Advised Marriott International, Inc. on due diligence, local law review, closing, and post-closing of various management and franchise agreements for eight new-build hotels (all currently on development or pre-opening phase), multiple Marriott branded residential developments, as well as one conversion into a Marriott brand in the Dominican Republic.

Advising MercaSID, S.A. on the acquisition of a significant portion of the assets of Mejía Arcalá, S.R.L., marking a milestone in MercaSID, S.A.’s growth strategy by incorporating into its portfolio high-value, globally recognized brands. This included taking on the representation, marketing, and nationwide distribution of Arla Foods’ businesses (including MILEX, a leader in the powdered milk segment, as well as the Arla, Lurpak, and Castello brands). In addition to these brands, the businesses of Alimentos Maravilla (with its Del Monte brand), Distribuidora EDT (with its Gran Día and Señorial cereal brands), Grupo Cendalza (with its Cashita’s brand), Harboe Breweries (with its HyperMalt and Caribia brands), and the Chuchú Frut brand were also assumed.

Advised Citibank, N. A., The Bank of Nova Scotia, Banco Popular Dominicano and Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior (BLADEX), in a syndicated acquisition financing of USD330MM granted to INICIA for the acquisition of the outstanding shares owned by Gerdau in Gerdau Metaldom and Gerdau Diaco.

Advised a corporate investment fund of Advanced Asset Management in the due diligence, review under local law, closing and post-closing of the acquisition from Playa Hotels & Resorts of the corporate entity that owns and operates the Jewel Punta Cana – All Inclusive Beach Resort. Advising, as well, on the franchise agreement for its conversion into a new brand “Wyndham Alltra”, the management agreement with Playa Hotels & Resort, and the acquisition, conversion and renovation financing for the hotel with Banco Popular Dominicano.

Advised Grupo RAAG and its subsidiaries on the successful acquisition of Operadora de Servicios Macajo’s McDonald’s restaurants and dessert centers in the Dominican Republic, as well as advising on the amendments to Grupo RAAG’s existing multi-unit franchise agreement with McDonald’s Corporation. As a result of this transaction, Grupo RAAG became the sole McDonald’s franchisee in the Dominican Republic.

Advised Banco Múltiple BHD, S.A. in connection with the legal due diligence, negotiation, structuring, coordination of legal advice on the different jurisdictions involved, and partial disbursement of a USD78.8MM credit facility provided to the Alma Iglesias Dominican family, for the acquisition, remodeling and rebranding of the Jewel Palm Beach hotel in the Dominican Republic. This 528-room hotel will be renovated and rebranded to Hyatt Vivid Palm Beach, boosting the tourism industry and the economic development of the Dominican Republic.

Advised Belgian Investment Company for Developing Countries (BIO) in connection with a long-term senior loan for the equivalent in DOP of up to USD15MM provided to Banco Múltiple Ademi, a financial institution in the Dominican Republic, for the implementation of a credit program for privately owned micro-sized companies in the Dominican Republic.

Advised Société de Promotion et de Participation pour la Coopération Economique, S.A. (PROPARCO) in connection with a long-term senior loan for the equivalent in DOP of up to EUR50MM provided to Banco Múltiple BHD, S.A., for the implementation of a credit program for women buying their first housing property in the Dominican Republic.

Advised Grupo Crespí García (Hotelera Natura) the owner of the Dreams Flora Resort & Spa hotel located in Cabeza de Toro, Punta Cana with the search and due diligence of different properties in Cabeza de Toro and the final acquisition of a 2,500 square meter parcel in Cabeza de Toro for the construction and development of its second employee accommodation building complex near its hotel. This new employee accommodation complex will include 128 fully equipped units that will enhance the current existing employee accommodation of the hotel.