Claro & Cia.’s large project finance and development practice has an enviable market reputation for its energy and infrastructure sector experience; more generally, its expertise ranges from project financing, development and construction issues, to operations, acquisitions, sales, and infrastructure-related public concessions. The firm’s broad offering also covers greenfield and brownfield projects, along with power plants, transmission lines and substations. It additionally houses experts in engineering, procurement and construction (EPC), and operation and maintenance (O&M), agreements. The department’s principal figures are Rodrigo Ochagavía, who acts for energy sector-related generation, transmission and distribution companies; project finance specialists Jorge Martín and José María Eyzaguirre F; and José Luis Ambrosy and Luisa Núñez, whose broad practices take in advice on projects involving public works-related concessions in Chile. Also noted, counsel Patricio Smart's broad practice takes in EPC, construction contracts and disputes, energy and real estate matters. Former partner Ariel Mihovilovic left the firm in February 2023 to become a candidate for Chile’s Constitutional Council.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Our experience with Claro in projects is limited to M&A and some contracts related to project construction. Rodrigo Ochagavía stands out in M&A, with a lot of talent and negotiation skills.'
- 'In EPC we have worked with counsel Patricio Smart. In Claro there are very talented lawyers in corporate matters, M&A and finance. Also in litigation (local litigation and local and international arbitration). Felipe Ossa is very noteworthy in arbitration. Rodrigo Ochagavía in M&A and José Luis Ambrosy in financing.'
Key clients
- Glenfarne Group
- AES Gener
- Toesca Asset Management
- Enfragen
- Prime Energía
- Credit Agricole
- Actis GP (Atlas Renewable)
- X-Elio
- Intervial
- Eurus
- SAAM Ports
Work highlights
- Assisted JP Morgan Securities, Citigroup Global Markets, Santander Investment Securities, and SMBC Nikko Securities America with structuring the $1.2bn financing to Alfa Desarrollo for the acquisition of Colbún Transmisión.
- Advised EnfraGen on a secured financing for a greenfield solar PV portfolio.
- Advised AES Andes and Alto Maipo on restructuring a financing with US International Development Finance Corporation, DNB Bank ASA, Itaú Corpbanca, Bci (and others), in connection with a Chapter 11 procedure before the US Bankruptcy Court.
Lawyers
Leading individuals
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Rodrigo Ochagavía