Bertha Argüello

Bertha M Argüello has been part of the firm since 2003 and advises clients in banking and finance, corporate and commercial and mining matters, she has coordinated and advised in the opening and acquisition of several banks and financial institutions in Nicaragua, as well as acting as counsel in restructuring, regulatory and compliance matters. She has also advised on both local and international corporations in financing and investment transactions as well as security structuring in the country and the Central American region.

Bertha has also been legal advisor to local companies and foreign entities looking to invest in Nicaragua, including assisting on labor and organizational matters. She has been a member of the board of a supervised financial institution since 2016, as well as its risk and compliance committees, representing client interests and contributing to strengthening the entity’s presence nationwide. Bertha also advises clients on complex financing arrangements and security structures for both regulated and non-regulated entities. Her experience also includes working in Arias’ expanding labour department, advising clients on diverse employment matters, as well as general management and corporate solutions.

She holds a masters degree in law from Harvard Law School and a Juris Doctor degree from Universidad Autónoma Centroamericana in San José, Costa Rica. Bertha has been an authorized attorney and notary public in Nicaragua since 2000.

• Arias acted as Nicaragua counsel to Norfund in the granting of a subordinated loan to BANCO FICOHSA NICARAGUA, S.A. Bertha advised Norfund in the negotiation and structuring of the loan for $10,000,000.00, particularly the regulatory implications of capital structure, subordinated loan and requirements to qualify as such under the financial norms applicable in the country.
• Bertha was local counsel to the International Finance Corporation (IFC) in the negotiation, structure, and formalities for granting two loans to Mote Rosa mill, a subsidiary of the Sugar Unit of Pantaleón Group, dedicated to transforming sugar cane into sugars, honey, alcohols, and electricity. he IFC Loan consists of a short-term access to US$15,000,000.00, renewable annually for a period of 4 years, and a long-term loan of US$10,000,000.00 destined for working capital of the Monte Rosa Mill, as well as to the acquisition of machinery and equipment necessary for the mill´s operation.
• Bertha advised Grupo Bimbo in negotiations and obtaining the approval of the proposed transaction before the local antitrust regulator. Grupo Bimbo sells its confectionery business, Ricolino, to Mondelez for US$1329 million, whic is subject to local audits and inspection with regards of antritrust regulations. Arias prepared the legal and commercial documents to ensure the validity of the transaction within a antritrust local law perspective.

• Banking and finance
• Corporate and M&A

• Insurance
• Mining
• Banking and financial services

• International Bar Association (IBA)

• Law degree from the Universidad Autonoma de Centro America in San José, Costa Rica.
• Authorized to practice law and as a Notary Public in Costa Rica and Nicaragua.
• Master of Laws degree from Harvard University School of Law.