Bob Kartheiser

Partner, Corporate Department

New York

T 1(212) 318-6975

F 1(212) 230-7675

Bob Kartheiser is a partner in the Latin America practice and chair of the firm's Infrastructure and Energy practice at Paul Hastings. Mr. Kartheiser is based in the firm’s New York office. He transacts regularly in Spanish and Portuguese. Mr. Kartheiser has worked for 25 years—roughly equally for lenders and for borrowers—in financings, restructurings, and infrastructure development, including a significant focus on the emerging markets (particularly Latin America) and in the mining, infrastructure and energy sectors. He has done this both as a lawyer representing lenders and equity investors and as the head for 6 years of an independent power producer’s Latin American development group.

Recent Representations

The lenders on the USD$3 billion financing for the New Mexico City Airport, including intercreditor arrangements.
The sponsors in the USD$650 million financing by ExIm bank and commercial banks of the Boleo copper mine in Baja California.
Société Générale and other lenders in the ongoing USD$800 million regasification and power generation project (600 MW power plant) in Panama.
Calyon as lead arranger in its refinancing of the TEP (a 260MW (gross) pet coke-fired, “self-generation” facility in Mexico) debt.
BNPP as lead arranger in its refinancing of the TEG (a 260MW (gross) pet coke-fired, “self-generation” facility in Mexico) debt.
Grupo México on its tender process for the development of a 450MW coal-fired greenfield power plant in Mexico.
A major Spanish sponsor in its bid for two pipelines in Mexico with estimated project costs of USD$900 million and USD$400 million, respectively.
SMBC, Mizuho Bank, Ltd., NAD Bank and NAFIN on the financing of a 155MW wind farm and associated transmission line in the Sierra Juarez Mountains of Baja California, Mexico, which will sell energy cross-border into the U.S.
NAD Bank, Banco Santander, Bancomext, Banobras and NAFIN in the integrated 252MW (total) Ventikas I and II wind farms with a capital cost of US$650 million, located in General Bravo, Nuevo Leon, Mexico.
A major energy company in connection with an LNG receiving terminal and a power generation project in the Dominican Republic.
The Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. and IDB in the financing of the Termovalle 190MW gas-fired power generation facility in Cali, Colombia.
Grupo México and México Generadora de Energía (MGE) on the US$575 million 5.50% Senior Secured Notes Due 2032 Rule 144A project-bond to finance the construction of 500MW combined-cycle, gas-fired electrical power facilities in Mexico. This project was named “Best Power Financing of the Year” by LatinFinance 2013.
The lenders on the development and construction of a 666MW power plant and LNG receiving terminal in Panamá.
Porto do Pecém Geração de Energia S.A., a project company, and its sponsors (Energias do Brasil S.A. and MPX Energia S.A.), in the US$1.59 billion project financing of a 720MW coal-fired thermal power plant next to the port of Pecem, in Fortaleza, State of Ceará, Brazil, with financing from IDB and BNDES as well as B Loan commercial bank lenders. This deal was awarded “Latin America Power Deal” of the Year by Project Finance Magazine 2009 and “Americas Deal of the Year” by IFLR 2009.
Deutsche Bank in a transaction with Petrobras involving a gas-fired power plant in Brazil.
TECO Power in the development of a 90MW gas-fired power project in Guatemala (the emergency project using LM 6000’s was initially financed on an all-equity basis and later refinanced through OPIC).
AES Corporation and its affiliates in the development and financing of the Alutrint Power 720MW combined cycle power plant in Trinidad & Tobago.
Energias do Brasil S.A. and MPX Energia S.A. on the EPC contracts to build a 720MW coal-fired thermal power plant next to the port of Pecém, in Fortaleza, State of Ceará, and a 360MW coal-fired thermal power plant next to the port of Itaqui, in São Luis, State of Maranhão, Brazil.
Project sponsors on the 1000MW Tamazunchale bid sponsored by CFE in Mexico.
The lenders in the financing of the 100MW Cerro Dominador PV solar power project in Antofagasta, Chile.
CABEI and FMO in the financing of the 21.3MW Agua Zarca hydropower project in Honduras.
AES subsidiary in Colombia, Chivor SA E.S.P., owner of a 1,000MW hydroelectric plant, in the refinancing of a syndicated loan facility, involving a US$170 million 144A high-yield bond tranche and a US$83 million equivalent Peso-denominated syndicated bank tranche.
Sociedad Concesionaria Vespucio Norte Express S.A., project company, and its sponsors (Hochtief Projektentwicklung GmbH and Actividades de Construcción y Servicios S.A. Dragados) with a US$424 million project bond, guaranteed by mono line insurer MBIA, to finance the construction of an electronically tolled urban ring road in Santiago, Chile.
AES Corporation as sponsor in connection with the construction aspects of two 230MW hydroelectric power facilities in Panamá.
Grana y Montero and Enagás as sponsors in the US$5 billion, 1,000km Gasoducto Sur Peruano (GSP) pipeline project in Peru.
A syndicate of 4 commercial banks funding the approximately US$280 million expansion of the TISUR port in Peru.
A major sponsor in its bid to acquire an interest in the Alto Maipo hydropower project in Chile.
MPX Chile in its development of a 2,000MW coal-fired power station, together with an associated port and water desalination facility in Chile.
A fund in its reconfiguration of a port in Colombia (including separate contracts for dredging, marine works, civil works and equipment supply).
Sociedad Concesionaria Operadora Aeroportuaria Internacional S.A. - OPAlN S.A. in the US$1.2 billion concession-based expansion of the El Dorado International Airport in Bogota, Colombia. Financing was provided by IDB, CDB and CAF. This project was named “Latin America Transport Deal of the Year” by Project Finance Magazine 2013 and “Project Finance Deal of the Year” by IFLR Americas 2013.
OPAIN S.A., in US$500 million refinancing of the credit obtained from three international development institutions for the development and expansion, operation and commercial development of the El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá, Colombia.
Concesión La Pintada S.A.S. in the ongoing financing of the design, development, construction, commissioning and operation of the Conexión Pacífico 2 Road project in Colombia (involving a 6-sponsor group, and USD, COP and liquidity facility tranches).
Dragados ACS as sponsor in the Rule 144A project bond financing of "Pista 2" at the El Dorado airport in Bogota, Colombia.
Camargo Correa and Andrade Gutierrez as sponsors in connection with the US$115 million financing by IFC of the Dutra toll road in São Paulo, Brazil.
The Sponsors in connection with an LNG receiving terminal or FSRU, transmission line and a power generation project in the Dominican Republic.
BBVA and other lenders on the financing of a toll bridge in Virginia, U.S.
Ecopetrol S.A., and, later, Oleoducto Bicentenario de Colombia S.A. on the development and first phase financing of the up to US$4 billion Bicentenario pipeline. This project was named “Best Oil & Gas Financing of the Year” by LatinFinance 2013.
Procaps S.A. in its dual-currency US$150 million borrowing from JP Morgan and a syndicate of Colombian and international banks—this funding closed in November 2013, and included a Peso and Dollar tranche.
The lenders on the paused financing of design, development, construction, commissioning and operation of a 260km 2x230 kV transmission line to service the Los Llanos oil fields in Colombia.
SMBC, BNDES, Caixa Economica, UKEF and potentially other commercial bank lenders on the approximately US$18 billion project financing of 21 ultra-deepwater drill ships to be leased by Petrobras S.A for use offshore Brazil.
Marubeni in its acquisition of the Miravalles geothermal power plant in Costa Rica.
FMO, DEG, Proparco and DnB NOR in respect of the initial phases of the financing of the 58MW Bajo Frio Hydro Power Plant in Panamá.
GE Energy Financial Services in its bid for a stake in an entity that owns a hydroelectric plant in Panamá.
Excelerate Energy as sponsor of the approximately US$2.4 billion Port Lavaca, Texas floating liquefaction facility.
Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation, Macquarie Bank Limited and Société Générale, as lenders, in the US$200 million senior secured facility to Haile Gold Mine, Inc. for the development of the Haile Gold Mine project in Lancaster County, South Carolina.
Canadian and Korean sponsors in the proposed financing of the US$1.6 billion Rosemont (Arizona) copper mine by ECAs from Korea, Germany and Canada together with six commercial banks.
A major Peruvian corporation in the initial stages of the US$600 million development and financing of a mine, port and desalination facility in northern Peru where BBVA is financial adviser.
Baja Mining Corp on the US$858 million greenfield Boleo mining (copper and cobalt) project in Baja, Mexico. The lenders for the transaction consisted of Export-Import Bank of the United States (U.S. Ex-Im Bank), EDC, Korea Development Bank and a club of commercial banks. This deal received “Latin America Mining Deal of the Year 2010” from Project Finance Magazine and “Exploration and Development Funding Award” at the Annual Mines and Money Awards 2010.
Credit Suisse International and Barclays Capital, as joint lead arrangers in connection with the US$400 million project financing of an open pit nickel mine and processing facilities in the State of Bahia, Brazil.
Bahia Mineração Limitada as primary legal counsel on the structuring and financing of the ongoing development of a US$1.7 billion greenfield iron ore mine together with associated rail and port developments in Brazil.
Banco ABC Brasil S.A., Cayman Islands Branch, and Banco Itaú BBA S.A., Nassau Branch, as joint lead arrangers, in the US$250 million financing, and Banco Itaú BBA S.A., as BNDES repasse agent in the financing of approximately US$320 million in local currency, of an iron ore project in the State of Amapá, Brazil. The project includes the development of an iron ore mine, a railroad linking the mine to the Amazon River and a port facility at the Amazon River (this transaction was named “Deal of the Year 2007” by Trade Finance Magazine).
Vale in connection with a strategic review of more than a dozen iron ore sales contracts to key Asian purchasers and provision of advice in connection with ongoing negotiations with purchasers.

Accolades and Recognitions

Ranked Band 1 – Chambers Latin America Projects, 2011 - 2018
Ranked Band 1 – Chambers Latin America Energy and Natural Resources, 2015 - 2018
Ranked Band 2 – Chambers Latin America Banking & Finance, 2014 - 2018
Ranked Band 2 – Chambers USA Projects Nationwide, 2014 - 2016
Ranked Band 2 – Chambers USA New York Latin American Investment, 2013 - 2015
Ranked as Leading Lawyer – Legal 500 Latin America Projects and Energy, 2012 - 2015
Named “Latin America Top 100 Lawyers” by Latinvex, 2013–2015
Listed in Who's Who Legal Banking and Project Finance

Education

Columbia University Graduate School of Business, M.B.A., 2000
Columbia University School of Law (Stone Scholar), J.D., 1985
Princeton University, A.B., cum laude, 1982

Rankings & Awards

Recognized at the LatinFinance 2020 Project & Infrastructure Finance Awards

The Firm was noted by LatinFinance for our role in three award-winning deals honored among the 2020 Project & Infrastructure Finance Awards:

Infrastructure Financing of the Year (Andes): Ergon Peru
Infrastructure Financing of the Year (Caribbean): Trans-Jamaican Highway
Project Sponsor of the Year: China Harbour Engineering Company led consortium

October 02, 2020

Recognized by Chambers USA 2020
Chambers USA 2020: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business listed the firm in 37 research areas and named 104 firm lawyers to its rankings of leading lawyers and law firms in the United States.
May 01, 2020

Recognized by PFI for the Americas Transport Deal of the Year
The firm advised on Project Finance International’s “Americas Transport Deal of the Year,” announced as part of the 2019 PFI Awards. Paul Hastings represented the sponsors, Sacyr Concesiones Colombia S.A.S., Sacyr Concesiones Participadas I S.L., Strabag S.A.S., Strabag AG (Switzerland), STRABAG AG (Austria), and Concay S.A., on the approximately $717.1 million dual-currency COP-USD project financing in of the Autopista al Mar toll road in Colombia, which reached financial close in March 2019. The new road will connect the city of Medellín to the main highways in the country.

The Paul Hastings team was led by Global Infrastructure & Energy partner Bob Kartheiser, with assistance from associates Thomas Sines and Louise Farias. Paul Hastings has also advised on 6 other toll road financings as part of the Colombian 4G program, including Puerta de Hierra, Ruta al Mar, Autopista al Mar 2 and Conexión Pacífico 2.

February 06, 2020

Law Firm of the Year - Leading International Counsel in Latin America for Project Finance
Paul Hastings was named Project Finance Law Firm of the Year for Latin America by Chambers at the Chambers Latin America Awards 2019, held in Miami on November 22. The award follows the practice's rise to Band One in Latin America - Projects, of which Chambers noted the firm's "leading capabilities in the Latin American project finance market. Highly sought after by major international financial institutions and corporate developers to advise on key projects throughout the region, most notably in Colombia, Mexico and Peru. Possesses a deep bench of practitioners with superb knowledge of loan and securities financing for renewable energy, oil and gas and transport infrastructure projects."

Law Firm of the Year Project Finance

November 25, 2019

Ranked by Chambers USA 2019
Chambers USA 2019: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business listed the firm in 44 practice areas and named 107 firm lawyers to its rankings of leading lawyers and law firms in the United States.
April 26, 2019

Recognized by Chambers Global 2019
Chambers Global 2019: The World’s Leading Lawyers listed the firm in 37 research areas and named 59 firm lawyers to its rankings of leading lawyers and law firms adept in complex international work and with strong cross-border capabilities.
February 14, 2019

Recognized by LatinFinance for the 2018 Structured Finance Deal of the Year
Paul Hastings received the Structured Financing Deal of the Year Award at LatinFinance's annual Deal of the Year Awards, based on the representation of EVM Tenedora in the completion of the $740 million financing of a 850 megawatt power plant.
January 31, 2019

Recognized by Chambers USA 2018
Chambers USA 2018: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business listed the firm in 45 research areas and named 112 firm lawyers to its rankings of leading lawyers and law firms in the United States.
May 15, 2018

Recognized by Latin Lawyer for the 2018 Project Finance Deal of the Year
Latin Lawyer magazine recognized Paul Hastings’ Energy and Infrastructure Practice for its representation of multiple project finance lenders in connection with the financing and construction of Norte III, a 907-megawatt power generation project in Mexico. The firm was honored as joint recipients of their “Project Finance Deal of the Year Award" for our representation of the lenders on the deal.
April 20, 2018

Recognized by IJGlobal for the represenation of Norte III - the Latin American Power Deal of the Year and Overall Deal of the Year for Infrastructure
IJGlobal recognized Paul Hastings’ Energy and Infrastructure Practice for its representation of multiple project finance lenders in connection with the financing and construction of Norte III, a 907-megawatt power generation project in Mexico. The firm was honored as joint recipients of the “Latin American Power Deal of the Year.” Additionally, the Norte III matter was recognized as the Overall Winner among Latin American infrastructure deals.
March 15, 2018

Recognized by IJGlobal for the representation of Concesión Ruta al Mar - the Latin American Transport Deal of the Year
IJGlobal recognized Paul Hastings’ Energy and Infrastructure Practice for its representation of Concesión Ruta al Mar, which was acknowledged as Latin American Transport Deal of the Year. Ruta al Mar is the first 4G toll-road project in Colombia developed as an iniciativa privada, a concession proposal unsolicited by the Colombian government.
March 15, 2018

Recognized by Bonds & Loans magazine for representing parties to the Infrastructure Finance Deal of the Year, Structured Finance Deal of the Year, and Structured Bond Deal of the Year
Bonds & Loans recognized the work of our Latin American and Energy & Infrastructure practice on behalf of clients to the Infrastructure Finance Deal of the Year, Structured Finance Deal of the Year, and Structured Bond Deal of the Year.
February 16, 2018

Paul Hastings advises on Three PFI Award-winning Deals
Paul Hastings has advised on three of Project Finance International's “Deals of the Year”, announced as part of the PFI Awards:
* Mexico City Airport Trust’s offering of $4 billion of debt securities was named “Americas Transportation Deal of the Year,”
* The $640 million financing of the Norte III 907 MW gas-fired power project in Mexico was named “Americas Power Deal of the Year,” and
* The Italy-France Power Interconnector won “Europe Power Deal of the Year."
December 21, 2017

Recognized by Chambers USA 2017
Chambers USA 2017: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business named 46 of the firm’s practice areas and 112 individuals to its ranking of leading lawyers and law firms in the United States.
June 05, 2017

LatinVex - Latin America's Top 100 Lawyers for 2017
Camilo Cardozo, Arturo Carrillo, Michael Fitzgerald, Joy Gallup, Robert Karthaiser, Taisa Markus, and Cathleen McLaughlin were named to LatinVex’s Latin America's Top 100 Lawyers list for 2017. With seven partners recognized, Paul Hastings has more attorneys on the LatinVex 100 than any other firm.
February 21, 2017

LatinFinance Awards Paul Hastings Awards for Syndicated Loan of the Year and Structured Financing of the Year
Paul Hastings was recognized by Latin Finance at the publication's Deal of the Year Awards in two categories: Syndicated Loan of the Year and Structured Financing of the Year. The Latin America practice was recognized for their work on deals related to the New International Airport of Mexico City project. The project has been lauded by the publication for an innovative financing plan of bonds and loans that has “set new benchmarks for creativity and innovation in infrastructure financing."

Syndicated Loan of the Year: Paul Hastings represented the global coordinators, administrative agent and lenders in a US$3 billion bank financing for the new International Airport in Mexico City, which is being built to replace the existing Benito Juarez International Airport.

Structured Financing of the Year: In the largest “green bond” offering in Latin America to date, the firm advised on the issuance of two tranches of securities in the amounts of US$1 billion of 4.250% Senior Secured Notes due 2026 and US$1B of 5.500% Senior Secured Notes due 2046, marketed under Rule 144A and Regulations S.

January 12, 2017

Recognized by Chambers USA 2016
Chambers USA 2016: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business named 47 of the firm’s practice areas and 112 individuals to its ranking of leading lawyers and law firms in the United States.
June 08, 2016

Latin Lawyer 2015 Deal of the Year Awards
Paul Hastings was recognized in two categories at the Latin Lawyer Deal of the Year Awards. In the Project Finance category, the firm won for representing the global coordinators, administrative agent, and lenders in a $3 billion bank financing for the new International Airport in Mexico City, which is being built to replace the existing Benito Juarez International Airport. In the Corporate Finance category, the firm won for representing GE Capital as lender and agent in an approximately $3 billion seller financing loan facility, one of the largest real estate financings ever in Latin America.
March 18, 2016

IJGlobal Awards 2015: Americas
Paul Hastings was recognized for its work on the financing for the new International Airport in Mexico City, which won the Latin America Airports Deal award at the 2015 IJGlobal Awards. The firm represented the global coordinators, administrative agent and lenders in a $3 billion bank financing for the new airport, which is being built to replace the existing Benito Juarez International Airport. This is a project of global magnitude as this new airport is expected to be an exemplary model for the leading airports around the globe. The IJGlobal Awards recognizes “excellence, achievement and innovation in energy and infrastructure finance,” awarding the “market-leading transactions in their sectors and the leading firms and institutions in the market.”
March 17, 2016

LatinVex Latin America's Top 100 Lawyers
Arturo Carrillo, Michael Fitzgerald, Joy Gallup, Robert Karthaiser, Taisa Markus, and Cathleen McLaughlin were named to LatinVex’s Latin America's Top 100 Lawyers list for 2016. With six partners recognized, Paul Hastings has more attorneys on the list than any other firm.
January 15, 2016

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