Mexico

Basham, Ringe y Correa, is a full-service firm that was founded in 1912 and has three offices throughout Mexico’s main cities.

Bello Gallardo Bonequi & García, or BGBG, was founded in 2001 and since then has expanded to three locations in two countries. The firm has two Mexican offices, in Mexico City and Querétaro, and an international office in Madrid. It is also a member of the Lawyers Association Worldwide and is best known for its work with financial institutions and corporations.

Cuatrecasas is a business law firm founded in 1917 in Barcelona, Spain. It now has offices in 13 countries. The firm has over 30 lawyers in Mexico at its Mexico City location. The firm advises banks on refinancing in the tourism industry and has expertise in energy and infrastructure. The firm also advised their client on specific contractual and regulatory matters to structure the sale of 13 power plants. 

Founded in 1975, Jáuregui & Del Valle is a full-service law firm known for its work in the corporate practice area. The firm is headquartered in Mexico City and led by managing partner Luis Gerardo Del Valle Torres.

Highlights

In the debt capital markets, the Firm advised Si Vale México, in obtaining the authorization of Si Vale Fintech from the National Bank and Securities Commission to act as an Institution of Electronic Payment Funds.

Other recent examples of the firm's work also include advising Edenred México Fintech in obtaining the authorization of Efectivale Fintech from the National Bank and Securities Commission. In addition to this, the firm boasts their regulatory financial expertise by acting as legal counsel regarding all regulatory matters applicable to both companies.

Key Clients

Key clients include Grupo Marhnos, Grupo TMM, Sí Vale Fintech, IFPE

Kuri Breña Sánchez Ugarte & Aznar has over 30 years of experience. The firm is located in Mexico City and is best known for its work in banking and capital markets.

Highlights

Over the research period, Kuri Brena acted as the legal counsel in the structuring and implementation of the first issuance of long-term notes under a five-year scheme. This first issuance, which saw the collaboration of financial institutions Banorte, BBVA, and Scotiabank as placement agents, earned the “AAA” rating from S&P and Fitch. Furthermore, it demonstrated a commitment to global sustainability, aligning with 14 of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Kuri Brena also provided legal advice to their client, Prologis in connection with the acquisition of over 100 hectors of property to develop an industrial complex. The transaction’s complexity is heightened by the multitude of sellers and intricate agrarian laws, leading to significant delays caused by the authorities. This role requires the team at Kuri Brena to navigate through a complex legal landscape and manage a multifaceted negotiation process efficiently.

Key Clients

Key clients include ACCAR Financial Mexico, Vinte Viviendas Integrales,

Testimonials

Banking

“Strong commitment, technical knowledge and efficient coordination of complex transactions.”

Capital markets

“KSA is the most knowledgeable firm in the securitization of accounts receivable in Mexico.”

M&A

“They provide sophisticated services, timely delivery.”

“They are extremely available and do not miss important details.”

“Assertiveness, comprehension, Affability and knowledge.”

Mayer Brown is an international firm with a presence in Mexico. Its Mexico City office was established in 2015 and works closely with the Houston, Texas office on oil and gas projects.

Highlights

The firm has an energy focus in Mexico with expertise in oil and gas and renewable energy projects. It is involved in both the financing and development stages of projects and is also active in banking and M&A work across a wide array of industries. In banking the firm worked on the borrower and lender side in cross-border credit facilities and loan agreements. It also advised administrative agents and lead arrangers.

The M&A team represents acquirers, joint venture partners, investors and sellers in acquisitions and other transactions across various sectors like healthcare and infrastructure. Recent work in M&A includes advising on interesting cross-border transactions at the intersection of the sports and spirits industries. The firm also advised holdings companies in various acquisitions across different sectors.

Key Clients

Key Clients include Cargill Financial Services International, Cargill Soluciones Empresariales, U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, ENGIE Mexico, Sonoco Products Company.

Testimonials

M&A

"Very proactive, and we always close the deals we want to base on their amazing attitude towards being pro-deal attorneys.”

Mijares Angoitia Cortés & Fuentes has been in business since 1994. Since then, it has grown into one of Mexico’s leading firms across all financial and corporate and project development related practice areas. The firm is located in Mexico City.

Highlights

Mijares served as legal counsel for Santander and Citibanamex during Banco Invex’s IPO, expertly guiding the issuance of Energy and Infrastructure Trust Certificates. The firm ensured legal compliance and risk mitigation, collaborating with stakeholders to support Banco Invex’s entry into capital markets. By leveraging their expertise, they facilitated a successful IPO which in turn facilitates funding for energy and infrastructure ventures, highlighting Mijares’ dedication to advancing clients’ interests in these critical sectors.

In project development, Mijares advises Mexico Pacific Limited regarding all regulatory and contractual elements in connection with the development and construction of one if the first large-scale liquefaction terminals in Mexico. This deal and its complexities, including the obtainment of permits from the Energy Regulatory Commission and the Ministry of Energy, further represents the breadth of their expertise and their commitment to providing the highest quality of service.

Key Clients

Key clients include Fibra Monterrey, Aleatica, Citibanamex, Casa de Bolsa Santander, Grupo Financiero Santander México, Prologis, Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners.

With over 30 years of experience, Nader Hayaux & Goebel has grown to be one of Mexico’s leading firms. The firm is headquartered in Mexico City, but also has an international presence with an office in London.

Highlights

Nader advised Arago Gestión in the structuring, registration and listing of a CERPI in the Mexican Stock Exchange requiring complex analysis and structuring to adhere to strict regulatory guidelines. Despite dealing with a constricted timetable, the team skillfully tackled the complex authorization process, obtaining the necessary approvals from both the Mexican Securities Commission and the Stock Exchange.

The firm represented their client in the restructuring of a desalination plant. The project faced challenges due to local government changes, litigations, and claims from the existing sponsor. The restructuring involved amending financial obligations and the procurement agreement. Notably, this is the first Local PPP Agreement to be amended and registered with State and Federal Authorities, which exhibits the firm's ability to handle unprecedented matters.

Key Clients

Key clients include Grupo Murano, Total Play, Elektra, Fibra Danhos, Fibra Storage

Founded in 1987 and located in Mexico City, González Calvillo is well-known for its high-quality transactional work across the board and is experienced in most industries. In the banking and finance practice area, the team represents borrowers and lenders in credit facilities and loan agreements related to restructuring, project financing and cross border financing matters. The capital markets team works on debt, equity and securitization capital markets matters, representing issuers in bond issuances, public offerings, capital increases and trust certificate issuances. The M&A team represents buyers and sellers in private equity and strategic acquisitions. The project development team is very active in the energy and oil and gas industries

Highlights

Gonzalez Calvillo regularly acts as counsel to MPC. A recent example includes an amparo claim filed against certain regulations preventing private companies to operate port terminals. The team provided risk assessment and put to use their expertise in implementing the regulatory structure and advising on regulatory framework.

The capital markets team at Gonzalez Calvillo stayed active with yet another example of a regular client, NRFM. The firm provided counsel for NRFM’s local short and long-term bond offering on the Mexican Stock Exchange. By ensuring compliance with regulatory obligations, Gonzalez Calvillo facilitated a successful conclusion to this matter.

Testimonials

M&A

"Comprehensive analysis of the strategies to be followed and how they will or will not impact the group's reorganization."

“They are extremely responsive and well-versed in the power space. They also are very capable of meeting client expectations.”

Project development: Energy

"They have a good team that has very good knowledge."

Key Clients

Key clients include NR Finance (CrediNissan), Hir Casa, IFM Investors, Aleatica, AMIB

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.

Highlights

Ritch Mueller advised on a credit facility upsizing of around $40 million. The original facility was granted for the acquisition of one third participation in the Los Ramones natural gas pipelines. In this transaction, the team at Ritch Mueller represented the Bank of Nova Scotia as administrative and collateral agent, and Scotiabank, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, the Bank of Nova Scotia and MUFG Bank as senior leaders.

The team also kept busy advising in multijurisdictional matters, representing the lenders, MUFG Bank, Mizuho Bank, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, Japan Bank for International Corporation, and MUFG Union Bank, in the prepayment of the existing facility for the borrow to allow the sale of its five operating electricity generation assets. This transaction displays the firm's abilities to handle complex issues in an international setting.

Key Clients

Key clients include Vesta, Santander, Fibra Educa, Banco Centroamericano de Integración Económica, Bank of America

Testimonials

Banking and finance

“They have the most expertise in the market, combined with swift responses and availability as well as a business mindset.”

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."

Full-service firm Sánchez DeVanny is known for its work in banking, corporate and project development. The firm was founded in 1996 and now has three offices: in Mexico City, Monterrey and Querétaro. Rafael Villamar-Ramos  is the firm’s managing partner.

Highlights

Sánchez DeVanny played an integral role in drafting and negotiating four power purchase agreements of clean energy and clean energy certificates. The team also provided further assistance to their client Nissan, representing them before the Energy Regulatory Commission and the National Center of Energy Control.

During the research cycle, the firm has supported their client Franke, in the second phase of their project with complex negotiations, all the environmental, energy, and permit and licenses for the acquisition, the construction agreement all of which require the team's expertise in the energy and oil and gas industries.

Key Clients

Key clients include Toyota Financial Services Mexico, Daimler México, Casa de Bolsa BBVA México, Casa de Bolsa Santander, Scotia Inverlat Casa de Bolsa.

Testimonials 

Investment funds: Retail funds

"Great follow up skills. They maintain really clear communication and ensure that everyone is on the same page before moving forward. Great dominance of every topic and really great disposition of the partners."

M&A

"The team is very responsive and highly qualified."

"Competent, business-oriented, professional team with corporate and tax view."

"Reliable and experts on tax, the energy sector and M&A. Fast and agile responses."

"Their opinion could be in both languages, Spanish and English."

Restructuring: Corporate

"They are very efficient in accompanying the client, they were at all times to solve problems."

Mariana Eguiarte

"Great attitude. Problem solver. Hands-on, very accountable and reliable. The best point of contact. Love working with her. The best in Mexico."

Diego Gomez Haro

"Diego is a lawyer with whom you feel totally calm and confident to solve problems."

Marisol González Echevarría

"She is a fantastic lawyer, very responsive and available. She has a deep knowledge of Mexican laws and is very business-oriented."

Ricardo León Santacruz

"Competent, polite, team-oriented, business-oriented."

Jose Miguel Ortiz

"Great follow up skills. Great at proposing new ideas and legal paths. Really good at identifying risks and mitigating them."

Santamarina & Steta has more than 70 years of experience and has grown to three offices in Mexico City, Monterrey and Querétaro.

Highlights

Santamarina has played a continuous role in guiding SMBC, DEG, MUFG, and SMBC México through the LIBOR transition’s complexities. This critical shift has been especially significant for loans previously granted to Operadora de Terminales Marítimas. The firm's legal expertise has been essential in navigating the multifaceted challenges presented by this transition, ensuring that the loans are smoothly adapted to the dynamic financial landscape.

Santamarina y Steta represented IDEI with the structuring and implementation of a new green bond offering in the Mexican Stock Exchange. The firm aided with the public debt offering of the first ultra-green bond in the Mexican market. This bond had ground-breaking characteristics that would set a standard for the green bond industry. In addition to the sustainability-linked features, this bond will also include an IFC’s stop-loss guarantee for the payment of the principal amount, and a cash collateral that will guarantee the payment of the interest amounts. This transaction is indicative of the firm's commitment to innovation.

Key Clients

Key clients include Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, DEG – Deutsche, MUFG Bank, Banco Mercantil del Norte, Institución de Banca Múltiple, Grupo Financiero Banorte, Arrendadora y Factor Banorte, Grupo Financiero Banorte

Testimonials

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."

SMPS Legal is an international law firm with offices in Canada, the United States, Colombia and Mexico. In Mexico City, the firm advises domestic and foreign investors in a variety of industries and represents creditors and debtors in financing and financial restructurings. It has expertise in the chemical, automotive and financial services sectors.

Highlights

Recent work includes the firm representing their client Bocel private equity in a particularly complex matter. SMPS Legal navigated the complex trustee substitution procedure which involved continuous negotiation of the terms and conditions of the procedure. These negotiations took place across multiple areas of the national banking and securities commission due to the legal and administrative nature of the matter.

The firm also advised Bocel Private Equity on the third and fourth capital calls to the holders of their debt certificates. There were issues in relation to required authorizations, meetings of certificate holders and continuous due diligence with the authorities. This displays the firm's commitment to serving their clients and handling the most complex matters.

Key Clients

Key clients include Bocel Private Equity, Capital Indigo, Arago Capital, Citibanamex, Mexplorer Capital

Testimonials

Capital markets: Structured finance and securitisation

"Very meticulous, detail attentive, technical knowledge and the best attitude."

Financial services regulatory

"Knowledge of Mexican regulatory processes, provide solutions for complex issues."

M&A

"They did an exhaustive due diligence for this transaction that even included a broader scope that what we asked for because the transaction required it. Their attention and good disposition during the transaction was exceptional and their documents just what the transaction needed."

Project development: Energy

"The firm has a profound knowledge of the energy sector, and is very precise on contract preparation."

Ivan Perez Correa

"He is an excellent lawyer, knows the detail of every transaction he leads and is very available at any time. Also he provides calmness and tranquility to every transaction when it can become stressful."

"He is so attentive, calm under pressure, solution focused, very conciliatory and has a broad expertise on the matter."

Eduardo Pizarro

"He understands the business and the client's needs in an instant. He has consolidated experience in the energy sector and therefore can guide us to achieve the most favourable strategy with the best and fastest outcome."

Carlos Solorzano

"Knowledge, efficiency and responsiveness."

Von Wobeser & Sierra is a full-service firm founded in 1986 in Mexico City. The firm advises debtors, lenders and guarantors on a range of credit and financing transactions. It represents both Mexican and international clients. In M&A the firm represents large international corporations in acquisitions and advises private equity fund managers working alongside US and other international firms.

Highlights

The firm’s banking and finance practice was primarily borrower side, actively advising clients on diverse financial transactions including loan facility agreements, syndicated loans, acquisition financing, and refinancings. Among its clients was Fairplay, which it advised in negotiating and executing a cross-border loan facility agreement with Community Investment Management.  

Its M&A practice advised buyers and sellers in diverse industries including the manufacturing, oil and gas, financial services and automotive sectors. In one acquisition, it advised EVO Payments as the seller in its acquisition by Global Payments.  

Key clients

Key clients include The Coca-Cola Company, EVO Payments, Clayton, Dubilier & Rice, MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, Enerflex and Banco Internacional de Costa Rica.

Berdeja Abogados is a corporate firm in Mexico with an office in Mexico City. The banking practice often facilitates the formation of Mexican offices representing foreign banks, specifically on matters related to their asset portfolios. It also advises financial institutions including banks and insurance companies on novel financial products. Along with its banking and finance expertise, the firm also advises clients in matters related to acquisitions, divestitures, mergers, private equity and restructurings. While it is industry agnostic, automotive and manufacturing are examples of sectors it excels in.  

Established in 2006, Canales Abogados is a seasoned corporate law firm based in San Pedro Garza García, Nuevo Leon. It has a team of 11 lawyers capable in several practice areas, each carrying distinct industry expertise. It advises private equity clients in mergers and acquisitions, and ampproject companies on transactions involving renewable energy. It also works in mining and conventional energy like oil and gas. In capital markets, the firm advises clients in the debt, equity and structured finance spaces, while the banking and finance practice specializes in aviation. The firm also does some mid-market work, advising family-owned companies in corporate restructuring.  

Founded in 1980, Cannizzo Ortiz y Asociados is a corporate law firm, based in Mexico City. The firm is active in banking and finance, corporate and M&A and in project development. It advises clients on transactional matters as well as providing regulatory advice. The firm regularly handles complicated regulatory issues and negotiations for their clients.

CDAbogados is a leading law firm located in Mexico City.  Corporate M&A and real estate are primary areas of practice for the firm. It advises clients on all sides of domestic and international acquisitions, joint ventures and mergers. Furthermore, the firm has relevant capital markets expertise, typically servicing clients in corporate restructurings, tender offers and privatizations. Some of the most notable transactions the firm participates in include advising on carve-out acquisitions and joint ventures. Truly a mid-market firm, it also services family-owned businesses in corporate matters.

Dentons López Velarde is a corporate law firm based in Mexico City. It’s part of the international law firm Dentons with offices in 47 locations across the globe. The firm is focused on advising clients on transaction and regulatory matters in banking and finance. The banking and finance practice works with borrowers on project and corporate financing in mining, energy, hospitality and manufacturing among other industries. On the lender side, it often represents international lenders like development banks and export credit agencies.

GLZ Abogados is a 20-partner strong firm located in Mexico City. The firm has 49 lawyers and four of counsel frequently advising clients on cross-border matters. The firm’s cross-border work is supported by its distinct involvement in the global network called HLB International. GLZ Abogados is the only firm representing Mexico in this network. Another distinguishing characteristic of the firm is its commitment to diversity and inclusion, having a team composed of nearly 80% women. These qualities surely contribute to the firm’s excellent track record in servicing noteworthy international clients in corporate matters as it relates to Mexican regulatory compliance.

Highlights

While the firm’s M&A practice served several clients on confidential matters, the banking and finance team was involved in a significant cross-border acquisition financing transaction. It is advising Aethlos QRO as borrower to finance the acquisition of Club Querétaro Gallos Blancos. The complexity of this sports entertainment transaction lies in the unique financing structure consisting of collection rights from broadcasting agreements, company shares and personal guaranties.

Greenberg Traurig was founded in South Florida in 1967 and now has over 2,750 attorneys at 47 locations on three continents. Their office is located in Mexico City where the firm represents both lenders and borrowers in the private and public sectors in secured and unsecured financing. In capital markets the firm represents issuers and underwriters on domestic and cross-border securities offerings. The firm’s projects team has strong expertise in infrastructure, often acting as lead counsel in large infrastructure deals.

Holland & Knight is a global full-service law firm with 30 offices and approximately 1,600 lawyers worldwide. Holland & Knight and Thompson & Knight completed a merger in August 2021 to create the combined firm with the name Holland & Knight. The firm has two offices in Mexico City – in Palmas and Reforma. The firm has expertise in FIBRA placements having advised on Mexico’s first and biggest. The firm also has a more general real estate focus. In M&A and projects the firm advises on deals in highly regulated industries including insurance and energy.

Ibañez Parkman is a boutique law firm with 11 partners across two offices in Mexico City and Queretaro. The firm specializes in project development, advising companies in the infrastructure, electricity, water and hydrocarbons industries.  Recent examples of the firms work include representing their client in a complex transaction involving a PPP contract in which they had to navigate how the risks would be shared.

Established in 2011, Ibarra, del Paso y Gallego is a corporate law firm, based in Mexico City. The firm prides itself on maintaining core values at the heart of their practice such as ethics, client loyalty, and a business-oriented approach guided by sound legal principles. The firm is active in banking and finance, corporate and M&A and project development. Among its specialties is real estate finance and development.  During the research period, the firm advised their client on the strategic restructuring of one of its Real Estate Investment Vehicles.

Kavanagh Gorozpe advises on  M&A, Corporate, Financial, Regulatory work. The firm provides comprehensive legal support to clients both domestically and internationally, navigating the complexities of the Mexican market. Recently, the firm assisted their client in developing the contractual framework related to the construction of residential complexes, addressing complex legal aspects, innovative contract arrangements, property rights, land use regulations, zoning laws, and financing agreements.

Müggenburg Gorches & Peñalosa is a corporate law firm with 13 lawyers in Mexico City.

Focusses / specialisms

The firm provides corporate advisory services to companies in a variety of industries including education, financial services, technology and food and beverage.

Key clients

Key clients include Banco Santander, Essity Holdings and Peco Pallet.

Client feedback: 31^st edition (2020 / 2021)

Banking

“Always available, super-fast responses, willing to go the extra mile.”

Ortiz Abogados is a firm led by partners with decades of experience in the Mexican market. It advises on cross-border transactions involving securitizations and corporate restructurings.

Highlights

During the research period, the banking and finance practice represented borrowers and lenders, including international lenders seeking advice from local counsel. Specifically, the firm advised Atrafin, or the American Trade and Finance Company as lender on the relevant collateral components for a credit agreement with EnergyCocomex. It also advised on credit agreements in the fintech industry. The firm’s M&A team works on transactions in the real estate sector. Additionally, it aids in the venture capital space, advising clients on the design and implementation of complex corporate structures.

Key Clients

Key clients include Atrafin, Prometeo, Agente de Seguros y de Finanzas and Constructora e Inmobiliaria Acaliza de México.

White & Case is a corporate law firm with an office in Mexico City established in 1991. It’s part of the international law firm White & Case with 46 offices in 31 countries and a team of 2,464 attorneys worldwide and 100 lawyers throughout the United States and Latin America.The firm is active in all areas of corporate law and project development. Recent work includes advising their clients in two tranches of bonds offerings, the second being an ESG bond, which they characterized as a gender bond with a maturity of three years, at a risk-free floating interest rate.