Routinely advising both domestic and international clients from the financial, energy, infrastructure, entertainment and retail sectors, Morales & Besa's 12-strong practice is best known for its lender-side credentials, while also being sought out by major borrower clients. ‘Among the top-five Chilean law firms for cross-border financings', the practice acts on a wide range of banking and finance deals in relation to restructurings, syndicated loans, derivatives, and structured and project finance. It also assists with transactions involving distressed debt, acquisitions and LBOs. On the non-transactional side, the team is also experienced in assisting companies with licensing, regulatory and compliance matters. The practice is jointly led by José Miguel Carvajal, who has enviable experience in domestic and foreign loans, project finance, bond offerings, and foreign investment and foreign exchange matters; and infrastructure and energy project finance specialist Myriam Barahona, ’undoubtedly the soul of this practice'. Former senior associate Rocio Vergara left to establish her own practice in September 2022.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

'The M&B finance and banking team gives confidence, a lot of technical knowledge, and great availability.’
‘The team has deep experience in banking and finance and project finance.'
'Among the top-five Chilean law firms for cross-border financings.’
'Undoubtedly the soul of this practice is Myriam Barahona - availability, speed, precision and technique.'
‘Partners Myriam Barahona and José Miguel Carvajal are solid, knowledgeable practitioners with substantial experience in the market.’
'M&B's banking and finance team is the bank's preferred choice, our point of reference when compared with other studies. It gives confidence, had a lot of technical knowledge and great availability.'

Key clients

KfW IPEX-Bank
DNB Bank
Enerside Solar Chile I
EIG Atacama Management
Banco Security
Banco de Chile
Banco Santander-Chile
Accel-KKR
AK Chile Holdings
Sociedad Concesionaria Autopista del Aconcagua
Global Vía Infraestructuras Chile
Enel Chile
Cencosud
Multitiendas Corona
Enjoy
Corpgroup
Banco de Crédito e Inversiones

Work highlights

Advised a syndicate of international banks, which involved Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation and MUFG Bank, on a financing granted to Parque Solar Fotovoltaico Luz del Norte for the operation of a photovoltaic power plant.
Advised Banco Santander-Chile and Banco de Chile on a financing for the issuance of stand-by letters of credit and imports.
Advised Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, MUGF Bank and Banco Santander on a $200m refinancing granted to Amanecer Solar.