Latham & Watkins LLP is building its presence in Latin America capital markets transactions. Much of its practice has centred on bond offerings, structured debt, hybrid securities, and project and infrastructure bond offerings. The firm’s global standing in equity offerings and high-yield debt makes it especially credible for Latin America offerings. Moreover, its national office team in Washington DC, featuring an array of former members of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), makes it even more attractive to Latin American issuers and their underwriters. The Latin America team has gained further prominence in social bonds, green bonds and sustainability-linked bonds. CAF – Banco de Desarrollo de América Latina has provided a series of capital markets engagements to the international firm, including a multitude of offerings under its medium term note (MTN) programme. A native of Mexico City, Roderick Branch is a capital markets specialist with a significant focus on Latin America, including deals for CAF. Argentine-born Guido Liniado is noted for project and structured bonds, while native Spanish speaker John Slater, a newly promoted capital markets partner in 2023, provides further senior-level expertise on Latin America deals. All named individuals are based in New York, though Branch splits his time between Chicago and New York.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Great team, diverse and they handle several languages. Super recommended because they respond quickly and a partner is always involved.’

  • ‘They have excellent service and response time. Roderick Branch and Tony Del Pino are great because they are always on top of things.'

  • ‘LW's capital markets team is extraordinarily efficient and robust. The team is as good as any other top tier firm in NY, UK and other relevant markets.’

  • ‘Fast and precise reaction. Extraordinary people. A team you can always trust.’

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Key clients

  • Corporación Andina de Fomento (CAF)– Banco de Desarrollo de América Latina
  • Blackrock
  • Telefónica
  • Volaris
  • Evertec
  • American Airlines
  • Green Coffee Company
  • Robert W Baird & Co
  • Mizuho
  • Banistmo
  • Natixis
  • BNP Paribas

Work highlights

  • Represented CAF – Banco de Desarrollo de América Latina in a series of drawdowns under its medium term note programme.
  • Advised BlackRock on the mezzanine delayed-draw private placement of notes to finance Solek’s equity funding obligations in connection with a portfolio of utility-scale and distributed generation (PMGD) solar projects.
  • Advised Volaris in connection with public company and corporate governance matters, including SEC reporting and its annual 20-F filing.

Lawyers

Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Antonio Del Pino, Roderick Branch