Ana Mercedes López

Ana Mercedes has participated in the financing of different projects for companies in various sectors, such as aeronautical, electrical, business solutions providers, fast food restaurant chains, among others; advises them on the incorporation and acquisition of companies dedicated to different areas within the energy industry. Advises companies with recognized international experience in the execution of their investments at a local and international level, with special emphasis on the development of investments in the energy industry through the preparation and review of energy supply contracts (PPA), construction contracts (EPC), operation and maintenance contracts (O&M) and in obtaining permits and authorizations necessary for the development of projects in El Salvador.

She has also participated in multi-jurisdictional financings and advises national and international banks.

Ana Mercedes has also advised multinational companies on mergers and acquisitions, analyzed competition aspects related to concentrations, participated in financing, as well as in their Corporate Governance.

Also, Ana Mercedes is very active in pro-bono work.

• Banco Santander and Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior (Bladex) granted a loan of up to $54,375,000.00, in favor of RANSA CORP S.L., Ana Mercedes and our team of experts in the region represented the lenders in H.I.G. Capital's acquisition financing of multiple Latin American logistics entities. Our team meticulously reviewed the Credit Agreement, drafted, and registered security documents (Pledge Agreement and promissory notes) through the Securities Over Movable Assets System. We collaborated directly with the Collateral Agents (TMF Group New York and TMF Group Services Costa Rica) and led the Central American team in interacting with all counterparts. Arias Costa Rica also prepared a comprehensive Legal Opinion for the Loan.

  Ana Mercedes and her team advised the renowned Colombian insurance group Suramericana on the sale of the insurance company Asesuisa in El Salvador (a subsidiary of Suramericana since 2012) since the initial stages of the negotiations, overseeing the legal structuring of the operation, as well as the preparation and negotiation of the stock purchase agreement (“SPA”) for the Asesuisa shares that belong to Suramericana. Arias also accompanied Suramericana in the regulatory processes, as its legal advisor.

  Corporación TS sold 100% of the shares in Seguros del Pacifico, a longstanding Salvadoran insurance company, to Inversiones Atlantida, S.A, a local financial conglomerate part of the Honduran financial group Atlantida. Ana Mercedes ad her team acted as advisors to seller, in the drafting, negotiation and execution of the sale purchase agreement, in the regulatory filings and authorization process and closing of the transaction.

  Arias acted as local counsel in El Salvador for GLAS Trust Corporation Limited, the security agent for the Note Purchasers. In this role, Ana Mercedes was part of the team that advised GLAS Trust on a security structure to protect the Note Purchasers' rights.

• Banking
• Financial restructuring
• M&A
• Restructuring and insolvency

• Energy
• Banking
• Financial services
• Insurance
• Media

• Member of the Board of Directors of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of El Salvador
• Member of the Board of Directors of the Mediation and Arbitration Center of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of El Salvador
• International Bar Association (IBA)

• Degree in Law from the Universidad Dr. Jose Matías Delgado.
• Authorized as a Practicing Attorney and Notary Public by the Supreme Court of El Salvador.
• Master's Degree in Entrepreneurial Law from Universidad Navarra, Spain.
• Diploma in Family Education from the European Institute of Education.
• Master's degree in Bioethics, by the Universidad del Istmo, Guatemala.