Thomas P. Hechl | Johannesburg | Hogan Lovells

Thomas P. Hechl

Head of Finance – Africa Corporate & Finance

Languages

English, German, French

Hechl Thomas

Thomas P. Hechl
Hechl Thomas
  • Overview
  • Experience
  • Credentials
  • Insights and events
quote mark

'Thomas is a knowledge hub when it comes to international project finance. He is one of the best and most innovative lawyers I have worked with.'

Client quoted in Chambers USA 2023

Since serving as Senior Counsel at International Finance Corporation earlier in his career, Thomas Hechl has developed a passion for development projects, thriving on finding creative and practical solutions to difficult issues. Many of his transactions include innovative and tailored structures.

Thomas, who is ranked Tier 1 by Chambers & Partners, leads teams on complex emerging markets project finance, private equity, direct lending, and restructuring transactions, many involving development lenders. He has 25 years of experience in renewable energy, transport, water, oil and gas, and health care projects all around the world – Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Central and Eastern Europe – including many that received deal awards.

quote mark

'Thomas is a knowledge hub when it comes to international project finance. He is one of the best and most innovative lawyers I have worked with.'

Client quoted in Chambers USA 2023

Representative experience

Representing IFC, FMO, DEG, and HSBC on a large hydro-project financing in Armenia, the first-ever international project financing in the Armenian power sector.

Representing FMO with respect to a renewable energy project financing in Senegal.

Representing FMO with respect to General Energy Solutions' US$38m financing of the Monte Plata Solar plant in the Dominican Republic.

Representing IFC on a term loan financing for a Brazilian retailer secured by credit card receivables.

Representing IFC on the debt financing of a major toll road project in Colombia.

Representing IFC with respect to its investment in a high-profile broadband joint venture in Mexico.

Represented IFC with respect to its complex investment in a telecom joint venture in Peru.

Represented IFC with respect to a complex equity investment in a Mexican healthcare conglomerate.

Representing FMO with respect to a term loan financing of an agricultural enterprise in Paraguay.

Representing FMO with respect to a term loan facility to a financial institution in Paraguay.

Represented FMO with respect to a bank financing in Peru.

Represented FMO with respect to a bank financing in Honduras.

Represented FMO with respect to a bank financing in Costa Rica.

Represented a consortium of junior lenders on the complex restructuring of Bulgarian Telecom.

Representing IFC and other DFIs on the financing of a large gas-fired power project in Armenia.

DFC on the complex multi-lender financing of an expansion and upgrade program for Africell’s telecom and telebanking operations in Angola, the DRC, The Gambia, Sierra Leone, and Uganda.

IFC and Proparco with respect to multiple major real estate project financings in Cote d’Ivoire.

IFC on a significant equity investment in WIOCC to finance the laying of a seabed cable along the east Coast of Africa with multiple feeder lines into 19 countries on the continent.

IFC on a structured equity investment in a cellphone tower developer in Peru and neighboring countries.

 IFC, the US DFC and African Development Bank with respect to a high-profile project for the development of a vaccine manufacturing plant in Senegal developed by Institut Pasteur of France.

Credentials

Education
  • Master of Comparative Law, University of San Diego, 1985
  • J.D., University of Vienna, 1984
  • Master of Law, University of Vienna, 1983
Bar admissions and qualifications
  • District of Columbia
  • California (inactive)

Recognition

Projects: Agency Financing (USA), Band 1

Chambers Global

2022-2023
Projects: Agency Financing (Nationwide), Band 1

Chambers USA

2021-2023
Finance: Project Finance

Legal 500 US

2018-2019
Energy: Renewable/Alternative

Legal 500 US

2018-2019