Author: Daniel P.

Chambers distinguishes S&M

Chambers Latin America distinguishes -once again- Scelza & Montano as a leading firm of Projects & Energy.

They describe the practice area of the firm as follows: “Scelza & Montano boasts a well-regarded practice noted for its activity in Uruguay’s projects sphere. They are frequently seen assisting key local construction clients with project development, while the team is also retained to advise on the financing, construction and operation of major infrastructure projects. The team’s expertise further spans PPP structures and other public works contracts, with a strong focus on investments in the transport arena”. 

As strengths, referees highlight: “Aside from their commercial vision and their practical focus, what particularly stands out about Scelza & Montano’s service in this sector is the team’s experience in this field.”

We would like to thank our clients for their trust, to our team for their performance, and our colleagues for the recognition.

The first “CRMEAF” contract was signed

The first contract under the so-called “CREMAF” scheme was signed, corresponding to Section 1 of the double track of National Highway Nº 5 by and between Corporación Vial del Uruguay S.A. and the Consortium made up of Lemiro Pablo Pietroboni S.A. and Berkes.

The purpose of the contract is the design, construction, rehabilitation, maintenance and financing of the road infrastructure.

Scelza & Montano advised the Consortium in the negotiation process of the contract and provided legal advice on the project financing. Moreover, the firm also provides legal counsel to the Consortium during the execution of the work.

Scelza & Montano is recognized by Chambers and Partners

Once again, the British guide Chambers and Partners acknowledges Scelza & Montano as a leading firm of Projects & Energy.

They introduce our practice area as follows: “Well-regarded department noted for its activity in Uruguay’s projects sphere, frequently assisting key local construction clients with project development. Regularly retained to advise on the financing, construction and operation of major infrastructure projects. Expertise spans PPP structures and other public works contracts, with a strong focus on investments in the transport arena”.

As strengths, quoting clients’ feedback of our service, the guide points out two aspects that are crucial for our firm: “They understand and share our company’s philosophy and values”. “Their service is excellent and professional, and they provide almost immediate answers”.

We take the opportunity to deeply thank our clients for their trust, our team for their commitment and passion, and our colleagues for their acknowledgement.

Berkes acquisition of BWE

Berkes has just accomplished another milestone in its business history. Days ago, Berkes closed the acquisition of BWE, the biomass power generation boiler business unit, of the Danish company BWSC Burmeister& Wein Scandinavian Contractor (seller). The transaction represents a significant landmark for our client, and therefore, we take opportunity to congratulate its entire team.

Scelza & Montano –together with local Danish advisers- advised Berkes (purchaser) throughout the M&A transaction process.

Reception of the first 3 Educational Centers

Exactly one year ago, ANEP and Infraestructura Educativa II SA (formed by Saceem, Berkes and Sitler) signed the Public Private Partnership (PPP) Contract for de finance, design, construction and maintenance of 42 Educational Centers throughout the country (15 Schools, 9 Technological Poles and 10 Sports Centers).

Today –despite Covid-19 pandemic- we are glad to share with you the finalization of the construction of the first 2 Centers (1 School in Montevideo, 1 Sport Center in Canelones and 1 Sport Center in Salto). 

Scelza & Montano is the legal advisor of Consorcio EPC PPP Educativa II (formed by Saceem, Berkes and Stiler), in charge of the construction of the 42 Educational Centers. 

Closing of Circuito 7 – PPP Contract

On December 21th, 2020, the Ministry of Transport and Public Works and Grupo San José S.A., signed the Public Private Partnership (PPP) Contract – Road Corridor – Circuito 7, for the financing, design, construction and maintenance of infrastructure on Highway Nº 3 (the double way between Highway Nº 1 and Highway Nº 11 and a bypass to the city of San José de Mayo).

Scelza & Montano provided legal advice to its client Serviam S.A., leader of Grupo San José S.A., a consortium formed with Construcciones Viales y Civiles S.A. and Interagrovial S.A.

We would like to congratulate all the members of the teams involved in the transaction.

 

Deal of the Year 2019 (Project Finance – Infraestructure)

Ferrocarril Central Project won Latin Lawyer’s Deal of the Year 2019 award, in Project finance (Infrastructure) category.

Baker McKenzie and Dentos Jimenez de Aréchaga were the legal advisors of Grupo Vía Central, a consortium formed by Sacyr (Spain), NGE (France), Saceem (Uruguay) and Berkes (Uruguay).

Clifford Chance and Ferrere were the legal advisors of the lenders group, formed by IDB Invest, CAF, CAF-AM, Intesa Sanpaolo and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation.

As in-house lawyers, participated:

  • Sacyr – Karina Martínez, Diego Mencerreyes, Mercédes Rubio, Jorge Cornejo
  • NGE – Pierre-Antoine Rohan, Arlene González
  • Saceem – Federico Gianero
  • Grupo Vía Central – Leandro Iglesias
  • IDB Invest – Ignacio Imas
  • CAF – Gonzalo Soriano
  • CAF-AM – Laura Berkman

Scelza & Montano asisted Berkes, as member of the consortium, in all stages of the transaction. Moreover, the firm assists the consortium in charge of the construction (formed by Sacyr, NGE, Saceem and Berkes) during the construction phase of the project.

We would like to congratulate all participants of the transaction!

https://latinlawyer.com/article/1211724/sacyr-led-railway-project-obtains-largest-ever-ppp-financing-in-uruguay

IJ Global awards Ferrocarril Central project

IJ Global, project finance and infrastructure journal, awarded Ferrocarril Central as the most outstanding transaction in Latin America in rail industry (2019).

Ferrocarril Central project supposes the construction and maintenance of the railway that goes between the Port of Montevideo and the city of Paso de los Toros (273 km of railway) and that will allow the transport of the pulp produced at the UPM Industrial Plant, currently under construction.

The project will be financed with equity contributions of the sponsors (Sacyr, NGE, Saceem and Berkes) and through a credit of USD 870 MM granted by the multilateral organizations IDB and CAF, CAF-AM and the international commercial banks Intesa San Paolo (Italy) and Sumitomo Banking Corporation (Japan).

We congratulate Grupo Vía Central, composed by Sacyr, NGE, Saceem and Berkes, as well as the teams of each of the companies, the lenders and advisors of all the involved parties.

Scelza & Montano assisted Berkes, as a member of the consortium, in all stages of the transaction. In addition, the firm advises the so-called Consorcio Constructor Ferrocarril Central, during the construction phase.

Conference about the Simplified Stock Corporation

On May 11, 2020, took place a conference about the Simplified Stock Companies (so-called, Sociedad por Acciones Simplificada), organized by the Master’s and Postgraduate Economics Unit (UMPE) of the University of Montevideo.

On the conference, Pedro Bellocq explained the legal regime of this innovative corporate structure and the opportunities that offers.