About

Number of years practice: 26 Law school attended: Johns Hopkins University, New York University School of Law Languages spoken: English and Spanish Principal practice areas: Asset Finance, Banking, M&A Admissions: Florida, New York

In 1991, White & Case was authorised by the Mexican government as the first global law firm to practice in the country under its own name. Shortly after, Christian Hansen made the move from New York to become the firm’s first associate to relocate to the Mexico City office, where he remained until 1997. Today, Hansen is Regional Section Head of the firm’s Americas Energy, Infrastructure, Project and Asset Finance practice. Particularly well known for his work in the aviation sector, clients across a wide range of sectors and practice areas nevertheless identify him as a leading lawyer for matters involving Mexico. Working out of the firm’s Miami office, he maintains close working relationships in the country (where the firm’s local office remains at the forefront of the market) and has participated in a wide variety of financing transactions on behalf of Mexican issuers, borrowers, and both commercial and investment banks. Hansen has also led on key transactions for some of the firm’s most significant Mexican clients, including on several strategically important matters for Grupo Bimbo, the world’s largest manufacturer and distributor of bakery products. He led the team, for example, that advised Grupo Bimbo as US, UK and EU counsel in its $1.66bn acquisition of Canada Bread. Closed in 2014, the transaction represented the company’s largest acquisition in Canada and helped cement its reputation as a major player throughout North America. He was also heavily involved in the firm’s representation of Grupo Bimbo’s information technology outsourcing process, which have been among the largest ever outsourcing arrangements in Latin America.