Latin America's Trailblazing Deals: White & Case Dominates Global Banking & Markets Awards

In a testament to its unparalleled expertise in the Latin American market, global law firm White & Case LLP has been named the "Banking & Finance Legal Advisor of the Year" at the prestigious 2024 Global Banking & Markets Latin America Awards. This prestigious accolade, formerly known as the Bonds, Loans & ESG Capital Markets Awards, recognizes the firm's exceptional work in orchestrating some of the most innovative and groundbreaking deals in the region.

Unlocking Transformative Opportunities Across Latin America

Powering the Future with Landmark Energy Deals

White & Case's prowess in the energy sector has been showcased through its work on several transformative deals. The firm advised Sonnedix, a leading energy producer, on its $624 million acquisition and project financing of a portfolio of utility-scale solar PV assets from Enel Chile, a deal that exemplifies the firm's expertise in navigating the complexities of the energy transition. Additionally, the firm's role in advising InfraBridge, formerly AMP Capital, on the acquisition of three new electric bus-leasing businesses in Santiago, Chile, and the related incremental term loan and DSRA LC facilities of approximately $187 million, underscores its deep understanding of the evolving transportation landscape.

Revolutionizing Water and Sanitation Infrastructure

White & Case's commitment to driving positive change extends beyond the energy sector, as evidenced by its work on a landmark clean water and sanitation initiative in Brazil. The firm advised Aegea Saneamento e Participações S.A., Águas do Rio 1, and Águas do Rio 4 concessionaires (jointly Águas do Rio) on a R$1.5 billion (approximately $300 million) financing provided by IDB Invest, including a R$500 million (approximately $100 million) guarantee from Proparco for the benefit of IDB Invest. This financing is part of the largest project financing in the sanitation sector in Brazil, underscoring the firm's ability to navigate complex infrastructure projects and deliver transformative solutions.

Navigating High-Stakes Mergers and Acquisitions

White & Case's expertise extends beyond the energy and infrastructure sectors, as demonstrated by its work on several high-profile M&A deals. The firm advised French retail conglomerate Casino Group and its subsidiary, Brazilian food retailer Grupo Pão de Açúcar (GPA), on the sale of their combined 47% stake in Grupo Éxito, a leading retailer in South America, to El Salvador–based food retailer Grupo Calleja, for an aggregate amount of approximately $550 million. Additionally, the firm advised Banco Nacional de Obras y Servicios Públicos, Sociedad Nacional de Crédito, Institución de Banca de Desarrollo (Banobras) and Fondo Nacional de Infraestructura (FONADIN) on the approximately $6 billion acquisition financing of a portfolio of 13 power plants, with an aggregate capacity of 8,500 MWs, acquired from Iberdrola by an acquisition trust managed by Mexico Infrastructure Partners FF, S.A.P.I. de C.V.

Empowering Emerging Businesses with Innovative Financing

White & Case's expertise extends to the capital markets, where the firm has played a pivotal role in supporting the growth of emerging businesses. The firm advised Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, Banco BTG Pactual S.A. – Cayman Branch, Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., HSBC Securities (USA) Inc., Itaú BBA USA Securities, Inc., Santander US Capital Markets LLC, and UBS Securities LLC, as initial purchasers, on 3R's issuance of $500 million 9.750% senior secured notes due 2031. This debut corporate bond offering by 3R Lux, a wholly owned subsidiary of 3R Petroleum Óleo e Gás S.A., one of the largest publicly listed independent oil & gas producers in Latin America, showcases the firm's ability to navigate complex financing structures and support the growth of emerging market players.

Strengthening the Region's Debt Markets

White & Case's expertise in the debt capital markets is further exemplified by its work on several high-profile bond offerings. The firm advised Minerva Luxembourg SA on its $1 billion bond offering, with the proceeds earmarked for the acquisition of beef processing assets, highlighting the firm's deep understanding of the region's meat processing industry. Additionally, the firm advised JBS, the world's largest meat processing company, on their $2.5 billion issuance of senior unsecured dual-tranche bonds, consisting of $1.6 billion in 6.75% senior notes due in 2034, and $900 million in 7.25% senior notes due in 2053.

Celebrating a Year of Unparalleled Achievement

Christian Hansen, the head of White & Case's Latin America Practice, expressed the firm's delight at being recognized as the "Banking & Finance Legal Advisor of the Year" and receiving eight "Deal of the Year" awards from Global Banking & Markets. "These awards highlight our team's unmatched experience in advising clients on their most innovative banking, capital markets, energy, infrastructure and M&A deals. They also reflect our unwavering commitment to expanding our market presence in Latin America. Congratulations to our clients and team for another outstanding year."