Santamarina & Steta has more than 70 years of experience and has grown to three offices in Mexico City, Monterrey and Querétaro.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is highly regarded, especially in banking, M&A and project development.
The banking team advises borrowers and lenders in refinancings, project financing, acquisition financing and other types of loan and credit facility agreements.
The capital markets team focuses on debt side transactions, where it represents issuers in bond issuances.
The M&A team advises private equity buyers and strategic buyers in sellers in acquisitions, joint ventures and corporate restructurings across multiple types of industries.
The projects practice area has proficiency in the infrastructure, construction and energy industries, where it represents financial sponsors and developers.
Key clients
Key clients for Santamarina & Steta include TriEnda Group, Deutsche Bank, Bancomext, Invex Controladora, Promotora Empresarial del Norte, Grupo Industrial Saltillo, Banobras, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, Abent 3T, Arpa Capital, Casas Krea and Ganfeng International Trading.
Research period review: 33rd edition (2022/2023)
During the research period the firm was active in banking, capital markets, M&A, projects and restructuring and insolvency.
In banking the firm advised borrowers and lenders on complex loan agreements and on financial restructuring of loans.
The capital markets team was active on the debt side in the real estate, financial services and consumer goods industries. It advised clients on various debt offerings as well as a tender offer.
Most of the firm’s M&A activity was cross-border, advising clients on acquisitions and joint ventures in the industrial and manufacturing and financial services sectors among others.
The projects team represented international and domestic clients in the financing of projects in agriculture, energy and transport infrastructure.
In restructuring and insolvency, the firm primarily advised creditors in several insolvency proceedings.
Deal highlights: 33rd edition (2022/2023)
Gallagher $3.25 billion acquisition of Willis Towers Watson Public Limited Company assets
Grupo México $10 billion acquisition of Grupo Financiero Citibanamex
Neogen Corporation $1 billion acquisition of 3M
Pentair $1.6 billion acquisition of Manitowoc Ice
Savage Enterprises $650 million credit facility
Client feedback: 33rd edition (2022/2023)
Insolvency
"Partners and lawyers are always available, respond promptly to our business needs and requests, and their input is integral in the design of business and legal strategies when we are involved in highly distressed situations as creditor or stakeholders."
M&A
"Highly personalised and ample resources on various legal matters."
"They are very experienced and supportive, our principal external law firm."
"Very responsive and knowledgeable."
"Personalized service with very quick turnaround and support from the firm's numerous capabilities."
"Understand the issues well. Work very efficiently. Don't try to make a simple project too large."
Carlos Arguellas
"Very responsive. A seasoned professional."
Pablo Laresgoiti
"Highly personalised service, quick turnaround and high quality."
"Highly personalized service and availability."
Juan Carlos Machorro
"Very knowledgeable lawyer. Also lets his team do the work."
Carlos Olvera
"Solutions-oriented counsel, who is able to provide strategic legal advice on a wide range of subjects when dealing with highly distressed situations. Expert in restructurings, workouts, litigation and distressed projects."
Francisco Udave
"He is very experienced, well focused and attentive when needed. His strategies helped us on the labour law reform restructure."
