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Alemán Cordero Galindo & Lee

Panama

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Key contacts
Managing Partner: Arturo Gerbaud
Strategy & Marketing Manager: Marisa Urrutia
Partner: Patricia Cordero
Partner: Rita de la Guardia
Quick facts
Number of partners

14

Number of other qualified practitioners

20

Number of total practitioners (worldwide)

34

Network memberships

Meritas, STEP, IBA, IFA, STEP, AmCham, CCIAP, IPA, ICC

Languages

Spañish; English; French; Italian

Key practice areas
Banking and finance
Banking
Capital markets
Capital markets : Debt
Capital markets : Equity
Financial and corporate
M&A
Energy and infrastructure
Project development
Firm overview

Aleman, Cordero, Galindo, and Lee (Alcogal) is a highly reputable law firm that provides comprehensive legal services in banking and finance, M&A, litigation, offshore services, and other business-related matters.

At our core, we boast extensive proficiency in serving banking institutions and multinational corporations. We take great pride in representing some of the largest foreign and locally owned banks operating within Panama's financial landscape. In addition to our banking expertise, we also excel in handling Mergers & Acquisitions, participating in the largest and most complex M&A transactions in the country. We also have a leading litigation team, providing guidance and strategic counsel to companies and individuals. Alcogal is also a highly experienced energy and telecom in Panama, advising the largest players in the market.

Our reputation for delivering prompt, efficient, business oriented and sound legal advice is well-earned. Our highly skilled attorneys have extensive knowledge and experience in Panamanian law, ensuring that our clients receive exemplary representation.

Key practice contacts and recent case highlights

Banking
Arturo Gerbaud Rafael Marquínezde la Guardia
agerbaud@alcogal.com

  • Counsel to The Bank of Nova Scotia in the recent transaction involving the transfer of its banking operations in Colombia, Costa Rica and Panama to Banco Davivienda.  The transaction is expected to be completed in approximately 12 months. As part of the transaction, Scotiabank will receive an approximately 20% interest in the new combined entity. The integration will strengthen Banco Davivienda, increasing its total assets to around $60 billion and improving its position in the Latin American market.  This comprehensive service has been led by partners Arturo Gerbaud and Rita de la Guardia, with the valuable support of the Rafael Amar associate and the outstanding participation of partner Jorge Federico Lee, the Leopoldo Padilla associate and the junior associate Victoria Castro.  This agreement represents a significant milestone in the regional banking landscape and underscores Alcogal's commitment to excellence in legal and financial advice.
  • Advised on the structuring of the financing for Grupo Nutresa in Colombia, a transaction valued at USD 2 billion.  Grupo Nutresa is one of the leading conglomerates in the food sector in Latin America, with operations in more than 14 countries and a presence in more than 80 markets.  This transaction involved the participation of partners Arturo Gerbaud and Patricia Cordero, associate Rafael Amar and junior associate Lilah Levin.

Patricia Cordero
pcordero@alcogal.com

  • Advising BAC International Bank, Inc. in the closing of an international syndicated financing for USD 500 million, the most significant in its category in the history of Panamanian banking.   The transaction, structured with the participation of SMBC, JPMorgan and Wells Fargo, reaffirms the global market's confidence in BAC's strength and in the economic dynamism of Central America. Alcogal's legal team, led by our partners Patricia Cordero and Rafael Marquinez, strategically accompanied BAC throughout the process, providing key advice on the structuring and legal execution of the transaction, which not only strengthens the bank's financial position, but also contributes to the growth of strategic sectors in the region.
  • Advised on the structuring of the financing for Grupo Nutresa in Colombia, a transaction valued at USD 2 billion. Grupo Nutresa is one of the leading conglomerates in the food sector in Latin America, with operations in more than 14 countries and a presence in more than 80 markets.  This transaction involved the participation of partners Arturo Gerbaud and Patricia Cordero, associate Rafael Amar and junior associate Lilah Levin.

Rafael Marquínez
rmarquinez@alcogal.com

  • Advising BAC International Bank, Inc. in the closing of an international syndicated financing for USD 500 million, the most significant in its category in the history of Panamanian banking. The transaction, structured with the participation of SMBC, JPMorgan and Wells Fargo, reaffirms the global market's confidence in BAC's strength and in the economic dynamism of Central America. Alcogal's legal team, led by our partners Patricia Cordero and Rafael Marquinez, strategically accompanied BAC throughout the process, providing key advice on the structuring and legal execution of the transaction, which not only strengthens the bank's financial position, but also contributes to the growth of strategic sectors in the region.

M&A
Alejandro Ferrer
aferrer@alcogal.com

  • Advisors to CPKC and Lanco Group/Mi-Jack in the sale of Panama Canal Railway Company to APM Terminals. Since the beginning of the concession in 1998, we have provided accompaniment to the company, advising them on all their legal needs, which is a testament to our commitment and dedication. We congratulate Panama Canal Railway for its contribution to the logistics development of Panama and APM Terminals, a leading global company that we are sure, will be key in the efforts to consolidate Panama as one of the great logistics centers. We thank our partners Alejandro Ferrer, Jaime Castillo, Jorge Federico Lee, Raúl Borrell Azcárraga A. and Rita de la Guardia, as well as the associates Diego Anguizola, Rafael Amar and Victoria Castro, for their effort and collaboration in this.

M&A
Rita de la Guardia
rdelaguardia@alcogal.com

  • Counsel to The Bank of Nova Scotia in the recent transaction involving the transfer of its banking operations in Colombia, Costa Rica and Panama to Banco Davivienda. The transaction is expected to be completed in approximately 12 months. As part of the transaction, Scotiabank will receive an approximately 20% interest in the new combined entity. The integration will strengthen Banco Davivienda, increasing its total assets to around $60 billion and improving its position in the Latin American market. This comprehensive service has been led by partners Arturo Gerbaud and Rita de la Guardia, with the valuable support of the Rafael Amar associate and the outstanding participation of partner Jorge Federico Lee, the Leopoldo Padilla associate and the junior associate Victoria Castro. This agreement represents a significant milestone in the regional banking landscape and underscores Alcogal's commitment to excellence in legal and financial advice.

  • Advisors to CPKC and Lanco Group/Mi-Jack in the sale of Panama Canal Railway Company to APM Terminals. Since the beginning of the concession in 1998, we have provided accompaniment to the company, advising them on all their legal needs, which is a testament to our commitment and dedication. We congratulate Panama Canal Railway for its contribution to the logistics development of Panama and APM Terminals, a leading global company that we are sure, will be key in the efforts to consolidate Panama as one of the great logistics centers. We thank our partners Alejandro Ferrer, Jaime Castillo, Jorge Federico Lee, Raúl Borrell Azcárraga A. and Rita de la Guardia, as well as the associates Diego Anguizola, Rafael Amar and Victoria Castro, for their effort and collaboration in this.

Key practice areas
  • Asset finance
  • Banking
  • Capital markets: Debt
  • Capital markets: Derivatives
  • Capital markets: Equity
  • Capital markets: High yield
  • Financial services regulatory
  • Financial restructuring
  • Investment funds
  • M&A
  • Private equity funds
  • Project development
  • Project finance
  • Real estate finance
  • Real estate funds
  • Securitisation
  • Restructuring and insolvency
  • Structured finance/securitisation
Sector expertise
  • Accounting
  • Banking
  • Construction and materials
  • Consumer goods and services
  • Energy
  • Financial services
  • Natural resources
  • Real estate
  • Shipping
  • Technology and telecommunications
  • Transport
  • Utilities
Other offices

Bahamas
ALEMAN, CORDERO, GALINDO & LEE (BAHAMAS) LIMITED

Winterbotham Place
Marlborough & Queen Streets
P.O. Box CB 11343
Nassau, Bahamas

British Virgin Islands
ALEMAN, CORDERO, GALINDO & LEE TRUST (BVI) LIMITED

3rd Floor, Yamraj Building,
Market Square,
P.O. Box 3175,
Road Town, Tortola,
British Virgin Islands.

Belize
ALEMAN, CORDERO, GALINDO & LEE TRUST (BELIZE) LIMITED

New Horizon Building, Ground Floor
3 ½ Miles Philip SW Goldson Highway
P.O. Box 1906
Belize City, Belize

Seychelles
APEX CORPORATE SERVICES (SEYCHELLES) LIMITED
Second Floor, The Quadrant
Manglier Street
PO Box 309
Victoria
Mahe, Seychelles

Hong Kong
APEX CORPORATE SERVICES (HK) LIMITED

Room 1501, 15/F, Prosperity Tower
39 Queen´s Road Central, Hong Kong

Singapore
APEX CORPORATE SERVICES (SINGAPORE) PTE. LTD.

16 Stanley Street, Level 3
Singapore 068735

New Zealand
APEX TRUST (NZ) LIMITED

60 Tinakori Road, Thorndon
Wellington 6011
New Zealand

Address:
2nd Floor, Humboldt Tower,
East 53rd Street, Urb. Marbella,
Panama City, 0819-09132
Tel:+5072692620 Email:Contact Us Web Address:https://alcogal.com/
Rankings published in 2026
Banking and finance
Tier 1
14 firms ranked
View full list

Tier 1

Alemán Cordero Galindo & Lee
9 practice areas
View full profile
Arias Fábrega & Fábrega
7 practice areas
View full profile
Morgan & Morgan
8 practice areas
View profile

Tier 2

Alfaro Ferrer & Ramírez
7 practice areas
View profile
Arias
5 practice areas
View full profile
Galindo Arias & López
8 practice areas
View profile
Icaza González-Ruiz & Alemán
7 practice areas
View profile

Tier 3

Anzola Robles & Asociados
5 practice areas
View profile
Dentons Muñoz
3 practice areas
View profile

Tier 4

Lovill
3 practice areas
View profile
Pardini & Asociados
3 practice areas
View profile
Virtù Atelier Legal
5 practice areas
View profile

Notable

Ivette Martinez | Attorney-at-Law
2 practice areas
View profile
Sigma
4 practice areas
View profile
Capital markets
Tier 1
7 firms ranked
View full list

Tier 1

Alemán Cordero Galindo & Lee
9 practice areas
View full profile
Arias Fábrega & Fábrega
7 practice areas
View full profile
Galindo Arias & López
8 practice areas
View profile
Morgan & Morgan
8 practice areas
View profile

Tier 2

Quijano & Associates
5 practice areas
View full profile
Virtù Atelier Legal
5 practice areas
View profile

Notable

Sigma
4 practice areas
View profile
M&A
Tier 1
15 firms ranked
View full list

Tier 1

Alemán Cordero Galindo & Lee
9 practice areas
View full profile
Arias Fábrega & Fábrega
7 practice areas
View full profile
Galindo Arias & López
8 practice areas
View profile
Morgan & Morgan
8 practice areas
View profile

Tier 2

Alfaro Ferrer & Ramírez
7 practice areas
View profile
Icaza González-Ruiz & Alemán
7 practice areas
View profile

Tier 3

Anzola Robles & Asociados
5 practice areas
View profile
Arias
5 practice areas
View full profile
Fabrega Molino
3 practice areas
View profile
Lovill
3 practice areas
View profile

Tier 4

Patton Moreno & Asvat
3 practice areas
View profile
Quijano & Associates
5 practice areas
View full profile

Notable

Delvalle Escalona Levy Corró
3 practice areas
View profile
EY Law
2 practice areas
View full profile
Sigma
4 practice areas
View profile
Project development
Tier 1
11 firms ranked
View full list

Tier 1

Alemán Cordero Galindo & Lee
9 practice areas
View full profile
Galindo Arias & López
8 practice areas
View profile
Morgan & Morgan
8 practice areas
View profile

Tier 2

Anzola Robles & Asociados
5 practice areas
View profile
Arias Fábrega & Fábrega
7 practice areas
View full profile
Dentons Muñoz
3 practice areas
View profile
Icaza González-Ruiz & Alemán
7 practice areas
View profile

Notable

Alfaro Ferrer & Ramírez
7 practice areas
View profile
Arias
5 practice areas
View full profile
Central Law Panama
2 practice areas
View profile
Virtù Atelier Legal
5 practice areas
View profile
Linked Reviews
Financial and corporate

Founded in 1985 and commonly known as AlcogalAlemán Cordero Galindo & Lee has swiftly risen to prominence as one of Panama’s leading full-service law firms. Based in Panama City, Alcogal is renowned for delivering timely, efficient, and top-tier legal counsel. The firm prides itself on its highly collaborative approach, catering to both domestic and international clients with exceptional service. 

 

Highlights

Alemán, Cordero, Galindo & Lee advised on high-impact transactions in Panama during 2024. The firm acted as Panamanian counsel to Macquarie Bank on a credit facility for Canacol Energy, structuring and perfecting complex security interests under Panamanian law in a cross-border context. It also represented Banco Nacional de Panamá in a loan guaranteed by MIGA, supporting SME financing and requiring innovative structuring under Panamanian and international frameworks.

Additionally, the firm advised Intervial Chile on securing Panama’s first Public-Private Partnership (PPP) for the rehabilitation of the Eastern Pan-American Highway, a project that sets legal precedents for future PPPs. These transactions underscore the firm’s expertise in finance, infrastructure, and regulatory innovation. 

 

Key clients  

AES Colon Holding, AropecuariaBancolombiaBanco Nacional de Panama, Global Bank Corporation, Grupo Celsia, Macquarie Bank, Intervial Chile and Renewable Energy Systems. 

 

Testimonials 

They are always available at any time and respond rapidly to our needs. We always find answers to our questions based on a profound knowledge of laws and regulations in Panama” (Financial services regulatory) 

9 results9 results
Deal Highlights
51 results51 results
Deal Name Deal Date Firm Name Jurisdiction Deal Type Lawyer Names Client Names Client Role
EnBW Energie Baden-Württemberg - Project development
2020-01-01
Alemán Cordero Galindo & Lee
Panama
Project development
Jason Crowell
EnBW Energie Baden-Württemberg
Project developer
San Miguel Corp - Bond Issue
2021-10-01
Alemán Cordero Galindo & Lee
Philippines
Bond issue
Banco Santander, Citigroup, Credit Suisse, JP Morgan Chase
Underwriter
Canacol Energy - Bond Issue
2021-11-01
Alemán Cordero Galindo & Lee
Canada (National)
Bond issue
Citigroup, Credit Suisse
Underwriter
Celsia SA ESP - M&A
2023-11-15
Alemán Cordero Galindo & Lee
Costa Rica
M&A
Celsia SA ESP
Seller
BAnistmo S.A. - Bond issue
2024-10-02
Alemán Cordero Galindo & Lee
Panama
Bond issue
Arturo Gerbaud, Rafael Marquínez, Rafael Amar, Lilah Levin
BAnistmo S.A.
Underwriter
Desarrollos Comerciales S.A. - Bond issue
2024-03-05
Alemán Cordero Galindo & Lee
Panama
Bond issue
Rafael Marquínez, Rafael Amar
Desarrollos Comerciales S.A.
Issuer
Soluciones de Microfinanzas, S.A. (Microsefin) - Bond issue
2024-04-09
Alemán Cordero Galindo & Lee
Panama
Bond issue
Rafael Marquínez
Soluciones de Microfinanzas, S.A. (Microsefin)
Issuer
BAC International Bank, Inc - Bond issue
2024-01-09
Alemán Cordero Galindo & Lee
Panama
Bond issue
Rafael Marquínez, Rafael Amar
BAC International Bank, Inc
Issuer
Global Bank Corporation - Bond issue
2024-07-09
Alemán Cordero Galindo & Lee
Panama
Bond issue
Arturo Gerbaud, Rafael Marquínez, Rafael Amar
Global Bank Corporation
Underwriter
Banco General, S.A. - Asset finance
2024-10-15
Alemán Cordero Galindo & Lee
Panama
Asset finance
Rafael Marquínez, Rafael Amar
Banco General, S.A.
Agent
BG Trust, Inc. - Bond issue
2024-10-15
Alemán Cordero Galindo & Lee
Panama
Bond issue
Rafael Marquínez, Rafael Amar
BG Trust, Inc.
Trustee
Inmobiliaria Don Antonio, S.A. - Bond issue
2024-02-06
Alemán Cordero Galindo & Lee
Panama
Bond issue
Rafael Marquínez, Rafael Amar
Inmobiliaria Don Antonio, S.A.
Issuer
BG Trust, Inc. - Bond issue
2024-04-16
Alemán Cordero Galindo & Lee
Panama
Bond issue
Rafael Marquínez, Rafael Amar
BG Trust, Inc.
Trustee
Ofertas e Inversiones, S.A. - Bond issue
2024-02-13
Alemán Cordero Galindo & Lee
Panama
Bond issue
Rafael Marquínez, Rafael Amar
Ofertas e Inversiones, S.A.
Issuer
Promerica Financial Corporation (Grupo Promerica) - M&A
2024-08-13
Alemán Cordero Galindo & Lee
Panama
M&A
Arturo Gerbaud, Rafael Amar
Promerica Financial Corporation (Grupo Promerica)
Merger party
Renewable Energy Systems, Ltd. - M&A
2024-02-06
Alemán Cordero Galindo & Lee
Panama
M&A
Rafael Marquínez, Diego Anguizola
Renewable Energy Systems, Ltd.
Acquirer
AES Colon Holding - M&A
2023-12-12
Alemán Cordero Galindo & Lee
Panama
M&A
Rita de la Guardia, Rafael Amar
AES Colon Holding
Seller
Grupo Celsia ; Celsia Centroamérica, S.A. - M&A
2023-11-14
Alemán Cordero Galindo & Lee
Panama
M&A
Alejandro Ferrer, Anerl Roach, Doris Nieto
Grupo Celsia, Celsia Centroamérica, S.A.
Seller
The Bank of Nova Scotia - M&A
2025-01-06
Alemán Cordero Galindo & Lee
Panama
M&A
Arturo Gerbaud, Rita de la Guardia, Jorge Federico Lee, Rafael Amar, Leopoldo Padilla, Victoria Castro
The Bank of Nova Scotia
Seller
Grupo Nutresa - Financing
2025-04-05
Alemán Cordero Galindo & Lee
Panama
Financing
Arturo Gerbaud, Patricia Cordero, Rafael Amar, Lilah Levin
Grupo Nutresa
Borrower
2
of
3
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