Alemán, Cordero, Galindo & Lee

Managing Partner: Arturo Gerbaud
Contact Partners: Patricia Cordero and Rita de la Guardia
Number of Partners Worldwide: 14
Number of Other Lawyers Worldwide: 30
Languages: Spanish, English, French

Firm Overview:
Alemán, Cordero, Galindo & Lee (Alcogal), established in 1985, is one of Panama’s leading law firms. It offers comprehensive legal services with a strong focus on banking, finance, corporate M&A, and dispute resolution. Alcogal represents large corporations in Panama and provides services to major local and foreign banks. The firm advises companies across various industries, including telecommunications, transportation, construction, and retail.

Alcogal is experienced in handling complex international transactions and public tenders. Its offshore practice is supported by offices in the British Virgin Islands, Belize, the Bahamas, Uruguay, and a network of correspondents worldwide.

Awards: 

• Panama Law Firm of the Year (2011, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2018) - Chambers and Partners
• Central American Law Firm of the Year (2007) - Chambers and Partners
• Most Innovative Law Firm for Capital Markets (2019) - International Financial Law Review (IFLR)

Main Areas of Practice: 

Banking, Finance & Capital Markets:
Alcogal handles various banking and finance matters, including loan agreements, securities transactions, IPOs, and tender offers. It is considered the leading banking firm in Panama.

Representative Transactions: 

• Assisted in a US$380 million bond issuance by San Miguel Industrias PET S.A.
• Advised on a US$1.85 million bond offering by Aeropuerto Internacional de Tocumen.
• Acted as counsel for Elektra Noreste, S.A. in a US$100 million corporate bonds issuance.
• Advised on a US$200 million loan to Global Bank Corporation.
• Acted as counsel for a US$400 million bond issuance by Banco General, S.A.
• Advised on the Republic of Panama's US$400 million credit facility.
• Advised on a US$1 billion bond issuance by Banco Nacional de Panamá.
• Advised on a US$610 million bridge loan for Gas Natural Atlántico and Costa Norte LNG Terminal.
• Assisted in a US$100 million credit agreement for the acquisition of Scotiabank’s operations in El Salvador.
• Acted as counsel for a US$300 million bond issuance by Global Bank Corporation.
• Advised on a US$500 million bond issuance by Empresa de Transmision Electrica, S.A.
• Advised on an exchange offer of US$550 million senior notes by Avianca Holdings, S.A.

Corporate & M&A:
The firm advises on tax, regulatory, liability, and confidentiality matters, reorganization, and restructuring of operations.

Representative Transactions: 

• Advised Cable & Wireless Panamá S.A. on the acquisition of Claro Panamá.
• Advised Grupo Aval on the acquisition of Multibank Financial Corp.
• Advised Banco Panamá on its merger with Banco Aliado.
• Advised Partners Group on acquiring a 50% stake in EnfraGen LLC.
• Advised on the US$350 million sale of the Soho Project.

Litigation & Arbitration:
Alcogal has a robust litigation and arbitration practice, representing clients in complex disputes across various sectors. The firm handles commercial litigation, arbitration, and alternative dispute resolution, providing strategic advice to achieve favorable outcomes.

Representative Transactions: 

• Represented a major telecommunications company in a high-stakes arbitration involving contractual disputes.
• Successfully defended a multinational corporation in a complex commercial litigation case.
• Acted as counsel in an international arbitration concerning a significant infrastructure project.
• Advised a financial institution in a dispute over regulatory compliance and enforcement actions.
• Represented an energy company in arbitration related to a breach of contract claim.