Mr Rafael Baleroni > Cescon Barrieu > Rio de Janeiro, Brazil > Lawyer Profile

At Cescon Barrieu, the oil and gas team is well versed in big-ticket, sector-specific transactions, including M&A, project development, capital markets and financings. The lattermost area is a key strength for the department, which is a strong performer in the financing of FPSOs and drilling rigs operating in Brazilian waters. With a strong presence in the natural gas segment, the team is also well placed to act in contractual, regulatory and litigation mandates. Leading the department is Rafael Baleroni, who is regularly retained by foreign clients in Brazilian law matters within the hydrocarbons sector; his expertise encompasses E&P, offshore assets, natural gas and downstream matters ranging from financing to contract negotiation and litigation.

Demonstrating the ability to advise on all stages of energy and infrastructure projects, Cescon Barrieu is a popular choice for financiers, concessionaires and energy companies. The firm excels in project finance mandates, and is also well positioned to act in tender processes, M&A, public law matters, and construction and operational contracts. The practice, which has an impressive track record in an array of segments, ranging from transport and sanitation to oil and gas, power and mining, is under the joint leadership of Maurício Teixeira dos Santos and Rafael Baleroni in Rio de Janeiro. Teixeira dos Santos is regularly instructed by banks, investment funds and multilateral agencies in transactions in the energy and transport segments, while Baleroni has notable strength in the financing and development of oil and gas and renewable projects. Based in the São Paulo office, Mario Saadi oversees the public law department, and is a key contact for project development. Showcasing in-depth knowledge of the power sector, Alexandre Leal Ribeiro Leite routinely assists in development and financing matters, M&A and tax.

Standing out for the breadth of its services, Cescon Barrieu‘s offshore, shipping and maritime team is seen with great regularity advising on high-end financing transactions and regulatory issues. Dry shipping contractual matters, including shipbuilding and charter agreements, are core areas of activity for the firm, which is also skilled in assisting offshore drilling contractors in deals with shipyards and oil companies. The multidisciplinary team, which is able to call upon the firm’s strong network of corporate, tax and litigation practitioners, is led by the ‘hands-on, commercial and solution-oriented‘ Rafael Baleroni. Baleroni specialises in project finance, M&A and restructurings, with a special focus on the infrastructure sector.