Clifford Chance is at the forefront of development bank project financings in Latin America, including by both Americas-based and non-Americas-based development finance institutions (DFIs). The firm is also a leader in representing investment banks and is one of few that has an established record with commercial banks in the region. Moreover, it has a strong presence in export credit agency (ECA) financings. It also has a significant market share of loan financings, project bonds and hybrid financings in Colombia, Peru and Paraguay; while its growing presence in Chile saw the firm advise on a series of renewable energy and transmission projects. Smaller jurisdictions, such as Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Honduras and Panama have also provided the Latin America team with a stream of engagements. Fabricio Longhin is co-head of the Latin America group and has an outstanding record in projects across the region, notably toll road projects in Colombia. Lori Ann Bean has a background in ECA, DFI and commercial lender financings in Latin America, especially in relation to wind and other renewable energy projects. New York partner Hugo Triaca is a key member of the Latin America team, covering capital markets and lender-driven financings in the energy and infrastructure fields. Madrid’s José Guardo, along with Jessica Springsteen, New York-based Mariana Estévez and counsel Catherine McCarthy are also senior members of the team. Counsels Alberto Haito and Patricio Abal are also increasingly visible. All named individuals are based in Washington DC unless stated otherwise. Since publication, New York-based Gianluca Bacchiocchi has rejoined the firm from Latham & Watkins LLP.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The Clifford Chance Spain, Washington and New York team stands out for its great technical capacity in structured project financing, for its excellent level of internal coordination for the client, knowledge of the client and good management of resources.'
‘The great plus of this team is its availability and closeness to the client through a perfect coordination between the members of its offices and teams according to areas of specialisation.'
Key clients
- Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation
- Banco Santander
- Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria Colombia
- JPMorgan Chase Bank
- Financiera de Desarrollo Nacional
- Scotiabank
- CIFI LATAM
- Citibank
- Banco de Sabadell
- IDB Invest
Work highlights
Advised the lenders in connection with the multi-tranche, multi-currency long-term financing of the Autopista del Magdalena Medio project and the Autovía del Magdalena project in Colombia.
Advised the Inter-American Investment Corporation (IDB Invest) and Société de Promotion et de Participation pour la Coopération Economique (Proparco) as lender and guarantor, respectively, in connection with the financing by IDB Invest of a long-term local currency loan package to Águas do Rio 1 and Águas do Rio 4.
Advised Banco Santander, JPMorgan Chase Bank and a group of financial institutions on the refinancing of the Pamplona – Cúcuta project, part of Sacyr’s fourth generation (4G) road concession programme in Colombia.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Fabricio Longhin
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Jessica Springsteen
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Patricio Abal
Alberto Haito
Practice head
Fabricio Longhin