A longstanding leader in the banking and finance arena, Arias‘ Honduras office is renowned for its strength in cross-border transactions, leveraging the support of the firm’s extensive network in Central America. The team advises on syndicated loans, project finance and acquisition finance, and plays a particularly prominent role in advising international banks and multilateral development organisations, including the DFC and IDB Invest, on granting loans to local and regional entities. Office managing partner Evangelina Lardizábal, whose broad client base includes international financial institutions and insurance companies, jointly leads the practice with Mario Agüero, who is noted for his expertise in multi-jurisdictional transactions, particularly in highly regulated sectors such as energy and telecoms. At junior level, senior associate Rodolfo Salgado is a key contact for financial transactions and banking regulatory matters (including fintech).
Key clients
- Natixis
- Development Finance Corporation (DFC)
- Inter-American Investment Corporation (IDB Invest)
- Cordaid
- Global Partnerships
Work highlights
- Advising the DFC on the coordination and preparation of local security documents related to loans granted to four Honduran entities - Lafise, BAC Honduras, Intermac and Geoplatanares.
- Advised IDB Invest, as local counsel, on its $40m loan to CMI Alimentos to revive its operations in Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras.
- Advised Natixis, as local counsel, on a complex syndicated term loan facility of $711.6m granted to Energy Infrastructure Honduras, aimed at acquiring Puma Energy's energy infrastructure and storage terminals.
Lawyers
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Mario Agüero, Evangelina Lardizábal