BLP is commended for its ability to handle complex project financings both in Costa Rica and throughout Central America, advising leading sponsors and major financial institutions on domestic and cross-border transactions relating to large-scale energy, port, toll road and government infrastructure developments. The ‘comprehensive’ practice also covers public bidding processes, the structuring of public-private partnerships (PPPs), the acquisition of energy projects and regulatory issues. At the head of the team, Luis M. Castro is a well-regarded name for project financing, particularly in the energy and real estate spaces, and Luis Ortiz is frequently sought out for his advice on public procurement and administrative matters. Project finance is also a key area of expertise for the ’excellent’ Julio Castellanos, who has advised international banks and multilateral organisations on high-profile energy and infrastructure projects, Pablo Umaña, who co-heads the regional project finance practice, and director Adriana Acuña.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'They have a comprehensive practice, with well-trained and experienced attorneys who complement each other in the service they provide. They also communicate and interact excellently in handling the cases we've worked on together. They are also our point of reference in the countries of the Central American region.'
- 'They are highly trained attorneys with strong communication skills that allow them to understand the requirements and needs of their jurisdiction. Julio Castellanos, in addition to being an excellent attorney, has become our primary point of contact at BLP for all our needs in the Central American region.'
- 'The firm has a multidisciplinary team that provides a comprehensive understanding and technical overview of each of the areas involved in a case, enabling a comprehensive solution to better meet the client's needs.'
- 'Experience, regional presence, loyalty and highly competitive fees.'
Key clients
- Liberty
- International Finance Corporation
- Idesa
- IDB Invest
- CAF-AM
- Globalvia
- BNP Paribas; Intesa Sanpaolo, New York Branch; JPMorgan Chase Bank; Mizuho Bank; MUFG Bank; Société Générale; Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation; and The Bank of Nova Scotia
- BMR Energy
- Celsia
- Banco Centroamericano de Integración Económica
- Gramercy
- Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Work highlights
Retained by INCOP for the structuring and bidding on a new concession to a private port operator that will be responsible for designing, financing and building new infrastructure, invest in new equipment, and operate and maintain the Caldera Port.
Acting as Costa Rican legal counsel to CAF Asset Management Corp. (CAF-AM) in order to create the first infrastructure investment fund in Costa Rica.
Advised BME Energy through its subsidiary in its acquisition of the Valle Escondido Solar Project and the renegotiation of the Project PPA with Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad and the deal for its acquisition by Coopeguanacaste.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Luis M Castro; Luis Ortiz