"They are one of the 'Magic Three' firms in Mexico," one competitor says, commenting on Creel García-Cuéllar Aiza y Enríquez. The firm is highly regarded in the market for its expertise in banking and project finance....
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"They are one of the 'Magic Three' firms in Mexico," one competitor says, commenting on Creel García-Cuéllar Aiza y Enríquez. The firm is highly regarded in the market for its expertise in banking and project finance. "They are a key player in this area," one banking competitor states. "They are a good firm that has traditionally focused on banking." Another peer agrees: "They are capable and noted, also active in project finance."
Partner Carlos Aiza, who heads the banking, finance and capital markets division, receives impressive peer feedback, with one noting: "He is technical and outstanding," while another confirms the view: "Carlos is well-known and respected." Partner Santiago Sepúlveda also gains praise from competitors and clients. "Santiago is definitely a player in project finance, especially in energy," one competitor assesses, a client adds: "He is always responsive and has a fast turnaround time."
Deals
In one complex multijurisdictional deal closed in September 2011, the firm advised Société Générale as agent on a $430 million loan in favour of CIE Automotive. In the transaction, various subsidiaries of CIE automotive were involved and Mexican subsidiary acted as guarantor under the facilities agreement governed by Spanish law.
Another highlight saw the firm act for Banco Nacional de México, Grupo Financiero Banamex and Credit Suisse in connection with a senior secured guaranteed term loan and a senior secured guaranteed revolving facility for up to $115 million for Axtel, Avantel, and Avantel Infraestructura as borrowers to repay existing debt and finance the purchase of equipment.
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Creel García-Cuéllar Aiza y Enríquez's M&A team has built a powerful reputation among competitors, with one noting: "They have a good M&A practice," another agrees: "They are always involved in large M&A transactions and represent foreign investors and multinational firms."The firm also retains some of Mexico's most highly regarded M&A attorneys....
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Creel García-Cuéllar Aiza y Enríquez's M&A team has built a powerful reputation among competitors, with one noting: "They have a good M&A practice," another agrees: "They are always involved in large M&A transactions and represent foreign investors and multinational firms."
The firm also retains some of Mexico's most highly regarded M&A attorneys. "Carlos Creel is a really senior person - he has been a leading lawyer for many years," one competitor points out. "He is the mentor of many of the partners today." Peers also cite Jean Michel Enríquez as a leading figure at the firm, with one remarking: "Jean is very active in M&A, covering the entire M&A scope of his firm. He has done a good job." Another shares a similar view: "He is a technical lawyer, very experienced and practical. He is a good negotiator and understands how to close transactions."
Deals
One high-profile transaction saw the firm acting for Grupo CIMSA, a Mexican Coca-Cola bottler, on the merger of its beverage business with Coca-Cola FEMSA, a public bottler of Coca-Cola products in the world. The tight timeframe of less than three weeks to conduct the corporate restructuring, due diligence, negotiation and execution of the agreement made the transaction challenging. The deal was closed in December 2011.
In a deal led by Michel, the firm advised Prudential Financial as seller on the sale of a 50% interest in Afore XXI, one of the country's largest pension funds, to Banorte-lxe, the largest Mexican-controlled financial group in the country. The complexity of the deal was increased by the involvement of a shareholder agreement with IMSS, a state-controlled social security institute in the country. Closed in December 2011, the deal is valued $200 million.
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