Milbank has significantly increased its exposure to Latin America M&A and private equity over recent years. Much of this stems from its focus on energy and infrastructure, and its expanding collection of private equity and financial sponsor clients. Sovereign wealth funds, pension funds and infrastructure funds have become a major driver of the practice, including Actis, which the firm now advises on regular deals in the region. The Latin America team is also working for a range of corporates and private equity-backed companies. Mexico remains a major market for the firm, along with Colombia, Chile and Peru. John Franchini leads the firm’s global infrastructure practice and has an increasing focus on Latin America, where he represents key client Actis on a regular basis, including its recent acquisition of 11 data centres from Nabiax across various Latin American jurisdictions and the US. Highly rated practitioner and native Spanish speaker Francisco Nuñez has become central to the firm’s Latin America M&A practice including deals in the energy and infrastructure, industrials and manufacturing, telecoms, technology, financial services and retail sectors. Aaron Stine also plays a key role on Actis deals and other Latin America transactions; while head of the US-based global M&A group, Dean Sattler, is an additional key figure in the team. All named individuals are based in New York.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The Milbank team is outstanding. Its deliverables are of the highest quality and its availability is total. Additionally, they are proactive and look for alternatives that, without sacrificing their client's legal position, help move the operation forward.’
‘Francisco Nuñez is a true partner of the client. He is constantly available to provide support, seeks solutions that achieve the client's business purposes, and delivers products that are always impeccable. It is a pleasure to work with him.’
‘I frequently work with international firms. Milbank stands out for its ability to handle complex matters with an important business focus. In addition, it has specialised teams that make the transaction easy to execute. They involve not only M&A but also complementary energy or financing equipment. Some other firms use the same team for everything (debt and M&A).’
‘Aaron Strine is outstanding. Practical and business approach. Francisco Nuñez has been having more presence. John Francini has a lot of seniority.’
‘They are excellent professionals, very technical but also practical and aligned with the needs of their clients' business. Their ability to transform sophisticated legal advice into practical legal advice is superior to other firms.'
‘They are very hands on and consider themselves part of the client's team. Francisco Nuñez is a partner that stands out for his capabilities, efficiency and speed in solving problems.'
‘The team is a well trained and diverse team. The team members collaborate with the rest of the team providing results to the clients.’
‘Exceptional dedication to the transaction. Francisco Nuñez has an exceptional command of transaction structure and risk management.'
Key clients
- Abra Group
- Actis
- Allianz Capital Partners
- Arroyo Energy
- Avianca
- BCI Partners
- Brookfield Asset Management
- CarbonFree Technology
- Cementos Progreso
- Cencosud
Work highlights
- Represented Abra Group in the creation of a leading air transportation group across Latin America.
- Represented Actis in its acquisition of 11 data centres across six countries in Latin America and the US from Nabiax.
- Represented Actis, and its portfolio company, Valia, in the acquisition and acquisition financing of EVM Energía, two advanced natural gas-powered plants with a combined output of 950MWs, located near Mexico City.
Lawyers
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.
Francisco Nuñez
Practice head
Dean Sattler; John Franchini; Daniel Bartfeld; Marcelo Mottesi; Jaime Ramirez