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About
Provided by Francisco Arias
Practice Areas
Business & Corporate Law
Banking & Finance
Mergers & Acquisitions
Real Estate
Securities & Capital Markets
Estate Planning
Insurance & Reinsurance
Career
Francisco Arias is a Partner and co-leader of the Mergers & Acquisitions and Securities & Capital Markets practice groups at Morgan & Morgan. He actively participates in the practice groups of Corporate & Commercial Law, Banking & Finance, Real Estate, Insurance & Reinsurance, and Estate Planning. He also leads the Firm's Intellectual Property department at an administrative level.
He regularly advises clients in connection with the sale and purchase of businesses as well as joint ventures. During the last years, he has participated in transactions in several industries, including banking and related services, retail, electricity generation, insurance, construction, hospitality, shrimp farms, restaurants, printing and editing, and non-alcoholic beverages, some with cross border components. He has led or participated in teams in connection with various real estate developments, both residential and commercial.
He also has extensive experience in capital markets transactions including but not limited to capital raising through public and private offerings, capital markets regulatory work and listings on the Panama Stock Exchange and offshore markets. He was instrumental in drafting legislation and regulation on real estate investment funds in Panama and has led or participated in taking to market several such funds.
Furthermore, he has consolidated himself as a leading project finance lawyer in Panama, participating in the country’s most important transactions representing institutions involved in the principal projects in Panama such as the Panama Canal Expansion project.
Professional Memberships
Terralex.
Chambers Review
Latin America
Market-leading partner Francisco Arias plays a key role in the Panamanian corporate and financial arenas, boasting particular expertise advising on capital markets mandates. He is also well placed to assist clients with mergers, acquisitions and divestments.
Distinguished partner Francisco Arias is frequently seen acting as counsel to issuers, underwriters and initial purchasers on public and private offerings of bonds and shares in Panama.
Experienced partner Francisco Arias continues to boast extensive expertise advising financial institutions on their banking and finance transactions in Panama.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Francisco Arias is active in financing matters."
"Francisco Arias possesses a brilliant mind, exceptional financial acumen, and a goal-oriented approach that significantly contributes to the transactions."
"Francisco Arias has a great level of sophistication and commercial awareness. His guidance and prudent advice is very important in the success of our M&A experience. I would highly recommend him."
"Francisco Arias is a fantastic professional, we are really pleased to work with him on legal matters. He has a great success record and is always ready to offer excellent advice."
"Francisco Arias is active in financing matters."
"Francisco Arias possesses a brilliant mind, exceptional financial acumen, and a goal-oriented approach that significantly contributes to the transactions."
"Francisco Arias has a great level of sophistication and commercial awareness. His guidance and prudent advice is very important in the success of our M&A experience. I would highly recommend him."
"Francisco Arias is a fantastic professional, we are really pleased to work with him on legal matters. He has a great success record and is always ready to offer excellent advice."
Articles, highlights and press releases
37 items provided by Morgan & Morgan
Morgan & Morgan advised the shareholders of CHDD in the sale of a major participation in the company
Morgan & Morgan advised the shareholders of Clínica Hospital de David, S.A. in the sale of a major participation in the company to Grupesal Panama, Inc.
Morgan & Morgan advised Platinum Brands, S.A. on acquisition of KFC and Dairy Queen assets in Panama
Morgan & Morgan has advised Platinum Brands, S.A. (“PBSA”) on the acquisition of assets related to the operation of the Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) and Dairy Queen franchises in the Republic of Panama, previously owned by Franquicias Panameñas, S.A. (“FPSA”).
Morgan & Morgan outstands in Chambers Latin America 2024.
Morgan & Morgan consolidates its position as the leading law firm in Panama in Chambers Latin America Guide 2024, the key reference point of Latin American top law firms.
Morgan & Morgan Legal advised Green Tower in its registration as a REIT and initial IPO of shares
Morgan & Morgan Legal advised Green Tower Properties Inc. and its shareholders in the registration and conversion as a Real Estate Investment Trust and an initial public offering (IPO) of its shares through Latinex.
Morgan & Morgan Legal advised in the closing of the acquisition of Capital Bank, Inc.
Morgan & Morgan Legal advised Mercantil Holding Financiero Internacional, S.A. and Mercantil Capital S.A., in the closing of the acquisition of Capital Bank, Inc.
Morgan & Morgan Legal advised MSFI, S.A. in the issuance of US$30 million common shares
Morgan & Morgan Legal advised Mercantil Servicios Financieros Internacional, S.A. in the issuance of common shares for an amount of up to US$30 million, successfully placed.
Morgan & Morgan Legal advised MHFI, S.A. in the registration of US$100 million corporate bonds
Morgan & Morgan Legal advised Mercantil Holding Financiero Internacional, S.A. in the registration of corporate bonds for an amount of up to US$100 million.
Morgan & Morgan Legal advised Supermercados Xtra, S.A. in the registration of US$45.5M common shares
Morgan & Morgan Legal advised Supermercados Xtra, S.A. in connection with the registration of common shares for an amount of up to US$45.5 million, successfully placed and sold in the secondary market of Latinex to almost 250 new investors.
Morgan & Morgan Legal advised MHFI in the execution of a promissory share purchase agreement
Morgan & Morgan Legal advised Mercantil Holding Financiero Internacional, S.A. (MHFI) in the execution of a promissory share purchase agreement for the acquisition of the majority stake in Capital Bank, Inc.
Morgan & Morgan Legal advised Supermercados Xtra, S.A. in a US$100 million bonds issuance
Morgan & Morgan Legal advised Supermercados Xtra, S.A. in connection with the offering and issuance of corporate bonds for an amount of up to US$100 million.
Morgan & Morgan Legal advised Avianca with its financial and corporate restructuring process
Morgan & Morgan Legal advised Avianca and its subsidiaries, in connection with its financial and corporate restructuring process, implemented to emerge from Chapter 11 proceedings in the United States of America.
Morgan & Morgan Legal advised Avianca in connection with a US$ 1.5 billion DIP-to-exit facility
Morgan & Morgan Legal advised Avianca Holdings, S.A. and its subsidiaries, in connection with a US$ 1.5 billion DIP-to-exit facility which would secure the company’s exit financing from its Chapter 11 reorganization proceeding under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code.
Morgan & Morgan achieved the highest number of rankings for Panama in Chambers Latin America.
Morgan & Morgan has achieved the highest number of rankings for Panama in Chambers Latin America Guide 2022, the key reference point of Latin American top law firms.
Morgan & Morgan advised Avianca Holdings, S.A. in a US$ 2 billion debtor-in-possesion financing
Morgan & Morgan advised Avianca Holdings, S.A. in connection to a over US$ 2 billion debtor-in-possession financing structure pursuant to its reorganization plan under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code.
Morgan & Morgan advised in a US$40 million bond issuance by Bladex
Morgan & Morgan advised in a US$40 million bond issuance by Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior (Bladex)
Morgan & Morgan advised the shareholders of Unity Group in a corporate restructuring and sale
Morgan & Morgan advised the shareholders of Unity Group, a holding company with subsidiaries engaged in insurance brokerage in Central America with operations in six countries, in a corporate restructuring and subsequent sale of its business to Willis Europe B.V.
Morgan & Morgan advised Avianca Holdings, S.A. -Securities Purchase Agreement
Morgan & Morgan advised Avianca Holdings, S.A. in connection with a Senior Secured Convertible Securities Purchase Agreement for an amount of up to US$50 million
Morgan & Morgan advised Avianca Holdings, S.A. in connection to certain Incremental Debt
Morgan & Morgan advised Avianca Holdings, S.A. in connection to certain Incremental Debt for an amount of up to US$75 million
Morgan & Morgan advised Avianca Holdings, S.A. in connection with a Loan Agreement of up to US$250M
Morgan & Morgan advised Avianca Holdings, S.A. in connection with a Senior Secured Convertible Term Loan Agreement of up to US$250 million
Morgan & Morgan Partners recommended by the Latin American Corporate Counsel Association (LACCA)
Partners Carlos Ernesto González Ramírez, Inocencio Galindo, and Francisco Arias have been included at LACCA Approved 2020, a selection of Latin American leading lawyers in specific areas of law.
Morgan & Morgan advised in the sale of a frozen desserts business in the Republic of Panama
The firm advised the sellers of a business engaged in the production, distribution and sale of ice pops, sorbets, ice cream and frozen desserts in the Republic of Panama.
Morgan & Morgan advised Grupo Mercantil in connection with the registration of common shares
Morgan & Morgan advised Grupo Mercantil in connection with the registration of 104,760,961 common shares of its Panamanian holding Mercantil Servicios Financieros Internacional, S.A.
Morgan & Morgan advised Cirsa Enterprises S.L.U. with the offering of senior secured notes
Morgan & Morgan advised Cirsa Enterprises S.L.U. in connection with the offering of senior secured notes for an amount of up to €490,000,000
Morgan & Morgan advised Cirsa Enterprises S.L.U. with the offering of senior secured notes
Morgan & Morgan acted as counsel to Cirsa Enterprises S.L.U. in connection with the offering of €390,000,000 4.750% senior secured notes due 2025, issued by Cirsa Finance International S.à.r.l., and to be guaranteed by the Cirsa Enterprises S.L.U. and, among others, Gaming & Services de Panama, S.A.
Morgan & Morgan advised Farallon Nicaragua in the sale of its shrimp business to Cooke Inc.
Morgan & Morgan acted as Panamanian legal counsel to Farallon Nicaragua, a vertically integrated producer of farmed shrimp and a leading supplier of branded fresh-frozen shrimp to major markets in Asia Europe and the U.S., in connection with the sale of its business to Cooke Inc.
Morgan & Morgan Partners recommended by the Latin American Corporate Counsel Association (LACCA)
Partners Inocencio Galindo (Banking and Finance), Francisco Arias (Corporate / M&A), Carlos Ernesto Gonzalez Ramirez (Antitrust) and Mercedes Arauz de Grimaldo (Labor) have been recognized at LACCA Approved 2019, a selection of Latin American leading lawyers in specific areas of law.
Morgan & Morgan advised The Goldman Sachs Group Inc. in the negotiation of a Security Purchase Agree
Morgan & Morgan advised The Goldman Sachs Group Inc. in the negotiation of a Security Purchase Agreement with McDermott International, Inc. for an amount of up to US$300 million
Morgan & Morgan participated in asset securitization conference
With the topic "Panamanian Fiscal Regulatory Framework in International Securitization", Mr. Francisco Arias G., partner of Morgan & Morgan, participated as a speaker in the conference Latest Trends in Asset Securitization: Applications to the Panamanian Market.
Morgan & Morgan advised Cirsa Gaming Corporation, S.A. in the offering of senior secured notes
Morgan & Morgan advised Cirsa Gaming Corporation, S.A. in connection with the offering of senior secured notes and floating rate senior secured notes
Morgan & Morgan advised Hidrotenencias in the sale of its hydroelectric generation business
Morgan & Morgan acted as Panamanian counsel to the shareholders of Hidrotenencias, S.A., a company that owns and operates three run-of-the-river hydropower plants located in the province of Chiriqui, in connection with the sale of their stake in the company to EnfranGen Spain, S.A.
Morgan & Morgan advised the shareholders of CHDD in the sale of a major participation in the company
Morgan & Morgan advised the shareholders of Clínica Hospital de David, S.A. in the sale of a major participation in the company to Grupesal Panama, Inc.
Morgan & Morgan advised Platinum Brands, S.A. on acquisition of KFC and Dairy Queen assets in Panama
Morgan & Morgan has advised Platinum Brands, S.A. (“PBSA”) on the acquisition of assets related to the operation of the Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) and Dairy Queen franchises in the Republic of Panama, previously owned by Franquicias Panameñas, S.A. (“FPSA”).
Morgan & Morgan outstands in Chambers Latin America 2024.
Morgan & Morgan consolidates its position as the leading law firm in Panama in Chambers Latin America Guide 2024, the key reference point of Latin American top law firms.
Morgan & Morgan Legal advised Green Tower in its registration as a REIT and initial IPO of shares
Morgan & Morgan Legal advised Green Tower Properties Inc. and its shareholders in the registration and conversion as a Real Estate Investment Trust and an initial public offering (IPO) of its shares through Latinex.
Morgan & Morgan Legal advised in the closing of the acquisition of Capital Bank, Inc.
Morgan & Morgan Legal advised Mercantil Holding Financiero Internacional, S.A. and Mercantil Capital S.A., in the closing of the acquisition of Capital Bank, Inc.
Morgan & Morgan Legal advised MSFI, S.A. in the issuance of US$30 million common shares
Morgan & Morgan Legal advised Mercantil Servicios Financieros Internacional, S.A. in the issuance of common shares for an amount of up to US$30 million, successfully placed.
Morgan & Morgan Legal advised MHFI, S.A. in the registration of US$100 million corporate bonds
Morgan & Morgan Legal advised Mercantil Holding Financiero Internacional, S.A. in the registration of corporate bonds for an amount of up to US$100 million.
Morgan & Morgan Legal advised Supermercados Xtra, S.A. in the registration of US$45.5M common shares
Morgan & Morgan Legal advised Supermercados Xtra, S.A. in connection with the registration of common shares for an amount of up to US$45.5 million, successfully placed and sold in the secondary market of Latinex to almost 250 new investors.
Morgan & Morgan Legal advised MHFI in the execution of a promissory share purchase agreement
Morgan & Morgan Legal advised Mercantil Holding Financiero Internacional, S.A. (MHFI) in the execution of a promissory share purchase agreement for the acquisition of the majority stake in Capital Bank, Inc.
Morgan & Morgan Legal advised Supermercados Xtra, S.A. in a US$100 million bonds issuance
Morgan & Morgan Legal advised Supermercados Xtra, S.A. in connection with the offering and issuance of corporate bonds for an amount of up to US$100 million.
Morgan & Morgan Legal advised Avianca with its financial and corporate restructuring process
Morgan & Morgan Legal advised Avianca and its subsidiaries, in connection with its financial and corporate restructuring process, implemented to emerge from Chapter 11 proceedings in the United States of America.
Morgan & Morgan Legal advised Avianca in connection with a US$ 1.5 billion DIP-to-exit facility
Morgan & Morgan Legal advised Avianca Holdings, S.A. and its subsidiaries, in connection with a US$ 1.5 billion DIP-to-exit facility which would secure the company’s exit financing from its Chapter 11 reorganization proceeding under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code.
Morgan & Morgan achieved the highest number of rankings for Panama in Chambers Latin America.
Morgan & Morgan has achieved the highest number of rankings for Panama in Chambers Latin America Guide 2022, the key reference point of Latin American top law firms.
Morgan & Morgan advised Avianca Holdings, S.A. in a US$ 2 billion debtor-in-possesion financing
Morgan & Morgan advised Avianca Holdings, S.A. in connection to a over US$ 2 billion debtor-in-possession financing structure pursuant to its reorganization plan under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code.
Morgan & Morgan advised in a US$40 million bond issuance by Bladex
Morgan & Morgan advised in a US$40 million bond issuance by Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior (Bladex)
Morgan & Morgan advised the shareholders of Unity Group in a corporate restructuring and sale
Morgan & Morgan advised the shareholders of Unity Group, a holding company with subsidiaries engaged in insurance brokerage in Central America with operations in six countries, in a corporate restructuring and subsequent sale of its business to Willis Europe B.V.
Morgan & Morgan advised Avianca Holdings, S.A. -Securities Purchase Agreement
Morgan & Morgan advised Avianca Holdings, S.A. in connection with a Senior Secured Convertible Securities Purchase Agreement for an amount of up to US$50 million
Morgan & Morgan advised Avianca Holdings, S.A. in connection to certain Incremental Debt
Morgan & Morgan advised Avianca Holdings, S.A. in connection to certain Incremental Debt for an amount of up to US$75 million
Morgan & Morgan advised Avianca Holdings, S.A. in connection with a Loan Agreement of up to US$250M
Morgan & Morgan advised Avianca Holdings, S.A. in connection with a Senior Secured Convertible Term Loan Agreement of up to US$250 million
Morgan & Morgan Partners recommended by the Latin American Corporate Counsel Association (LACCA)
Partners Carlos Ernesto González Ramírez, Inocencio Galindo, and Francisco Arias have been included at LACCA Approved 2020, a selection of Latin American leading lawyers in specific areas of law.
Morgan & Morgan advised in the sale of a frozen desserts business in the Republic of Panama
The firm advised the sellers of a business engaged in the production, distribution and sale of ice pops, sorbets, ice cream and frozen desserts in the Republic of Panama.
Morgan & Morgan advised Grupo Mercantil in connection with the registration of common shares
Morgan & Morgan advised Grupo Mercantil in connection with the registration of 104,760,961 common shares of its Panamanian holding Mercantil Servicios Financieros Internacional, S.A.
Morgan & Morgan advised Cirsa Enterprises S.L.U. with the offering of senior secured notes
Morgan & Morgan advised Cirsa Enterprises S.L.U. in connection with the offering of senior secured notes for an amount of up to €490,000,000
Morgan & Morgan advised Cirsa Enterprises S.L.U. with the offering of senior secured notes
Morgan & Morgan acted as counsel to Cirsa Enterprises S.L.U. in connection with the offering of €390,000,000 4.750% senior secured notes due 2025, issued by Cirsa Finance International S.à.r.l., and to be guaranteed by the Cirsa Enterprises S.L.U. and, among others, Gaming & Services de Panama, S.A.
Morgan & Morgan advised Farallon Nicaragua in the sale of its shrimp business to Cooke Inc.
Morgan & Morgan acted as Panamanian legal counsel to Farallon Nicaragua, a vertically integrated producer of farmed shrimp and a leading supplier of branded fresh-frozen shrimp to major markets in Asia Europe and the U.S., in connection with the sale of its business to Cooke Inc.
Morgan & Morgan Partners recommended by the Latin American Corporate Counsel Association (LACCA)
Partners Inocencio Galindo (Banking and Finance), Francisco Arias (Corporate / M&A), Carlos Ernesto Gonzalez Ramirez (Antitrust) and Mercedes Arauz de Grimaldo (Labor) have been recognized at LACCA Approved 2019, a selection of Latin American leading lawyers in specific areas of law.
Morgan & Morgan advised The Goldman Sachs Group Inc. in the negotiation of a Security Purchase Agree
Morgan & Morgan advised The Goldman Sachs Group Inc. in the negotiation of a Security Purchase Agreement with McDermott International, Inc. for an amount of up to US$300 million
Morgan & Morgan participated in asset securitization conference
With the topic "Panamanian Fiscal Regulatory Framework in International Securitization", Mr. Francisco Arias G., partner of Morgan & Morgan, participated as a speaker in the conference Latest Trends in Asset Securitization: Applications to the Panamanian Market.
Morgan & Morgan advised Cirsa Gaming Corporation, S.A. in the offering of senior secured notes
Morgan & Morgan advised Cirsa Gaming Corporation, S.A. in connection with the offering of senior secured notes and floating rate senior secured notes
Morgan & Morgan advised Hidrotenencias in the sale of its hydroelectric generation business
Morgan & Morgan acted as Panamanian counsel to the shareholders of Hidrotenencias, S.A., a company that owns and operates three run-of-the-river hydropower plants located in the province of Chiriqui, in connection with the sale of their stake in the company to EnfranGen Spain, S.A.
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Financial Investors
Family Offices and High Net Worth
Financial Services
Property, Construction and Infrastructure