About

Number of years practice:

20

Principal practice areas:

Capital Markets, Mergers
and Acquisitions, Banking
and Credit

Bar admissions:

New York

Languages spoken:

English, Spanish

Juan Francisco Méndez is a partner at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett’s corporate department. He has extensive experience in cross-border transactions, including financings, restructurings, acquisitions and other complex corporate matters. Fluent in English and Spanish, his practice primarily focuses on Latin America and the Caribbean. Méndez regularly interacts with clients and lawyers in Mexico, the broader Latin American region and the US. Working closely with Mexican and other local counsel, he contributes to the bridging of legal and practice differences as well as cultural gaps among clients and other participants in cross-border transactions.

Over the years, he has worked on multiple transactions with América Móvil and Comisión Federal de Electricidad of Mexico (CFE), both as designated underwriters’ counsel. Méndez has also represented issuer/borrower clients, including the firm’s international clients, such as Macquarie Mexico FIBRA in its formation and IPO and subsequent credit financings. He represented the underwriters in the project bond offering by Fermaca Enterprises. Recently he represented Pan American Energy in connection with its credit financing to develop oil and gas reserves in Mexico. Méndez is a member of the International Bar Association and the Association of the Bar of the City of New York and has a J.D. from Columbia University School of Law in New York.

Notably, Méndez advised on the proposed buyout of Sudamericana, Agencias Aéreas y Marítimas S.A.’s existing joint venture partner, Boskalis Holding
B.V. from three separate joint ventures; the arrangement would involve acquiring from the remaining 49% of the joint venture entity covering Mexico, Canada and Panama, the remaining 50% of the joint venture entity covering Brazil, and the remaining 50% of the joint venture entity covering El Salvador. Méndez also advised on the amendment and restatement of credit facility for Macquarie Mexican FIBRA, and on the public offering of €1bn aggregate principal amount of 0.75% Senior Notes due 2027 by América Móvil, S.A.B. de C.V. Méndez advised on the offering of US$615m of 5% Notes due 2049 by Comisión Federal de Electricidad (Federal Electricity Commission) of Mexico, and also assisted a retail client with their dispute with a joint venture partner.

What differentiates your Mexico-facing practice from those of your US competitors and peers?

I have worked with international clients on significant transactions in Mexico, such as Macquarie’s and Prologis’ formation and IPO of their FIBRAs. I have also worked with large national Mexican companies, including America Movil and CFE on financing matters.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of advising Mexico-based clients from an office in the United States?

Being based in a New York office, where Simpson Thacher is headquartered, allows us to be at the forefront of the New York and US commercial and legal market, particularly where much of the global capital is located. We believe having our fingers on the pulse of global legal market trends and developments is extremely advantageous to our Mexico-based clients, particularly those frequently involved in cross-border transactions.

What changes in the commercial and/or legal market do you anticipate in the 12 months ahead in Mexico?

One notable development I perceive is that Mexico is currently in a “wait and see” mode, with most markets participants still uncertain about the direction that the new administration of AMLO will take.

What influence will legal technology have on US/Mexico working practices in the future?

Legal technology is an area in which our firm, and a number of others, are investing heavily in to increase efficiency and innovation for clients. Technological advances such as videoconferencing systems with interactive data sharing capabilities also allow for greater connectivity, allowing for smoother communications and seamless collaborations across geographies. Our firm is currently actively assessing, evaluating, testing and implementing advanced technologies, including AI-based tools and systems, to further boost the efficiency of our attorneys and value to our clients.

What is your perception of in-house counsel’s priorities in terms of client service when working with US-based law firms?

I believe that when working with US-based law firms, in-house counsel tend to prioritise outside US counsel experience and track record in large ticket items, as well as high quality client service, appropriate pricing, and the availability of an experienced and bilingual team.