deutsche Investitions- und Entwicklungsgesellschaft (DEG)
Grupo Industrial Saltillo
Multibank Panama
Savage Enterprises Intermediate / Savage Enterprises (and subsidiaries)
Sistemas Eléctricos Metropolitanos
Atlantica Yield
Work highlights
- Represented ATEM in the negotiation, drafting and execution of a VAT credit agreement with a consortium of financial institutions.
- Assisted Banorte with obtaining a MXN$1bn facility agreement.
- Advised Banco Santander on the restructuring of a loan originally granted to Trituradora y Procesadora de Materiales Santa Anita (as borrower) and Elementia (as guarantor).
Mexico > Capital markets Tier 2
The ‘business-focused’ capital markets practice at Santamarina y Steta combines ‘good industry knowledge’ with a ‘pleasant manner’ and provides counsel on debt and equity offerings, public tender offers and matters involving FIBRAs and CKDs. Sergio Chagoya advises lenders, sponsors, borrowers and rating agencies on private equity and venture capital investment in infrastructure projects, public offerings, securitisations and privatisations; he co-leads the practice alongside securities, capital markets and M&A expert Alberto Saavedra. Diego Ostos, who participates in debt issuances and M&A transactions, is an additional name to note. 2022 saw the departure of associates Esteban Soto and Iñigo García in August and September, respectively; but also the arrival of senior associates Elias Zaga Belzer and Juan Pablo Rodríguez Sada in October. Since publication, Rodríguez Sada has moved to Santos Elizondo - effective as of October 2023.Practice head(s):
Alberto Saavedra; Sergio Chagoya
Testimonials
‘The partners and associates have a pleasant manner.’
‘Good industry knowledge and availability.’
‘A team with deep experience in the field, with proven capabilities to meet diverse needs and projects. High customer focus. It has detailed knowledge of the legal and regulatory framework, but also adds value in the definition of plans, processes and strategies to maximize the expected value of the projects.’
‘Highly qualified, experienced partners, knowledgeable about the legal and regulatory framework. With a genuine and authentic approach to service and in constant search for generating value for the client. Featured lawyers: Jorge Barrero Carlos Arguelles Ana Paula Ibarra.’
Key clients
ABC Aerolíneas (Interjet Airlines)
Alfa
Banco Mercantil del Norte (Institución de Banca Múltiple)
Bolsa Mexicana de Valores (Mexican Stock Exchange).
Ciudad Maderas
Corporación Geo
Corporación Interamericana de Entretenimiento
Corporación Interamericana de Inversiones
Euroclear
Finactiv
Grupo Carso
Grupo Industrial Saltillo
Grupo Lamosa
Grupo Palacio de Hierro
Inmobiliaria Ruba
Internacional de Inversiones
Kimberly-Clark de México
La Comer
Rassini
Work highlights
- Assisted Grupo Carso with its tender offer to acquire the outstanding securities of its subsidiary Grupo Sanborns.
- Advised Ruba on the structuring and implementation of a new debt program on the Mexican Stock Exchange.
- Advised Invex on its fifth issuance of notes under its debt bond program on the Mexican securities market.
Mexico > Real estate Tier 2
Praised by one client as a ‘firm that inspires confidence from the first moment’, Santamarina y Steta’s real estate group is routinely instructed by international corporations working in the retail, food, luxury goods, energy and logistics sectors. The ‘highly professional and experienced’ team is well-equipped to handle agrarian and urban development matters, land acquisitions, leases and sales, financings and real estate-related due diligence for industrial, residential, tourist, mixed-use and ejidal properties. At the helm of the practice, Vicente Grau regularly advises clients on the acquisition, leasing, development, construction and sale of real estate properties, and is lauded as a ‘specialist’ who offers ‘efficient and comprehensive solutions’. Partner Claudia Rodríguez assists local and international clients with the structuring, planning and implementation of operations for the acquisition, financing, development, leasing and sale of real estate, with a particular focus on the commercial and industrial sectors. Senior associate Ivan Szymanski is active on compliance and real estate matters, while associate Yakov Kobets majors on the structuring and execution of projects related to the acquisition or sale of assets, as well as related due diligence work. Since the conclusion of research, Szymanski has sleft the firm - effective as of September 2023.Practice head(s):
Vicente Grau
Testimonials
‘Large firm with a personal touch. All attorneys are very personable. Great bilingual skills.’
‘Ivan Szymanski has been invaluable in assisting with a very difficult situation which involves unusual complications rarely experienced in ordinary leasing matters. He’s always personable and has excellent follow-up. He involves other attorneys and partners when necessary.’
‘It is a firm that inspires confidence from the first moment. The client service is exemplary.’
‘Vicente Grau and the other partners are specialists with extensive knowledge in various areas of law, which translates into efficient and comprehensive solutions.’
‘The team is highly professional and experienced in real estate and corporate governance matters.’
Key clients
Home Depot
Work highlights
- Assisted Home Depot Mexico wih all legal matters related to the opening of its new store in Polanco in Mexico City.
Mexico > Competition and antitrust Tier 3
As one of the oldest full-service firms in the Mexican market, Santamarina y Steta has a longstanding practice in competition and antitrust, and assists a disparate range of clients with both contentious and advisory matters in the area. It regularly handles merger control and pre-merger filings, and is also well-equipped for investigations work, including those addressing cartels and monopolistic practices. Practice head Vicente Grau is an experienced transactional lawyer in various sectors and therefor familiar with navigating companies’ interactions with COFECE, as well as sector specific regulators. Senior associate Ivan Szymanski assists across the full range of competition matters. Since publication, Szymanski has left the firm to open the new competitoin department at Vázquez Tercero & Zepeda - effective as of December 2023Practice head(s):
Vicente Grau
Testimonials
‘Santamarina is a prestigious legal services firm with expert partners in various practices that complement the competition and antitrust practice.’
‘I have worked with various firms on antitrust matters and I cannot find a differentiation that puts the current partners of Santamarina at the most prominent level (in this practice).’
‘An in-house lawyer needs to know that the firm has the knowledge and experience in the field of consultation. In relation to the collaboration, it is of a high level and with adequate organization and understanding in the attention of the affairs of my company in charge of the lawyers of the firm.’
‘They differ in the high level of commitment and attention, adequate knowledge of the business and a level of advice that ensures success in the processes in which we collaborate. Associate Yakov Kovets stands out for attending to every single aspect of the matters under his responsibility, with the ability to raise awareness and direct the teams involved, ensuring the success of the matters in which he is involved.’
‘They know competition law and their regulator very well. They have good judgment and are very responsive.’
‘Ivan Szymanski is an excellent lawyer, very collegial and effective.’
Key clients
Ganfeng Lithium
USG Holdings
Bartlett Grain
Grupo Industrial Saltillo
Cameron International
General Motors Company
GM Financial de México
Marriott International
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher
Wilmer, Cutler, Pickering, Hale and Dorr
Nixon Peabody
Teacher Stern
Veolia Environnment
Abbott Laboratories
Kimek Cosmocel
Glen Raven
Work highlights
- Assisted Ganfeng with obtaining the pre-merger clearance of its acquisition of full control over Bacanora Lithium.
- Advised Kushki Holdings on securing pre-merger authorisation from the Federal Economic Competition Commission, for the acquisition of Mexican fintech Billpocket.
- Acting for Grupo Industrial Saltillo on the pre-merger filing for its acquisition of Vitromex.
Mexico > Corporate and M&A Tier 3
With offices in Mexico City, Monterrey and Queretaro, Santamarina y Steta coordinates experienced teams to advise private equity firms and national and multinational corporates across the manufacturing, food, insurance, construction, telecoms and automotive industries involved in high-value, cross-border transactions. Co-led from Mexico City by Juan Carlos Machorro and Jorge León Orantes (who between them bring over 60 years' corporate and transactional experience to bear), the practice group (some 50 lawyers' strong) has a broad offering that encompasses the negotiation and execution of M&A and joint ventures, the drafting and negotiation of transaction agreements, legal due diligence and regulatory compliance proceedings. Additional key contacts includee securities expert Alberto Saavedra (also Mexico City); Guillermo Moreno in Querétaro, who, in addition to M&A, advises on government procurement and project finance matters; seasoned transactional specialist César Cruz Ayala in Monterey. Key associate support is provided by seniors Ilse Bolaños (cross-border M&A, joint ventures and corporate restructurings, along with general corporate and commercial matters), and Diego Acosta (corporate, M&A, e-commerce, and privacy and data protection.)Practice head(s):
Juan Carlos Machorro; Jorge León-Orantes
Testimonials
‘Santamarina is not only a prestigious law firm, but also a very effective, serious one that selects, trains, and educates its partners and associates under a high standard of service and dedication.’
Key clients
ACON Equity Management
Arkema Group
Arthur J. Gallagher Co.
Casas Krea
Cornell Capital
DaVinci Capital
Galileo Global Education
Gava Capital
Grupo Industrial Saltillo
Hunter Manufactura
Inverness Graham
Kimek Cosmocel
Kushki Group Holdings
MTV Networks Latin America
Neogen Corporation and Neogen Latinoamerica
Pentair
The Gores Group
Worthington Industries
2TM
Work highlights
- Advised Arkema México, subsidiary of Arkema Group, with the acquisition of Polímeros Especiales, a regional company focused on the manufacture and commercialisation of emulsion polymers.
- Advised Cornell Capital in the acquisition of Advancing Eyecare Holdings, a provider of ophthalmic instruments and equipment in North America.
- Advised and assisted Grupo Industrial Saltillo in the sale of its ceramic tile business, operated by its subsidiaries Manufacturas Vitromex and Vitromex USA, in favour of Dal-Tile Mexico.
Mexico > Dispute resolution: litigation Tier 3
Supported by specialists from other practice areas of the firm, the litigation team at the full-service Santamarina y Steta is focused primarily on lawsuits involving Mexican and foreign entities that raise civil or commercial law issues. The department regularly counsels on cross-border matters and is strong in disputes against government entities across a range of industries. Practitioners are experienced at every level of court in the country. The group is led by a trio of lawyers: Carlos Olvera, a well-regarded figure in the market with three decades' experience in civil and commercial litigation, restructuring, bankruptcy, and insurance; Roberto Fernández del Valle, who has broad dispute resolution experience and is especially strong in the real estate sector; and Carlos Brehm, who is the firm’s go-to person for contentious matters arriving at the Monterrey office. José Antonio Moreno and Michelle Grayeb stand out from a strong associate pool.Practice head(s):
Carlos Olvera; Roberto Fernández del Valle; Carlos Brehm
Key clients
El Palacio de Hierro
Dell Leasing México
Stewart Title Guaranty de México
General Motors de México
Kimberly-Clark de México
Daimler Financial Services México
M+W High Tec Proyects México
Jafra Cosmetics International
Best Buy Stores
Abbott Laboratories de México
Inter-American Investment
Deutsche Investitions und Entwicklungsgesellschaft
Haver & Boecker Mexicana
NSC Agua
Merkafon de México
Huawei Technologies de México
Martinrea Honsel México
Master Drilling México
Ellwood Specialty Metals México
Topaz Holding
Sucden Trading México
Inteva Products
Kruger Family Industries
Grupo Industrial Saltillo
Tractel Secalt
Navistar Financial
Work highlights
- Representing Kimberley Clarke Mexico in a civil lawsuit filed by Fundación Ve por México regarding illegal use of a logo.
- Advising Best Buy on two lawsuits against Glider Guadalajara, as a consequence of an early termination of a lease agreement related to a Best Buy store in Guadalajara.
- Representing the Inter-American Investment Corporation in a mortgage foreclosure claim filed against Nixte and others.
Mexico > Intellectual property Tier 3
‘A very modern team’ at Santamarina y Steta assists its the clients with registration of sizeable IP portfolios, as well as ongoing protection, prosecution and IP litigation. As a full-service firm, multi-practice teams can coordinate on transactional matters, with the IP team available to support on associate IP and intangible-asset issues. José Pablo Pérez Zea is well-versed in advising national and international companies on franchising and licensing, and also has specialisms in both patent and trade mark prosecution, copyright, unfair competition and plant variety matters, among other areas. Pérez Zea co-heads the practice with Daniel Legaspi, a partner since January 2022, who has drawn in a number of new clients since his appointment to the promotion, and works across the trade marks, patents, plant varieties, appellation of origin, copyright, industrial secrets, licensing and litigation areas. Counsel Efraín Olmedo is admired by clients as ‘a great litigation lawyer’ and acts on all contentious IP matters.Practice head(s):
José Pablo Pérez Zea; Daniel Legaspi
Testimonials
‘Santamarina, being a law firm with several areas of law, generates harmony in the development of the actions and the implementation of the cases.’
‘Efraín Olmedo, apart from being a great litigation lawyer, is someone who is always available for clients, he takes the exact time to explain in detail each of the actions to be carried out in order to establish the path to follow. Likewise, it has developed in a short time, a great team, which is always willing to provide an excellent service, and above all, it shows that each one of them is truly committed to the work to be developed and above all, to being part of this team, this is sometimes unusual.’
‘It is a very modern team, with initiatives to explore new trends such as blockchain, protection of secrets, metaverse, etc.’
‘Punctual attention with updated knowledge.’
‘Efraín Olmedo, has been empathetic with our needs and has shown himself prepared and updated in the advice he provides us.’
‘The team is highly available to deal with queries that are sent promptly and accurately. Compared to other work teams, they are characterized by giving quick and customer-oriented responses.’
‘We work a lot with Daniel Legaspi, who responds quite quickly and is always attentive to our requests.’
‘Efficient and accurate in IP practice.’
Key clients
Servicios Condumex
Merama
Modec
Camara Nacional de Comercio de la Ciudad de México
Alan Estrada
Recreativos Franco
Mondelez de México
Brown-Forman
Work highlights
- Assisted Servicios Condumex with a strategy to protect its IP in Latin America, North America, Europe and Asia, through the filing of new trade mark applications and maintenance of its intangible assets.
- Advising Merama on several due diligence processes in different countries of Latin and North America in order to determine the status of its pre-existent assets or companies.
- Assisting Modec with all its IP matters in Mexico.
Mexico > TMT Tier 3
Local and international clients in the TMT space, as well as related government entities, look to Paola Morales and her team at Santamarina y Steta for advice on navigating the regulatory landscape in Mexico. The practice is well-known for its strength in assisting foreign investors with their entries into Mexico’s telecoms, IT and broadcasting markets, and the firm regularly wins new clients in this respect. Morales, one of the leading figures in this area, is supported by experienced Monterrey-based partner César Cruz, and corporate and M&A lawyer (and firm chairman), Jorge León Orantes. Marcela Flores in Monterrey is the associate level contact to note.Practice head(s):
Paola Morales
Testimonials
‘We use Stantamarina y Steta as outside counsel for advice in corporate and contracts law areas. Our partner is Paola Morales and she is amazing. We love working with the firm and feel that we receive very high quality legal advice and support with a very quick turn around on our requests. Paola and her colleague, Juan Pablo Rodriguez, are fluent in English and understand the legal concepts and business priorities we raise to them. They are able to take our challenges and provide clear, concise and actionable advice. I would recommend the firm to anyone doing business in Mexico.’
‘We receive high quality advice at a reasonable rate with quick turn around times and understanding of business priorities for a US based company.’
‘They understand the business (how it works, what the needs are, the problems that arise) and they take this into account when advising. Their practical knowledge is a great advantage.’
Key clients
ICOM America
Grupo CIE
New Balance Athletics
Walmart
Morning Brew
The Ford Foundation
RTB House
Paramount Pictures International
Work highlights
- Assisted ICOM with the obtaining of its Telecommunications Reseller Authorisation so as to be able to commercialize radiocommunication services from Iridium and Telefónica.
- Assisting Grupo CIE with the analysis, drafting and amendments of documentation for complying with a new media regulation.
- Advised New Balance Athletics on structuring and implementing its internet distribution agreement with Brandarrays México for the commercialisation as exclusive representative of the New Balance trade mark in Mexico.
Mexico > Environment Tier 4
The practice at Santamarina y Steta has considerable experience across environmental project management (including obtaining environmental permits, authorisations and licenses), the implementation of compliance systems and environmental audits; the monitoring and evaluation of environmental legal obligations; and the development of strategies for environmental, social and corporate governance and corporate social responsibility. Primarily active on behalf of clients in the tourism, infrastructure, energy, mining, automotive and chemical industries, the team is co-led by Claudia Rodríguez C - who specialises in real estate, environmental and agrarian law, and indigenous consulting; and Monterrey-based Heriberto Garza, whose broad practice takes in real estate, environmental matters, estate and wealth planning, among other areas. While the team lost former senior associate Juan Carlos Aguirre - who moved to Bustamante & Freyre in March 2022- the firm moved quickly to replaced him with experienced environmental practitioner David González Vega -who arrived as a senior associate from Fonatur (where he was legal director with regards to the Tren Maya project)- the same month. Recent matters for the practice include environmental audit procedures, impact studies, remediation proposals and the accompaniment of industrial clients during environmental prosecutors' inspection visits.Practice head(s):
Heriberto Garza; Claudia Rodríguez C
Testimonials
‘It is an office that has managed to give us a 360 vision of the issue we are handling.’
‘Claudia Rodriguez conveys a lot of confidence.’
Mexico > International trade and customs Tier 4
Santamarina y Steta regularly advises multinationals operating in Mexico on their compliance with international trade and customs regulations. The team is a reliable choice for Immex programme matters, and obtaining temporary VAT certification and other authorisations to allow companies to temporarily import or export certain goods and equipment. The manufacturing, pharmaceutical, medical device, food and retail industries are particular areas of strength for practice co-head Alejandro Luna; while fellow department head Mariano Calderón is an expert in administrative proceedings related to customs' matters and government procurement dispute resolution. Associate Michel Zelaya supports across the range of trade matters, particularly on anti-dumping cases.Practice head(s):
Alejandro Luna; Mariano Calderón
Testimonials
‘They have a diverse and highly specialised team, which allows them to interpret legal changes and address complex issues in the field.’
‘Excellent understanding of the legal aspect and how it should be incorporated into the operational and execution part. Likewise, they have good communication with the different authorities, this being of great value in different processes, whether certifications, audits or any other procedure with said agencies.’
Key clients
Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies
General Motors
ITW Food Equipment Group
General Motors de Mexico
Wabtec Manufacturing Mexico
Siemens Energy
Wabtec de Mexico
EMC Computer Systems México
Dell México
Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics
Kruger Family Industries
Locomotive Manufacturing and Services
Inteva Prodcuts
Work highlights
- Assisted EMC Computers Systems México with obtaining authorisation to participate in a bidding process to provide support to the IT operations of Mexico’s tax authority.
- Advised Siemens Energy on obtaining admittance to the Immex program.
- Assisted Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies with compliance with Mexico’s new laws on subcontracting.
Mexico > Life sciences Tier 4
The departure of specialist associate Mariana Larrea in September 2022 was an undoubted loss for the life sciences group at Santamarina y Steta; nevertheless, practice head Alejandro Luna has undoubted life science and consumer protection expertise (particularly in relation to manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, medical devices and the food and retail industries), as part of a broader practice that also takes in foreign trade and customs, anti-corruption and immigration law. Indeed, his foreign trade experience has proven invaluable in relation to import and supply chain strategies, product import/export strategies and customs consultations. A member of the Asociación Mexicana de Derecho y Regulación Sanitaria (AMDERSA), Luna also advises on the life science aspects of M&A transactions, with peers considering him 'a relevant player' for advisory matters in the sector.Work highlights
Mexico > Projects and infrastructure Tier 4
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
Mexico > Tax Tier 4
Santamarina y Steta fields a tax litigation department that has recent experience in challenging local environmental taxes, amendments to federal VAT credit provisions, advertising expenses, and real estate tax credits. The practice’s client base has a broad sector coverage and General Motors stands out recently as a multinational instructing the team on the gamut of its tax issues. The department is led by Mariano Calderón, an experienced advisor, particularly as regards amparo, administrative and contentious judicial proceedings. Counsel Karina Robledo focuses her practice on tax advisory matters (as well as money laundering), and associate Jair Vaca supports on the majority of matters.Practice head(s):
Mariano Calderón
Testimonials
‘Speed and efficiency.’
‘Individual, specialised, detail-oriented attention and concern for customer satisfaction.’
Key clients
General Motors
Controladora General Motors
Durakón México
Cosmocel
Arkema
Work highlights
- Advised General Motors de México on transfer pricing trials.
- Advising Controladora General Motors on tax litigation against a tax assessment of its corporate income tax for the total amount of MXN$1.1bn, regarding the deduction of losses in the sale of certain corporate shares during the 2008 world crisis.
- Assisted Durakón Mexicana with filing a nullity claim against a tax audit order.
Mexico > Energy and natural resources Tier 5
The energy department at Santamarina y Steta has become increasingly collaborative as a cross-practice offering from the firm in recent years, adapting to changes in the market that have necessitated a broadening of services to include foreign trade, dispute resolution, environmental, and restructuring expertise. Juan Carlos Machorro is a corporate, M&A and finance lawyer with 25 years of experience acting for energy sector clients in Mexico. He heads the department with primary support provided by associate Norma Álvarez.Practice head(s):
Juan Carlos Machorro
Key clients
Arm Energy
Clisa Energy Development
Atlantica Yield
Kimberly Clark de México
Kroll
Lorean Energy Group
PA Energy Specialists
Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC)
Verdad Exploration Mexico/Magna Operating
Work highlights
- Finalised a legal due diligence on behalf of Atlantica Yield, regarding the proposed acquisition by Pemcorp of a cogeneration power plant located in the State of Nuevo León.
- Advising Arm Energy on a Mexico-United States business venture encompassing wholesale marketing and trading activities and transactions associated with a natural gas pipeline running on both sides of the border.
- Advised Kimberly Clark on its existing contracts with Grupo Iberdrola.
Mexico > Bankruptcy and restructuring
The team at Santamarina y Steta advises both debtors and creditors on local and cross-border debt restructurings, and has particular strength representing clients in the aviation, infrastructure and finance sectors. At the helm in Mexico City are Carlos Olvera, an expert in civil and commercial litigation, restructuring, workouts and insolvency; and Ricardo Orea, who has experience in both insolvency and restructuring matters. Civil and commercial litigator Carlos Brehm co-leads the practice from the Monterrey office.Practice head(s):
Carlos Olvera F; Carlos Brehm T.; Ricardo Orea
Testimonials
‘The capacity and knowledge of the subject in the Santamarina and Steta team is excellent. The level of attention and professionalism is first class and the management and flow of information between advisors and client is very good. Excellent training and experience, compared to other offices it is outstanding.’
Key clients
Shanghai Zhenhua Port Machinery (Hong Kong)
United States International Development Finance Corporation
Sociedad Financiera Equípate
US Department of Justice (US Transportation Security Administration; Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service; Customs and Border Protection)
BID Invest (Corporación Interamericana de Inversiones)
Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors of Grupo Aeroméxico
Work highlights
- Represented Shanghai Zhenhua Port Machinery in an insolvency proceeding involving Tecnologias Relacionadas con Energia y Servicios Especializados, in order to obtain a $5m debt payment.
- Advised the United States International Development Finance Corporation regarding the insolvency proceedings of Crédito Real.
- Assisted the official committee of unsecured creditors of Grupo Aeroméxico (and its affiliated debtors), with the airline’s Chapter 11 proceedings in the United States.
Mexico > Compliance
Santamarina y Steta > Firm Profile
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
---|---|---|---|
Carlos Brehm | Partner | View Profile | |
César Cruz | Partner | View Profile | |
César Cruz Ayala | Partner | View Profile | |
Ms Marcela Flores | Associate | View Profile | |
Heriberto Garza | Partner | View Profile | |
Guillermo Moreno | Partner | View Profile | |
Jaime Vázquez | Counsel | View Profile | |
Juan Carlos de la Vega | Managing Partner | View Profile |
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