Regional outfit Arias is particularly highly regarded for its prowess on the lender side of financial transactions, acting for a host of leading regional and international banks, impact investors and, most notably, multilateral development agencies, which the ‘extremely reliable and responsive’ team frequently advises on financing the expansion of Central American entities. Well versed in assisting with cross-border matters, the Guatemalan office has extensive experience of leading teams from the firm’s other branches on region-wide transactions. The diverse offering spans syndicated loans, debt refinancings, acquisition finance and project finance, as well as regulatory issues. Luis Pedro Del Valle, who has a strong reputation for both domestic and international transactions, heads the team. He is supported by a talented cohort of junior lawyers, including Cindy Arrivillaga, an expert in sustainable finance projects, who was promoted to director in August 2023; Francisco Zuluaga and Florencio Gramajo, who were elevated to senior associate at the same time; and associate Andrés Marroquín.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Luis Pedro del Valle and Cindy Arrivillaga stand out for their collaborative approach and close relationships with clients.’
‘I have found the Arias Guatemala team to be extremely reliable and responsive, both in assisting on active matters and also in answering questions on potential matters. They are also very practical in their responses, understanding the need to provide legal advice in a way that assists in structuring deals and resolving issues.’
‘Most recently I have been working with Cindy Arrivillaga. I have found Cindy to be extremely responsive and thorough in her advice.’
‘The team is highly professional, knowledgeable and reliable. They are highly responsive, forthcoming and prompt.’
‘We worked with Luis Pedro Del Valle and Florencio Gramajo. Each of these individuals demonstrated the high professional standards in their respective capacities, were impressively understanding of our needs, knowledgeable, competent, driven to solve problems and mindful of time requirements.’
Key clients
- Cargill
- IDB Invest (Inter American Investment Corporation)
- Olam International
- FMO (Nederlandse Financierings-Maatschappij voor Ontwikkelingslanden)
- Cooperatieve Rabobank, New York Branch
- Banco Davivienda (El Salvador)
- Fair Capital
- Natixis
- Truist Bank
- CACIB (Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank)
Work highlights
Served as local counsel for Natixis, Standard Chartered Bank, Banco Santander, ING and other creditors on a syndicated term loan facility in favour of Impala Terminals Group to finance the acquisition of the energy infrastructure and storage terminals business owned by Puma Energy, totalling upwards of $1.2 bn.
Advised IDB Invest on granting a $250m syndicated loan to Corporación Multi Inversiones to enhance the group's operational capacity, fund its working capital needs and improve the efficiency and environmental impact of its projects.
Advised the United States Development Finance Corporation on granting a loan to Financia Credit for $10m to enable the borrower and its subsidiaries in Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and Costa Rica to expand their credit portfolio through the issuance of financial products oriented to SMEs.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Luis Pedro del Valle