Morgan & Morgan fields a diverse capital markets practice that attracts particularly strong praise for its ‘excellent knowledge of the area of ​​real estate investment trusts (SII)', frequently advising key players in the real estate industry on their conversion into SIIs, registration with the SMV and public offerings of shares. Also demonstrating strength in the mining and energy sectors, the team plays a prominent role in advising both issuers and underwriters on public bond offerings on Latinex (as well as international transactions) and is also active on the regulatory front. Ricardo Arias, the go-to adviser on SIIs, leads the team alongside Francisco Arias, who has extensive experience on both the transactional and regulatory side of capital markets matters. Other key names include Ana Carolina Castillo, a specialist in the energy sector, international associate Miguel Arias M., senior associate Alejandro Vasquez, and associate Arantxa Fernández.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'The team is excellent! Ricardo Arias and Miguel Arias are able to resolve issues, to advise us in a professional matter, based on their judgement and in accordance with the law. They stand out for their professionalism, availability and friendliness.'
  • 'The main thing is the degree of commitment, knowledge and support they offer with transactions. Ricardo Arias and Miguel Arias stand out for their availability and great knowledge of the securities market.'
  • 'What makes this team of lawyers unique is their accessibility, even the senior partners. They always answer their cell phones, and they are able to attend meetings from one day to the next. In short, they are our best allies.'
  • 'Our experience with Morgan & Morgan has been excellent. We have worked with them for many years on local capital markets issues and it has been to our complete satisfaction.'
  • 'Ricardo Arias is an excellent lawyer, with extensive experience and an undisputed track record, good contacts and charisma when dealing with clients. He has incredible response times and is always very aware of the issues and follows up to promote the proper development and closure of the cases.'
  • 'The team acted diligently and professionally, obtaining timely results. Their knowledge in the different areas greatly assists with the work being carried out, ensuring that clients know the different options and opportunities they have in the market. Their ability to execute the processes is also an important asset.'
  • 'The Morgan & Morgan capital markets team is the best in Panama. In particular, they have excellent knowledge of the area of ​​real estate investment trusts (SII). The lawyers not only know the law, but they also know the SII industry and have good connections with the securities regulator and the stock exchange.'
  • 'The lawyers at Morgan & Morgan have good practical experience and stand out for their ability to recognise potential obstacles and bring any transaction to a close. Ricardo Arias is trustworthy and efficient. He is a great lawyer and person.'

Key clients

  • Ithaca Capital Partners
  • Parque Eólico Toabré
  • Green Tower Properties
  • IFG Real Estate Investment Fund
  • IFG Investment Opportunities Fund
  • MMG Global Allocation Fund
  • Luminova Pharma Alliance
  • Francisco Marroquin University
  • CAF - El Banco de Desarrollo de América Latina (previously Corporación Andina de Fomento)
  • Cochez y Cía
  • Mercantil Holding Financiero Internacional
  • Inmobiliaria Casas Grandes
  • Insignia Financial Group
  • Dream Properties (NF Real Estate Fund)
  • Grupo OTI (Fondo de Inversión Valle Lindo)
  • Cirsa Finance International
  • Banco General
  • Banistmo
  • Banco Delta
  • Banco La Hipotecaria
  • Cirsa Gaming Corporation
  • CM Realty
  • Latin American Kraft Investments
  • Credit Suisse
  • Sustainable Urban Revitalization Fund
  • Prima Sociedad de Inversión Inmobiliaria
  • MMG Fixed Income Fund
  • Supermercados Xtra
  • MMG Bank Corporation
  • Desarrollo Inmobiliario del Este
  • Grupo Roble (Commercial Center Fund)
  • Mercantil Servicios Financieros Internacional
  • First Quantum Minerals

Work highlights

  • Advised Francisco Marroquin University on the registration of a revolving programme of corporate bonds for up to $100m with the Superintendency of Capital Markets of Panama (SMV) and their listing on the Latin American Stock Exchange (Latinex).
  • Advised Grupo Roble and other shareholders of Multiplaza, the largest mall in Panama, on the constitution of a Panamanian real estate investment trust (sociedad de inversión inmobiliaria) and its registration with the SMV and on the registration of its Class B shares with the SMV and Latinex.
  • Advised First Quantum Minerals on the offering and issuance of $1.3bn aggregate principal amount of its 8.625% senior notes due 2031.

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.

Francisco Arias, Ricardo Arias