Partner

Gabriel J. Salinas

Projects & Infrastructure, Mergers & Acquisitions, Financial Services M&A

Houston +1 713 238 2625

gsalinas@mayerbrown.com

“Gabriel Salinas receives outstanding praise from a number of clients. He assists with some of the firm's most high-profile M&A deals and stands out for his expertise in the Mexican market.”

Chambers Global and Latin-America

Overview

Gabriel Salinas is a partner in Mayer Brown’s Global Energy Group. Gabriel leads the firm’s New Energies Task Force. Gabriel is a leading lawyer in global energy infrastructure projects and New Energies projects, focusing on low carbon, CCS, clean hydrogen and clean ammonia projects. Gabriel has led some of the largest and most important clean hydrogen and carbon capture projects globally. Gabriel has also worked on some of the most high-profile private equity and M&A transactions in Latin America. Gabriel also leads the firm’s Mexico practice as managing partner and has significant M&A experience in Mexico. Gabriel also has broad experience in LNG projects and transactions in the US Gulf of Mexico and globally.

Experience

Represented CEMEX S.A.B. de C.V. in the sale by Sunbulk Shipping, S.L.U, of all of the shares it owns in Cemex Dominicana, S.A. and Transportes San Pedro, SRL to a consortium led by Cementos Progreso Holdings, S.L. for total consideration of approximately $950 million.
Currently advising a consortium of sponsors in relation to development, financing and operation of a 178,000 green hydrogen project in Oman, using approximately 4.5 GW of wind and solar energy coupled with battery storage and an approximately 2.5 GW electrolyser.
Representing Storegga in connection with its US CCUS projects across the US, including negotiations for joint venture formation documents, operating agreements, CO2 offtake agreements with several major LNG producers and other emission sources, and pore space lease and surface use agreements with several major LNG producers and other emission sources.
Advising a Major Japanese Energy Conglomerate in an equity investment and offtake transaction in a US$7 billion Blue Hydrogen Production Plant and Clean Ammonia Offtake Terminal in Louisiana, including preparing and negotiating the equity, offtake and key project agreements.
Representing the Williams Companies in connection with investments and joint ventures in carbon capture and sequestration projects in Louisiana,
Represented Fortescue Future Industries in several green and blue hydrogen projects M&A and projects counsel advising on all energy transition matters in the U.S.
Represented a major middle east sovereign fund in its equity investment and negotiation of project agreement in the DELFIN floating LNG export facility, offshore Gulf of Mexico, to support up to four FLNG Vessels producing up to 13.3 million tonnes of LNG per annum.
Represented Kyushu Electric Power Co., Inc. in its equity investment in Lake Charles LNG Export Project, including the negotiation of the major project documents and negotiation of LNG Sale Purchase Agreement.
Represented China Investment Corporation] in its indirect investment in the expansion of the Port Arthur LNG Facility, which included the due diligence review of all equity and project documents
Riverstone Holdings/Avant Energy the negotiation of a project to supply LNG and develop a liquefaction facility for major railway company in Mexico under a joint venture with a major LNG supplier.
A major renewables developer on the one of the largest green hydrogen projects in the United States, powered by a 500MW solar plant in Texas.
A subsidiary of a major technology company in the acquisition of Latin America tech companies (Uruguay, Argentina, Colombia, Peru, BVI and US.
A private equity portfolio company in the investment in a green hydrogen project, including the drafting and negotiation of the hydrogen offtake agreement, project documentation and electrolyzer supply and technology licensing agreements.
A large green hydrogen developer as main M&A and projects counsel advising on all energy transition projects, green hydrogen production and hydrogen-related transaction and investments, including several M&A transactions, drafting and negotiation of shareholding arrangements with joint venture partners, drafting and negotiation of project-related agreements, real estate options and acquisitions, technology and license agreements, regulatory advice (Inflation Reduction Act, environmental, tax. CFIUS, antitrust, etc.), DOE Loan Program applications, North America corporate structuring, litigation and tax advice.
A major Mexican energy company in the development of greenfield renewable energy projects in Latin America and Europe, including the preparation of project agreements, project financing, offtake arrangements, and drafting and negotiation of power purchase agreements.

A major Mexican company in the ICC Arbitration involving tyebsale of two solar projects.
A major Japanese power company in its equity investment in greenfield US LNG Project and negotiation of LNG Sale Purchase Agreement.
A major Chinese investment group in its indirect investment in the expansion of a major US LNG facility.
A major US midstream company in connection with investments and joint ventures in carbon capture and sequestration projects in Texas and Louisiana, and drafting and negotiation of related shareholding and services agreements.
A Brazilian company in a joint venture to produce and market green hydrogen in Brazil, including offtake arrangements.
A major Mexican fiber optics infrastructure company on a cross-border debt and equity finance transaction, including the negotiation and execution of secured credit agreement for fiber optics infrastructure investments and acquisitions.
A US private equity firm in connection with the sale of 100% of the equity interests in a Permian midstream company.
A major private equity firm in the structuring and formation of a portfolio company development, construction and operation of infrastructure for Mexico’s oil, natural gas, refined products and electricity sectors, with a $300 million line of equity.
A US developer in the development of a refined fuels marine terminal project in the Port of Altamira, Tamaulipas, providing storage for up to 1.2 million barrels of refined fuels, including the development of a 150km refined products pipeline, which included the preparation, negotiation and execution of full project documentation, the purchase of the project company, EPC and O&M Agreements, Terminal Services Agreements and project finance documentation.
A US developer in a project to invest up to $500 million into the development of a network of onshore terminals to supply refined petroleum products from the Port of Altamira, Tamaulipas to the Bajio region of North-Central Mexico, which included the preparation, negotiation and execution of full project documentation, including the purchase of a project company, EPC and O&M Agreements, Terminal Services Agreements and project finance documentation.
A major private equity firm in a $140 million equity investment by an international development fund into a portfolio company for the development of midstream storage and power infrastructure in Mexico.
A major private equity firm in the potential purchase and development of a 200MW photovoltaic generation facility in Aguascalientes, Mexico, which included the preparation and negotiation of full project documentation, purchase the project company, EPC and O&M Agreements, Power Purchase Agreements and project finance documentation.
A US trading firm in the establishment of a refined products, natural gas and power trading desk in Houston, Texas, which included the structuring, negotiation and documentation of cross-border physical and financial commercial transactions, the documentation and implementation of credit and hedging arrangements, development and documentation of a trading management system and development, implementation and monitoring of a physical and financial risk management system.
A major private equity firm in the potential acquisition of an ownership interest in a 50MW wind farm in Baja California, which included the preparation and negotiation of full project documentation, SPV purchase and sale agreement, equipment supply agreements and EPC and O&M Agreements.
A power company in the structuring and implementation of a qualified supplier power trading business in Mexico, which included permitting and regulatory approvals and certifications, structuring and implementation of a risk management system, execution of ISO (CENACE) agreements and financial guarantees, documentation of offtaker financial guarantees, and preparation, negotiation and execution of bilateral power purchase agreements with generators, suppliers and qualified consumers.
A private equity firm in the preparation and implementation of FCPA, UK Bribery Act, ESG and Cyber Security compliance policies, and monitoring and training platforms in Mexico.
A development company in the development of port and onshore midstream infrastructure for diesel supply to a 252 MW dual-fired power plant in Campeche, Mexico
A development company in the negotiation of a project to supply LNG and develop a liquefaction facility for major railway company in Mexico under a joint venture with a major LNG supplier.
A development company in the development of a refined fuels marine terminal project in the Port of Progreso (Yucatan, Mexico), providing storage of refined fuels, which included a public-private partnership, joint venture and later acquisition of a project company and the preparation, negotiation and execution of full project documentation. A development company in the acquisition of an ownership interest in project companies owning a refined products storage terminal in Queretaro, Mexico, which included the preparation and negotiation of full project documentation, Purchase and Sale Agreements, EPC and O&M Agreements and Terminal Services Agreements.
A major private equity firm in the potential acquisition of a project company owning a 625MW combined cycle natural gas power plant located in Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico, which included the preparation and negotiation of full project documentation including SPV Purchase and Sale Agreements, EPC and O&M Agreements and Gas Supply Agreements.
A major private equity firm in a $1B+ bid to purchase one of Mexico’s largest independent power producers, with more than 2,200MW in operation across six combined cycle gas turbine plants, which included full due diligence, the negotiation of purchase and sale agreements, financing arrangements and related documentation.
A major private equity firm in the potential purchase of a compressed natural gas (CNG) supply business with infrastructure across central Mexico, including two compression stations.
A major private equity firm in the sale of a Mexican qualified electric supply entities to a large power developer. A major private equity firm in the sale of Mexican portfolio entity holding the real estate and permits to a marine terminal project in the port of Altamira, Mexico.
A private-equity backed portfolio company in a $150 million project for the development of a 30-hectare build-to-suit project for a leading offshore wind blade manufacturer.
A major U.S. developer in the potential acquisition of an equity interest in a Mexican project company, the development of renewable projects in Mexico and its participation in power purchase auctions called by CENACE.* A U.S. gas company in the development of a $1.3B petrochemical facility in Mexico, including advice on project financing, procurement of natural gas from the United States to the facility in Mexico, using infrastructure and capacity belonging to the CFE and in the structuring of the consortium parties to develop this project.
A major Mexican company in the development of several renewable projects in Mexico and its participation in power purchase auctions called by CENACE.
A U.S. independent midstream company in the development of a multibillion- dollar project involving the construction, operation and maintenance of U.S.-Mexico cross- border pipelines under a 25-year transportation services agreement.
A U.S. petrochemical company in the acquisition of a marine terminal from a major oil and gas company in Tuxpan, Mexico and the negotiation of terminal use agreements.
A Mexican infrastructure fund, managed by an international financial entity, in the development of a hydroelectric plant in Nayarit, Mexico.
A Mexican infrastructure fund in the development of a wind project in Oaxaca, Mexico.
A Mexican infrastructure fund, managed by an international financial entity, in the development of natural gas transportation infrastructure in Mexico called by the Comision Nacional de Electricidad, energy infrastructure, power generation facilities and other projects.
A Mexican infrastructure fund in the potential development of a 925MW combined cycle plant in Chihuahua, Mexico. A major Japanese energy company in the development a 380MW natural gas co-generation power plant in Cadereyta, Mexico.
A major U.S. company in the potential development of a liquefaction plant in Mexico.
A U.S. developer in a joint venture for participation in the PPA auctions called by Chile’s National Energy Commission and development several gas-fired power generation projects in Chile, involving related LNG regasification arrangements and the potential expansion of two LNG terminals.
A U.S. energy company in the development of a gas-fired power plant and related infrastructure in Central America. A U.S. developer in the negotiation of a joint venture for the development of a gas-fired power plant and related infrastructure (LNG regasification facility) under long-term PPAs awarded by local electric utilities in El Salvador.
A subsidiary of a major Colombian oil and gas company in the engineering, procurement and contracting of a $203MM ethanol plant in Colombia.
A Nigerian oil and gas company in a contract for the transportation and installation of an offshore platform and related subsea systems.
A major refining company in downstream matters, including advice regarding biodiesel blending, pipeline and transportation agreements.
A client in the potential acquisition of an interest in a 32 MWac solar + 20 MW / 90 MWh (4hr) battery storage system in Baja California Sur, Mexico, including the SPV purchase and sale documents, equipment supply agreements), EPC and O&M agreements, facility management and joint venture documentation.
A client in the bid submission and negotiation of a project to supply LNG and develop a liquefaction facility for major railway company in Mexico under a joint venture with a major LNG supplier.
A client in the development of a refined fuels marine terminal project in the Port of Altamira, Tamaulipas, providing storage for up to 1.2 million barrels of refined fuels, including the development of a 150 km refined products pipeline, which included the preparation, negotiation and execution of full project documentation, the purchase of the project company, EPC and O&M Agreements, Terminal Services Agreements and project finance documentation.
Represented CEMEX S.A.B. de C.V. in the sale by Sunbulk Shipping, S.L.U, of all of the shares it owns in Cemex Dominicana, S.A. and Transportes San Pedro, SRL to a consortium led by Cementos Progreso Holdings, S.L. for total consideration of approximately $950 million.
Currently advising a consortium of sponsors in relation to development, financing and operation of a 178,000 green hydrogen project in Oman, using approximately 4.5 GW of wind and solar energy coupled with battery storage and an approximately 2.5 GW electrolyser.
Representing Storegga in connection with its US CCUS projects across the US, including negotiations for joint venture formation documents, operating agreements, CO2 offtake agreements with several major LNG producers and other emission sources, and pore space lease and surface use agreements with several major LNG producers and other emission sources.
Advising a Major Japanese Energy Conglomerate in an equity investment and offtake transaction in a US$7 billion Blue Hydrogen Production Plant and Clean Ammonia Offtake Terminal in Louisiana, including preparing and negotiating the equity, offtake and key project agreements.
Representing the Williams Companies in connection with investments and joint ventures in carbon capture and sequestration projects in Louisiana,
Represented Fortescue Future Industries in several green and blue hydrogen projects M&A and projects counsel advising on all energy transition matters in the U.S.
Represented a major middle east sovereign fund in its equity investment and negotiation of project agreement in the DELFIN floating LNG export facility, offshore Gulf of Mexico, to support up to four FLNG Vessels producing up to 13.3 million tonnes of LNG per annum.
Represented Kyushu Electric Power Co., Inc. in its equity investment in Lake Charles LNG Export Project, including the negotiation of the major project documents and negotiation of LNG Sale Purchase Agreement.
Represented China Investment Corporation] in its indirect investment in the expansion of the Port Arthur LNG Facility, which included the due diligence review of all equity and project documents
Riverstone Holdings/Avant Energy the negotiation of a project to supply LNG and develop a liquefaction facility for major railway company in Mexico under a joint venture with a major LNG supplier.

Related Services & Industries

Services

Industries

Publications & Presentations

Recognition

Earned a Tier 2 ranking for Energy Projects for Legal 500 Latin America (2022)
“Recommended Attorney,” The Legal 500 US by Legalese (Industry Focus: Energy Transaction) (2022)
Profiled as a Band 1 Investment lawyer in Latin America, Chambers & Partners Global, (2016)
Recognized as a Rising Star, Texas Lawyer (2016)

Education

Harvard Law School, LLM
Facultad Libre de Derecho de Monterrey, JD, high honors
Elmhurst College, BA, summa cum laude

Admissions

New York
Mexico
Texas
Colorado

Languages

English
Spanish

Professional & Community Involvement

International Petroleum Negotiators, Former Board Member
Houston Harvard Club, Former Board Member

Gabriel J. Salinas

Overview

Experience

Related Services & Industries

Services

Industries

Publications & Presentations

Publications

Mexico's Judicial Reforms and the Implications for Foreign Investors

Mexico’s Controversial Judicial Reform Takes Effect: Assessing its Impact

News

Mayer Brown advises POSCO International on long-term LNG sale and purchase agreement with Mexico Pacific

Mayer Brown advises CEMEX on sale of operations in the Dominican Republic

Recognition

Education

Admissions

Languages

Professional & Community Involvement