White & Case LLP has the history, senior expertise and team heft to remain at the forefront of Latin America capital markets transactions. It has excellent practitioners across its ranks, with high-quality teams in Sao Paulo and New York especially. Operating across the debt and equity spheres, it has close connections to Latin American issuers and international underwriters. It continues to work on landmark deals such as the Republic of El Salvador’s headline $1bn debt-for-nature swap, involving the issuance of a $1bn 20-year impact bond and the concurrent tender offer of a portion of existing notes. The team also advised Aeroméxico on its on-going SEC-registered IPO process. Donald Baker, based in Sao Paulo since 1997, has an outstanding reputation in the Brazil market, having worked on a multitude of marquee deals in the jurisdiction; he continues to maintain extensive connections to Brazilian corporates and financial institutions. Global co-practice head John Vetterli has maintained a major focus on Latin America, having spent much of his career advising on offerings from the region. John Guzman is another leading name in Sao Paulo, leading many of the firm’s top deals in Brazil and throughout Latin America. Rafael Roberti and Miami-based Karen Katri are also emerging talents, along with Sao Paulo associate Beatriz Barros. Named individuals are based in New York unless stated otherwise.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Deep knowledge of US capital markets and offering procedures, as well of the business of the company and the group.’

  • ‘The quality of their work and availability of the associates and partners. The great relationship they have with us and the company. Would like to recognise Donald Baker, Karen Katri and Beatriz Barros for their valuable work, expertise and proximity with our team.’

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Key clients

  • TermoCandelaria Power
  • Scotiabank Chile
  • Aeroméxico
  • The Government of El Salvador
  • JBS
  • Morgan Stanley
  • Banco BTG Pactual – Cayman Branch
  • Citigroup Global Markets
  • Deutsche Bank Securities
  • HSBC Securities (USA)
  • Itau BBA USA Securities
  • Santander US Capital Markets

Work highlights

Represented TermoCandelaria Power on a Rule 144A / Reg. S offering of $425m aggregate principal amount of its 7.75% notes (due 2031); and a concurrent any-and-all tender offer and exit consent solicitation targeting its 7.875% notes (due 2029).
Advised Scotiabank Chile in connection with multiple notes offerings under Scotiabank Chile’s $3bn US medium-term note program.
Advising Aeroméxico, as issuer, on its on-going SEC-registered IPO process, representing the issuer both as New York and Mexican legal counsel; the mandate follows on from our representation of this client as special aircraft finance counsel in its Chapter 11 proceeding in New York, pursuant to which the company exited bankruptcy protection in March 2022.

Lawyers

Hall of Fame

The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.

Donald Baker

Leading partners

The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

John Guzman

Next Generation Partners

Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

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

John Vetterli