Mr Anthony Oldfield > Clifford Chance > Sao Paulo, Brazil > Lawyer Profile

Clifford Chance targets Latin America corporate and M&A work, primarily through its New York and Sao Paulo offices. In addition, the launch of a Houston office in 2023 has enabled the firm to bolster its standing in energy transactions in Latin America, particularly in Mexico; Spanish speaking counsel Joshua Bernard joined the Houston team in January 2024 from Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, bringing Latin America-specific expertise in M&A, joint-ventures and private equity transactions. Over recent years, the firm’s efforts have centred on South America, particularly energy and infrastructure transactions, and financial sponsor-led deals. It frequently advises consortiums on their bids for brownfield and greenfield projects. In Sao Paulo, the large team has developed a fine record in financial institutions M&A and fintech transactions, along with energy and infrastructure. The Sao Paulo office is also working with private capital investors in the distressed asset space. The firm’s connections in Asia and the Middle East have also brought it a number of M&A and investment engagements relating to Latin America. Sao Paulo managing partner Anthony Oldfield is a leading name in Brazil M&A and is a growing force in venture capital and fintech transactions in the jurisdiction. Splitting her time between Sao Paulo and New York, Thais Garcia (‘highly visible in LatAm and a stand-out M&A partner‘) has become a pivotal figure in the team, particularly in representing private equity and financial sponsors in their investments in energy and infrastructure assets. New York’s David Brinton remains a prominent figure in energy and infrastructure transactions, including financial sponsor-driven deals in Latin America. New York-based Carla Ruggero (dual-qualified in Argentina and New York) was promoted to the partnership in May 2024 and continues to advise a range of financial sponsors and Latin American corporates. Madrid based Javier Amantegui and Samir Azzouzi are also active in Latin America private equity transactions.

Clifford Chance has established Latin America-focused capital markets teams in New York and Sao Paulo. Responding to difficult market conditions, the firm has managed to achieve growth in both equity and debt engagements, including follow-on offerings, sovereign and quasi-sovereign issuances, securitisations and structured debt. It has continued to make an impression in sustainability-linked offerings. With its experienced capital markets group in Sao Paulo, it has sustained a solid deal flow, including offerings by financial institutions. Peru, Colombia and Panama are also key markets, while the firm has an impressive track record in Mexico deals. The team features a raft of native Spanish and Portuguese-speaking lawyers with New York, English and Spanish law qualifications. Jonathan Zonis is co-head of the Latin America practice and an experienced figure in capital markets offerings, including sovereign transactions. Hugo Triaca is another experienced partner with a primary focus on Latin America. Sao Paulo managing partner Anthony Oldfield and fellow Sao Paulo partner Patrick Jackson, along with counsel Anja Pfleger Andrade, provide specialist expertise and experience in Brazil equity and debt offerings. Mariana Estévez continues to make an impression having been made partner in 2023. Named individuals are based in New York unless stated otherwise.