Banking and finance

Alta QIL+4 Abogados

‘One of the most sophisticated firms in Guatemala’ and now part of a region-wide network, Alta QIL+4 Abogados has an impressive record of handling complex financial transactions, ranging from acquisition finance and restructurings to project finance and capital markets matters. The team is well placed to take on cross-border mandates (including transactions governed by New York law, thanks to the dual qualification of several of its lawyers) and has standout recent experience of advising on international debt issuances by Guatemalan companies. Its broad client base includes regional banks, international funds, multilateral development agencies and major domestic borrowers. Alejandro Cofiño, a leading figure for energy and infrastructure project finance; managing partner Marcos Ibargüen; José Quiñones, who provides complementary expertise in tax issues; and Andrés Lowenthal, whose practice takes in project finance and capital markets matters, lead the team. The enviably deep bench also includes Melissa Echeverría and senior associates Santiago Granados and Ignacio Grazioso (a specialist in project finance).

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘In-house lawyers normally rely on specialised firms like this when they have complex cases. Compared to other offices, Alta QIL+4 have a high response rate - when any advice is required they respond very quickly and nimbly. Compared to other law firms, they have an excellent grasp of technology, which allows them to access the available information very quickly. We have not seen that same agility in other firms.’
‘We have a close relationship with José Quiñones. Among his best qualities we can undoubtedly identify his speed and availability, as he is always available to answer questions and calls, and the depth of his analysis. Both José and the members of his team have provided us with legal opinions of an excellent level and scope.’
‘Alta's team of lawyers accurately and assertively handles transnational transactions and provides excellent advice regarding their regulation and compliance. The lawyers understand the importance of transactional operations and provide very thorough advice on these issues.’
‘Quality of service and availability are the main characteristics of Alta. They show mastery of local securities law and efficient management of any related problems.’
‘The synergy of the team allows them to make valuable joint contributions to our company. I think they complement each other excellently.’
‘The speed of their responses, as well as their experience in the field they advise on and their understanding of the business, means the work they deliver is of great value.’
‘Alta is one of the most sophisticated firms in Guatemala. The team led by Alejandro Cofiño is particularly excellent. They are agile and responsive.’
‘Alta differentiates itself from the competition in Guatemala with its international and flexible vision. Instead of falling back on the "business as usual" model, they adapt to the needs of the current transaction and offer unique solutions. In my experience, Alejandro Cofiño and Ignacio Gracioso are a formidable team.’

Key clients

Citibank
JP Morgan Chase
The Royal Bank of Nova Scotia
Banco General
Bancolombia
Banco Agromercantil de Guatemala
Banistmo
Banco Agrícola El Salvador
CIFI
Macquarie Bank
Fondo BPS
HIG Capital
Banco de América Central – BAC
Banco G&T Continental
Global Bank
Latam Private Partners
Caterpillar Credito

Work highlights

Acted as Guatemalan counsel for Telus International Services and its Guatemalan and Salvadoran subsidiaries in a $2bn refinancing by The Bank of Nova Scotia to refinance its current debt and acquire WillowTree.
Advising Latam Private Partners Fondo BPS on the structuring of multiple private credit facilities granted to mid-market companies in Latin America for business acquisition purposes.
Advised Banco Agromercantil and Bancolombia Banca de Inversión on the financing of a regional pharmaceutical company for the refinancing of existing debt, capex investments and future acquisitions of competing businesses.

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