White & Case LLP is an indisputable leader in Latin America banking and finance. It leads the market in project finance, has a major presence in aviation finance and is active in acquisition finance in the energy and infrastructure fields. It is also at the forefront of debt restructurings and debtor-in-possession (DIP) financings in the region and is further noted for loans to financial institutions in Latin American jurisdictions. Green and sustainability-linked loans are another forte; it represented Petrobras on its debut $1.25bn sustainability-linked loan. The large banking and finance group operates from multiple offices, including Miami, New York, Washington DC, São Paulo and Mexico City. Carlos Viana is head of the Latin America group and an eminent figure in project finance - although he is active in a range of financings, including syndicated loans. São Paulo executive partner John Anderson is a prominent name in Brazil, especially in the energy sector. New York’s Sabrena Silver has wide-ranging experience in Latin America financings; and Anna Andreeva has made an impression in asset finance, corporate loans and project finance. New York partner Bibiana Jaimes is well regarded for capital markets’ and debt financings. Named individuals are based in Miami unless stated otherwise.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘White & Case has an unrivaled level of experience in the financial sector. They have experience in all types of transactions, have multidisciplinary teams in different geographies, who speak various languages and are always focused on the client.’
‘We have worked extensively with Sabrena Silver and Bibiana Jaimes on various transactions and in our experience their dedication and client service is unmatched by other firms we have worked with. Both are exceptional professionals and I would recommend them without hesitation to financial institutions that require complex and specialised services.’
‘The White & Case team provides relevant and unique insights into multilateral bank financings. They are well versed on latest market trends. We have used them for several deals throughout LatAm and have found them to provide strong legal support in all cases. I also appreciate their new Global Diversity Initiative because it shows that big law can also lead conversations about diversity and inclusion in the workplace.’
‘Carlos Viana and his team always respond quickly to the current issues of the day. They bring a strategic mindset to their role.’
‘They know the product (loans) very well, how to mitigate risks, what are the market standards which facilitate negotiations. I find them significantly better than other firms.’
‘They are quite hands-on and really get into the important details. We have worked with Sabrena Silver and we believe that she has very good experience, she is pragmatic, not only diligent in her work but also helps push the transaction to closing.’
‘The W&C team is a very solid team that works very well together. It is a team with a lot of experience leading and coordinating financing processes that will ensure a successful process for all parties. The leadership of the senior partners infects the junior staff with energy and together they offer a high value service. I would say that the difference with other firms is the proactive approach to identify potential challenges during the process and propose timely solutions. The professional and conciliatory language of partners and junior staff helps to carry out transactions as well.’
‘Partners of the experience of Carlos Viana and Sabrena Silver are crucial for the success of the transactions and of the firm. Carlos's broad leadership over his teams makes the difference and his innovative and proactive approach is contagious to the rest of the team. Carlos and Sabrena are very focused on results and constantly go beyond what is expected to obtain results and the satisfaction of their clients.’

Key clients

Celeo Redes
HSBC
Citi
Aerovías de México
The Bank of Nova Scotia
Tereos Açúcar e Energia Brasil
Ad hoc bondholder group of LATAM Airlines creditors
Morgan Stanley
JBS
Mizuho
Petrobras
BP Bunge Bioenergia
Banco Nacional de Desenvolimento Economico e Social (BNDES)
Vale
Arroyo Energy Investment Partners
Banco de Credito del Peru
SMBC
Invenergy
Standard Chartered Bank
BBVA
Santander
Societe Generale
MUFG

Work highlights

Advised the affiliates of Oaktree Capital Management as a debtor-in-possession lender in relation to the $1.3bn senior tranche of a $2.45bn multi-tranche debtor-in-possession financing facility in the chapter 11 proceedings of LATAM Airlines Group.
Advised Petrobras in a green market debut $1.25bn sustainability-linked term loan facility; this was the first time Petrobras has contracted financing associated with its corporate sustainability targets.
Advised Morgan Stanley, Citibank, Goldman Sachs and HSBC on a $650m cross-border loan facility to Nubank, one of the largest fintech companies globally and the largest bank in Latin America by market capitalisation.