DLA Piper LLP (US)'s ambitious build-out of its US-based Latin America practice has given the Miami office a considerable boost. The Miami team is now working closely with new colleagues in New York, particularly in corporate and finance matters, while continuing to collaborate with multiple offices across the Americas. Francisco Cerezo is chair of the US/Latin America practice and head of the Latin America corporate and finance group, which has expanded its client base of multinationals and private equity houses with interests and assets in the region. The group is best known for middle market transactions, though is gaining market share in large-cap deals. Robert da Silva Ashley, splits his time between New York and Miami, and has a focus on projects and project finance, particularly in Brazil and Mexico; he is a fluent Portuguese speaker and also speaks Spanish. The project finance team is best known for representing project sponsors in renewable energy and energy transition matters, with of counsel Diego Figueroa-Rodriguez providing further senior expertise in energy and infrastructure financings, while Joseline Rodríguez impresses at associate level.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Key clients

  • Banco Itau Uruguay
  • SGP BioEnergy Holdings
  • American Tower Corporation

Work highlights

  • Advised Banco Itau Uruguay on the acquisition of minority stakes in two Uruguayan fintech companies, Prex and Paigo.
  • Advised Inicia, a private asset manager operating with specialised funds focused on the northern Latin American region, in connection with the acquisition of a 49.85% interest in Gerdau Diaco and 50% interest in Gerdau Metaldom, two companies that were previously joint ventures between Inicia and Gerdau.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Francisco Cerezo