Ritch Mueller & Nicolau was founded in 1975 and since then has become one of Mexico’s leading firms across financial, corporate and project development practices. The firm is located in Mexico City.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm has top tier practices across the banking and finance, capital markets, M&A and project development practice areas.
In banking, the team acts on the lender and borrower side in project financing, refinancing, acquisition financing and working capital financing matters.
The capital markets advises both issuers and underwriters in debt and equity related matters. The team has experience with sovereign bond, investment grade and high yield bond issuances. It also works on certificates including CKD’s and CERPI’s.
In M&A, the firm works on both public and private M&A transactions, representing buyers and sellers. It is active in both strategic and private equity acquisitions.
The projects practice represents developers and sponsors in oil and gas, infrastructure and energy industries. The practice works on all stages of development, from financing to construction.
Key clients
Key clients for the firm include UBS, Banco Nacional de México, Morgan Stanley, BNP Paribas, Barclays, JP Morgan Chase, HSBC, Goldman Sachs, Linzor Capital Partners, Nexxus Capital, Brookfield, Laboratorios Sanfer, BBVA, EVM Energía. La Bufa Wind and Helios Generación.
Research period review: 33rd edition (2022/2023)
During the research period the firm was active in banking, capital markets, M&A, projects and restructuring.
The banking team advised large financial institutions in cross-border sustainable corporate financing, acquisition financing and credit facilities.
In capital markets the firm worked on the debt and equity side, advising financial institutions and other clients in bond issuances and tender offers.
The firm advised merger parties, buyers, sellers and shareholders in publicly listed mergers, acquisitions and investments across various industries such as fintech and transportation.
The firm’s projects team was active in the financing of multiple projects in the energy and infrastructure sectors.
The restructuring and insolvency team worked on several cross-border restructurings.
Deal highlights: 33rd edition (2022/2023)
América Móvil $750 million 4.7% bond issuance
Arcos Dorados $350 million 6.125% bond issuance
Grupo Posadas $392 million restructuring
Client feedback: 33rd edition (2022/2023)
Banking and finance
“They have the most expertise in the market, combined with swift responses and availability as well as a business mindset.”
Capital markets
“Vast knowledge and 'can do' attitude.”
Insolvency
“The team is available to answer questions from in-house attorneys, they are accessible and knowledgeable about the matter. The practice´s positive attitude with people is noteworthy. They are good collaborators and experts in the field.”
M&A
“They are extremely business-orientated and quick to respond. Their legal knowledge combined with their client management style makes them unique.”
“Their lawyers have extensive expertise in the field, and always seek to match the client's ideas.”
Private equity
“Very diligent and great at problem solving, with creativity in every step.”
Project development
“Rigorous, very responsive, combined very well the knowledge of litigation and energy regulation that was required for the case.”
Héctor Cárdenas Ortega
“He is one of the brightest lawyers I have ever worked with. Incredibly creative and business-orientated and always meets deadlines.”
Santiago Carrillo Cattori
“Extremely diligent.”
“He has extensive knowledge in different areas of law, cares about his client's ideals and has a quick response time in matters.”
Thomas Mueller-Gastell
“He is the master of the energy counsels in Mexico, the most admired and reputable one. Thomas has tons of common sense, a deep knowledge of the business and a lot of experience in project development, contract structuring and financing. The best energy lawyer we have found in Mexico and elsewhere. His advice is a really valuable asset for an energy investment company. And he is prudent and reasonable with fees.”
Luis Nicolau
“He is the master of the energy counsels in Mexico, the most admired and reputable one. Thomas has tons of common sense, a deep knowledge of the business and a lot of experience in project development, contract structuring and financing. The best energy lawyer we have found in Mexico and elsewhere. His advice is a really valuable asset for an energy investment company. And he is prudent and reasonable with fees.”
Adriana Padilla Rivas
“Adriana Padilla Rivas is an expert in the field, she proposes innovative solutions and does a great job.”
Gabriel Robles Beistegui
“He is incredibly responsive and business-orientated. Extremely prepared and with market insights and a natural character which allows deals to flow efficiently and swiftly.”
