Mexico: Project Finance
As Mexico grapples with its declining oil reserves, a number of the lawyers we spoke to noted an increase in renewable energy sector projects. Wind projects have taken off in particular, with President Calderón pledging that Mexico will be producing 2,500 megawatts of wind energy by the time his term ends in 2012. In this sector we recognise 20 talented lawyers with the necessary complement of skills to handle these vast projects.
At Ritch Mueller SC, three lawyers are selected for their impressive abilities in the sector. Thomas Mueller-Gastell is an “established practitioner” with an “outstanding” reputation in energy and infrastructure projects, including public-private partnerships, which has seen him work in some of the largest power, oil and gas and toll road projects in Mexico. Federico Santacruz is “internationally” renowned for his proficiency in electricity and gas projects and Ricardo Calderón is “well known” for his work representing investors and lenders in the financing of infrastructure projects.
White & Case LLP fields three lawyers. Ariel Ramos specialises in transactions pertaining to the development and financing of infrastructure projects across a range of projects from government procurement to toll roads and maritime ports. Eugenio Sepúlveda receives acclaim for his financing prowess and Vicente Corta is “highly respected” for his expertise in the regulatory and transactional aspects of project financing.
The newly formed Nader Hayaux y Goebel also receives three lawyer listings. Name partner Michell Nader Schekaiban has a “long-standing reputation” in the field of project finance and was involved in the development of Mexico’s public-private scheme (similar to the UK’s PPP model). Hans Goebel Caviedes, also a name partner, is praised for his expertise in structured financing deals and Vanessa Franyutti Johnstone is “greatly respected” for her advisory role to the national and federal government on the development of the public-private scheme in Mexico and her work on subsequent projects utilising the scheme, such as hospitals, roads and prisons.
Carlos de Maria y Campos S at Galicia Abogados SC specialises in energy, gas and petrochemical projects and is a “trusted adviser”. Juan González is of counsel at the firm and has extensive experience in the financing of infrastructure projects and was involved in the financing of the pipeline of San Fernando.
Santamarina y Steta SC receives two listings. Alberto Saavedra O and Vicente Grau receive praise for their financing knowledge and advisory role to the federal government on the bidding process to grant concessions for Mexico’s first ever greenfield project.
At Thompson & Knight LLP, Miguel de Erice is “well versed” in a wide range of infrastructure projects including toll roads, ports and rail roads as well as handling client’s regulatory matters pertaining to these projects.
Founding partner of Kuri Breña Sánchez Ugarte y Aznar SC, Daniel Kuri Breña Romero de Terreros is active in the development and implementation of infrastructure projects including electric power projects, toll roads and other infrastructure projects.
Rafael Robles Miaja is a founding partner of Robles Miaja Abogados and his finance and securities expertise is “excellent”.
Carlos Galván Duque C of Martínez Algaba de Haro Curiel y Galván-Duque is “vastly knowledgeable” in foreign investment law and public works law and is described as “very active” by his peers.
Horacio de Uriarte at Mijares Angoitia Cortés y Fuentes SC is considered a “great talent” in the energy sector and advised the consortium formed for the development of the Mayakan pipeline, the longest privately owned natural gas pipeline in Mexico.
Jorge Cervantes Trejo at González Calvillo SC is a “great talent” in the field and Eloy Barbará de Parres at Curtis Mallet-Prevost Colt & Mosle LLP focuses on large-scale power projects and advised on the world’s largest nitrogen production facility.