Leading global law firm Baker McKenzie led two refinancing transactions that earned "Refinance Deal of the Year" recognition in the "Transport" and "Rail" categories for Latin America at the 2022 IJGlobal Awards. These awards celebrate the best-in-class transactions and organizations across the international infrastructure and energy sectors.
"We are honored to be recognized for our work on these critical infrastructure projects aimed at advancing mobility and connectivity," said Gustavo Boruchowicz, Baker McKenzie's Chair for the Latin America region. "We are proud to provide our clients with the cross-border resources, talent and innovative solutions these large-scale ventures require."
The award-winning refinancing deals are:
Rumichaca-Pasto 4G Refinance, Colombia: Refinance Deal of the Year – Transport
Baker McKenzie advised Banco Davivienda in the financial preparation and negotiation for Colombia's largest-ever 4G toll road financing project worth approximately USD 906 million. The deal also involved the largest social bond tied to an infrastructure project in Latin America and the second largest in Colombia. The transaction sets a precedent as the first to include a project-level letter of credit facility for a local project.
Led by former Bogota, Colombia partner Carolina Duque, the Baker McKenzie team included Bogota associates Mónica Cubillos, Nathalia Cardoso and María Camila Vargas.
Ferrocarril Central Railway, Uruguay: Refinance Deal of the Year – Rail
Baker McKenzie advised Grupo Vía Central S.A. (Sacyr, NGE, Saceem and Berkes) in the refinancing and additional financing for the construction of the Ferrocarril Central Railway project in Uruguay. This project includes the design, construction, financing, rehabilitation and maintenance of a 273km railroad. The financing consisted of a USD 250 million senior facility through a fixed rate B-bond private placement and aimed to refinance existing senior debt and provide additional funds for the construction of the project, improving the project’s overall financing terms and conditions.
Led by former US partner John Murphy, the Baker McKenzie team included associates Cristóbal Larrain (Santiago, Chile) and Ana Marcos (Miami, Florida, US).
The awards ceremony took place at Guastavino’s in New York on March 16.
Baker McKenzie is a transactional powerhouse, with more than 2,500 deal practitioners in 45 countries offering leading expertise in the areas most critical for our clients. We excel in complex transactions and cross-border deals – over 65% of our deals are multi-jurisdictional. We are global and local, combining money-market sophistication with local excellence.