Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP has a big reputation in Latin America, primarily through its leading capital markets practice, although it is also a major force in banking and finance. Much of the practice centres on leveraged and investment-grade lending, structured finance and project finance. The firm has achieved further recognition for its expertise in acquisition finance, notably advising the sole arranger and bookrunner in connection with a $1.2bn committed acquisition bridge financing for Minerva to acquire the beef processing assets of Marfrig Global Foods in Brazil, Argentina, Chile and Uruguay. It has strong Latin America finance expertise across its New York, Washington DC and Sao Paulo offices. New York-based James Florack is co-head of the global finance practice and leads the Latin America finance department. Head of the Latin America group Manuel Garciadiaz and Maurice Blanco are best known for capital markets transactions, although each also has a fine record in structured and project financings, and debt restructurings; both split their time between Sao Paulo and New York. Based in Sao Paulo since 2003, James Vickers is an experienced name in structured finance, leveraged and investment-grade lending, and project finance. Washington DC-based David Penna joined the firm from Latham & Watkins LLP in 2023, providing additional firepower in Latin America energy, power and infrastructure financings.
Key clients
- Altera Infrastructure
- Arcos Dorados Holdings
Work highlights
- Advised the sole arranger and bookrunner in connection with a $1.2bn committed acquisition bridge financing for Minerva to acquire the beef processing assets of Marfrig Global Foods in Brazil, Argentina, Chile and Uruguay.
- Advised the administrative agent, bookrunners and lead arrangers in connection with a $550m million senior secured term facility in connection with Bain Capital Private Equity’s acquisition of Fogo de Chao.