IFLR 1000
The Guide to the World's Leading Financial Law Firms

	Arias & Muñoz BLP Abogados Consortium - Centro América Abogados Pacheco Coto
	Facio & Cañas Lara López Matamoros Rodríguez & Tinoco Zürcher Odio & Raven
	Aguilar Castillo Love Batalla Abogados Feinzaig Scharf & van der Putten Nassar Abogados
	Lexincorp Oller Abogados Pachecho Odio & Alfaro Quiros Abogados - Central Law

In 2010 Consortium Laclé & Gutierrez added two important financial institutions to their client base, HSBC and Panama's Banco Nacional, which will be opening its first international branch in Costa Rica. The firm was also chosen as counsel to Costa Rica's largest bank, Banco de Costa Rica, in the last quarter of 2010.... [more]

In 2010 Consortium Laclé & Gutierrez added two important financial institutions to their client base, HSBC and Panama's Banco Nacional, which will be opening its first international branch in Costa Rica. The firm was also chosen as counsel to Costa Rica's largest bank, Banco de Costa Rica, in the last quarter of 2010.

Otherwise, Consortium has experienced continued growth with long-standing clients such as Citibank and Scotia Bank and activity in corporate loans, mergers and acquisitions, securities and insurance. In response to the huge growth in the country's retail sector, Consortium also recently decided to include retail banking, primarily high-end residential loans, in its banking practice.

In a deal that closed in May 2011, Consortium, along with Hogan & Wells, represented the regional poultry and meat processor Corporación Pipasa, in its acquisition by the mammoth American company, Cargill, for an undisclosed amount. Cargill produces food, agriculture, industrial and financial products through its locations in 67 countries. Its acquisition of Pipasa expands Cargill's retail business in Central America.

Taking advantage of the newly opened insurance industry through its work with Consortium, the Colombian financial and commercial group Sociedades Bolívar was able to obtain authorisation to incorporate and operate an insurance company in Costa Rica, Seguros Bolívar Aseguradora Mixta. Consortium also advised on all issues related to operations. The deal closed in February 2011.

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	Arias & Muñoz Consortium - Centro América Abogados Guandique Segovia Quintanilla
	LatinAlliance Romero Pineda & Asociados
	Espino Nieto & Asociados Lexincorp Rusconi Medina & Asociados - Central Law Sáenz & Asociados
	Aguilar Castillo Love García & Bodán
	Benjamín Valdez & Asociados

Following a model that has continued to proliferate throughout the region, Consortium's regional network spans five Central American jurisdictions. The firm's Salvadoran office is one of its strongest.... [more]

Following a model that has continued to proliferate throughout the region, Consortium's regional network spans five Central American jurisdictions. The firm's Salvadoran office is one of its strongest. One partner describes the practice as "really good" adding: "I've had them across the table - I respect them a lot."

Described by one as a "gentleman", Aquiles Delgado earns the praise of many competitors, who credit him with "a lot of practice in the banking sector". Delgado led a team that assisted América Móvil, the Mexican telecommunications giant owned by Carlos Slim, acquire Digicel Group's Salvadoran business. Structured through a stock purchase agreement, Consortium obtained the requisite Salvadoran authorisations in order for América Móvil to proceed with its purchase.

The firm's Salvadoran office counseled Asociacion Liceo Frances in one of the first asset securitisations (valued at just over $4 million) under El Salvador's asset securitisation law. Additionally, the firm helped lenders Grupo Promerica and Bicsa grant a syndicated loan to TACA International Airlines in the amount of $100 million. The loan will help the carrier restructure some short-term debt.

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	Carrillo & Asociados Consortium - Centro América Abogados Mayora & Mayora
	Aguilar Castillo Love Arenales & Skinner-Klée Quiñones Ibargüen Luján & Mata
	Arias & Muñoz Bonilla Montano Toriello & Barrios Díaz-Durán & Asociados – Central Law Lexincorp
	Aczalaw Cuestas PPQ Palomo & Porras

The firm saw one of its leading lawyers, Alejandro Cofiño Rodríguez, depart to start his own boutique firm, Quatro Abogados last year. However, competitors express confidence that Consortium will1 be able to weather the turnover.... [more]

The firm saw one of its leading lawyers, Alejandro Cofiño Rodríguez, depart to start his own boutique firm, Quatro Abogados last year. However, competitors express confidence that Consortium will1 be able to weather the turnover. "They carried out a regionalisation strategy that had given them the results they expected," says one competitor, adding that the firm is "strong in transactional work and banking".

"They are the banking firm in Guatemala," notes a competitor. "They are outside counsel for some of the major banks in the country." Consortium was counsel to Apollo Management VI as it acquired the local operation of Evertec, a Puerto Rican company with operations in Mexico and Central America. The firm also handled the legal work related to the deal's financing by Bank of America, which acted as the administrative and collateral agent, and joint lead arrangers, Bank of America Securities and Morgan Stanley.

A team led by Alfredo Rodríguez Mahuad helped a multinational corporation establish a new holding structure in Europe. The deal's structure affords the client bilateral investment treaty protection while providing greater corporate efficiency. Mahuad also advised a local Guatemalan company on establishing a joint venture that may allow the company to expand throughout Central America.

"We have an excellent relationship with them," notes one peer. "I think they have very talented attorneys."

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	Arias & Muñoz Consortium - Centro América Abogados López Rodezno & Asociados
	Aguilar Castillo Love Gutiérrez Falla & Asociados
	Bufete Rosa y Asociados Casco-Fortin Cruz & Asociados CF Danzilo & Asociados García & Bodán Lexincorp Medina Rosenthal & Associates - Central Law

Though Consortium has offices throughout Central America, its Honduran operation is considered as being amongst its best. "Their members in Honduras are all extraordinary lawyers, and they are growing – with nice new offices," says one partner.... [more]

Though Consortium has offices throughout Central America, its Honduran operation is considered as being amongst its best. "Their members in Honduras are all extraordinary lawyers, and they are growing – with nice new offices," says one partner. With a roster of prosperous clients in multiple industries, including Citibank, Shell, and Warner Brothers Distributing, the firm has the experience to handle the needs of a far-ranging corporate clientele.

The firm has been able to keep atop energy developments, according to peers. Last year, José Miguel Álvarez advised Energía Eólica de Honduras (EEHSA) as it closed a $250 million financing deal for a new wind farm in Honduras.

In March, the firm also helped Puma Energy close an acquisition of Exxon Mobil's Central American retail and distribution arm. Through the transaction, Puma Energy acquired business in Belize, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama. Consortium's regional network was a well-utilised asset for the multi-national deal. The Honduran office coordinated the firm's legal teams in Guatemala and El Salvador.

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	Arias & Muñoz Consortium - Centro América Abogados García & Bodán
	Alvarado y Asociados
	Aguilar Castillo Love Lexincorp Nuñez Rizo Zambrana
	MG & Asociados

The Nicaraguan office of Consortium captures the respect of its competitors and remains one of the country's finest law firms. "They have a good reputation with other lawyers in the country," explains one partner, mentioning that the firm has solid experience in the local market.... [more]

The Nicaraguan office of Consortium captures the respect of its competitors and remains one of the country's finest law firms. "They have a good reputation with other lawyers in the country," explains one partner, mentioning that the firm has solid experience in the local market. Another peer elaborates on the firm's management: "They are regional, but they kept their own identity-a very well-known law firm."

The firm has been giving ongoing legal advice in relation to the Centrales Hidroeléctricas de Nicaragua, a joint venture between Brazilian companies Construtora Queiroz Galvao and Electrobras. The firm assisted with financing documentation and licenses, along with environmental legal advice for the project finance deal. The completed project will be capable of generating 200MW. Additionally, Consortium acted as local legal counsel to Caterpillar Crédito as it financed loans for purchasing heavy-duty construction equipment.

Competitors point to José Evanor Taboada when speaking about Consortium: "A great lawyer and had a lot of experience when he worked as the President of the Central Bank," says one about the firm's leading lawyer. Another adds that Taboada is "a very honest lawyer and a good worker with clients."

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