Washington, D.C. and Rio de Janeiro, July 18, 2008 (LAWFUEL) – Baker & McKenzie represented Comanche Clean Energy Corporation (“Comanche”) in connection with its private placement of $144 million in Senior Secured 12.5% Notes, Shares and Warrants, which included the exchange by existing holders of convertible and bridge notes for securities offered in this private placement.
Comanche is a vertically integrated producer of renewable fuels for Brazilian use and export. Since beginning its operations in late 2006, Comanche has grown to employ more than 1,100 persons at its two ethanol facilities in Sao Paulo and a biodiesel facility in Bahia. Proceeds of the transaction, which closed on June 18, 2008, will be used in Comanche’s existing industrial and agricultural operations and in the identification and acquisition of new projects for the production of ethanol and biodiesel in Brazil.
Tom Cauchois, Chairman of Comanche, said that “We are happy to have concluded this financing transaction with our placement agent, Imperial Capital, and our representation by Baker & McKenzie allowed us to successfully close this transaction in a timely manner.”
Marc Paul and Suzanne Perry in Washington D.C. and Joaquim de Paiva Muniz in Rio de Janeiro led the Baker & McKenzie team, which included Gwyneth Hambley and Elliott Smith in Washington D.C. and Carolina Secches and Paulo Cardoso in Rio de Janeiro.
“We are pleased to have worked with Comanche on this important transaction for the company and the global biofuels industry. In a challenging credit environment, we were able to work with the Comanche team to close a transaction that benefits all parties involved, including existing shareholders and new debt and equity investors,” said Suzanne Perry.
The Comanche transaction is one of many significant transactions Baker & McKenzie has advised on in the biofuels industry in the U.S. and Brazil.
Joaquim de Paiva Muniz added: “International investors have a good reason to be interested in Brazilian biofuels, including advantageous cost structures, technology and infrastructure. Our Firm’s expertise in this sector, and the seamless coordination among our lawyers in multiple jurisdictions, is critical to the success of such cross-border transactions.”
