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DLA Piper adds leading international tax Partner Nicolás Orezzoli in Chile

DLA Piper has added Nicolás Orezzoli as a Partner in the firm’s Tax practice, strengthening the firm’s ability to advise clients on complex international tax matters from Chile. Orezzoli focuses on the design and implementation of tax-efficient structures for cross-border transactions. His experience spans the full transaction cycle, and he regularly advises strategic and financial investors on both buy-side and sell-side processes. He also guides multinational groups, private equity funds, family offices, and local companies on corporate restructurings, capital markets and financings, cash repatriation strategies, and disputes with the Chilean Internal Revenue Service. Orezzoli will collaborate with colleagues across the firm’s Corporate, Finance, Projects, and Emerging Growth teams, as well as Disputes, to support multinational companies, foreign investors, and Chilean business groups on complex cross-border mandates. "International tax sits at the center of how transactions are structured across the Americas. It directly impacts value and outcomes. Nicolás understands that, and his addition reflects our continued focus on building depth in the areas that most directly impact cross border dealmaking," said Francisco Cerezo, Chair of DLA Piper’s US-Latin America practice. “We are pleased to welcome Nicolás to our team,” said Matías Zegers, Co-Managing Partner of DLA Piper Chile. “His international tax practice bolsters our integrated, cross-jurisdictional support for clients in Chile, across the Americas, and beyond.” “Chile remains a key destination for regional and international investment,” said Francisca Franzani, Co-Managing Partner of DLA Piper Chile. “Nicolás’ arrival strengthens our tax capabilities at a time when clients increasingly require seamless, cross-border advice that is closely aligned with broader business and expansion strategies. We are very pleased to welcome him to the team.” DLA Piper's Tax practice delivers significant client value by offering sophisticated, globally integrated legal advice focused on tax and business planning issues designed to maximize efficiency and minimize risk. We provide actionable legal guidance across a wide range of complex domestic and cross-border tax issues, so that our clients’ tax strategy aligns seamlessly with their core business goals. DLA Piper in Latin America’s team offers full-service business legal counsel to domestic and multinational companies with interests in and operations throughout the region. Our integrated approach to serving clients combines local knowledge with the resources of the DLA Piper global platform. With more than 400 lawyers practicing throughout Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Peru, and Puerto Rico, in addition to our US-based cross-border attorneys, our teams frequently work with our professionals throughout the LatAm region, Iberian Peninsula, and around the globe. DLA Piper’s global platform of 90+ offices in more than 40 countries enables us to serve all our clients’ legal and business needs, whether they are based in Latin America or wish to do business there. Related professionals: Nicolás Orezzoli, Francisco Cerezo,Matías Zegers,Francisca Franzani  
10 April 2026
Press Releases

DLA Piper advises Edenor on third issuance of additional Class 7 notes

DLA Piper advised Empresa Distribuidora y Comercializadora Norte S.A. (Edenor), Argentina’s largest electricity distribution company, in its issuance of new additional Class 7 notes.  The additional issuance of Class 7 notes further increased the outstanding volume, enabling Edenor to strategically harness favorable market conditions in parallel with other prominent issuers. The notes are denominated and payable in US dollars, at a fixed annual nominal interest rate of 9.75 percent. The notes mature on October 24, 2030, under the company’s global issuance program for up to US$750 million (or its equivalent in other currencies), as authorized by the Argentine Securities Commission. The additional notes were issued in the amount of V/N US$90 million, thereby increasing the total nominal value of the outstanding Class 7 Notes to US$475 million. DLA Piper acted as legal counsel under New York and Argentina law to Edenor with a team comprising of Partners Joshua A. Kaufman (New York), Marcelo Etchebarne, Alejandro Nobila, Of Counsel Nicolás Teijeiro, and Associates Daiana Suk and Federico Vieyra (all Buenos Aires). Edenor’s additional issuance of Class 7 notes exemplifies DLA Piper’s international reach, sophisticated cross-border structure, and seamless collaboration and coordinated efforts across the firm’s Latin America and US teams. DLA Piper in Latin America’s team offers full-service business legal counsel to domestic and multinational companies with interests in and operations throughout the region. Our integrated approach to serving clients combines local knowledge with the resources of the DLA Piper global platform. With more than 400 lawyers practicing throughout Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Peru, and Puerto Rico, in addition to our US-based cross-border attorneys, our teams frequently work with our professionals throughout the LatAm region, Iberian Peninsula, and around the globe. DLA Piper’s global platform of 90+ offices in more than 40 countries enables us to serve all our clients’ legal and business needs, whether they are based in Latin America or wish to do business there. Related professionals:Josh Kaufman, Marcelo Etchebarne, Alejandro Noblía, Nicolas Teijeiro, Daiana Suk, Federico Vieyra
19 March 2026
Press Releases

2025 Corruption Perceptions Index: Key points for Latin American operations

Written by: Sonia Torres Pabón, Nereida Melendez-Rivera, Francisca Franzani, Alberto Rubio, Antonio Cardenas Arriola, José Marcelo Allemant Transparency International recently published its 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), which ranks 182 countries and territories by their perceived levels of public-sector corruption. According to the report released on February 10, 2026, Latin America scored an average of 42 out of 100, with two countries – Dominican Republic (37) and Guyana (40) – showing significant improvement. However, 12 of 33 countries’ scores have declined since 2012. This alert summarizes the key findings and implications for businesses and institutions operating in the region. Overview of the CPI 2025 The CPI uses a scoring scale from 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean) for its rankings. Notably, for the first time in more than a decade, the global average CPI score dropped to 42, with 122 out of 182 countries scoring below 50. The CPI report notes that persistent corruption in Latin America has been associated with challenges in governance, public services, and security. These factors remain relevant for foreign investors, multinational corporations, and legal practitioners operating in the region. Regional rankings – Americas The following table summarizes the CPI 2025 scores and its observations for selected American countries:   Country 2025 CPI score Key observations Uruguay 73 Regional leader; among the strongest democracies in the Americas Chile 63 Recent decline noted despite historically strong institutions United States 64 Sustained decline to its lowest score Argentina 36 Investigations into alleged corruption in the management of funds for medicines for people with disabilities Dominican Republic 37 One of two Latin American countries showing significant improvement since 2012 Guyana 40 One of two Latin American countries showing significant improvement since 2012 Ecuador 33 Decline in transparency and civic freedoms; laws limiting NGOs' access to funding and obstructing operations El Salvador 32 Increased intimidation and hostility toward independent media Peru 30 Corruption in public services has had severe consequences, including scandals involving contaminated food in public schools Mexico 27 Ranked 141/182 globally and last among OECD countries; linked to institutional weakness and organized crime infiltration Guatemala Below 27 Ranked just below Mexico Haiti 16 Among the three lowest in the region; marked by high repression and failed institutions Nicaragua 14 Among the three lowest in the region; entrenched corruption and repression Venezuela 10 Lowest-scoring country in the Americas; widespread corruption has fueled poverty and malnutrition   Key CPI 2025 themes and risks Organized crime and political infiltration: In several Latin American countries, corruption is increasingly linked to organized crime. In Mexico, the CPI findings highlight the infiltration of organized crime into politics, facilitating political influence and undermining accountability. This nexus between corruption and criminality poses heightened compliance and security risks for businesses operating in affected jurisdictions. Weakening of democratic checks and balances: Countries, including El Salvador and Ecuador, are experiencing a decline in transparency and civic freedoms. New laws limiting NGOs' access to funding, combined with intimidation and hostility toward independent media, have reduced citizen oversight and the ability to hold governments accountable. These developments signal heightened regulatory unpredictability and reputational risk. Impact on public services and human rights: In Peru, corruption in public services has resulted in severe consequences, including scandals in which alleged bribes to bypass health inspections reportedly led to contaminated food being distributed in public schools. In Venezuela, widespread corruption has contributed to a rise in poverty and malnutrition as millions of families survive on limited access to food, water, and electricity. These conditions underscore the human cost of unchecked corruption and the importance of robust due diligence. US FCPA enforcement considerations: The temporary freeze of Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) enforcement pursuant to an Executive Order issued by President Donald Trump ultimately resulted in the revised FCPA Guidelines promulgated in June 2025. Among other things of note, the FCPA Guidelines prioritize enforcement against conduct involving criminal cartels (even if tangentially) and “transnational criminal organizations” (TCOs) more broadly. Those countries with significant cartel or organized criminal activity are encouraged to be alert to the enhanced risk to legitimate business that may unwittingly have contact with cartel members or organized crime, which is fairly common across multiple industries and sectors. The FCPA Guidelines also underscore “enforcement actions against conduct that directly undermines US national interests” – a broad category. Although DOJ leadership has pushed back on the suggestion that there has been any retreat in FCPA enforcement, the new policies shift the enforcement landscape for companies with operations in Latin America. Implications for businesses and compliance programs The CPI 2025 findings underscore the importance of robust anti-corruption compliance frameworks for companies operating in or expanding into Latin America. Businesses may consider the following: Enhanced due diligence: Companies are encouraged to strengthen third-party due diligence processes, particularly for agents, distributors, and joint-venture partners in countries with persistently low or declining CPI scores. Updated risk assessments: Organizations can update their country-level risk assessments to reflect the latest CPI data and country-specific factors, such as organized crime infiltration, weakened institutions, and civic space restrictions. Training and awareness: Anti-corruption training can be tailored to address the specific risks identified in the CPI, including bribery in public procurement, corruption in public services, and political exposure. Monitoring regulatory developments: Companies are encouraged to closely monitor developments in FCPA enforcement and other anti-bribery regimes, given signals of potential shifts in enforcement priorities. Conclusion Given the anti-corruption landscape in Latin America, as assessed in the CPI 2025 report, businesses and institutions are encouraged to remain vigilant. We will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as warranted. For further information or assistance with anti-corruption compliance matters in Latin America, please contact our US Latin America White Collar practice group: Sonia Torres – US and Puerto Rico Nereida Meléndez – US and Puerto Rico Francesca Franzani – Chile Alberto Rubio – Argentina Antonio Cárdenas – Mexico José Allemant – Peru  
19 March 2026
Press Releases

DLA Piper Advises on USD2.2 Billion Independent Water Transmission Pipeline Project

5 NOVEMBER 2025 – Global law firm DLA Piper has advised the Saudi Water Partnership Company (SWPC) on the successful close of the Jubail–Buraydah Independent Water Transmission Pipeline Project (IWTP), with a total project value of approximately USD2.2 billion. The project, which includes the development of a 587 km pipeline, will connect the Eastern Province of Jubail to the city of  Buraydah (in the Qassim region). It will be one of the largest water transmission projects in the Kingdom. Developed under a 35-year Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) model, the pipeline, once complete, will have the capacity to transfer approximately 650,000 cubic meters per day of drinking water, enhancing water security for more than two million citizens. DLA Piper's role in this project builds on its work with the SWPC across its Independent Sewage Treatment Plant and Independent Water Project programmes. The firm has previously advised on landmark projects, including the first IWTP project, Rayis–Rabigh, and the first Independent Strategic Water Reservoir project, Juranah. The completion of this project reinforces the firm's leading capabilities in Project Finance and sectoral capabilities and knowledge, enabling it to structure and deliver complex, large-scale infrastructure projects that support the objectives of key initiatives, such as the National Water Strategy 2030 and Saudi Vision 2030.   The DLA Piper team was led by Adam Haque, a Dubai-based partner in the firm's Projects practice, part of the Finance practice. He was supported by a team from the firm's Dubai and Riyadh offices, including Finance Partner, and Co-Managing Partner of DLA Piper's Riyadh office, Paul Latto, along with Agathi Trakkidi (Finance, legal director), Rhys Rowland (Finance, senior associate), and Trisha Jivan and Abdulrahman Alhusain (both Finance associates). Commenting on the project, Adam Haque said: "This landmark project will transform the way water is supplied to millions of citizens across the region. Developed through the BOOT model, the project is a key example of how the Kingdom is increasing the use of public-private partnership financing for critical infrastructure that aligns with the Saudi Vision 2030. "The successful close of this project is another example of how our cross-border teams can support clients with notable and complex projects." DLA Piper's Finance practice is one of the driving forces of the DLA Piper global practice, providing market-leading insight and advice and representing leading investment and commercial financial institutions, public and private companies and government entities. The team advises clients across the full spectrum of banking/finance and capital markets, including asset-based lending, leveraged and debt finance, capital markets/high-yield bonds, derivatives, digital finance, fund finance, securitisation and structured finance, project finance, real estate finance, corporate treasury and venture finance. About DLA Piper DLA Piper is a global law firm helping our clients achieve their goals wherever they do business. Our pursuit of innovation has transformed our delivery of legal services. With offices in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific, we deliver exceptional outcomes on cross-border projects, critical transactions and high-stakes disputes. Every day we help trailblazing organizations seize business opportunities and successfully manage growth and change at speed. Through our pro bono work and community investment around the world, we help create a more just and sustainable future. Visit dlapiper.com to discover more. Contact Suraj Mashru, Senior PR Manager (UK), DLA Piper, +44 (0) 207 153 2617, [email protected] Jasmine Akouiradjemou, Communications and Events Manager (Dubai), DLA Piper, +971 4438 6119, [email protected]  
07 November 2025
Press Releases

DLA Piper welcomes Macarena Gatica to the Data, Privacy and Cybersecurity practice

DLA Piper is pleased to welcome Macarena Gatica as a partner in the firm’s Data, Privacy and Cybersecurity practice. Her arrival reflects the firm’s commitment to expanding the capabilities of its Chile office. Gatica brings more than 20 years of experience in data protection, cybersecurity, and technology law in Chile and greater Latin America. She is recognized for her work implementing new data privacy regulations and has worked with companies across various industries. In addition to her legal practice, Gatica lectures on data protection at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile and Universidad del Desarrollo. She played a key role in shaping Chile’s Data Protection Law and is frequently invited by Chile’s Congress to provide deep industry insight on technology-related legislative initiatives. “Macarena is widely regarded as one of Latin America’s go-to lawyers when companies face their most complex data and technology challenges,” said Francisco J. Cerezo, Chair of the firm’s US-Latin America practice. “Her arrival strengthens our global platform and reflects our continued commitment to excellence and delivering the highest level of counsel to our clients across the Americas and globally.” “We are delighted to welcome Macarena and are confident she will be a tremendous asset to our team, especially in continuing the outstanding work already underway in the technology and cybersecurity space,” said Matias Zegers, Managing Partner of DLA Piper Chile. DLA Piper in Latin America’s team offers full-service business legal counsel to domestic and multinational companies with interests in and operations throughout the region. Our integrated approach to serving clients combines local knowledge with the resources of the DLA Piper global platform. With more than 400 lawyers practicing throughout Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Peru, and Puerto Rico, in addition to our US-based cross-border attorneys, our teams frequently work with our professionals throughout the LatAm region, Iberian Peninsula, and around the globe. DLA Piper’s global platform of 90+ offices in more than 40 countries enables us to serve all our clients’ legal and business needs, whether they are based in Latin America or wish to do business there. For more information, visit Latin America | DLA Piper.
20 October 2025
Press Releases

DLA Piper advises Artistic Milliners in Cone Denim majority stake acquisition

DLA Piper advised Artistic Milliners, a global denim manufacturer, in its acquisition of a majority stake in denim supplier Cone Denim from textile supplier Elevate Textiles. Cone Denim will continue to operate as a standalone portfolio company under Artistic Milliners. The new entity will seek to operate a global platform spanning both hemispheres and will be comprised of a combination of selected assets from each organization. Cone Denim will also now operate mills in Mexico, China, and the US. “We were excited to work with Artistic Milliners on this strategic matter, showcasing the breadth of our cross-border experience,” said deal lead Michael J. McGuinness, US-LatAm Practice Group Regional Co-Leader, Corporate M&A and Private Equity. “It’s not just the firm’s global reach, but it's cohesive service, that helps clients navigate complex deals with clarity.” "Working with DLA Piper has provided us with a comprehensive global perspective,” said Murtaza Ahmed, CEO of Artistic Milliners. “The firm's ability to integrate insights across multiple jurisdictions exemplifies the level of collaboration we seek as we expand our international operations.” In addition to McGuinness (New York), Of Counsel Violeta Libergott (US/Brazil) co-led DLA Piper’s cross-border and multi-practice team across the US, United Arab Emirates (UAE), China, and Mexico. The team also consisted of Partners Nick Klein, Elyssa Kutner, Brian Janovitz, Larissa Bifano, Amadeu Ribeiro (all US), Therese Abou-Zeid (UAE), Jorge Benejam (Mexico); Partner Tina Xia and Senior Legal and Tax Manager Peter Chen (both China); Head of Sovereign and LP Investment, MENA, Kurt Alfrey (UAE); Of Counsel Andy Eklund (US); Associates Regina Esparza (Mexico), Regine Lewis, and Michael Haggerson, and Syeda Kamal (all US). With more than 1,000 corporate lawyers globally, DLA Piper helps clients execute complex transactions seamlessly while supporting clients across all stages of development. The firm has been rated number one in global M&A volume for 15 consecutive years, according to Mergermarket, and ranked as number one in VC, PE and M&A in combined global deal volume according to PitchBook.
17 October 2025
Press Releases

DLA Piper advises Artistic Milliners in Cone Denim majority stake acquisition

DLA Piper advised Artistic Milliners, a global denim manufacturer, in its acquisition of a majority stake in denim supplier Cone Denim from textile supplier Elevate Textiles. Cone Denim will continue to operate as a standalone portfolio company under Artistic Milliners. The new entity will seek to operate a global platform spanning both hemispheres and will be comprised of a combination of selected assets from each organization. Cone Denim will also now operate mills in Mexico, China, and the US. “We were excited to work with Artistic Milliners on this strategic matter, showcasing the breadth of our cross-border experience,” said deal lead Michael J. McGuinness, US-LatAm Practice Group Regional Co-Leader, Corporate M&A and Private Equity. “It’s not just the firm’s global reach, but it's cohesive service, that helps clients navigate complex deals with clarity.” "Working with DLA Piper has provided us with a comprehensive global perspective,” said Murtaza Ahmed, CEO of Artistic Milliners. “The firm's ability to integrate insights across multiple jurisdictions exemplifies the level of collaboration we seek as we expand our international operations.” In addition to McGuinness (New York), Of Counsel Violeta Libergott (US/Brazil) co-led DLA Piper’s cross-border and multi-practice team across the US, United Arab Emirates (UAE), China, and Mexico. The team also consisted of Partners Nick Klein, Elyssa Kutner, Brian Janovitz, Larissa Bifano, Amadeu Ribeiro (all US), Therese Abou-Zeid (UAE), Jorge Benejam (Mexico); Partner Tina Xia and Senior Legal and Tax Manager Peter Chen (both China); Head of Sovereign and LP Investment, MENA, Kurt Alfrey (UAE); Of Counsel Andy Eklund (US); Associates Regina Esparza (Mexico), Regine Lewis, and Michael Haggerson, and Syeda Kamal (all US). With more than 1,000 corporate lawyers globally, DLA Piper helps clients execute complex transactions seamlessly while supporting clients across all stages of development. The firm has been rated number one in global M&A volume for 15 consecutive years, according to Mergermarket, and ranked as number one in VC, PE and M&A in combined global deal volume according to PitchBook.
17 October 2025
Press Releases

DLA Piper advises Artistic Milliners in Cone Denim majority stake acquisition

DLA Piper advised Artistic Milliners, a global denim manufacturer, in its acquisition of a majority stake in denim supplier Cone Denim from textile supplier Elevate Textiles. Cone Denim will continue to operate as a standalone portfolio company under Artistic Milliners. The new entity will seek to operate a global platform spanning both hemispheres and will be comprised of a combination of selected assets from each organization. Cone Denim will also now operate mills in Mexico, China, and the US. “We were excited to work with Artistic Milliners on this strategic matter, showcasing the breadth of our cross-border experience,” said deal lead Michael J. McGuinness, US-LatAm Practice Group Regional Co-Leader, Corporate M&A and Private Equity. “It’s not just the firm’s global reach, but it's cohesive service, that helps clients navigate complex deals with clarity.” "Working with DLA Piper has provided us with a comprehensive global perspective,” said Murtaza Ahmed, CEO of Artistic Milliners. “The firm's ability to integrate insights across multiple jurisdictions exemplifies the level of collaboration we seek as we expand our international operations.” In addition to McGuinness (New York), Of Counsel Violeta Libergott (US/Brazil) co-led DLA Piper’s cross-border and multi-practice team across the US, United Arab Emirates (UAE), China, and Mexico. The team also consisted of Partners Nick Klein, Elyssa Kutner, Brian Janovitz, Larissa Bifano, Amadeu Ribeiro (all US), Therese Abou-Zeid (UAE), Jorge Benejam (Mexico); Partner Tina Xia and Senior Legal and Tax Manager Peter Chen (both China); Head of Sovereign and LP Investment, MENA, Kurt Alfrey (UAE); Of Counsel Andy Eklund (US); Associates Regina Esparza (Mexico), Regine Lewis, and Michael Haggerson, and Syeda Kamal (all US). With more than 1,000 corporate lawyers globally, DLA Piper helps clients execute complex transactions seamlessly while supporting clients across all stages of development. The firm has been rated number one in global M&A volume for 15 consecutive years, according to Mergermarket, and ranked as number one in VC, PE and M&A in combined global deal volume according to PitchBook.
17 October 2025
Press Releases

US sanctions two Mexican Cartels and key individuals

Written by: Nereida Melendez-Rivera, Sonia Torres Pabón, Antonio Cardenas Arriola, Isabel Lecompte The US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has announced significant new sanctions targeting two major Mexican criminal organizations – Carteles Unidos and Los Viagras – along with seven affiliated individuals. These actions are part of a broader US government effort to disrupt the operations of cartels responsible for violence, drug trafficking, terrorism, and widespread extortion, particularly in Mexico’s agricultural sector. In this alert, we highlight the designated entities and individuals targeted by the sanctions. In addition, we discuss legal and compliance implications and set out key takeaways for companies that may be exposed to risk from the sanctions. Background on the sanctioned organizations Carteles Unidos Carteles Unidos originated in Michoacán, México as a defensive alliance against the Jalisco Nueva Generación Cartel (CJNG). It has since evolved into a major criminal enterprise. Its activities include large-scale drug production and trafficking, extortion, arms smuggling, and violent confrontations with both rival organizations and authorities. The group is primarily active in central and western Mexico, but its influence is expanding transnationally. The US government has designated Carteles Unidos as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT), and it is subject to extensive US sanctions due to its involvement in illicit activities. Los Viagras Los Viagras is a Michoacán-based criminal organization involved in trafficking methamphetamine and cocaine. In its conflict for control of Michoacán, Los Viagras has recently allied with CJNG, one of the two Mexican cartels primarily responsible for the supply of illicit fentanyl into the US. Furthermore, Los Viagras has extorted avocado and citrus growers, cattle ranchers, and entire towns to generate revenue. Los Viagras has also conducted kidnappings and attacked Mexican security forces. Sanctioned individuals The following individuals have been sanctioned for their affiliation with the above-mentioned organizations: Juan Jose Farías Álvarez (“El Abuelo”) Luis Enrique Barragán Chavez (“Wicho”) Alfonso Fernández Magallón (“Poncho”) Edgar Valeriano Orozco Cabadas (“El Kamoni”) Nicolás Sierra Santana (“El Gordo”) Heladio Cisneros Flores (“La Sirena”) César Alejandro Sepúlveda Arellano (“El Botox”) Legal and compliance implications As a result of the sanctions, all property and interests in property of the designated entities and individuals within the US or in the possession or control of US persons are now blocked and must be reported to OFAC. US persons are generally prohibited from engaging in transactions involving these blocked persons or their property. Entities that are owned 50 percent or more, directly or indirectly, by one or more blocked persons are also subject to these restrictions. Violations of these sanctions can result in significant civil or criminal penalties. OFAC may impose civil penalties on a strict liability basis, which means that a violation can result in penalties even if there was no intent to violate the sanctions. Financial institutions and other parties may also face secondary sanctions for facilitating significant transactions with designated persons. Key considerations In response to potential violation of these sanctions, entities may consider the following actions: Reviewing all third-party relationships to identify potential exposure or risks related to the newly sanctioned organizations and persons Conducting enhanced due diligence on business relationships and transactions involving México, especially in regions or industries known to be affected by cartel activity Updating and strengthening compliance protocols, particularly for operations and transactions involving Latin America and México Monitoring for additional designations and regulatory changes, as the enforcement landscape is evolving rapidly and new sanctions may be announced at any time In addition, foreign financial institutions should be aware of the risk of secondary sanctions for knowingly facilitating significant transactions for or on behalf of designated entities or persons. For guidance on risk mitigation and compliance strategies, please contact the authors. Leer este artículo en español.
04 September 2025
Press Releases

DLA Piper advises Grupo Cox in US$4.2 billion Iberdrola Mexico acquisition

August 1, 2025 – DLA Piper advised Grupo Cox (Cox), a leading Spanish multinational water and energy company, in its acquisition of Iberdrola’s assets in Mexico for US$4.2 billion – one of the largest cross-border energy deals of the year. “We appreciated the opportunity to work with the Cox team on this landmark acquisition and look forward to advising the company on its future cross-border initiatives,” said Francisco J. Cerezo, Chair of the US-Latin America and Ibero-Américan practices, who co-led the deal team. “I want to express my deep appreciation for the service provided in this transaction by the DLA Piper team, led by Francisco Cerezo and Mauricio Valdespino,” said Antonio Medina Cuadros, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary General of Grupo Cox. “Their professionalism and tireless work ethic went far beyond what one could expect from legal counsel. Without a doubt, their outstanding effort and dedication were among the key factors in the success of this complex transaction.” In addition to Cerezo (Miami), the cross-border DLA Piper team was co-led by Partner Mauricio Valdespino (Mexico City) and included Partners Edgar Romo, Guillermo Aguayo, Roberto Ríos (all Mexico City), Robert da Silva Ashley (Miami), Michael McGuiness, Amadeu Ribeiro, Frank Mugabi (all New York), Yoko Takagi (Madrid), and Senior Associate Joseline Rodriguez (Miami), and Associates Eduardo Gallástegui, Regina Esparza, and Manuel Domínguez (all Mexico City), among a team of more than 40 DLA Piper attorneys. With more than 1,000 corporate lawyers globally, DLA Piper helps clients execute complex transactions seamlessly while supporting clients across all stages of development. The firm has been rated number one in global M&A volume for 15 consecutive years, according to Mergermarket, and ranked as number one in VC, PE, and M&A in combined global deal volume, according to PitchBook. DLA Piper in Latin America’s team offers full-service business legal counsel to domestic and multinational companies with interests in and operations throughout the region. Our integrated approach to serving clients combines local knowledge with the resources of the DLA Piper global platform. With more than 400 lawyers practicing throughout Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Peru, and Puerto Rico, in addition to our US-based cross-border attorneys, our teams frequently work with our professionals throughout the LatAm region, Iberian Peninsula, and around the globe. DLA Piper’s global platform of 90+ offices in more than 40 countries enables us to serve all our clients’ legal and business needs, whether they are based in Latin America or wish to do business there.  For more information, visit Latin America | DLA Piper The firm recently received the highest ranking for law firm client service in the BTI Client Service A-Team 2025 report, which identifies law firms providing exceptional service based on client feedback. About DLA Piper DLA Piper is a global law firm with lawyers located in more than 40 countries throughout the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific, positioning us to help clients with their legal needs around the world. In certain jurisdictions, this information may be considered attorney advertising. dlapiper.com Contact Geneva Youel, Media Relations, DLA Piper, +1 213 330 7779
19 August 2025
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