Paul Hastings LLP has broad sectoral and geographic coverage, with a particularly strong history in Peru, followed by Colombia, Central America, Mexico and the Dominican Republic. Increasingly, the corporate and M&A team is working closely with the energy and infrastructure group to target the energy, infrastructure, mining and commodities sectors. Telecoms, retail and agriculture area also significant sectors for the department. The M&A group represents a large number of Latin America-based businesses, including family-owned corporates. It has advised Peru-based retail group Intercorp in a series of major deals over the years; and Glenfarne Group is another longstanding client, for which the team has worked on a number of energy and infrastructure transactions in the region. Centred primarily on the energy, natural resources, infrastructure and retail sectors, Robert Leung has a strong focus on Latin America, particularly Peru and Colombia. Mike Huang is another key partner with a fine background in Latin America, while head of the São Paulo office Jonathan Kellner stands out for his expertise in big-ticket Brazil deals and other transactions across the region; of counsel Filipe Lima provides further senior-level support in São Paulo. Houston based Luis Gomar and Rocio Guadalupe Mendoza have further experience in energy-related deals. Named individuals are based in New York unless stated otherwise.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘I consider it to be a highly specialised team, with extensive experience in cross-border matters and a practical approach and great communication.'

  • ‘They are highly specialised, open to the opinions of people and parties involved in matters, analytical and organised.’

  • ‘Paul Hastings' Corporate/M&A practice is very sophisticated. My experience with them in Chile has always been related to highly complex transactions and the team's performance has been outstanding. They have a deep knowledge of Latin American markets, which makes them a regular player in the region. In this sense, I can say that they stand out compared to other teams from other offices in this practice.'

  • ‘The plus compared to other firms is that they have amazing quality, sophistication and understanding of the Latin American market. In this regard, I believe Robert Leung does an outstanding job leading transactions, negotiating intelligently, and contributing his vast experience and knowledge in M&A matters.’

Key clients

  • Agrokasa
  • Grupo Prize
  • Luz del Sur
  • Flo Networks
  • Colombia Natural Resources (CNR)
  • AGP/Transtech Glass Investment Limited
  • EIG Energy Partners
  • Compass.UOL
  • Fomento Económico Mexicano
  • Grupo BAL
  • Glenfarne Group
  • Grupo Acerero
  • Grupo Campollo
  • Intercorp
  • Moove
  • Nexus Group
  • Petrobal
  • Eurofarma
  • Arezzo
  • SYN Prop e Tech
  • Uxlam Assets Corp
  • Valorem
  • Vistra Advisors

Work highlights

  • Represented GE and EVM in the sale to Actis of two project companies that own two gas-fired power plants totalling over 950MW located in the municipality of Axapusco, Estado de México, Mexico.
  • Advised Agrokasa one of Peru’s largest produce exporters, on its agreement to sell 100% of their interest to agro-industrial conglomerate Grupo HAME.
  • Advised digital infrastructure service provider Flō Networks (formerly known as Transtelco) on its $252m acquisition of ATC Holding Fibra México from American Tower Corporation.

Lawyers

Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Robert Leung, Gregory Tan, Jonathan Kellner