In the latest recognition of its market-leading practice in the global infrastructure, energy and project finance space, Milbank LLP was named “Latin America Legal Adviser of the Year” and honored for advising on six award-winning deals across North America and Latin America at the IJGlobal Americas Awards ceremony on March 15 in New York. Milbank was also shortlisted for “North America Legal Adviser of the Year.”
Dan Bartfeld, head of Milbank’s Global Project, Energy and Infrastructure Finance Group, said: “Milbank has earned a reputation for handling the most high-profile and important energy and infrastructure transactions in North America and Latin America and around the world. These recognitions are a testament to the size, strength and diversity of our practice. We are delighted that IJGlobal has chosen to honor our practice and these innovative transactions, and we look forward to developing our global portfolio even more in the upcoming year.”
Milbank transactions were honored in the following categories:
- North America Solar – Moapa Southern Paiute: Milbank acted as counsel to Allianz Global Investors in connection with an investment in Moapa Solar, a 250MW Nevada-based solar photovoltaic facility. This was AllianzGI’s first infrastructure debt investment in a United States solar project.
- North America Social Infrastructure – Ohio State University Utility (OSU): Milbank represented a group of institutional investors and commercial bank lenders in connection with the US$1.1 billion Comprehensive Energy Management Project to improve energy efficiency at the OSU campus. The project will provide a comprehensive solution to modernize the heating, cooling and electricity systems for the University’s 485-building Columbus campus and provides total value to the University of $1.165 billion.
- Latin America Power – Norte III: Milbank advised Macquarie Capital on its acquisition and financing of the 907 MW combined cycle power generation facility, Norte III. The highly complex transaction included equity and debt restructuring, project development, Mexican regulatory matters, implementation of various M&A transactions and project finance lending.
- Latin America Refinancing – Celeo Redes: Milbank represented the initial purchaser in an offering of $379 million aggregate principal amount of 5.200% Series A Senior Secured Notes due 2047 by Celeo Redes Operación Chile S.A., an operator of power transmission systems in Chile.
- Latin America Transmission/Distribution – Melo Tacuarembo: Milbank advised Terna S.p.A in connection with the $81 million financing for the construction of a 500kV transmission line between Melo and Tacuarembó in Uruguay. The new power line allows for increased energy production and consumption from renewable sources.
- Latin America Onshore Wind – Aela: Milbank advised the international lenders in the project financing of Aela Energía’s Aurora project (129 MW) and Sarco project (170 MW). Both projects will provide power to the equivalent of 460,000 households.
One of the first international law firms to establish a dedicated project, energy and infrastructure finance practice, Milbank has advised on many of the market’s largest and most innovative transactions, drawing on the experience of more than 100 dedicated practice group attorneys based in the firm’s offices in the US, Latin America, Europe and Asia.
