Former US Ambassador to Mexico Accepts Position as Counsel to Firm

Mexico City and New York, June 23, 2009 - Former US Ambassador to Mexico Antonio O. Garza, an acknowledged and respected leader for his work in strengthening US-Mexico bilateral relations, will join global law firm White & Case LLP as Counsel in Mexico City.

"Ambassador Garza has distinguished himself as an effective diplomat with keen legal and business instincts that advanced the interests of both the United States and Mexico," said Hugh Verrier, chairman of White & Case. "He will be a very welcome and highly regarded addition to our Firm."

Ambassador Garza is a known and trusted advisor to CEOs, investors, entrepreneurs and public officials on both sides of the border, having counseled publicly traded companies, as well as US and state governments while working closely with the Mexican government. Ambassador Garza was recently recognized by the Mexican government with its highest honor for a non-citizen, the Order of the Aztec Eagle, for his work in strengthening and deepening bilateral relations.

In presenting the award, Mexico's Foreign Minister Patricia Espinosa Cantellano said, "Thanks to Tony Garza's work, Mexico and the United States have forged a relationship based on the principles of shared responsibility and mutual respect and are better prepared to cooperatively address border security, economic and political concerns affecting the region."

Alberto Sepúlveda Cosío, executive partner of White & Case's Mexico City office, commented: "Tony's addition to our Firm's already extensive Latin American presence only enhances our reputation as a global leader with the highest levels of experience in advising governments, financial institutions and multinationals as they navigate the often complex legal and regulatory arenas in the United States and Mexico and across Latin America."

Independent of his work with White & Case, Ambassador Garza also has joined ViaNovo, LP, as a partner and will co-chair the firm's new business enterprise, ViaNovo Ventures. ViaNovo is a leading management and communications consultancy, and ViaNovo Ventures will allow ViaNovo to partner with companies, private equity funds, and investors on an entrepreneurial basis.

Ambassador Garza sees his relationships with White & Case and ViaNovo, LP, as a way to "provide comprehensive multidimensional, multijurisdictional strategy and counsel" to clients in the United States and Latin America.

"Too often I've seen companies in the United States or Latin America move across borders without the sort of experienced legal representation, brand positioning, cultural know-how and public policy expertise so vital for long-term success," said Ambassador Garza. He noted that both White & Case and ViaNovo, LP, are each respected industry leaders, and each firm "offers me a unique platform for a comprehensive approach to client representation, taking advantage of the experiences learned in the public sector in this new phase of my career, now in the private sector."

Ambassador Garza added, "I look forward to contributing to White & Case's Mexico office in all areas, particularly in the energy and infrastructure arenas, in which the Firm's capabilities are truly impressive."

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Note to Editors: No legal relationship exists, or can or should be implied, between White & Case LLP and ViaNovo, LP.

About White & Case
White & Case LLP is a leading global law firm with lawyers in 35 offices in 24 countries. Among the first US-based law firms to establish a truly global presence, we provide counsel and representation in virtually every area of law that affects cross-border business. Our clients value both the breadth of our global network and depth of our US, English and local law capabilities in each of our regions and rely on us for their complex cross-border transactions, arbitration and litigation provided by our global practices. For more information, visit www.whitecase.com.

About Antonio O. Garza
Former US Ambassador, lawyer, distinguished public servant, and cross-border specialist Antonio O. Garza brings exemplary diplomatic, business, and political expertise to his work. Mr. Garza served as U.S. Ambassador to Mexico from 2002 to 2009, previously held statewide and local elected and appointed offices in Texas, including chairman of the Texas Railroad Commission, the state's energy regulatory agency. Prior to that, he was a partner in a leading Texas-based law firm. For more information, visit www.tonygarza.com.

Media Contacts:
White & Case
Nicholas ClarkeRegional Media Relations Manager - Americas
White & Case LLP
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Ambassador Tony Garza
Jennifer Harris
512 773 7168
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