Latin America - Chile

Guerrero Olivos

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The 17-member banking and finance department at Guerrero Olivos is regularly mandated for cross-border project and acquisition financings, as well as debt restructuring deals. Such work frequently involves structured products and syndicated lending facilities. The team particularly excels in heavily-documented New York law-governed deals that comprise underlying collateral or credit enhancements. In recent highlights, the team was especially active in cross-border refinancings involving renewable energy portfolios. The ‘sophisticated’ practice is co-led by syndicated loan, debt restructuring and project finance specialist Miguel CoddouJorge Delpiano, who advises on structured and acquisition financing deals; and international financing expert Juan Enrique Allard. Elevated to the partnership in February 2022 and January 2023, respectively, César Gálvez is a banking, finance, capital markets, corporate and M&A lawyer; and Benjamín Novoa assists with energy and mining sector-related syndicated loans and project finance. Within the firm’s associate pool, Sofía Middleton specialises in syndicated loans, debt-restructuring and project finance deals, while Florencia Cortés is active in project and acquisition finance work.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'Especially in the area of project finance/energy, Guerrero Olivos has very detailed knowledge of the industry and its regulation, they are always informed about changes and trends, making them a very strong support in negotiations. They have a lot of experience in structured finance and are capable of carrying out very complex financing structures both under New York law (working jointly with US Counsels) and under Chilean law. Apart from their experience and knowledge, as a client, one of the main reasons I always think about hiring them is because of the commitment and dedication they show and deliver: they are always available and doing whatever is necessary to meet dates and commitments. I would like to highlight partner Benjamin Novoa with whom we work on all our financings and Sebastián Abogabir, an energy partner, both of whom (with their teams) have my full confidence - I plan to continue working with them.'
  • 'A strong practice with knowledgable and experienced lawyers with in-house experience in the banking sector. Efficient staffing on deals, very practical approach to due diligence and transactional structuring.'
  • 'Miguel Coddou, provides valuable guidance in connection with financing matters across the board. Very experienced and easy to work with. Sofia Middleton: excellent turn around and keeps things moving forward.'
  • 'We are satisfied with the work carried out by GO during the last year. The firm's financial / banking team is a sophisticated team with very good relationships with other law firms in Chile, which makes our work much easier.'
  • 'Closeness in dealing with the client and a commercial approach.'

Key clients

  • Natixis (New York branch)
  • Banco Santander
  • Matrix Renewables
  • EIG Global Energy Partners
  • Sonnedix
  • Toesca Asset Management
  • Solek
  • Scotiabank
  • Export Development Canada
  • Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation
  • Kommunalkredit Austria
  • Credit Agricole
  • Cap Vert Energie
  • oEnergy
  • Nextenergy Capital
  • Banchile

Work highlights

  • Advised Natixis (New York branch) on a $360m US private placement to refinance Carbon Free Technology’s photovoltaic portfolio in Chile.
  • Advised EIG Global Energy Partners and Fluxys on the $700m acquisition financing granted by a syndicate of banks (led by BNP Paribas).
  • Advised Solek (Czech energy company) on a $275m financing for the development of its solar portfolio in Chile.

Lawyers

Leading individuals

Miguel Coddou

Guerrero Olivos

Leading partner of Guerrero Olivos’ banking and finance team. He specializes in project finance, syndicated loans, acquisition finance, debt-restructuring process and structured finance. He is also member of the data protection and new technologies and corporate groups.

Next Generation Partners

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Miguel Coddou, Juan Enrique Allard, Jorge Delpiano