The powerhouse team at regional firm Arias remains a market leader, bringing strength to advising major financial institutions and multinational corporations on day-to-operations and complex, multi-jurisdictional transactions. The group’s comprehensive service covers matters ranging from M&A, joint ventures and project finance to antitrust, compliance, concessions and credit agreements. The firm’s broad client base spans such sectors as food and beverages, education, agri-business, telecoms, retail, and oil and gas. The practice is headed by managing partner and foreign investment authority Ana Teresa Rizo; Bertha Argüello, an expert in financial regulatory compliance; Gustavo-Adolfo Vargas, a specialist in advising multilateral institutions on the granting of credits, including the structuring and negotiation of agreements; and Rodrigo Ibarra, who handles matters involving hydrocarbons, telecoms and banking. Key support is provided at the associate level by Maryeling Guevara, who conducts complex due diligence for acquisitions, and Uriel Balladares, who manages horizontal property regimes and real estate regulatory matters.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘They are very attentive to detail and are available. They handle the issues involved in different business areas and are interested in knowing the details of the industry in with which they are working.'
‘Gustavo Vargas takes the time to analyse all the details that need to be included in the contracts so that nothing is left unnoticed that could harm the company's interests in the future.'
‘Arias' corporate and finance team is one of a kind, combing experience, availability and knowledge.'
‘Bertha Argüello is one of the best in her field. Her experience, along with her expertise and technical knowledge, is remarkable.'
‘What makes them stand out is how accessible they are - they always answer a call or respond to an email, and are willing to provide the best service for any requirement.'
Key clients
- IFC
- Kola Shaler
- Grupo Bimbo
- Banco Santander
- Responsability Investments
- Banco Davivienda
Work highlights
- Advised Banco Davivienda on an unsecured loan of up to $10m to Eolo de Nicaragua and other CMI group companies for working capital and/or foreign trade, bank guarantees, standby letters of credit and commercial letters of credit.
- Advised Grupo Bimbo on the sale of its confectionery division, Ricolino, to Mondelez for $1.3bn.
- Advised the International Finance Corporation (IFC) on the third tranche of a multi-year financing to Monte Rosa sugar mill, including a short-term loan of $15m and a long-term loan of $10m.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
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Leading associates
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Leading partners
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Next Generation Partners
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Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Ana Teresa Rizo, Bertha Argüello, Gustavo-Adolfo Vargas, Rodrigo Ibarra