CMS Woodhouse Lorente Ludlow > The Legal 500 Rankings

Mexico > Energy and natural resources Tier 1

The energy practice at CMS Woodhouse Lorente Ludlow has an impressive track record, particularly as regards the electricity segment, where it demonstrated its agility and know how when the energy sector last went through major change, assisting with the implementation of the country's electricity reform following the constitutional modifications of 2014. Such accumulated experience has ensured it is well positioned to effectively accompany its clients in the face of the current administration's redefinition of the energy landscape. Highly sought after by clients, especially when it comes to regulatory work, the seven-strong practice group handles a broad array of energy mandates, including public policy design, project financing, or day-to-day project management, both in the oil-and-gas and power sectors. It is in the latter that practice-head Derek Woodhouse truly excels, regularly advising across a broad range of transactional, project-related and regulatory issues. He is backed by a well-rounded team that includes Luis Fernández Lagunas, who co-heads the team and is particularly knowledgeable as regards the electricity wholesale market; and senior associates José Antonio Téllez and Gabriel Salinas. Tellez has a focus on regulatory consultation, transactional structuring and negotiation, and project finance related to the electricity industry; while Salinas' practice is centred on international and domestic transactions related to the structuring and development of energy and infrastructure projects.

Mexico > Projects and infrastructure Tier 1

An absolute powerhouse when it comes to projects and infrastructure, CMS Woodhouse Lorente Ludlow's innovative practice garners praise for devoting ‘themselves to each project, showing a great mastery of the subject and offering the best strategies’. The solid, 12-strong team advises a broad mix of public and private sector clients and boasts some impressive credentials, particularly in the power, hydrocarbons, mining and infrastructure sectors. It is led by founding partner Enrique Lorente Ludlow, a 20-year veteran who specializes in matters ranging from inception and design, through structuring, finance, construction and operation; and younger partner Marcia Santomé Sánchez, who is highly focused on private participation in formerly public sector projects, including via PPPs. Giancarlo Schievenini, who handles all aspects and stages of infrastructure project development, including financing, is another name to note in a practice group that was further reinforced with the June-2021 arrival of project finance expert Fernando Nava Herrera as a partner. The team is currently advising the Mexican Federal Government on the legal structuring (design, structuring and implementation) of its flagship ‘Tren Maya’ project, worth an estimated $8bn as well as the associated public procurement procedures. Both real estate partner Cesar Lechuga Perezanta and energy specialist Derek Woodhouse also participate in the practice.

Mexico > Life sciences Tier 2

Highlighted for its 'excellent results', the five-strong life sciences practice at CMS Woodhouse Lorente Ludlow is well known for its track record in representing clients before health-related governmental agencies. Its clients often seek the department's assistance in new businesses and products, regulatory strategies and compliance audits, good manufacturing practices and certifications, premarket approval of products and services, health licenses and advice on labelling and marketing of regulated products and services. Practice head Mauricio Gómez regularly advises on life sciences regulatory matters, pharmaceutical products, biotech and medical devices, among several other areas, and also benefits from his previous experience in different posts at regulator COFEPRIS. Other key practitioners include corporate law expert César Lechuga and PPP specialist Marcia Santomé.

Mexico > Banking and finance Tier 4

CMS Woodhouse Lorente Ludlow maintains a steadily-growing presence in the banking and finance sector, thanks to its solid practice, which handles credits, regulatory mandates, and demonstrates particular strength in project finance, driven by the firm's expertise in the areas of energy and infrastructure. The team handles a full array of financing for different industries -such as roads, hospitals and airports- on both the lenders' and borrowers' sides - although the team is appearing increasingly frequently for banks, development banks and other financial institutions. The January-2020 arrival of Raúl Zepeda undoubtedly broadened the practice's spectrum, particularly strengthening its capability in financial regulatory issues. Zepeda works closely with fellow partner César Lechuga, who specialises in all aspects of the financing of real estate, infrastructure and energy projects. Senior associates María José Estrada (who focuses on project finance); and Héctor González Martínez, provide key support to the team, which also handles fintech related matters.

Mexico > Corporate and M&A Tier 4

CMS Woodhouse Lorente Ludlow houses a growing corporate and M&A practice which is becoming more active within the firm´s niche strength areas, particularly TMT, energy, and projects and infrastructure, but also pharmaceutical and automotive. Heading the six-strong team are César Lechuga, whose expertise encompasses the design of complex corporate structures; and the recently promoted Giancarlo Schievenini, who was raised to the partnership in January 2021. Fellow partner Luis Fernández Lagunas and senior associate Gabriel Salinas Ruiz, who focus on M&A mandates in the energy sector, offer key support to the practice, which also boasts significant cross-border capabilities thanks to CMS' global network.

Mexico > Real estate Tier 4

With over 20 years covering all aspects of the structuring and financing of real estate developments in industrial, residential, hospitality, office and mixed-use projects, CMS Woodhouse Lorente Ludlow's real estate practice has a strong track record in the sector and is praised for its ‘availability and personalised treatment’. Partner César Lechuga heads the team, specialising in transactional real estate with a primary focus on the industrial, logistics, commercial, office space and retail segments, as well as on the real estate requirements for wind and solar projects. Real estate and infrastructure expert, Enrique Lorente Ludlow is a long-standing market presence who provides key input advising on developments and investments for domestic and international organizations. María José Estrada provides key associate support on real estate, project finance and corporate matters.

Latin America: International firms > Projects and energy

CMS has a prominent standing in oil and gas, renewables and other infrastructure projects. With offices in Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Peru and Mexico it has extensive regional coverage. Leveraging the firm’s global presence in renewables and climate change, the Latin America team is at the forefront of new energy sources such as green hydrogen projects in Chile and Brazil; the Santiago office advised Porsche on a joint venture project to produce green hydrogen in the evaluation phase and contract negotiations for the pilot manufacturing site in Chile. In Peru, a team that includes Carlos Hamann and Augusto Astorga has a strong record in oil and gas projects and transactions. In Mexico, Enrique Lorente Ludlow and Derek Woodhouse are big names in power and infrastructure projects and regulation. Rio partner Ted Rhodes has an established background in oil and gas, along with renewables, often working alongside colleagues in Europe. Santiago’s Jorge Allende Zañartu and Daniel Rodríguez are also key names.

Latin America: International firms > Corporate and M&A

Shearman & Sterling LLP's M&A work has been somewhat overshadowed by the Latin America team's prominence in capital markets and project finance transactions. Despite that, the firm's historical commitment to the region continues to land it some important engagements, such as continuing to advise Banco Bradesco, the Brazilian bank, on its $500m acquisition of BAC Florida Bank. It also continued to represent Abertis Infraestructuras and Singapore's GIC in their acquisition of a 70% stake in Red de Carreteras de Occidente (RCO) from Goldman Sachs Infrastructure Partners. George Karafotias and Clare O’Brien are amongst a number of partners with Latin America M&A experience. Houston partner Manuel Orillac is also recognised for Latin America corporate and capital markets transactions. Houston counsel Gabriel Salinas is noted for oil and gas investments by private equity funds, particularly in Mexico. Alexandro Padrés leads the Latin America group. All named individuals are based in New York unless stated otherwise.