BLP is renowned for its strength in the financing of large-scale energy and infrastructure projects throughout Costa Rica and Central America, with a particularly impressive track record of advising multilateral financial institutions in relation to landmark PPP projects. The team’s extensive project finance capabilities span cross-border financings, project bonds, green and sustainability-linked financings, and capital markets issuances, while it is also adept at handling project-related M&A and regulatory structuring. Among the firm’s core areas of expertise are renewable energy (including wind, solar and hydropower) and transport infrastructure (covering ports, airports and toll roads). The practice is overseen by Luis M Castro, who has in-depth knowledge of project finance, public and private infrastructure, and real estate development, and Luis Ortiz, an expert in public law, public procurement and regulatory matters. Julio Castellanos, a go-to adviser on the structuring of PPPs and complex financings of energy, port, road and airport projects (including capital markets transactions), and Pablo Umaña, who has excellent experience advising lenders and sponsors on high-profile project financings throughout Central America, are the other names to note at the top level. Special counsel Adriana Acuña provides key support.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Client satisfaction: NPS ®
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- They are highly professional and skilled lawyers. Furthermore, they operate with a strong work ethic, which is crucial in these processes.
- Their key differentiator is their combination of high-level technical expertise with a strong client and business focus. They not only provide sound legal advice but also understand the business context and offer practical and timely solutions. They excel in consistent service quality and a collaborative approach. Their best qualities include commitment, proactivity, attention to detail, and the ability to anticipate risks and propose strategic solutions.
- BLP distinguishes itself through its personalized approach, deep understanding of the legal environment, and ability to offer practical solutions aligned with business objectives. The team is known for its approachability and skill in anticipating risks, facilitating decision-making. Compared to other firms, its service is superior in both technical quality and client commitment. They also have a diverse and well-structured team, which strengthens service delivery.
- What sets them apart is that they are accessible, responsive to customer demands, and they do so clearly.
- They accompany you through different phases of the projects, they suggest topics or situations where they can help you, they are creative when it comes to finding different alternative solutions, and they don't keep you entertained with endless meetings to justify their work.
Key clients
- International Finance Corporation
- IDB Invest
- CAF-AM
- Globalvia
- Proparco
- BMR Energy
- Gramercy
- Gencom
- Central American Bank of Economic Integration
- Constructora Copisa
Work highlights
Advised Grupo Masaveu on the acquisition of a controlling interest in Las Pavas Wind Project, a utility-scale renewable energy asset operating under a long-term PPA with Costa Rica’s state-owned utility (ICE).
Advised IDB Invest on a $20m facility for subsidiaries of the Kaufmann Group in Costa Rica and Peru, supporting the deployment and scaling of electric vehicles, charging infrastructure and related clean mobility equipment.
Advised Proparo on the structuring of a $50m senior international loan to Banco Promerica to finance sustainable and socially impactful projects in Costa Rica.
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