Arias
More informationThe banking and finance team at regional firm Arias continues to lead in the Salvadoran market, with significant strength in advising domestic and multinational banks and financial institutions, including Bank of America and the Bank of Nova Scotia, on high-value, often multi-jurisdictional financial transactions, including debt restructurings, asset securitisations, loan agreements and project finance. The sizeable leadership group is made up of Armando Arias, an authority in financial matters; Lilian Arias, who has over 25 years of experience in assisting multinational corporations and financial institutions with the structuring of loans and guarantees; Roberta Gallardo, who has a strong track record of advising on credit and financing deals; Ana Mercedes López, a specialist in the financing of major projects in sectors such as energy and aviation; Mario Lozano, who has expertise in the fintech and cryptocurrency fields; Luisa Rivas, who handles the financing of major infrastructure projects and transactions in regulated industries; and free trade zone regime expert Carolina Lazo. Other key figures include senior counsels Ernesto Sánchez, who assists clients with credit agreements and stock and asset purchase agreements, and Adán Araujo, whose practice covers syndicated loans, securities and venture capital agreements, and senior associate Rafael Burgos, whose clients include well-known restaurant chains.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Arias' lawyers have demonstrated professionalism, technical knowledge, experience, efficiency and professional ethics.'
- 'The lawyers at Arias act proactively in search of the most efficient solutions. In addition, they demonstrate specialised knowledge in the different procedures available and successfully implement the best option. Specifically, Lilian Arias has legal and commercial technical knowledge in relating to the execution of guarantees, as well as the management and negotiation of loans.'
- ‘One quality that sets them apart is their attention to detail in the preparation of the documents, and their ability to negotiate in the client's interests.'
- 'They are the benchmark against which other firms must be compared.'
- 'Armando Arias is a legal strategist par excellence.'
- 'Mario Lozano is dynamic and creative in coming up with solutions.'
- 'It is a clear, concise and dedicated team. To resolve our doubts they always arrive with a team specialised in the matter so as not to be left short. They are focused on the development of fintech regulation and the development of a new school of businesses.'
- 'Mario Lozano has been an excellent point of contact, always willing and able to help the team with our concerns.'
Key clients
- Bank of America
- Banco Davivienda
- Bank of Nova Scotia
- MRO Holdings
- Premium Restaurant Brands Global
- Banco Cuscatlán
- Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics
- Lifemiles
- Citibank
- IFC
Work highlights
- Advised Citibank, as administrative and collateral agent, on DIFL's refinancing of $600m through a bond issuance.
- Assisted with the private placement of senior notes by Procaps Group for $115m for a term of ten years, for the repayment of existing debt of the group, as well as for general corporate purposes.
- Advised Bank of America in relation to the enforceability of pledges granted in its favour by Avianca, Taca and other related companies.
Lawyers
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Roberta Gallardo, Ana Mercedes López, Mario Lozano, Luisa Rivas, Lilian Arias, Armando Arias, Carolina Lazo