Dentons Paz Horowitz > Quito, Ecuador > Firm Profile

Dentons Paz Horowitz Offices

Quito
    Dentons Paz Horowitz
    Calle del establo y calle E.
    Site Center, Torre 1, oficina 301.
    Cumbaya, Quito
    Ecuador
    Visit website 593 2 398 2900 593 2 398 2999

    Profiles

    Dentons Paz Horowitz > The Legal 500 Rankings

    Ecuador > Dispute resolution Tier 2

    Dentons Paz Horowitz represents national and foreign companies from the energy, aviation, tourism and pharmaceutical industries (among others) in judicial proceedings and commercial and investment arbitrations. Jorge Paz Durini oversees the dispute resolution team with three other practitioners: Leyre Suarez specialises in litigation arising from administrative, commercial, labour and civil disputes, while Gabriel Santelices and Patricia Andrade focus on labour claims. Juan Jose Mantilla is a name to note for public procurement and administrative litigation.

    Practice head(s):

    Jorge Paz Durini; Leyre Suárez; Gabriel Santelices; María del Mar Heredia

    Testimonials

    ‘People who understand the client’s perspective and advise them most favourably so that the trials can progress.’

    Key clients

    Clyde& Co

    Tokio Marine Hcc

    Bennet JoneS

    China Shandong International Economic And Technical Cooperation Croup

    Fideicomiso Cataluña

    Mafer-Real Estate Del Ecuador

    Quifatex

    Work highlights

    • Negotiated a partial agreement between Quifatex and Enfarma.
    • Represented China Shandong International Ecuador in a dispute arising from a construction contract where the subcontractor breached the agreement, leading to damages.
    • Assisting Quifatex with a dispute with the Customs Authority.

    Ecuador > Labour and employment Tier 2

    The labour and employment practice at Dentons Paz Horowitz excels in labour litigation, most notably cases involving unfair dismissals, but is also seen by clients as a go-to choice for advice on social security matters, labour law compliance and occupational safety issues. Leading the team is Patricia Andrade, 'a lawyer with a lot of experience in the sector‘, who is deeply knowledgeable of wrongful termination and profit-sharing matters. Other key individuals include Gabriel Santelices, who offers support in collective and individual labour lawsuits, and associate Erika Wolter, whose areas of expertise include gender equality and the prevention of workplace harassment and discrimination.

    Practice head(s):

    Patricia Andrade

    Other key lawyers:

    Gabriel Santelices; Erika Wolter

    Testimonials

    ‘It is a highly trained team with expertise in occupational safety issues.’

    ‘Patricia Andrade is a lawyer with a lot of experience in the sector, who provides accurate and professional opinions on a day-to-day basis. It has a large team.’

    Key clients

    Roche

    Halliburton

    Eco Copter

    Work highlights

    • Assisted a mining company with ceasing its operations and terminating the relationship with all its employees.
    • Advised a bank on resolving a labour conflict in the mediation process with more than 25 former workers, to avoid paying wrongful termination costs.
    • Advised a client on an administrative sanction from the Ecuadorian Social Security Institute.

    Ecuador > Banking and finance Tier 3

    Dentons Paz Horowitz handles a host of banking and finance mandates, ranging from corporate finance to project finance in the real estate sector, judicial debt recoveries and banking matters. Gabriel Solís Vinueza, who excels in corporate banking issues, oversees the practice alongside Rocio Cordova, who acts for a diverse roster of banking clients. and María del Mar Hereda is a key contact for European, North American and Asian players.

    Practice head(s):

    Rocío Córdova; Gabriel Solís Vinueza

    Key clients

    Truist bank

    Aka ausfuhrkredit – gesellschaft mbh / european export and trade bank

    Blueorchard

    Enabling EQ

    Gawa capital partners

    Banesco

    Amibank

    Aring construcciones

    Oikocredit

    Work highlights

    • Advising AKA AUSFUHRKREDIT– GESELLSCHAFT MBH and EUROPEAN EXPORT AND TRADE BANK on two loan facilities for the construction of a hydroelectric power plant.
    • Provided legal advice to GAWA CAPITAL PARTNERS regarding the loan agreement between MAGALLANES IMPACTO FIL (lender) and Fundación de Apoyo Comunitario y Social del Ecuador – FACES.
    • Advising Banesco on the launch of operations in Ecuador.

    Ecuador > Corporate and M&A Tier 3

    The ‘highly competent team’ at Dentons Paz Horowitz assists national and international clients with mergers, acquisitions, disposals and the incorporation and regulatory oversight of companies. Managing partner Agustin Acosta Cárdenas is a key individual in the group, which also features co-founder Jorge Paz Durini, a contact for consequential deals in the mining, telecoms and energy sectors. Other noteworthy practitioners include Rocio Cordova, who is experienced in corporate, contractual and transactional matters, recently promoted partner Maria Del Mar Heredia, who assists with M&A and contracts in the energy, mining and real estate segments, and Valeria Rosero, who has a strong following of clients from the life sciences space.

    Practice head(s):

    Agustín Acosta Cárdenas; Jorge Paz Durini; Rocío Córdova; Gabriel Solis; David Benalcazar; María del mar Heredia; Juan Carlos Perez

    Testimonials

    ‘It is a highly competent team that anticipates scenarios and provides high-value recommendations and solutions to acquisition processes, avoiding regulatory risks and financial and tax impacts derived from transactions.’

    ‘They are specialised and ethical professionals, they work in a coordinated and proactive manner. Agustin Acosta is the partner who has accompanied us in these processes and proven to be an expert in the matter.’

    ‘They are excellent professionals, with high standards of service. The team’s skills and its technical knowledge of client requirements sets it apart.’

    ‘The plus is its high disposition and quality of the service delivered.’

    ‘One of Dentons’ greatest strengths is its multidisciplinary team, as well as its extensive experience in different issues, especially corporate issues.’

    ‘Experience, knowledge, good predisposition to find the best solution to the requirements we present to them.’

    ‘From the operational part that I personally manage, Dentons provides us with support in contractual issues.’

    Key clients

    Moderna Foods

    Pelotea

    Vista Alto Agro Investments

    Ecuadorian Food Industries Inalecsa

    Patterson-Uti Energy

    Aqua Expeditions Pte

    Puig International

    Multicines

    Work highlights

    • Advising ACP Energy on the purchase of interest participation in Specific Services Contracts with Petroecuador for the provision of services in certain oilfields in Ecuador’s Amazon.
    • Advised Rialt Holdings on the acquisition of Cinemark del Ecuador SA.
    • Advising Galpacifico on the sale of multiple companies operating in the Galapagos Islands for luxury cruises.

    Ecuador > Energy and natural resources Tier 3

    Ecuador > Intellectual property Tier 3

    The IP practice at Dentons Paz Horowitz is well placed to advise on a wide range of registration and enforcement matters, spanning trade marks, patents, designs, copyrights, trade secrets and plant varieties. Drawing on its global network, the firm is able to assist clients with IP asset negotiations throughout the Latin American region. Bruce Horowitz specialises in international trade mark law, while Gabriel Santelices regularly advises companies on the implementation of privacy and personal data protection systems. Both practitioners lead the group alongside Mónica Cortez Izurieta, who focuses on IP portfolio management work, and Verónica Chiriboga, whose areas of expertise include trade mark prosecution and anti-counterfeiting issues.

    Practice head(s):

    Bruce Horowitz; Gabriel Santelices; Monica Cortez; Verónica Chiriboga

    Key clients

    Neal, Gerber & Einsenberg

    Dayuma Guayasamin

    Quifatex

    Reyleche

    Fertisa Agif

    Banco Solidario

    Visa International Service Association

    Work highlights

    Ecuador > Real estate Tier 3

    The versatile team at Dentons Paz Horowitz is engaged by corporate and individual clients in asset deals, leasing agreements, and M&A transactions involving considerable real estate transfers. In addition, the group also handles permitting issues, title searches and regulatory matters, among others. Bringing together expertise in real estate, probate, inheritance and estate law, practice head Verónica Mieles advises on the entire life cycle of a real estate project, covering both commercial and residential developments. Associate Fabricio Solórzano stands out for his experience in public law and mining-related matters.

    Practice head(s):

    Verónica Mieles

    Testimonials

    ‘I was assisted by two lawyers with different specialties, which covered all my questions and gave me the best way to pursue my case. The treatment was correct, efficient and very cordial.’

    ‘The treatment was professional, friendly and efficient.’

    ‘It is an excellent team, complete and very professional. Always willing to work hard for their client.’

    ‘Its versatility and availability are some of the key values ​​that this team has and that makes it unique.’

    Key clients

    Mabel Matos

    Catalina Kulczar

    Marcia Villalobos

    Torrecom Partners Lc

    Baker Hughes Services International

    The World Radio Missionary Fellowship Inc

    Hospital Vozandes

    Elizabeth Cobo De Acosta

    Work highlights

    • Advised Torrecom Partners LC on drafting lease contracts for the installation of telecoms towers in various locations across the country.
    • Advised Baker Hughes Services International on requesting a tax return from Orellana Municipality for a property transfer.

    Ecuador > Competition and antitrust Tier 4

    Dentons Paz Horowitz offers representation to local and international clients in a range of competition matters, including antitrust compliance, anticompetitive investigations, merger filings and leniency applications. The firm is also noted for its expertise in trade agreements and antidumping measures. Eduardo Esparza, who has previously served at the General Secretariat of the Andean Community in Peru, is proficient in trade defence mechanisms. Esparza leads the group with managing partner Agustin Acosta.

    Practice head(s):

    Eduardo Esparza; Agustín Acosta Cárdenas

    Key clients

    Oriental Industria Alimenticia

    Multicines

    Rialt Holdings

    Floral Software Holdings

    Petrolia Ecuador

    Türk Hava Yollari Anonim Ortakligi

    KLM Cia Real Holandesa De Aviación

    Lexmark Ecuador

    Moderna Alimentos

    Intrepid Ecuador

    Work highlights

    • Advised MULTICINES on the notification of the acquisition of its competitor.
    • Advised RIALT HOLDINGS on the notification of the acquisition of CINEMARK ECUADOR.
    • Advised PETROLIA on the notification to the Superintendence of Economic Competition of the acquisition of the assets of Overseas Petroleum and Investment Corporation.

    Dentons Paz Horowitz > Firm Profile

    With more than 3 decades of experience, Dentons Paz Horowitz is recognized for providing ethical, innovative and high-quality advice.

    Our services are directed according to the needs of our clients, whether it is a multinational corporation, an investment fund, a local start-up, an NGO or any other type of idea or project.

    We are your key strategic partner to meet your business objectives on a local and global scale.

    Dentons Paz Horowitz > Firm Profile

    With more than 3 decades of experience, Dentons Paz Horowitz is recognized for providing ethical, innovative and high-quality advice.

    Our services are directed according to the needs of our clients, whether it is a multinational corporation, an investment fund, a local start-up, an NGO or any other type of idea or project.

    We are your key strategic partner to meet your business objectives on a local and global scale.

    Press Releases

    Dentons Paz Horowitz boosts its Tax practice capabilities!

    10th June 2025 Dentons Paz Horowitz is pleased to announce that Carmen Crespo has joined the firm as a Partner in its Tax practice.

    Dentons advises Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego on US$60 million export financing to Molo Group for hotel complex in Turks and Caicos

    18th May 2025 Dentons has advised Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego (BGK), the Polish development bank, on a long-term investment loan of up to US$60 million granted to the Molo Group, owned by the Slominski family. The financing will be used to build a hotel complex with 251 rooms and suites on Providenciales, the main island of the Turks and Caicos archipelago in the Caribbean. The buildings will be constructed from equipment and modules manufactured in Poland.

    Dentons Plays a Key Role in Structuring the Loja-Catamayo Infrastructure Project

    17th May 2025 In a significant step forward for the Loja-Catamayo Road Corridor in Ecuador, Dentons will support the Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC) in structuring this project under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. This initiative aims to enhance connectivity in southern Ecuador and drive economic growth in the region.

    China private wealth and Singapore family office specialist Linda Bai joins Dentons Rodyk as the firm’s first partner hire of 2024

    11th March 2024 Global law firm Dentons Rodyk has announced its first partner hire of the year with the appointment of China private wealth and Singapore family office specialist Linda Bai as a Partner in the firm’s Private Wealth, Family Office and Tax practices, with a focus on China clients. 

    Dentons launches combination with PJS Law in the Philippines

    6th February 2024 Dentons has launched its previously announced combination with leading Philippine law firm, PJS Law.

    Singapore’s Global Law Firm Dentons Rodyk Unveils New Leadership Appointments

    8th January 2024 Singapore’s Global Law Firm Dentons Rodyk announces new leadership appointments for 2024. 

    Dentons Rodyk Announces the Admissions of Two Next Gen Leaders to Equity Partnership and Seven Promotions to Partner

    8th January 2024 Singapore’s Global Law Firm Dentons Rodyk announces the admission of two new Senior Partners and seven Partners with effect from 1 January 2024.

    Singapore’s Global Law Firm Dentons Rodyk Boosts Litigation & Dispute Resolution Practice with Partner Alexander Lee

    18th December 2023 Singapore, 7 December 2023 – Dentons Rodyk has announced that leading dispute resolution lawyer Alexander Lee has re-joined the firm’s Litigation & Dispute Resolution practice as a Partner.  He was most recently a Director at Drew & Napier.

    Dentons Rodyk’s Annual Thought Leadership Event Explores the Cornerstones of Singapore’s Success

    6th November 2023 Singapore, 2 November 2023 – Singapore’s global law firm Dentons Rodyk hosted its annual national thought leadership event, the Dentons Rodyk Dialogue 2023 today, 2 November 2023.

    Dentons advised on the global offering of €75 million 4.60 per cent. Credit Enhanced Bonds due 2026 for Gaoyou City Construction Investment Development Group

    7th March 2023 Dentons has represented Gaoyou City Construction Investment Development Group, a leading state-owned infrastructure construction company principally engaged in the construction of municipal infrastructure, water facilities, roads, environmental governance-related facilities and shantytown redevelopment projects in Gaoyou City and Suzhou City, in its global offering under Regulation S of its English law governed €75 million 4.60 per cent. Credit Enhanced Bonds due 2026, with the benefit of an irrevocable Standby Letter of Credit issued by Bank of Jiangsu Co., Ltd., Yangzhou Branch, underwritten by China Industrial Securities International, Industrial Bank of Co. Ltd., Hong Kong Branch, Shanghai Pudong Development Bank, Hong Kong Branch, China Minsheng Banking Corp., Ltd., Hong Kong Branch, CEB International, Guotai Junan International, Guosen Securities (HK), Central Wealth Securities Investment Limited, CNCB Capital, CITIC Securities, CMBC Capital, China International Capital Corporation and Caitong International.

    Dentons Rodyk kicks off 2023 with the introduction of next generation leaders

    16th January 2023 Singapore’s Big Five law firm Dentons Rodyk unveiled its new Executive Committee and also announced the admission of two outstanding young individuals into the senior partnership of the firm, with effect from 1 January 2023.

    Court of Appeal releases written grounds for upholding decision in US$1.48b environment related claim

    9th December 2022 The Singapore Court of Appeal on 2 December 2022, issued its written grounds for upholding the High Court (General Division)’s decision in Ok Tedi Fly River Development Foundation Ltd and others v Ok Tedi Mining Ltd and others [2021] SGHC 205. The appeal was successfully resisted by the Dentons Rodyk team led by Mark Seah, Co-Head of the Litigation Practice and comprised Andrea Gan, Martin See, Alexander Choo and Philip Teh. TSMP Law Corporation’s Mr Adrian Tan and Dr Tang Hang Wu acted for the Appellants.

    Mr. Phuc Le rejoined Dentons LuatViet to strengthen its offshore legal services

    7th July 2022 Dentons LuatViet is delighted to welcome back Mr. Phuc Le to join our firm as a Special Counsel. He will primarily provide legal services to our clients in the US and Moscow.

    Singapore Big Five Law Firm Dentons Rodyk Boosts Corporate Practice with Two Senior Lawyer Hires

    4th July 2022 Singapore, 1 July 2022 – Singapore’s Big Five Law Firm Dentons Rodyk are today announcing the arrival of senior corporate lawyers Evelyn Ang and Emily Low. Together with six other lawyers, they join Dentons Rodyk from Big Four accounting firm EY’s Singapore law practice, Atlas Asia Law Corporation (AALC). The news follows Dentons' recently launched combination with leading Vietnamese law firm LuatViet, as the Firm pursues its goal of being the leading pan-ASEAN law firm.

    Dentons launches combination with LuatViet in Vietnam

    17th June 2022 Dentons has launched its previously announced combination with leading Vietnamese law firm, LuatViet, which has more than 40 legal professionals serving clients from offices in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.

    Former Deputy Director of Attorney-General’s Chambers Navin Naidu joins Big Five Law Firm Dentons Rodyk

    17th June 2022 Big Five Law Firm Dentons Rodyk & Davidson LLP is pleased to announce the arrival of Attorney-General’s Chambers’ former Deputy Director Navin Naidu to the firm’s White Collar and Government Investigations practice.

    How Singapore’s Big Five law firm Dentons Rodyk is embracing the future of work and ditching its traditional office for good

    14th April 2022 Visions for the future of work have never been bolder. The COVID-19 pandemic changed notions on how many felt a work environment should be. The world was rushed into accelerating technology adoption, increasing digital connectivity and embracing virtual collaboration. As we usher in a new and dynamic decade, Dentons Rodyk envisions the future of work by ditching its traditional office for good and introducing a permanent hybrid work model.

    Dentons secures final victory for ICT on European patent infringement case against ESSITY

    18th August 2020

    Global law firm Dentons is pleased to announce that the Paris Court of Appeal, the Higher Regional Court of Karlsruhe and the Barcelona Provincial Court have all issued final decisions dismissing Essity’s claims of patent infringement in regards to Industrie Cartarie Tronchetti’s (ICT) three ply toilet paper. With Dentons’ counsel, ICT successfully demonstrated beyond a doubt that its branded and private label products are produced based on its own proprietary process, and patented under European patent 2 353 859. 

    Dentons has been advising Industrie Cartarie Tronchetti S.p.A since 2016. Based in Lucca, ICT is a leader in the category of high quality tissue paper products for domestic use, and has subsidiaries in Italy, Spain, Germany, France and Poland.

    The Paris decision, which is the most recent, ends a long-running patent infringement litigation with Essity and affirms ICT can continue to produce and distribute absorbent paper based on its own proprietary technology. The three courts in France, Germany, and Spain have confirmed ICT’s argument that it is using its own novel technology, also patented. Essity’s claims of infringement were based on a patent originally filed by Georgia Pacific, and subsequently becoming Essity’s.

    Dentons partner David Masson served as lead partner and represented ICT in France. Dentons partner Dr. Constantin Rehaag represented ICT in Germany, and PwC partner Alejandra Matas Brancós represented the client in Spain, with the support of Dentons partner Juan Ignacio Alonso.

    David Masson, lead lawyer on the case, commented: “It has been very interesting to understand ICT’s own technology and work closely with different teams, including ICT’s R&D department, which has been part of all strategic and technical decisions throughout the case”.

    Constantin Rehaag, who represented the client in the German court hearings and coordinated the work with the client’s patent attorneys, said: “This is an outstanding success of a great team formed by the client, who provided us with invaluable technological insight, the team of patent attorneys and, finally, by the Dentons teams in France, Spain and Germany.”

    The patent litigation began in 2016 when Essity sued ICT in France, Germany and Spain for the alleged infringement of its patent related to the technical solution for the bonding of three layers of tissue for paper products such as high quality, soft and bulky, toilet paper.

    In France, Essity claimed that ICT had breached the French part of its European patent 1 081 284 and that the toilet paper marketed as Foxy Soie Plus, and also certain other private labels produced by ICT France, had infringed on their patent. Essity demanded that all production operations be halted. The rolls of toilet paper were carefully analyzed and there were no findings of infringement. The two French courts - in first instance and appeal - rejected the claims and ordered Essity to pay compensation for the legal fees to ICT Italy and ICT France.

    In Germany, the case was first taken to the Mannheim District Court, which is well reputed in patent matters. The lawsuit mainly focused on the complex questions regarding the construing of the claims of Essity’s patent. The court ruled in favour of ICT, and Essity filed an appeal. In August 2019, the Higher Regional Court of Karlsruhe also ruled that the German subsidiary of ICT did not infringe the German part of the patent 1 081 284.

    In Spain, after a first decision in favor of Essity in the lower court, the Barcelona Provincial Court clearly stated in a written appeal that ICT’s products - and in particular, Foxy Seda, Foxy Bouquet, certain three-ply private label products - did not infringe the Spanish part of the patent 1 081 284.

    About ICT

    Industrie Cartarie Tronchetti (ICT) was founded in 1976 in Italy, in the Lucca province, to operate in the tissue sector, producing high quality paper exclusively from virgin fibre. The first production facility was opened in 1978 in Piano della Rocca, Lucca, and over the years new plants and facilities have been set up in Piano della Rocca, Diecimo and Piano di Coreglia. The Foxy brand, one of the leading brands in the European market, was launched in 1982. ICT is an example of excellence in the paper industry, in full harmony with the tradition of the Lucca region, where the most important Italian papermaking hub is located, on a par with those of Green Bay (USA) and Fuji (Japan). In Lucca in particular, great expertise has been nurtured in the field of paper for household use, and the city is in fact known as the world tissue capital. Today, ICT SpA boasts an annual production capacity of about 160,000 tonnes.

    About Dentons

    Dentons is the world's largest law firm, connecting talent to the world's challenges and opportunities in more than 75 countries. Dentons' legal and business solutions benefit from deep roots in our communities and award-winning advancements in client service, including Nextlaw, Dentons’ innovation and strategic advisory services. Dentons' polycentric and purpose-driven approach, commitment to inclusion and diversity, and world-class talent challenge the status quo to advance client and community interests in the New Dynamic.


    Dentons advises Snam on US$10.1 billion consortium investment in ADNOC Gas Pipelines

    3rd August 2020 Global law firm Dentons advised Italian-based multinational energy infrastructure operator Snam in relation to its agreement, in consortium with several international investment funds, to purchase a 49 percent share of ADNOC Gas Pipelines from The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC). ADNOC Gas Pipelines is valued at approximately US$20.7 billion (US$10.1 billion for 49%).

    The transaction is one of the most important in the global energy infrastructure sector, as well as Snam’s first acquisition outside Europe.  ADNOC Gas Pipelines holds the tariff-based rights for the 38 pipelines that connect ADNOC’s upstream activities to Abu Dhabi’s consumption points and the export and interconnection terminals to neighboring Emirates.

    The transaction was financed by a pool of international banks for approximately $8 billion, plus an equity contribution from each of the consortium members.  In addition to Snam, the other consortium members included Global Infrastructure Partners, Brookfield Asset Management, GIC, Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, and NH Investment & Securities.

    Dentons acted with a cross-border team from Italy and UAE, coordinated by partner Sara Biglieri in Milan.  Partners Luca Pocobelli (Rome) and Mhairi Main Garcia (Dubai), counsel Claudio Segna (Milan), senior associate Craig Hughson (Abu Dhabi) and associate Stephanie Hawes (Dubai) advised on corporate and M&A aspects. Partners Alessandro Fosco Fagotto (Milan) and Stephen Knight (Abu Dhabi), counsel Franco Gialloreti, senior associate Tommaso Zanirato and junior associate Giulia Caselli Maldonado (all Milan) advised on financing aspects. Partner Michele Carpagnano (Rome) and associate Giulia Giordano (Rome) advised on the competition and antitrust aspects.

    Snam’s internal legal team was led by General Counsel, Marco Reggiani - assisted by Michela Schizzi, Senior Vice President Regulated Assets Legal Affairs - and included senior legal counsels Rosanna Pallotta and Claudia Jolanda Fanelli.  The legal aspects related to the financing were handled, together with Marco Reggiani, by Gloria Bertini, Head of Finance and Capital Market Legal Affairs and Roberta Di Mauro, legal counsel.


    Dentons advises Investitionsbank Berlin (IBB) on the establishment of the EU Malaria Fund

    3rd August 2020 The EU Malaria Fund was initiated by the kENUP Foundation, a not-for-profit organization promoting research-based innovation with public and societal benefit. The fund is managed by the IBB Group. The target volume of the fund amounts to €280 million, with a first closing of €70 million on June 3, 2020. A Dentons team from Berlin, Frankfurt, Dusseldorf and Munich provided comprehensive advice to IBB Group on the establishment of the EU Malaria Fund. This included the development of the legal and tax conception of the fund, regulatory advice, corporate law support on the setup of the fund, and the negotiation of the financing agreements with the EIB, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and other investors. Berlin-based partner Dirk-Reiner Voss and Frankfurt-based partner Arne Klüwer jointly led the Dentons team, with support from partners Stephan Busch, Matthias Santelmann and senior associates Holger Hölkemeier and Bernd Düsterbeck in Berlin; counsel Verena Etzel and Oda Elmoutaouakil in Frankfurt; partner Axel Schlieter in Dusseldorf, and partner Richard Fagerer in Munich. About Dentons Dentons is the world's largest law firm, connecting talent to the world's challenges and opportunities in more than 75 countries. Dentons' legal and business solutions benefit from deep roots in our communities and award-winning advancements in client service, including Nextlaw, Dentons’ innovation and strategic advisory services. Dentons' polycentric and purpose-driven approach, commitment to inclusion and diversity, and world-class talent challenge the status quo to advance client and community interests in the New Dynamic. www.dentons.com

    Dentons advises on ACS Group’s €500 million NEU-CP Program

    3rd August 2020 Dentons, the world’s largest law firm, has advised Spanish-based multinational construction group, Actividades de Construcción y Servicios, S.A. (ACS), on the renewal of its €500 million Negotiable European Commercial Paper (NEU-CP) Program. The NEU-CP program is registered with the Central Bank of France, with the involvement of BNP Paribas, BRED Banque Populaire, Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, ING Bank N.V. and Natixis, as dealers for the Notes. Headquartered in Madrid, the ACS Group is a worldwide leader in construction and services. It is currently the only non-financial issuer with a NEU-CP Program registered with the Central Bank of France. Dentons’ Capital Markets group in Madrid advised ACS on all aspects of the transaction. Partner Ignacio Corujo led and coordinated the transaction with the support of junior associate Ana Artola. Ignacio Corujo joined Dentons in January this year to establish and lead the Capital Markets group in Spain. In addition to this most recent deal for ACS, he has closed several high-value debt capital markets deals since his move, including most notably, Grupo Cajamar’s €1 billion issuance of mortgage bonds, as well as Sacyr’s renewal of its €500 million EMTN Program. About Dentons Dentons is the world's largest law firm, connecting talent to the world's challenges and opportunities in more than 75 countries. Dentons' legal and business solutions benefit from deep roots in our communities and award-winning advancements in client service, including Nextlaw, Dentons’ innovation and strategic advisory services. Dentons' polycentric and purpose-driven approach, commitment to inclusion and diversity, and world-class talent challenge the status quo to advance client and community interests in the New Dynamic. www.dentons.com  

    Dentons advises UniCredit on a €450 million secured sustainability-linked financing for Gunvor Gro

    3rd August 2020 Global law firm Dentons has advised UniCredit Bank AG as Mandated Lead Arranger, (Sustainability) Coordinator, Bookrunner, Facility Agent and Security Agent as well as the lenders on a €450 million secured sustainability-linked borrowing base facility agreement with Gunvor Group. Gunvor Group will use the funds to cover the working capital requirements of its Ingolstadt refinery. The innovative financing model is tied to the borrower's achievement of predetermined ESG key performance indicators (Sustainability KPIs) and provides for a sustainability discount or premium in case the company overachieves or underperforms the predefined targets. An independent sustainability auditor will report on the performance of the Sustainability KPIs on an annual basis. The ESG-based scoring of certain key performance indicators provides a unique way for borrowers and lenders to communicate their commitment to sustainability and incentivizes sustainable corporate measures. Participating banks included DZ Bank, KfW IPEX-Bank, Raiffeisen Bank International, Erste Group Bank, Commerzbank, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, CA Indosuez (Switzerland), Bank of China and First Abu Dhabi Bank. Gunvor Group is one of the world’s largest independent commodities trading houses by turnover, creating logistics solutions that safely and efficiently move physical energy from where it is sourced and stored to where it is demanded. With strategic investments in industrial infrastructure – refineries, pipelines, storage and terminals – Gunvor Group further generates sustainable value across the global supply chain for its customers. UniCredit is one of the pioneers in sustainable loans in the German market. Düsseldorf finance partner Dr. Axel Schlieter fully advised the bank on the drafting and negotiation of the loan agreement. The Dentons team further comprised Julia Heitmann (senior associate, Banking and Finance, Düsseldorf) and Eike Hinrich Pradt (associate, Banking and Finance, Frankfurt). Axel Schlieter is a core member of Dentons’ Sustainable Finance group in Europe and is regularly involved around the topics of issuance of green bonds and on sustainable financing. Advisors to UniCredit: Dentons (Düsseldorf): Dr. Axel Schlieter, (lead partner), Julia Heitmann (senior associate, both banking and finance, Düsseldorf), Eike Hinrich Pradt (associate, banking and finance, Frankfurt am Main) UniCredit inhouse lawyers: Carina Engelhardt, Alexander Strigin, Christian Hentrich About Dentons Dentons is the world's largest law firm, connecting talent to the world's challenges and opportunities in more than 75 countries. Dentons' legal and business solutions benefit from deep roots in our communities and award-winning advancements in client service, including Nextlaw, Dentons’ innovation and strategic advisory services. Dentons' polycentric and purpose-driven approach, commitment to inclusion and diversity, and world-class talent challenge the status quo to advance client and community interests in the New Dynamic. www.dentons.com

    Dentons advises Qair on refinancing of the acquisition of Rzepin and Linowo wind farms in Poland

    3rd August 2020 Dentons’ Banking and Finance practice team advised Qair SAS, Qair International and Qair Polska Sp.z o.o. in connection with the refinancing of two wind farms under operation, Rzepin (58 MW) and Linowo (48 MW). The financing institutions are BNP Paribas and EBRD. The two wind farms are part of Qair’s larger portfolio of almost 200 MW of renewable energy sources, which also includes 93 MW of new capacity from three wind farms – Udanin (50 MW), Parzeczew (9 MW) and Września (9 MW) – and 25 MW of solar photovoltaic. The project was supervised by Mateusz Toczyski, Head of the Europe and Co-Head of the Global Banking and Finance practice, and led by Tomasz Zwoliński, counsel, with assistance from lawyers Klaudia Szymańska-Rutkowska, Katarzyna Mazur, Katarzyna Kaptur and Jakub Walawski. Supporting the Warsaw team were counsel Surbhi Malhotra-Trenkel in Munich and partners Jean-Marc Allix and Olivier Genevois, and associates Djésia Meziani, Philippine de Fouchier and Hugo Casasnovas in Paris. Dentons’ London team consisting of partner Matthew Sapte and associate Annreika Ray advised on the hedging documentation. “We are very pleased and honored to have had this opportunity to assist Qair in yet another wind power project the company has undertaken in Poland,” said Mateusz Toczyski. “We would like to congratulate Qair on this financing and to wish every success with further developments and investments in Poland and elsewhere in the world,” added Tomasz Zwoliński. About Dentons Dentons is the world's largest law firm, connecting talent to the world's challenges and opportunities in more than 75 countries. Dentons' legal and business solutions benefit from deep roots in our communities and award-winning advancements in client service, including Nextlaw, Dentons’ innovation and strategic advisory services. Dentons' polycentric and purpose-driven approach, commitment to inclusion and diversity, and world-class talent challenge the status quo to advance client and community interests in the New Dynamic. www.dentons.com

    Dentons advises Sev.en Energy on aacquisition of US-based Blackhawk Mining

    3rd August 2020 Dentons has advised international energy group Sev.en Energy on its strategic acquisition of US-based metallurgical coal producer Blackhawk Mining, LLC. C. The transaction comes on the heels of Sev.en Energy’s acquisition of a 17% ownership interest in Corsa Coal in May 2020, further reinforcing its access to the metallurgical coal mining industry in the US market. Blackhawk Mining is one of the largest metallurgical coal producers in the US. With annual production capacity of seven to eight million tonnes of metallurgical coal among its five underground and open pit mining complexes in West Virginia and Kentucky, Blackhawk Mining is an important supplier of metallurgical coal both locally and internationally. It also owns three thermal coal mine complexes producing three to four million tonnes per annum. In 2019, Blackhawk Mining had $1bn revenues and $120m EBITDA.   Commenting on the acquisition, Dentons partner Petr Zákoucký, said: “Having worked for Sev.en Energy for many years, I am inspired by their sustained dynamism, and by this bold strategic move, even during these difficult market conditions. We were delighted to have opportunity to play our role in this success.”   Alan Svoboda, Executive Director of Sev.en Energy who leads the Group’s international expansion added: “Once again, the Dentons team exceeded our expectations and delivered the transaction within a tight time frame of less than a month, nailing both the complexity of the deal and challenges created by the current worldwide pandemic. What was really outstanding was the dedication and flexibility that the entire team showed.”   Dentons’ cross-border team was composed of partners Petr Zákoucký (Prague, Energy/M&A), Ilan Katz (New York, M&A), Lee Smith (New York, Finance), Christopher Van Bever (Lexington, Mining) and John Rhine (Evansville, Mining) Robert E. Richards (Chicago, Insolvency), Managing Associate Gregory DiBella (New York, M&A) and Associate Barbora Obračajová (Prague, Energy). Alvarez & Marsal advised Sev.en Energy on financial due diligence and Weir on technical due diligence.   About Sev.en Energy Sev.en Energy owns significant coal and energy production assets in the Czech Republic, the United Kingdom, Australia and the USA. It is the largest private operator of coalmines and conventional power plants in the Czech Republic, and employs more than 3,500 people. In 2019, Sev.en Energy acquired additional power generation assets from Swiss energy group Alpiq and a 50% stake in the multinational energy company – InterGen N.V., which is one of the leading independent power generators with gas-fired power plants in the UK and coal-fired power plants and coal mines in Australia. When pro-forma aggregated with the financial results of InterGen and Alpiq CZ, Sev.en Energy group combined revenues in 2019 were EUR 1,4 billion and EBITDA of EUR 319 million.   About Dentons Dentons is the world's largest law firm, connecting talent to the world's challenges and opportunities in more than 75 countries. Dentons' legal and business solutions benefit from deep roots in our communities and award-winning advancements in client service, including Nextlaw, Dentons’ innovation and strategic advisory services. Dentons' polycentric and purpose-driven approach, commitment to inclusion and diversity, and world-class talent challenge the status quo to advance client and community interests in the New Dynamic. www.dentons.com

    Dentons supports German subsidiaries of the Recylex Group in restructuring

    3rd August 2020 Global law firm Dentons is assisting Weser-Metall GmbH and Harz-Metall GmbH, both subsidiaries of the French-German Recylex Group, with their restructuring through ‘self-administration’ proceedings. In addition, Dentons restructuring lawyers Andreas Ziegenhagen and Dirk Schoene and their team are advising the German management of the Recylex Group within the scope of its self-administration. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the dramatic decline in metal prices, the German subsidiaries of Recylex have each applied for protective shield proceedings under German insolvency law. The aim of the protective shield is to allow the companies to continue their individual restructuring measures and to return to economic stability after the pandemic - if necessary, in a new shareholder structure. Weser-Metall produces about 100,000 tons of lead per year at its headquarters in Nordenham (Lower Saxony), making it the third largest lead smelter and the second largest lead recycler in Europe. Harz-Metall has its headquarters in Oker in the Harz Mountains and is one of the leading European recycling companies for lead and zinc contaminated waste. The Recylex group has a total of eleven operating units and two administrative sites in France and Germany. In addition to the companies supported by Dentons, two other companies in the group, Norzinco GmbH and PPM Pure Metals GmbH, have also submitted applications for protective shield, whilethree other German subsidiaries requested self-administration under creditor protection. The Group's French companies are not affected. Andreas Ziegenhagen, Head of the Europe and German Restructuring practice, said: "With the filing for protective shield proceedings, we are making use of the most restructuring-friendly court proceedings in the interest of all stakeholders of the companies”. Advisor to Harz Metall / Weser Metall / German management of Recylex: Dentons (Berlin): Andreas Ziegenhagen (Partner, Restructuring, Berlin/Frankfurt), Dirk Schoene (Partner), Dr. Jan Seelinger (Counsel), Dr. Benjamin Kurzberg (Counsel), Judith Schmid (Senior Associate), Dr. Jakob Pickartz (Senior Associate), all Restructuring and Insolvency About Dentons Dentons is the world's largest law firm, connecting talent to the world's challenges and opportunities in more than 75 countries. Dentons' legal and business solutions benefit from deep roots in our communities and award-winning advancements in client service, including Nextlaw, Dentons’ innovation and strategic advisory services. Dentons' polycentric and purpose-driven approach, commitment to inclusion and diversity, and world-class talent challenge the status quo to advance client and community interests in the New Dynamic. www.dentons.com


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