Firms To Watch: Projects and infrastructure

DLA Piper Mexico specialises in energy and infrastructure projects, and is regularly instructed by leading domestic financial institutions seeking support with cross-border financings, restructurings and the development and operation of projects; Roberto Ríos, who is well-versed in project finance, PPPs and government procurement; and  Mexico City office c0-director Edgar Romo, who focuses on M&A, capital markets and corporate governance, are the key practice contacts.

Projects and infrastructure in Mexico

CMS Woodhouse Lorente Ludlow

The truly unique’ team at CMS Woodhouse Lorente Ludlow garners client praise for its deep knowledge of the infrastructure industry’ and is routinely instructed by governmental authorities, developers, sponsors and lenders alike. The group’s capabilities cover the entire lifecycle of projects, including the initial structuring phase, financing, implementation and ongoing project management. Particular areas of expertise include toll road concessions, railroads, hospitals and public transport infrastructure, as illustrated by a recent highlight which saw the group oversee the development of the 18.2 km Chalco-Santa Martha Trolebús project in the State of Mexico. The practice is co-directed by Enrique Lorente Ludlow, who is lauded for his ‘extensive knowledge’ and availability, and specialises in project structuring and financing, as well as the preparation of PPP contracts, procurement, and construction matters. Fellow practice co-head and born leader’ Marcia Santomé Sánchez has considerable experience advising federal and local public entities, developers, construction companies, investors and financial institutions on a range of projects. Additional names to note for project financing and development include Giancarlo SchieveniniFernando Nava Herrera, and senior associate José Antonio Ruiz P.

Responsables de la pratique:

Enrique Lorente Ludlow; Marcia Santomé Sánchez


Autres avocats clés:

César Lechuga; Giancarlo Schevennini; Ernesto Castañeda


Les références

‘Aside from the high professionalism of the team, the high human quality of all the members of the team stands out.’

‘They are experts in the subject of infrastructure, they are creative, they look for how to achieve the appropriate structures, they investigate in depth, they look for alternative and creative solutions.’

‘The CMS WLL team is truly unique, its specialism in contracts and government contracting is at the highest level. Enrique Lorente Ludlow – available whenever required.’

Principaux clients

Grupo INDI


Mota-Engil México


Gobierno del Estado de Durango


Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico


Secretaría de Infraestructura, Comunicaciones y Transportes (SCT)


Grupo Osme


Grupo Azvi


Valorum Capital


Súper Carreteras del Norte


Nacional Financiera (NAFIN)


Banco Multiva


Fondo Nacional de Infraestructura (FONADIN)


Orva Ingeniería


Central de Autobuses del Poniente del Distrito Federal


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised the Federal Government on the structuring of the Tren Maya project from 2019 to 2023.
  • Assisting the National Infrastructure Fund, the Government of the State of Durango, and the Municipal Government with the development, recovery and commercialization of a 30-hectare area in the centre of Durango.
  • Advised Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico on the necessary legal strategy to carry out road works to connect the International Airport of Guadalajara with the urban core of the city of Guadalajara.

Galicia Abogados S.C.

The projects and infrastructure practice at Galicia Abogados S.C. specialises in advising on the development, financing, construction, operation and sale of infrastructure and energy projects, in addition to the negotiation of concession titles, public bidding processes, and related arbitration and litigation. The group’s diverse client roster routinely features sponsors, development banks, private equity funds and other financial institutions, along with government agencies, insurers, and contractors. Recent mandates have seen the team advise on highway, railroad, and health infrastructure projects. Eight partners share leadership; the names to note are Alejandro De La Borbolla, who focuses on the financing of energy and infrastructure projects; energy-focused Francisco Fernández Cueto; Bernardo Martínez Negrete (commercial law, life sciences, and the financing of infrastructure projects); the ‘results-oriented’ Antonio Borja and Ernesto Partida (energy and infrastructure project finance); and Eduardo García-Travesi, whose practice is centred on the financing and development of renewable power projects. Carlos de Maria y Campos and Eugenio Sepúlveda complete the leadership group. Alan Rogel is the key senior associate-level contact and handles financing, PPPs, and government acquisitions. Long-standing partner Humberto Pérez Rocha left the firm in September 2024.

Responsables de la pratique:

Carlos de María y Campos; Alejandro de la Borbolla; Francisco Fernández Cueto; Bernardo Martínez Negrete; Antonio Borja; Eduardo García Travesi; Ernesto Partida; Eugenio Sepúlveda


Les références

‘Galicia is a very solid firm with very good knowledge of the matters involved; immediate reaction and reliability.’

‘Antonio Borja – excellent attention and results-oriented. His legal assistance is reliable.’

Principaux clients

Grupo Roadis/PSP Investments


Grupo Azvi Cointer


Grupo Empresarial San José


Grupo Nieto


Promecap


BlackRock


UDRA


IDB Invest


NadBank


Abertis Infraestructuras


GIC Special Investments Pte


Banco Monex


Banco Santander


Saavi Energía


Grupo México


Terminales Portuarias del Pácifico


Latam Capital Advisors


Orden Cardinal


ARDIAN


Macquaire Infrastructure Partners


ODATA


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Grupo Empresarial San José and UDRA on matters related to the construction of hospitals and health facilities at federal, state, and municipal levels.
  • Advised Roadis Group on the concession title granted by the ministry of communications for the construction, operation and maintenance of the Monterrey–Saltillo highway and Saltillo bypass.
  • Advised Roadis Group and Mota Engil Group on the concession title granted by the ministry of communications for the construction, operation and maintenance of the Perote–Xalapa highway and Xalapa bypass.

Mijares, Angoitia, Cortés y Fuentes S.C.

‘Knowledge, speed, quality in deliverables, and practicality’ are the calling cards of the group at Mijares, Angoitia, Cortés y Fuentes S.C., which specialises in advising financial institutions and multinationals on the financing of infrastructure projects - primarily renewables, oil-and-gas, water treatment, waste management, ports, highways and railroads. A recent highlight saw the group assist Aleatica and Invex Infraestructura with the negotiation and execution of a structured financing by means of a loan agreement for up to MXN $4.8bn in order to refinance its debt. A trio of partners shares leadership of the practice: Horacio De Uriarte focused on advising both lenders and borrowers in relation to project finance mandates, as well as on the regulatory aspects of energy and infrastructure projects - notably those involving natural gas pipelines, LNG terminals and toll road projects. Patricio Trad majors on M&A, corporate and structured finance, securities regulation, and infrastructure and energy matters; and Eugenio Macouzet handles corporate matters, debt and equity offerings, real estate, and projects work. Senior associate Anacandy Perusquía's practice is centred on private equity transactions, M&A, and corporate and project finance; associate Aisha Calderón has a growing role in renewable energy and environmental matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Horacio M. de Uriarte; Patricio Trad; Eugenio Macouzet


Les références

‘MACF differentiates itself for its knowledge, speed, quality in deliverables, and practicality.’

Principaux clients

Actis


Aligned Data Centers International


Conmex Aleatica


Afore XXI Banorte


Riverstone Holdings


Mexico Pacific Limited


Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (GIP)


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised data centre operator Aligned Data Centers International on the acquisition of the Mexican subsidiaries of ODATA from Brazil’s Patria Investimentos and US IT company CyrusOne.
  • Advised ICA Constructora de Infraestructura on a MXN $2.7bn credit facility granted by Banco Nacional de Obras y Servicios Públicos for the construction of the Playa del Carmen portion of the Tren Maya.
  • Advised Mexico Pacific Limited on the regulatory and contractual aspects of the development of a large-scale liquefaction terminal in Mexico.

Nader, Hayaux y Goebel, SC

Nader, Hayaux y Goebel, SC's projects offering encompasses the range of financing and development mandates, including notable strength in PPPs for prison, transport, hospital, toll road, waste-and-water, and energy projects. Recent mandates have seen the group advising on waste management projects in Morelos, as well as advising Hermosillo’s water commission on the restructuring of its public debt in order to obtain financing for several infrastructure projects. The practice group is co-led by a trio of partners: Javier Arreola Espinosa, who has notable experience advising lenders on the financing of projects, as well as advising governmental and private entities on the implementation of PPPs; the ‘highly knowledgable’ Vanessa Franyutti, who is well-versed in PPPs, joint ventures, and construction, operating and management agreements; and Alejandro Rojas, who also handles the structuring of PPPs and has niche expertise in regulatory, administrative and budgetary analysis. Additional names to note include Santiago Medina (project finance and energy regulatory matters); and banking, finance, capital markets and M&A specialist, Michell Nader. Following the June 2023 departure of José Manuel López Castro, Fernando Castillo (projects, energy, capital markets, and banking and finance) is the key senior associate contact.

Responsables de la pratique:

Javier Arreola; Vanessa Franyutti; Alejandro Rojas


Les références

‘Vanessa Franyutti – highly knowledgable.’

Principaux clients

Organismo Operador del Agua del Municipio de Los Cabos


Fondo Nacional de Infraestructura


Empresas Públicas de Medellín


Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (CAF)


GIA Infraestructura


Apollo Communications


TACTIV, Casa de Bolsa


BID Infraestructura


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised the Water Operator Agency of Los Cabos Municipality on a PPP international bidding process to retain a private entity to improve and operate the potable water system of Los Cabos.
  • Advised the State of Yucatan on the interstate solid waste management system for the State of Yucatan.
  • Advised a four-member consortium of companies on the public bidding process, granting, and implementation of a public procurement agreement for operations at Felipe Ángeles airport (AIFA).

Creel, García-Cuéllar, Aiza y Enríquez, S.C.

Lauded as providing a ‘level of service and attention that is far superior to most firms’, the team at Creel, García-Cuéllar, Aiza y Enríquez, S.C. specialises in the financing and development of oil-and-gas, renewables, telecoms, transport, and water and waste management projects. Lenders, sponsors, investment banks, energy and construction companies, insurers and private equity funds regularly feature on the practice group’s client roster. Practice co-head Santiago Sepúlveda focuses on the structuring, development and financing of energy, telecoms, transport infrastructure projects, in addition to M&A and private equity investments. Alongside him, José Ignacio Segura majors on advising sponsors on the acquisition, development, financing, and sale of energy and infrastructure projects, as well as corporate and acquisition finance. Additional key contacts for energy and infrastructure transactions include counsel Vanessa Gimenez; senior associate Ana Irma Amado; and Juan Carlos Luna, who was promoted to counsel in January 2024.

Responsables de la pratique:

Santiago Sepúlveda; José Ignacio Segura


Les références

‘The team at Creel is fantastic. They have a level of service and attention that is far superior to most firms. In addition to technical knowledge and legal content, the Creel team exercises very appropriate judgement that balances the commercial, legal and practical.’

‘Creel’s team excels at mitigating risks, identifying areas of opportunity, and evaluating alternatives to achieve its clients’ objectives. Creel is also very good at reducing the level of stress among project participants, which helps to reach the goal in a constructive manner.’

Principaux clients

Mitsui & Co.


Comisión Federal de Electricidad


China Three Gorges


CFE Energía


Tokyo Gas Co.


Tohoku Power Investment Company


JPMorgan Chase Bank


Banco Mercantil del Norte


Banco Santander


Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank


Terminal KMS de GNL


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Banco Mercantil del Norte (Institución de Banca Múltiple), and Grupo Financiero Banorte on the negotiation and execution of a $430m credit agreement with CMRO Nayarit.
  • Advised JPMorgan Chase Bank and the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation on the negotiation and execution of a credit agreement for the repowering and modernisation of seven hydroelectric power plants in Mexico.
  • Advised Terminal KMS de GNL and its sponsors on the negotiation and implementation of the refinancing of a $125m commercial loan facility.

Pérez-Llorca

The ‘responsive’ and ‘thoughtful’ team at Pérez-Llorca's Mexico office (formerly: González Calvillo) is frequently instructed by government entities, local and international development banks, energy companies and contractors for its project development and financing expertise. The group has experience advising on energy, power, water and highway projects, and also handles a range of regulatory and permitting mandates,along with projects-related litigation and arbitration. The department’s five partners share leadership: Enrique González Calvillo majors on cross-border transactions involving energy and power generation, as well as M&A, joint ventures and commercial arbitration. Jorge Cervantes Trejo and Rodrigo Rojas Robleda specialise in private equity, M&A transactions, and transactional projects mandates; Oscar Moreno Silva is well-versed in advising developers, lenders, and sponsors on the development and financing of energy, power, oil-and-gas, and water-related projects; while Hernando Becerra de Cima undertakes cross-border M&A and financings. Counsels Antonio de Lisi (infrastructure and energy project finance) and Julia González (regulatory matters and dispute resolution) are additional key contacts. Diana Pineda Esteban left the firm in April 2024.

Responsables de la pratique:

Enrique González Calvillo; Jorge Cervantes; Rodrigo Rojas Robleda; Óscar Moreno Silva; Hernando Becerra


Les références

‘The team is probably the most responsive in my experience working in Mexico. Not only are they responsive, but they are thoughtful and try to understand the background of an issue in order to make the most appropriate recommendation for the client. Rodrigo Rojas is very reliable, agile and his team produces high quality work. We recommend them frequently.’

‘The consistency of high quality work and a super responsive team differentiates the team from its competitors. It is a highly recommended team that identifies key points, advocates strongly for its clients when appropriate, and guides transactions to a successful closing.’

Principaux clients

Abu Dhabi Investment Authority


Actis/Saavi Energía


Chevron


Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP)


GPO/Proman


Grupo Lodemo


JP Morgan Securities, Mizuho Securities USA, Scotia Capital (USA)


Marathon Petroleum


Mizuho Bank


Nordex SE


Pattern Energy


Thermion Energy


TPG Capital


Vopak Mexico


Zuma Energía


Principaux dossiers


  • Acted as counsel to Proman AG’s Mexican subsidiary, Gas y Petroquimica de Occidente, on the financing, development and construction of an ammonia fertilizer complex in the port of Topolobampo, Sinaloa.

White & Case S.C.

Highlighted as very organised and highly specialised’, the practice group at White & Case S.C. regularly handles the financing and development of infrastructure and energy projects. The group is frequently mandated by sponsors and developers alike, which seek its expertise particularly as regards railroad, renewables, and oil-and-gas projects. A recent standout mandate saw the team advise Kansas City Southern de México in relation to the construction of a passenger rail project between Mexico City and Querétaro. The practice is directed by Francisco De Rosenzweig, who has significant experience in advising on the regulatory, contractual, and project finance aspects of energy, infrastructure and transport projects. Juan Ruenes, who draws on prior in house experience at Braskem, focuses on project finance, infrastructure development and general corporate matters. Juan Carlos Llorens also focuses on energy, infrastructure, corporate, and project finance matters; while key associate José Daniel Franco's practice is closely centred on the development of electricity and oil-and-gas projects. Mariana Montemayor left the firm in October 2023.

Responsables de la pratique:

Francisco de Rosenzweig


Les références

‘The White & Case team is very organized and highly specialised. It has responded quickly and efficiently, a combination that is difficult to obtain, especially when the deals carried out involve a significant complexity.’

‘Both the associates and the partners are recognized experts in the industry and demonstrated having the capacity and extensive subject knowledge. Partners Francisco de Rosenzweig and Juan Ruenes deserve special mention.’

‘Availability, agility, involvement of the appropriate specialists in accordance with the needs of the client; trust, efficiency and effectiveness. Furthermore, they are extremely professional and mature in providing their services.’

Principaux clients

Kansas City Southern de México


Banobras


Braskem Idesa


TQPM


China Power International Holding


Zuma Energía


Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisted China Power International Holding and Zuma Energía with the acquisition of six renewable generation projects in Mexico.
  • Advised Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation and a group of commercial banks on a senior secured term loan facility extended to Gasoducto de Zapotlanejo.
  • Advised Braskem Idesa on the sale of its 50% interest in Terminal Química Puerto México (TQPM) to Advario.

Baker McKenzie Abogados, S.C.

With projects lawyers based in both its Mexico City and Ciudad Juárez offices, Baker McKenzie Abogados, S.C.’s practice group is highlighted by one client as standing out for the wide variety of areas’ covered by its experts. The team - which is frequently instructed by sponsors, investors, developers, lenders and operators - handles the planning, structuring, financing, and development of infrastructure projects. Recent mandates of note include advising Ammper in connection with its power supply and generation activities under the new power regime in Mexico; and assisting Canelo Energy with the structuring of JV and investment schemes for the development of the brand, entailing the acquisition of existing petrol stations across Mexico’s central-western and Bajío regions. Following the February 2024 departure of former practice co-head Gaspar Gutiérrez Centeno, the practice is steered by Benjamin Torres Barrón, whose practice takes in the development of real estate, mining and infrastructure projects. Additional names of note include Daniel Sánchez-Morales, who handles the design and development of energy and infrastructure projects; and Ciudad Juárez-based associate Carlos Maass-Porras, who provides assistance in connection with public tenders and public contracting mandates.

Responsables de la pratique:

Benjamín Torres Barrón


Les références

‘Very good local and global expertise. They have experts on a wide variety of topics.’

Principaux clients

Advario North America


Baja California Railroad


ATCO


InfraRed Capital Partners


Canelo Energy


Banco Nacional de Obras y Servicios Públicos


Banco de Comercio Exterior and The Korea Development Bank


Petrobal Upstream Delta 1


Nacional Financiera


Ammper Energía Mexico


Gas del Litoral


Koch Industries


Japan Bank for International Cooperation


TC Energy


Gas y Petroquímica del Pacífico


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Advario on the successful acquisition of a 50% participation in Terminal Química Puerto México.
  • Acted for Baja California Railroad in connection with the legal due diligence needed to evaluate the feasibility of a potential transaction involving the financing for the rehabilitation of the Desert Line railroad project in Mexico and the United States.
  • Advised ATCO on the execution of an assignment and mutual release agreement.

Greenberg Traurig, S.C.

Lauded by one client as ‘without a doubt one of the most experienced groups of lawyers in the Mexican market’, the team at Greenberg Traurig, S.C. is equipped to assist developers, funds and banks with the development and financing of infrastructure projects - namely those involving highways, airports, ports, energy, water and telecoms infrastructure. A recent standout matter saw the group advise the State of Sonora on the implementation of a state fund for the financing, construction and operation of public and social infrastructure in the state, including highways, roads, hospitals and water treatment plants. Leadership of the practice is shared between José Antonio Butrón, who handles energy and infrastructure-related M&A and the structuring and implementation of infrastructure funds including CKDs, CERPIs, and FIBRAs-E; project finance and public procurement specialist Juan Manuel González Bernal; and Gabriela Palomino, who focuses on transactional matters and the formation of infrastructure funds. Luis Torres (finance, corporate, and M&A) and Edgar Fernando Orozco (project finance) are the key associate-level contacts.

Responsables de la pratique:

José Antonio Butrón; Gabriela Palomino; Juan Manuel González


Les références

‘Clarity and in-depth knowledge of the issues. The team has extensive legal knowledge, which has allowed us to develop innovative financial structures; we did not find the same solvency and capacity for this type of operations in other firms.’

‘High level of knowledge of the subject and the availability to attend to any task at any time. Committed people with a great attitude.’

‘José Antonio Butrón – good attitude, always available and looking for creative ways to solve problems. Very committed team compared to other firms.’

Principaux clients

Mexico Infrastructure Partners


Infraestructura México


Concesionaria Autopista del Sureste


Concesiones Integrales


MXT Infrastructure Holdings


Banorte


Pápagos Servicios para la Infraestructura


Sarre Infraestructura y Servicios


Estado de Veracruz


Estado de Sonora


Estado de Hidalgo


IENTC


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisted Mexico Infrastructure Partners (MIP) with the acquisition of thirteen power plants from Iberdrola.
  • Assisted Mexico Infrastructure Partners (MIP) with the sale of a 50% co-control equity interest in MXT Infrastructure Holdings to ARDIAN.
  • Assisted Fibra Infraestructura Mexico with the acquisition of a participation in three project companies with four highway assets.

Holland & Knight

Praised for its ‘profound knowledge’, the team at Holland & Knight LLP is equipped to assist developers, commercial and development banks, and government entities with the financing of projects involving urban infrastructure, highways, airports, waste and wastewater, telecoms, electricity and hydrocarbons. Three partners share leadership of the practice: Alejandro Landa (who also directs the banking and finance group), is lauded as ‘very dedicated, available 24-7, and proactive’; he specialises in corporate, M&A, capital markets, real estate and the financing of infrastructure and energy projects. Carlos Ochoa majors on energy, infrastructure, real estate, project finance and M&A transactions; and Rodolfo Rueda, who divides his time between Mexico City and Houston, and deals with regulatory and government affairs, as well as cross-border natural resources and energy transactions. Senior counsel Aldo Gonzalez Melo‘s practice focuses on corporate law, projects, and structured and public finance, as well as the structuring of infrastructure and energy transactions. Since publication, the practice has been further strengthened with the hire of Mónica Rodríguez Díaz as a senior policy advisor; her experience includes both time at the Comision Reguladora de Electricidad (CRE) and as an independent energy consultant.

Responsables de la pratique:

Alejandro Landa; Carlos Ochoa; Rodolfo Rueda


Autres avocats clés:

Aldo González Melo; Guillermo Uribe


Les références

‘The diversity of points of view and approaches make the team stand out from other law firms. The team is always available and willing to analyse innovative or creative options.’

‘Very dedicated, available 24-7, and proactive – Alejandro Landa and Aldo González.’

‘Profound knowledge of capital markets regulation. Very particular ability to understand the performance of a public company. The response capacity is extraordinarily agile. The firm moved with certainty, without hesitation, and resolved profound problems in an agile and definitive manner.’

Principaux clients

Microsoft Corporation


Terminal KMS de GNL


Grupo México Infraestructura-Valero-Ferromex


Citelum


Grupo México Infraestructura Parque Eólico de Fenicias


Grupo Hyc (Grupo Hycsa)


North American Development Bank (NADB)


Banco Santander México, Institución de Banca Múltiple, Grupo Financiero Santander México


Banco Multiva, Institución de Banca Múltiple


TMF Mexico Business Process


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisted Microsoft with the development and permitting of a temporary generator project to be used for the QRO 02 COLO 1 Facility.
  • Advised Banco Santander México, Institución de Banca Múltiple, and Grupo Financiero Santander México on a new ESG refinancing product.
  • Advised TMF as Onshore Collateral Agent in Mexico and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas on an ongoing transaction in connection with a senior facility agreement and a Mexican structure of guarantees.

Jones Day

The very attentive’ team at Jones Day specialises in advising on the financing, development and operation of infrastructure projects involving airports, highways, hospitals, portsrailroads, oil-and-gas, and renewable energy production. Its client roster regularly features local and international banks, constructors, developers, and energy companies. Three partners share leadership of the practice: Alberto de la Parra, who is praised for his ‘great knowledge of administrative law’, focuses his practice on project structuring, corporate and project finance, restructuring and M&A, and often acts on oil-and-gas, toll road, real estate, mining and aviation-related mandates. José A Estandía is primarily concerned with the financing of energy transactions; while Manuel Romano undertakes the full range of energy and infrastructure financing and development work. Of counsel Arturo de la Parra is known for his focus on cross-border and domestic infrastructure-related lending transactions. Alexandra Sibaja and Mariana de Maria y Campos are names of note at associate level.

Responsables de la pratique:

Alberto de la Parra; José Estandía; Manuel Romano


Les références

‘Jones Day is a firm with international reach that has supported us in obtaining legal opinions on foreign law and support in infrastructure projects. The partners are very attentive to the issues.’

‘Alberto de la Parra adds a plus to the service with his experience, knowledge and good relationships in both the public and private sectors. He has great knowledge of administrative law which makes a difference for infrastructure issues.’

‘Alberto de la Parra and Arturo de la Parra are always available and their work is excellent.’

Principaux clients

Banco Santander


Beel Infra


Grupo Energía México Gemex


Iberdrola


Invex Infraestructura 4


Grupo Gigante


Vitol Electricidad de México


Ainda Energía e Infraestructura


Constellation Brands


Saavi Energía


BBVA México


SMBC


Kino Energía


Grupo Omega


Banco Nacional de Comercio Exterior


Banco Nacional de Obras y Servicios Públicos


Nacional Financiera


Banco Sabadell, Institución de Banca Múltiple


Desarrollos Eólicos Mexicanos


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Itzoil on the development, project ‎financing, construction and operation of a new system to include a port ‎and two storage terminals, as well as support the ‎delivery of petroleum products.
  • Advised Beel Infra, together with its investment vehicles, on granting a subordinated loan for up to MXN$1.5bn denominated in UDIs.
  • Advised Alianza Malinalco, a subsidiary of Beel Infra, on granting a subordinated structured financing for MXN $210m denominated in UDIs.

Ramos, Ripoll & Schuster

The ‘professional’ and ‘dynamic’ team at Ramos, Ripoll & Schuster has earned a strong repuation for handling all stages of project development, including planning, bidding, financing and related transactions, in addition to the structuring of PPPs. Financial institutions, developers, sponsors, private companies and government entities frequently look to the group for its expertise in highway, railroad, airport and energy infrastructure projects. The department is co-led by Guadalupe Esparza Sánchez and Alejandro Ripoll González. Esparza Sánchez is well-versed in advising government entities and companies on the design, structuring and implementation of public works projects and PPPs - particularly for port and highway projects. Ripoll González, has long focused on energy, infrastructure and foreign investment matters, along with real estate and M&A. The key name to note at senior associate-level is ‘specialist in the energy sectorDiego Álvarez Ampudia, who majors on the planning and financing of metro, port, railway, dam, highways and power plant projects.

Responsables de la pratique:

Guadalupe Esparza Sánchez; Alejandro Ripoll González


Les références

‘What makes this practice unique is definitely the knowledge that its lawyers have about the energy sector. We think it is a diverse and inclusive firm.’

‘Guadalupe Esparza and Sánchez Diego Álvarez Ampudia – both are truly specialists in the energy sector, which is highly technical and has many complexities. They have the best disposition to serve their clients and are very flexible, adapting to the needs of each of the projects in which they are involved.’

‘Professional team with high capacity and timely responses, they have a dynamic team available to attend to matters.’

Principaux clients

Terra Energía


Rich’s


Chirey


Menard


EDF Renewables


INVEX Infraestructura


Time Ceramics


Harbin Electric International


Grupo Triada


Egis Group


GRUMESA / Inmobiliaria la Rumorosa


Grupo KMM


BorgWarner


Atlas Renewable Energy


China Communications Construction Company


Rengen Energy Solutions


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisted Time Ceramics with the construction of its new industrial plant in Mexico.
  • Assisted a consortium formed by Grupo Triada, Egis Group and Transconsult with overseeing the development of workshops and garages for the fourth and fifth sections of the Tren Maya.
  • Assisted China Communications Construction Company with the construction of the first section of the Tren Maya project.

Ritch, Mueller y Nicolau, S.C.

Ritch, Mueller y Nicolau, S.C.'s projects capabilities centre on assisting local and international banks (acting as both lenders and sponsors), as well as energy companies, with the development, financing and acquisition of infrastructure projects. In addition, the group is equipped to advise a range of investors on the acquisition of projects. The practice group is co-directed by Federico Santacruz González, who is well-versed in the construction of renewable and non-renewable power plants, and project-related M&A, as well as associated due diligence. Fellow practice co-head Jorge Oria y Anaya primarily assists sponsors, lenders, and equity investors with power, oil-and-gas, and water-related transactions. Additional key partners include Gabriel Del Valle (project finance, structured finance and capital markets transactions); Asaf Jimenez Adorno, who majors on assisting developers, investors and financial institutions with the financing of electricity and infrastructure projects; and Alejandra Echeverría González (banking and finance, projects, and energy). Former senior associate Marco Portillo - who focused on energy matters - left the firm in October 2023.

Responsables de la pratique:

Federico Santacruz González; Jorge Oria y Anaya


Principaux clients

The Bank of Nova Scotia


Scotiabank Inverlat


Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation


MUFG Bank


Mizuho Bank


Japan Bank


MUFG Union Bank


Citibanamex


Citibank


Fisterra Energy


Banco Mercantil del Norte


Banco Nacional de Obras y Servicios Públicos


BBVA México


Banco Sabadell


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisted Banco Mercantil del Norte (as agent bank and collateral agent), and Banobras, BBVA México, SMBC and Banco Sabadell (as lenders), in connection with a syndicated senior loan agreement for the integral modernisation of the trains, control system and tracks of Line 1 of the Mexico City metro system.

Chávez Vargas Abogados

Chávez Vargas Abogados' projects capabilities centre on the structuring of PPPs, the preparation of legal documentation for bid procedures, and the financing of infrastructure projects involving toll roads, water storage, logistics facilities and hospitals. Public and private companies, domestic and foreign banks, and rating agencies frequently feature on the group’s client roster. The practice is directed by founding partner Jose Antonio Chavez Vargas, whose broad practice takes in domestic and cross-border securitisations, debt restructuring and project finance. Alejandro Carreño, who focuses on the financing of infrastructure, real estate, industrial and hospitality projects, is an additional key contact; while Cynthia Ibarra, who majors on project finance and real estate transactions, is the name to note at senior associate-level.

Responsables de la pratique:

José Antonio Chávez Vargas


Principaux clients

Banco Multiva


Banco Santander


HR Ratings


Conservadora Mexiquense de Caminos del Sur


Altor Infraestructura y Finanzas


Gestión Integral de Hospitales de Zumpango


Libramiento Elevado de Puebla


Martínez y de Labra Abogados

Lauded by one client for its ‘extensive experience’ and ‘total mastery of the subject’, the team at Martínez y de Labra Abogados specialises in contractual management services for large-scale public works and infrastructure projects in Mexico, covering every stage from advising on the contracting procedure to signing the termination agreement. Recent mandates have seen the group participate in a range of railroad projects across the country. The practice is jointly directed by senior associates Geraldine Castro and Adi Mena, who are characterised by their ‘extensive expertise on the laws that regulate the public works and infrastructure sector’, and their ‘excellent treatment’ of clients.

Responsables de la pratique:

Geraldine Castro; Adi Mena


Les références

‘The firm is unique for its experience in the excellent contractual management of public works of great legal and contractual complexity. The experience, knowledge and total availability in solving requested issues stands out.’

‘Adi Mena and Geraldine Castro are excellent, they know the market perfectly, they understand each process, and they are also very professional. What makes this public works and infrastructure practice unique is their total mastery of the subject, with good knowledge of the applicable law and the resolution of problems and queries that are raised quickly and with outstanding assertiveness.’

‘The knowledge that the firm’s lawyers have of the laws and regulations that regulate the sector compares favourably to other offices. Close and permanent relationship with the staff of each project. Ability to address the various specific cases that arise in each project. Technical knowledge of each project.’

Principaux clients

RECAL Estructuras


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisted RECAL Estructuras with the public works contract for the execution of works on metal structures, stations and viaducts for Section 3 of the elevated viaduct of the Toluca–Valle de México Interurban Train.
  • Assisted RECAL Estructuras with managing the contractual aspects of a project related to the 2023 urban improvement programme of the federal services building in Mexico City.

Santamarina y Steta

Noted for its ‘great organizational and response skills’, the practice group at Santamarina y Steta is well-equipped to handle the financing and development of infrastructure projects, for which it is frequently instructed by governmental agencies, state-owned and private banking institutions, and private companies. The practice is jointly led by Juan Carlos Machorro, who deals with the financing of projects involving highways, energy infrastructure, airports, and railroads; Sergio Chagoya, singled out by one client for his great technical knowledge in project financing and finance in general’; and Ricardo Orea, who primarily takes care of banking and finance, project finance, M&A, and restructuring and insolvency matters. Additional names to note include Diego Ostos (banking and finance, securities, corporate and M&A); and counsel Margarita Casarin (syndicated and structured finance, project finance and infrastructure projects).

Responsables de la pratique:

Juan Carlos Machorro; Sergio Chagoya; Ricardo Orea


Les références

‘The Santamarina team has sufficient knowledge and experience to advise on complex operations in highly regulated sectors and activities. They have great organizational and response skills.’

‘Sergio Chagoya is a very experienced lawyer with great technical knowledge in project financing and finance in general.’

‘Juan Carlos Machorro, Pablo Ortíz and Ricardo Orea – the Santamarina team knows the subject very well and provides us with a lot of value in the work we entrust them with. They always deliver on time and with quality work.’

Principaux clients

Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation


DEG – Deutsche Investitions


MUFG Bank


International Finance Corporation


Banco Mercantil del Norte, Institución de Banca Múltiple, Grupo Financiero Banorte


Arrendadora y Factor Banorte


Grupo Industrial Saltillo


Multibank Panama


Banco Santander (Spain)


Oesterreichische Entwicklungsbank


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisted SMBC, DEG, MUFG, and SMBC México with the financing of a hydrocarbons facility.