In the latest recognition of its outstanding work in global infrastructure, energy and project finance, Milbank LLP received a record eight “Deal of the Year” awards at the IJGlobal Americas Awards in New York on March 14, 2019, marking the most transactions recognized by any international firm in Latin America.
Dan Bartfeld, head of Milbank’s Global Project, Energy and Infrastructure Finance Group and co-head of the firm’s Latin America practice, said: “It is an honor for Milbank to be recognized by IJGlobal. We are very fortunate to be called upon by our clients to help them with their most important matters. This year, our team advised on a record number of landmark deals in a wide range of transactions ranging from M&A to project development to financings with bonds, banks and ECAs. These varied transactions are a testament to the extraordinary activity and success of our clients over the past year.”
Marcelo Mottesi, head of Milbank’s Global Capital Markets Group and co-head of the firm’s Latin America practice, added: “Our market-leading reputation for handling complex matters across the globe has allowed us to attract and retain an exceptional roster of clients and an impressive pool of talented attorneys. In 2019, we look forward to further asserting ourselves as a top legal adviser throughout the Latin American region and we expect to continue advising on the most high-profile and innovative transactions in the sector this year as well.”
Milbank transactions were honored in the following categories:
- Latin America M&A Deal of the Year – Actis Acquisition of InterGen Mexican Portfolio: Milbank advised Actis in its largest acquisition to date and the related acquisition financing of InterGen's Mexican portfolio of businesses, including 2,300+ megawatts, valued at US$1.245 billion.
- Latin America Power Deal of the Year – CELSE: Milbank advised Centrais Elétricas de Sergipe on the largest cross-border energy related transaction in Brazil in recent years and the largest LNG-to-Power deal completed to date in Latin America. The project financed the Porto de Sergipe I Thermoelectric Complex, comprising of a gas-fired combined cycle power plant with a total installed capacity of 1.5GW, a 33-km transmission line, an offshore terminal where a chartered Floating Storage and Regasification Unit will be moored, and a subsea and underground gas pipeline to transport the regasified LNG from the offshore terminal to the plant.
- Latin America Solar Deal of the Year – Cerro Dominador: Milbank advised EIG Global Energy Partners and its subsidiary Cerro Dominador in connection with the financing of a 110 MW concentrated solar thermal power plant and 100 MW photovoltaic solar power plant in Chile.
- Latin America Water Deal of the Year – Spence Mine Desalination Project: Milbank represented the sponsors in connection with the greenfield project financing of a major water desalination project (“Spence”) in Chile.
- Latin America Midstream Oil & Gas Deal of the Year – La Laguna-El Encino Pipeline Refinancing: Milbank advised the lenders and institutional investors in connection with the bank and bond re-financing of a 420-kilometer natural gas transportation pipeline owned by leading Mexico infrastructure builder and operator Fermaca Pipeline El Encino, S. de R.L. de C.V.
- Latin America Mining Deal of the Year – Fruta del Norte Phase II: Milbank represented the lenders in connection with the financing of the Fruta del Norte gold project, located in Ecuador.
- North America Power Deal of the Year – Southfield: Milbank represented the lenders in the financing of the approximately 1,182 MW natural gas-fired electric combined cycle power generation facility to be located in Ohio.
- North America Solar Dear of the Year – 8point3 (Acquisition & Refinancing): Milbank advised the bridge lenders in the takeover by CapitalDynamics of 8point3 Solar.
Milbank is consistently recognized as a leading law firm in Latin America. In 2018, Milbank was named “International Counsel in Latin America – Project Finance” by Chambers Latin America, “Best Infrastructure Law Firm in Latin America” for the third year in a row by LatinFinance and “Latin America Legal Adviser of the Year” by IJGlobal.
