CGM Advogados > Sao Paulo, Brazil > Firm Profile

CGM Advogados
Av. Brigadeiro Faria Lima, 1663 - 5º andar
Brazil

Brazil > Corporate and M&A: Mid-market Tier 2

CGM Advogados ‘provides legal services of the highest quality’ to a diverse roster of international and domestic clients – including large corporations and emerging companies from the worlds of banking, chemicals, technology, life sciences, real estate and retail – on a variety of corporate work, ranging from corporate governance to reorganisations. Mid-market M&A is a key pillar of the practice, which is under the joint leadership of a capable trio: Adriano Chaves, who is rated for his ‘great technical and market knowledge’, is recommended for tech-related deals; René Gelman , who has recently advised on strategic alliances, corporate reorganisations, and investments; and the ‘business-focusedMartim Machado, whose standing in the Brazilian M&A market spans three decades. The ‘pragmaticMarcia Mandelbaum is a ‘deal-maker’ for foreign companies investing in Brazil. Recently promoted partner Camila Cardinale focuses on M&A, corporate law and contractual matters.

Practice head(s):

Adriano Chaves; René Gelman; Martim Machado

Testimonials

CGM provides legal services of the highest quality, with speed and consistency. The firm’s main differential is the involvement of partners in all stages of transactions; they actively participate in conference calls, meetings, preparation and review of documents, which gives us great comfort.

Adriano Chaves – founding partner of the firm- has great technical and market knowledge. He actively participates in all matters. He has a fantastic reputation in the market and is recognised for the high standard of services provided and attention to detail. Marcia Mandelbaum – partner focused on corporate law and M&A- is extremely committed, attentive, and technical. Marcia conducts all her deals with extreme agility and efficiency. Marcia is very pragmatic and a deal-maker.

Adriano Chaves and Marcia Mandelbaum are results-oriented and pragmatic.They also take the time to explain complex local issues.’

The CGM team was practical, efficient and available at any time needed.

Martim Machado was very practical in his approach and business-focused in providing advice. He spent time with my tax and finance team to help them understand the various rules/regulations related to our particular transaction.

The individuals are available, competent, reactive with a broad knowledge while having a precise and specialised expertise.

Cordiality, punctuality and high technicality.

Adriano Chaves, Camila Magami and Marcelo Rosa are highly committed to the client, cordial, punctual.

Key clients

Sony Music Entertainment

Volkswagen Financial Services

Sony Music Publishing

Hindalco Industries

Brainvest Wealth Management

DNR Group

Cognita Brasil Participações

Kalpataru Power Transmission

Savencia

Richemont

Work highlights

  • Assisted Volkswagen Financial Services with the corporate reorganisation of LM Frotas group, involving the merger of Fleetzil Locações Serviços and LM Transportes Interestaduais Serviços e Comércio.
  • Assisted Sony Music Entertainment with the incorporation of Comercial Fonográfica RGE and Zende Serviços de Entretenimento into Sony Music Entertainment Brasil.
  • Assisted Sony Music Publishing with the incorporation of Editora Musical Som Livre into Sony Music Publishing (Brazil) Edições Musicais.

Brazil > Environment Tier 4

CGM Advogados is best known for providing advice to foreign clients – chiefly US importers operating in the lumber industry – on administrative proceedings involving the import of native wood sourced from sustainably managed forests in the Brazilian Amazon biome. Commended for its ‘efficiency and vast legal knowledge of environmental issues‘, the department undertakes work related to environmental risk assessments, licensing procedures, reverse logistics and carbon market matters. Paula Chaccur de Cresci, who draws on over two decades of experience in environmental law, is noted for her focus on compliance, ESG issues and risk management in the context of cross-border corporate and real estate deals.

Practice head(s):

Paula Chaccur de Cresci

Testimonials

‘We had a very good experience with the service we received from the attorney assisting us. She was resourceful, clarified all of the questions my team and myself had and was also able to coordinate meetings with people in the field that could bring in even more clarifications on the subject.’

‘Service and ease of communication.’

‘Paula Chaccur de Cresci proved to be very competent and up-to-date on the issue of the carbon credit market.’

‘Multidisciplinary and experienced team, which makes the client very confident and safe that all legal aspects of a contract or legal process are evaluated in order to identify all risks.’

‘Agility in service; flexibility in the negotiation of service values, respect for deadlines.’

‘Service provided with extreme efficiency and vast legal knowledge of environmental issues.’

Key clients

Hershey Company

Stockton Agrimor do Brasil

Ecolab Química

PB Leiner

Marel

Brazilian Wood Depot (BWD)

Colliers International

Work highlights

  • Assisting Hershey Company with compliance with federal, state and municipal laws, and the development of a reverse logistics strategy.
  • Assisting Brazilian Wood Depot in the review of the company’s Brazilian suppliers of timber in the compliance with federal and state environmental laws.
  • Advising Ecolab Química on environmental regulations involving licensing processes and the registration of products with IBAMA.

Brazil > Labour and employment Tier 4

With a strong following from healthcare, retail and industrial sector players, CGM Advogados is well versed in labour consultancy and cross-border litigation. Matters involving C-level executives, whistleblowers, and data protection are some of the team's core specialisms, which also include stock option and restrictive covenants. Patricia Barboza maintains a broad practice, handling contentious and non-contentious labour matters, from hiring procedures to harassment and discrimination cases. Maury Lobo specialises in administrative litigation, showcasing particular strength in matters pertaining to the life sciences, education and consumer goods sectors.

Practice head(s):

Patricia Barboza

Testimonials

‘Patricia Barbosa and Maury Lobo are recommended.’

‘Very accessible professionals with enviable technical skills.’

‘Maury Lobo is excellent. He is always ready to assist clients.’

Work highlights

Brazil > Competition and antitrust Tier 5

Covering the gamut of antitrust and competition matters, CGM Advogados assists a multitude of clients, including players from the life sciences, transport, technology and entertainment sectors, in anti-competitive conduct investigations and litigation. Led by André Gilberto, the group is also well versed in merger review proceedings and in the negotiation of strategic leniency agreements. Natali Santos stands out at the associate level for her involvement in merger control work, cartels and abuse of dominance investigations.

Practice head(s):

André Gilberto

Testimonials

‘Availability, punctuality and technical competence.’

‘André Gilberto and Natali Santos – highly technical professionals, cordial and dedicated to clients.’

‘The team that provides advice on competition law is qualified and easy to get along with.’

Key clients

Maersk Line

Messer Gases

Abbott Laboratórios do Brasil

Sony Music Entertainment

Johnson & Johnson do Brasil

Aegea Saneamento e Participações

DHL Global Forwarding

Kenvue

Grupo SADA

G.S. Electech

Work highlights

  • Acted for Aegea Saneamento e Participações, Kinea Investimentos and Perfin Administradora de Recursos in the submission of the acquisition of shares of the state-owned company Companhia Riograndense de Saneamento – CORSAN to CADE.
  • Representing Johnson & Johnson in CADE’s antitrust investigation involving the possible illegal exchange of competitively sensitive information in the healthcare labour market in the metropolitan region of São Paulo.
  • Assisted AON in the transfer of certain customers’ assets to AllCare Administradora de Benefícios.

Brazil > Public law Tier 5

Showcasing notable strength in public law and administrative matters, CGM Advogados is a popular destination for clients from the banking and financial sectors, as well as those appearing before Brazil’s National Agency for Waterway Transportation (ANTAQ). Public bids and regulatory issues in the healthcare and life sciences segments are other core areas of activity for the practice, which is led by André Gilberto, a public law specialist that shines in contentious matters and investigations concerning public contracts. Associate Renato Vianna offers support in public tenders and interactions between the private and public sectors.

Practice head(s):

André Gilberto

Testimonials

‘André Gilberto and Renato Vianna stand out for their in-depth knowledge of administrative matters and their agility in responding to demands.’

‘CGM’s lawyers are very helpful and detailed, which makes the service provided excellent.’

Key clients

Citibank

Abbott Laboratórios do Brasil

Cielo

Thales Group

Elekta

CMA CGM

Hapag Lloyd

CVC

Johnson & Johnson

Centronave – Centro Nacional de Navegação Transatlântica

GE

Zoetis

Messer

Maersk

Thermo Fischer Scientific

Andritz Hydro

Cisco

Ouro Fino

iFood

Work highlights

  • Advised Citibank on a contract with the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for international banking services.
  • Assisted an international Abbott subsidiary in one of the biggest bids held by the Brazilian Ministry of Health.
  • Advised Cielo on a landmark investigation and administrative proceeding started by the National Consumer Department (SENACON) on abusive telemarketing practices.

Tax > Tax advisory Tier 5

CGM Advogados provides a ‘highly personalised’ service, with a team that is ‘always attentive to changes in legislation, especially regarding tax issues’. Clients from a broad range of industries, including automotive, pharmaceuticals, technology, entertainment and luxury goods, instruct the team in direct and indirect tax structuring, transfer pricing, cross-border matters, and litigation. The ‘very business-mindedRicardo Marletti Debatin da Silveira is ‘an excellent tax lawyer’. In addition to advising companies on non-contentious tax matters, Angélica Santos is also trusted by high-net-worth individuals in mandates involving income tax and succession planning. Founding partner José Antonio Martho is praised for his ‘vast experience’ in dealing with international clients.

Practice head(s):

José Antonio Martho; Angélica Santos; Ricardo Marletti Debatin da Silveira

Testimonials

‘Ricardo Silveira is an excellent tax lawyer and is very business-minded.’

‘CGM Advogados’ services are distinguished by being highly personalised. The partners directly assist clients and take care of their cases personally, even with the help of new lawyers, who are always accessible and available. In addition, the team at CGM Advogados is always attentive to changes in legislation, especially regarding tax issues, which are quickly published on its social networks.’

‘Partner Angélica Santos has personally assisted me for over 5 years; she has always been attentive to my concerns and needs, and available for technical discussion and assistance with matters related to the tax impacts of operations in Brazil and abroad.’

‘Provision of services in an ethical, qualified and focused manner.’

‘José Martho – clear language, quick responses, efficient work, quality, technical knowledge, vast experience, fluent English for communicating with foreigners.’

Key clients

Grupo Saint Marché

SNF Brasil

Abbott Brazil / St. Jude Medical

Valentino

Nuvasive

Socicam

Elekta

Thermofisher

Work highlights

  • Acting for Saint Marche Group in tax litigation involving all companies of the group.

CGM was founded by an experienced group of partners who have been working together for more than two decades, and were joined by other partners coming from reputable law firms.

CGM enjoys strong client and market recognition as acknowledged in important international publications and rankings. The firm’s service model focuses on solving its clients’ issues in a responsive, efficient and business-oriented manner, combining technical expertise and creativity.

With a team of professionals graduated from reputable Brazilian law schools, many of the firm’s lawyers have also obtained Master’s degrees and other qualifications abroad, and have worked outside of Brazil.

CGM has a tight-knit network of partnerships, which allows it to provide services throughout Brazil and coordinate multijurisdictional projects in Latin America. The team works at a very fast pace and has in-depth knowledge of the law and business environment of the region.

CGM positions itself as a “client-service firm”, which means it is prepared to assist its clients from the most sophisticated transactions to the management of their daily legal routine. CGM is keen on spotting issues but equally committed to addressing them. The firm’s team eagerly pursues solutions to help clients do business and achieve their goals. In addition, the firm’s professionals’ long-term experience working with international clients results in the ability to explain the Brazilian legal system to foreigners in a very practical way and in being sensitive to the cultural differences of doing business in Brazil and elsewhere.

CGM assists domestic and foreign clients from various industries, with strong expertise in agribusiness, automotive, banking, chemicals, construction, defence, e-commerce, energy, healthcare, heavy industry, hospitality and leisure, information technology, infrastructure, real estate, insurance, logistics, pharmaceutical, medical, professional and regulated services, retail, wholesale and transportation.

The firm and its partners are recognised by the main legal rankings, such as: Chambers Brazil, Chambers Latin America, Chambers Global, Legal 500, LACCA Approved, LACCA Thought Leader, Euromoney Women in Business Law Expert Guide, Euromoney Tax Expert Guide, Latin Lawyer 250, Top Ranked Legal, Best Lawyers, Análise Advocacia and Análise Advocacia Mulher.

Main areas of practice
Corporate and M&A: CGM provides full assistance to clients’ business in Brazil, handling all the work involved both in their day-to-day needs as well as in complex transactions, such as cross-border joint-ventures, mergers and acquisitions. The firm’s professionals have been involved in several M&A deals for high-profile clients in the last years, thus earning domestic and international recognition in this area.

Labour and employment: CGM represents clients in all aspects of labour and employment laws in Brazil. The services include, among others, advice and planning on the hiring of employees (including foreigners who will work in Brazil and Brazilians who will work abroad), incentive plans (such as stock options, restricted stock units and phantom shares), diversity at work, drafting and negotiation of labour and services agreements, preparation and negotiation of collective bargaining agreements, assistance in union reclassification matters and negotiations with unions in general, and representation of companies in labour litigation of various levels of complexity.

Tax: The firm’s services involve tax and estate planning, tax structuring for corporate and M&A operations, tax consultancy (covering the several Brazilian taxes, double taxation treaties, transfer pricing, ancillary obligations, special customs regimes), obtaining and management of tax benefits and special tax regimes, and assistance in tax assessments and administrative and judicial litigation.

Antitrust: CGM assists clients vis-à-vis the Brazilian antitrust authorities, including merger filings before the Brazilian Competition Commission (CADE), representing companies and individuals in investigations on anticompetitive conducts, and structuring and negotiation of leniency agreements with CADE, general consultancy on competition laws and assistance to clients as interested parties in notices to third parties (challenges and other interventions).

Administrative and regulatory: The administrative and regulatory group has been assisting clients from various highly regulated industries, including healthcare, banking, insurance, defence, chemicals, telecom, ports and logistics in connection with regulatory matters in Brazil. The firm represents clients in public bids carried in all spheres of government and agencies using all procurement methods (competition, invitation, price taking and reverse auctions), and also provides assistance in bidding procedures involving public-private partnerships (PPPs), administrative concessions and differential government procurement regime (RDCs).

Litigation and arbitration: The firm’s litigation and arbitration practice accumulates successful cases in judicial proceedings in state and federal courts, in arbitration and mediation involving clients from a wide variety of sectors. CGM’s professionals are experienced in the enforcement of foreign decisions in Brazil, and in restructuring and bankruptcy proceedings.

Real estate: The real estate team provides full assistance to clients in the area, including structuring and development of real estate ventures, such as shopping malls, hotels, commercial and residential buildings and distribution centres, drafting and negotiation of lease agreements (commercial, residential, shopping malls), built to suit agreements, deeds of purchase and sale of real estate properties, construction, turn-key and other agreements, and structuring of rem guarantees (fiduciary transfers, mortgages).

Intellectual property: The firm’s intellectual property practice provides assistance with respect to the protection of IP rights, including software, trademarks, copyrights, licensing agreements, trade secrets, transfer of technology and specialised services, including due diligence of IP rights.

Life sciences: CGM has developed a solid client portfolio in the life sciences industry. Companies’ sectors cover pharmaceutical, medical devices, food, health services and software, cosmetics and animal health. The firm handles complex transactions, strategic and operational matters with an interdisciplinary approach, considering all legal and business perspectives in services such as contracts, regulatory, corporate and compliance matters.

Privacy and data protection: The firm provides advice on Brazilian privacy and data protection regulations, and assists clients with respect to the preparation and review of privacy policies, data protection agreements and statements, and consent forms.

Department Name Email Telephone
Corporate and M&A Adriano Chaves adriano.chaves@cgmlaw.com.br +55 11 2394 8910
Corporate and M&A René Gelman rene.gelman@cgmlaw.com.br +55 11 2394 8980
Corporate and M&A Martim Machado martim.machado@cgmlaw.com.br +55 11 2394 8960
Corporate and M&A Bernadete Dias bernadete.dias@cgmlaw.com.br +55 11 2394 8930
Labour and Employment Patricia Barboza patricia.barboza@cgmlaw.com.br +55 11 2394 8970
Labour and Employment Maury Lobo maury.lobo@cgmlaw.com.br +55 11 2394 8971
Tax José Antonio Martho jose.martho@cgmlaw.com.br +55 11 2394 8950
Tax Angélica Santos angelica.santos@cgmlaw.com.br +55 11 2394 8946
Antitrust André Gilberto andre.gilberto@cgmlaw.com.br +55 11 2394 8920
Administrative and Regulatory André Gilberto andre.gilberto@cgmlaw.com.br +55 11 2394 8920
Litigation and Arbitration João Guilherme Petroni joao.petroni@cgmlaw.com.br +55 11 2394 8940
Real Estate Carolina Galvão carolina.galvao@cgmlaw.com.br +55 11 2394 8990
Intellectual Property René Gelman rene.gelman@cgmlaw.com.br +55 11 2394 8980
Life Sciences Bernadete Dias bernadete.dias@cgmlaw.com.br +55 11 2394 8930
Privacy and Data Protection Adriano Chaves adriano.chaves@cgmlaw.com.br +55 11 2394 8910
Tax Ricardo da Silveira ricardo.silveira@cgmlaw.com.br +55 11 2394 8988
Photo Name Position Profile
Patricia Barboza photo Mrs Patricia Barboza Partner. Specialized in Labour and Employment Consulting and Litigation, including cross-border issues.…
Camila Cardinale photo Mrs Camila Cardinale Counsel. Specialized in Commercial Contracts, Corporate Governance, Corporate and Foreign Investments, Mergers…
Paula Chaccur de Cresci photo Mrs Paula Chaccur de Cresci Partner. Specialized in Environmental Law and Sustainability.
Adriano Chaves photo Mr Adriano Chaves Partner. Specialized in M&A, Corporate Law, Foreign Investments, Technology, Data Protection and…
Bernadete Dias photo Mrs Bernadete Dias Partner, specialized in Life Sciensce, Corporate Law, Commercial Contracts, Corporate Leases and…
Carolina Galvão photo Mrs Carolina Galvão Partner. Specialized in Real Estate Matters (Real Estate law, Land Use and…
René Gelman photo Mr René Gelman Partner. Specialized in Corporate Law, M&A, Contracts and Foreign Investments.
André Gilberto photo Mr André Gilberto Partner. Specialized in Competition, Public Law, Administrative Law and Government Agencies.
Maury Lobo photo Mr Maury Lobo Partner specialized in Labour & Employment and Social Security matters.
Martim Machado photo Mr Martim Machado Partner. Specialized in Corporate Law, Commercial Contracts, Foreign Direct Investments, Corporate Finance…
Marcia Mandelbaum photo Mrs Marcia Mandelbaum Partner. Specialized in M&A, Corporate Law, Foreign Investments, Technology, Data Protection and…
José Antonio Martho photo Mr José Antonio Martho Partner. Specialized in Tax Litigation, M&A, Tax and Customs Market and Cross…
João Guilherme Petroni photo Mr João Guilherme Petroni Partner. Specialized in Litigation and Arbitration, with special emphasis in civil, commercial…
Eliana Rozenkwit photo Ms Eliana Rozenkwit Counsel. Specialized in Brazilian Civil and Intellectual Property Law, with emphasis in…
Angélica Santos photo Mrs Angélica Santos Partner. Specialized in Tax Consultancy and Tax Litigation, with emphasis in corporate…
Natali Santos photo Mrs Natali Santos Counsel. Specialized in Administrative Law and Public Contracts, Competition, Compliance and Corporate…
Valéria Schramm photo Mrs Valéria Schramm Counsel. Specialized in Corporate and Contractual Matters, Corporate Transactions and Governance, M&A,…
Ricardo da Silveira photo Mr Ricardo da Silveira Partner specialized in Tax.
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