Latham & Watkins LLP has a well-developed Latin America M&A and private equity practice that has a longstanding focus on energy and infrastructure. It has further extended its presence in energy transition and renewables deals, while it has also established a foothold in emerging company and venture capital transactions; it advised fintech operation Evertec, on its headline acquisition of Brazil-based financial management software solutions business, Sinqia. It has further deepened its presence in big-ticket private equity transactions, including advising Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) on its investment in Trabajos Maritimos as part of a joint strategy with Grupo Romero to expand and develop port and mining-adjacent infrastructure throughout the Andean region. The firm remains close to a number of major multinationals that have interests or assets in the region, along with a growing group of multilatinas. Antonio Del Pino chairs the Latin America practice and is a recognised leader in M&A and private equity transactions. Madrid partner Ignacio Pallarés plays a key role in representing Spanish corporates in cross-border transactions involving Latin America. Young Washington DC partner Carlos Ardila remains active in energy and infrastructure M&A and private equity deals, while Eli Curi has played a central role in building the firm’s standing in emerging growth technology company transactions in the region. Francisco Lanusse is a key associate on many of the firm’s prime Latin America deals. All named individuals are based in New York unless stated otherwise.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Good response times in general.'
‘They understand the business.'
‘The Latham & Watkins M&A team is very complete, competent, and has very important experience in transactions involving Latin America. The partners know and understand the Latin American culture and have the ability to accompany clients in understanding the legal issues of different jurisdictions, always finding practical and creative solutions.'
‘Latham has the ability to involve multicultural lawyers specialised in all matters without delay.’
‘Great team for cross-border transactions. I have had many experiences working with the Latham team in international business buying and selling processes, and their performance has always been outstanding. A team of lawyers with impeccable academic training, with great commercial orientation, who knows the important aspects of an M&A operation and allows for efficient and very fast execution. Very knowledgeable about the region and what it means to carry out large transactions in our jurisdictions. Without a doubt, Latham's team is the best you can find for international transactions.’
‘Antonio Del Pino is a reference for M&A issues in Latin America. He is an excellent lawyer, with great business sense, very efficient and a great negotiator. Without a doubt someone you can highly recommend for important transactions in the region. On the other hand, the addition of Carlos Ardilla as a partner of the firm has been excellent. In addition to being a great lawyer, Carlos has proven to be an excellent negotiator and strategic advisor.'
Key clients
- Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP)
- EIG Global Energy Partners (EIG)
- Evertec
- Telefonica
- Repsol
- Patria Investments
- Bunge Limited
- Emergent LatAm Holdings
- L'Oreal
- Norsk Hydro
- Softys
- Mercato Acquisition Group
- Smart Global Holdings
- Open Co Holding Limited
- GEF Capital Partners
- Rapyd Financial Network
Work highlights
- Advised Global Infrastructure Partners on its acquisition of a 50% stake in Trabajos Maritimos, an integrated port infrastructure platform in Peru.
- Advised EIG Global Energy Partners on its acquisition of a 25% stake in Repsol Upstream, a newly-formed global exploration and production company comprising Repsol’s entire global upstream oil and gas business.
- Advised Patria Investment on the formation of a joint venture with Bancolombia.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Francisco J Lanusse
Latham & Watkins LLPPractice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Antonio Del Pino