Banking and finance in Brazil
Machado Meyer Sendacz e Opice Advogados
Machado Meyer Sendacz e Opice Advogados has one of the leading banking and finance practices in the country. Testament to its standing is the impressive roster of banking and financial services institutions, including insurers, which use the team for advice on transactional and regulatory matters. This includes major acquisition finance, project finance, structured finance, debt capital markets and export finance loans, covering a range of sectors, including agribusiness, energy and logistics, to name a few. Practice head Nei Schilling Zelmanovits remains a leading lawyer in the market, and clients benefit from the expertise of other key partners, including founding partner José Roberto Opice, Adriano Schnur, who handles project and structured finance, Raphael Zono, Rafael Carretero and Eduardo Avila de Castro.
Practice head(s):
Key clients
Itaú Unibanco
Banco Bradesco
Banco Santander (Brasil)
Bank of America Merrill Lynch Banco Múltiplo
Goldman Sachs do Brasil Banco Múltiplo
Banco J.P. Morgan
Mercado Pago/Mercado Crédito (Mercado Livre Group)
Scania Administradora de Consórcios Ltda.
Lombard Odier Private Bank
Banco Cetelem
Work highlights
- Advised Banco BTG Pactual on a R$47m loan to Allegra Pacaembu SPE and Progen – Projetos Gerenciamento e Engenharia, used for a public bid for the concession to operate the Pacaembu Stadium Complex in São Paulo.
- Represented Banco Citibank and Angá Administração de Recursos on the transfer of a R$1.5bn portfolio of credit rights linked to payroll deductible loans granted by Banco BMG.
- Represented BNP Paribas on a series of cross-border loans to logistics companies such as DHK Logistics and Statkraft Energias Renováveis.
- Advised the lenders, including Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank and Bank of America, on a R$2bn cross-border pre-export finance agreement with Ternium Brasil.
- Advised Banco Caterpillar on a R$177m financial leasing deal linked to the acquisition of 15 locomotives from Progress Rail Locomotivas do Brasil.
Mattos Filho, Veiga Filho, Marrey Jr. e Quiroga Advogados
Mattos Filho, Veiga Filho, Marrey Jr. e Quiroga Advogados offers a strong balance of regulatory and transactional advice to borrowers and financial institutions. The firm recently provided support on the launch of several new financial products and structures, and partners including Larissa Arruy are very active on regulatory matters. On the transactional side, the team covers all product types, including major project and acquisition financings, debt capital markets, structured debt and export finance. Pablo Sorj in Rio de Janeiro is a key contact for energy and infrastructure-related financings. Marina Anselmo Schneider, Bruno Mastriani Simões Tuca and Frederico Kerr Bullamah are all highly experienced. The department was further boosted by the promotion of asset management and investment funds expert Flávio Barbosa Lugão to partner, and the arrival of financial institutions and fintech specialist Pedro Eroles.
Testimonials
‘The team is very connected and their individual traits are complimentary. They can deeply understand what our needs are and consequently deliver a customized solution.’
Key clients
Itaú Unibanco / Itaú BBA
Bradesco / Bradesco BBI
Goldman Sachs
Banco Votorantim
Visa
Google Payments
Banco ABC
JSL
Klabin
Banco Santander
Totvs
Geru
Whatsapp / Facebook
Interamerican Development Bank – IDB
Neon Pagamentos
Brazilian Online Lending Association (ABCD)
Stone
Morgan Stanley
Mercado Pago
Banco Societe Generale Brasil
Work highlights
- Advised Banco Santander, Banco Itaú, Bradesco BBI and Banco ABC Brasil on the R$420m debt financing of Ageo Terminais e Armazéns Gerais and Ageo Norte Terminais e Armazéns Gerais.
- Counsel to paper company Klabin regarding the structuring of three loans amounting to R$7.4bn for Klabin’s “Puma II Project”.
- Advised SoftBank Group on regulatory aspects of Brazilian law applicable to direct and indirect foreign investment vehicles formed in Japan and USA in Brazilian financial institutions.
- Assisted Central de Registros de Direitos Creditórios with the requirements from the Brazilian Central Bank of authorisation to provide registry services for financial assets.
- Advised the Brazilian Online Lending Association – ABCD on discussions with the Brazilian Central Bank in relation to the implementation of an open banking structure in Brazil.
Pinheiro Guimarães – Advogados
Pinheiro Guimarães – Advogados has a market-leading and highly versatile practice and acts for an impressive mix of creditors and debtors. The firm has recently been involved in several significant refinancings and pre-pack deals. This came on top of its standard mix of debt capital markets and structured, trade, project and acquisition finance work. The team has good expertise on the regulatory front and also advises on the structuring of investment funds and securitisation vehicles. Senior partner Francisco Pinheiro Guimarães Neto has been a key practitioner in the market since the 1970s, while Plinio Pinheiro Guimarães Neto and Francisco José Pinheiro Guimarães respectively lead the teams in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. Other names to note include Ivie Moura Alves, who is highly experienced in cross-border syndicated loans, Fábio Yanitchkis Couto and Bruno Lardosa. Marcela Taquette Vaz is another key lawyer making an impression in the team.
Practice head(s):
Plinio Pinheiro Guimarães; Francisco José Pinheiro Guimarães; Ivie Moura Alves
Key clients
Citibank
Itaú BBA
Credit Suisse
BTG Pactual
International Finance Corporation (IFC)
JP Morgan
Santander
HSBC
Banco Votorantim
Bradesco
Banco BBM
Goldman Sachs
Klabin
XP Investimentos
Banco do Brasil
Merrill Lynch
Deutsche Bank AG
Inter-American Investment
Corporation
BNP Paribas
Pátria Investimentos
Inter-American
Development Bank (IDB)
Work highlights
- Advised the underwriters, including Banco Santander and Banco Bradesco, on the issue of over R$3bn of non-convertible unsecured debentures by Petrobras.
- Represented Klabin as guarantor on a $1.1bn loan facility to Klabin Austria and Klabin Finance, which included a $600m export prepayment term loan facility.
- Advised Itaú Unibanco, Banco Santander and Banco BBM as creditors on the negotiation of a R$770m pre-pack plan with Tecsis Tecnologia e Sistemas Avançados.
- Advised syncreon Group, as domestic counsel, on the Brazilian aspects of its multi-million dollar restructuring.
- Assisted Inter-American Investment Corporation in a R$100m loan to Omni S.A. Crédito, Financiamento e Investimento.
Pinheiro Neto Advogados
Pinheiro Neto Advogados is a top choice for cutting-edge advice in the banking and finance space. 2019 saw the firm involved in several major banking-related joint ventures and corporate takeovers. Advice to fintechs also continues to ramp up, both in terms of licensing applications and fundraisings. Partners Bruno Balduccini and José Luiz Homem de Mello retain their status as two of the best-known lawyers in the market, advising on a range of regulatory, corporate and transactional issues. Other key individuals include Fernando Ruiz de Almeida Prado for derivatives and corporate finance work, Fernando Mirandez Del Nero Gomes for regulatory and transactional, and Tiago Themudo Lessa for derivatives and debt capital markets. Newly promoted partner Yuka Ono and senior associates including Raphael Palmieri Salomão demonstrate the firm's deep bench at every level.
Testimonials
‘Pinheiro Neto is uniquely positioned to give high-quality advice on banking and finance regulation. They are very much aware of the regulatory agenda and give advice that goes beyond the letter of the law, but also considering regulatory expectations and market practice.’
‘José Luiz Homem de Mello and Marcelo Mello are engaged, committed and very knowledgeable about the banking business. They understand why and for what reason we need their legal advice in helping us make better decisions. They have been valued partners of us for many years.’
Key clients
Banco Bradesco
Itau Unibanco
Banco Santander
XP Investimentos
Nubank
Neon
UBS
JP Morgan
Goldman Sachs
BTG Pactual
Banrisul
HSBC
PagSeguro
Stone
Citibank
Banco BMG
Banco do Brasil
Caixa Economica Federal
Banco PAN
Banco Votorantim
Febraban – Federation of Brazilian banks
Work highlights
- Advised UBS on its joint venture with Banco do Brasil to form a jointly owned South American investment bank and brokerage business.
- Advised fintech company Nubank on its latest investment round, involving a $400m capital raising.
- Represented Banco Santander on a joint venture with Crédit Agricole to combine their custody and asset servicing arms, CACEIS and Santander Securities, in order to create a global custody and asset servicing business.
- Advised Citibank on a complex $35m margin loan to Global Airline Ventures.
- Assisted numerous credit fintechs, including Creditas, Nexoos, Listo, Bullla, Tanger and Cartos on their licensing applications to Brazil’s central bank.
BMA - Barbosa, Müssnich, Aragão
BMA - Barbosa, Müssnich, Aragão has a solid, five-partner team, which is particularly active on the borrower side. The firm offers strong expertise on syndicated loans, project finance, debt capital markets, refinancings and structured finance. The highly experienced Camila Goldberg leads the team, which includes compliance specialist Anna Carolina Malta and transactional partners including Plinio Simões Barbosa and Rafael d’Avila Dutra. Recent developments in the team include the promotion of Conrado de Castro Stievani and Felipe Prado to partner.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘BMA is in my opinion the top go to firm in Brazil for any matter of banking, corporate or M&A practice. The team is extremely creative and client focused with huge versatility in complex transactions.’
‘Camila Goldberg is one of the key partners of the firm and demonstrates every time how she can add value to transactions through creative and technically precise solutions.’
Key clients
Banco BTG Pactual
XP Investimentos
Fundo Garantidor de Créditos (FGC)
Banco BOCOM BBM
Grupo Queiroz Galvão
Enforce Gestão de Ativos
Oi
BHP Billiton
Credit Suisse AG
Banco BS2 (fka Banco Bonsucesso)
Work highlights
- Represented Queiroz Galvão Group on its R$6bn debt restructuring, involving over 20 companies and nine creditors.
- Advised Petrorecôncavo and its subisidiary Potiguar E&P on a $232m facility to finance the acquisition of Riacho da Forquilha Cluster from Petrobras.
- Represented BHP Billiton on the restructuring of Samarco Mineração’s $4.3bn worth of banking and capital markets debt.
- Acted for BTG Holding as guarantor on a $200m loan to Bermudian BTG MB Investments LP.
Cescon, Barrieu, Flesch & Barreto Advogados
Cescon, Barrieu, Flesch & Barreto Advogados is popular with borrowers and institutional lenders. The firm has good expertise in sovereign and quasi-sovereign financings to state and government entities, as well as acquisition and trade finance and debt capital markets, where it regularly advises on major cross-border transactions. Ronald Herscovici, Joaquim De Oliveira, Alexandre Gossn Barreto and Rio-based Maurício Teixeira dos Santos are well regarded. Ana Paula Calil and Rio-based Eduardo Kuhlmann Abrantes are also names to note.
Practice head(s):
Ronald Herscovici; Maurício Teixeira dos Santos; Joaquim De Oliveira; Alexandre Gossn Barreto
Testimonials
‘This team does an incredible amount of work and are always available. Rates are very reasonable. Interject themselves into the transaction as required.’
Key clients
Açucareira Quatá
Bank of America
Banco Santander (Brasil)
Citigroup Global Markets
Itaú Unibanco
Credit Suisse
JP Morgan Chase Bank
Bank of Nova Scotia
ING Capital LLC
Copagaz Distribuidora de Gás
Banco do Brasil
ING Bank
Deutsche Bank AG
FirstRand Bank Limited
SPC Grafeno Registradora / Grafeno Digital
Work highlights
- Advised Açucareira Quatá as borrower and Companhia Agrícola Quatá as guarantor on a R$560m senior secured syndicated export loan.
- Advising the syndicated lenders, including Societé Generale as coordinator and facility agent, on the $232m finance for the construction and acquisition of a FSRU vessel by BW FSRU III PTE. LTD.
- Represented Banco do Brasil and Itaú Unibanco on a R$900m financing to the State of São Paulo for the expansion of the Serra da Rodovia dos Tamoios highway.
- Advised Banco Santander and Banco do Brasil on a $90m refinancing for GranEnergia Group.
Demarest Advogados
Demarest Advogados offers its borrower and lender clients strong experience across a range of areas, including syndicated loans, restructurings, project finance, trade finance and regulatory advice. The team, which is led by Fabio de Almeida Braga, also stands out for its expertise in key industries such as automotive and agribusiness. While the firm will miss former partner Antonio Giglio Neto, who left to start his own firm, early 2020 saw the team strengthened by the arrival of banking partner Helen Naves from Trench Rossi Watanabe. Talented associates including Marcelo Simon Ikeziri demonstrate the firm's strength in depth.
Practice head(s):
Key clients
Banco Santander (Brasil)
Moksha8 Brasil Distribuidora e Representação de Medicamentos
Digital Realty
Establishment Holdings
Bank of China Luxembourg Branch
Moto Honda da Amazônia and Banco Honda
Banco Crédit Agricole Brasil
Ezentis Energia / Ezentis – Serviços, Engenharia e Instalação de Comunicações
Work highlights
- Advised Banco Santander on a $250m foreign export prepayment agreement to paper manufacturer Eldorado Brasil Celulose.
- Assisted Digital Realty Group on a $775m credit facility, some of which will help fund its acquisition of ANH New Holdings.
- Represented Bank of China Luxembourg Branch on an $850m syndicated loan to Chaglla Holdings to part finance its $1.4bn acquisition of Peruvian company Empresa de Generación Huallaga.
- Advised Establishment Holdings on its $75m debt restructuring.
TozziniFreire Advogados
TozziniFreire Advogados comes highly recommended for its expertise in complex transactional and regulatory banking issues. The firm has a good standing with a string of international banks and multilateral agencies, and represents blue-chip corporates and borrowers from across a range of industries, including the agribusiness and fintech sectors. Practice head Alexei Bonamin has an extremely diverse practice, which includes debt capital markets and structured finance. In recent developments, Kenneth Antunes Ferreira left the firm.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘What matters most for us is that we can call the firm anytime and there will always be someone ready to answer us. We never feel left alone.’
‘Very good answers every time we need it. And its never someone’s opinion or a individual opinion, they always have discussed the matter in advance to gives us the best options. Even if they are caught by surprise, they have so much experience that what they provide us is always good quality solutions.’
Key clients
Agricultural Bank of China
Bank of New York Mellon
BNP Paribas
J.P. Morgan
Tenpay
OPIC – Overseas Private Investment Corp.
World Bank
Morgan Stanley
International Finance Corporation (IFC)
Bank of America Corporation
Banco Société Générale Brasil
Work highlights
- Advised Messer Gases on a credit agreement involving a $2.25bn A loan and a €540m B loan.
- Assisted Standard Chartered Bank on a $1.5bn loan to aluminium producer Novelis to finance the latter’s acquisition of Aleris.
- Advised the Overseas Private Investment Corporation on a $200m loan to Brazilian airline company Azul Linhas Aéreas Brasileiras.
- Assisted Porto Itapoá on a R$450m financing, involving an IDB loan and debenture issuance.
Veirano Advogados
Veirano Advogados has experienced banking and finance teams working out of its Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo offices. The firm's versatile practice acts for a mix of banks, multilateral lenders, debt funds and other financial services companies, while on the borrower side it represents clients from across a range of industries, including mining, logistics, shipping, telecoms and infrastructure. Advice covers the full range of products, including syndicated loans, project finance, shipping finance and pre-export finance agreements. Rio de Janeiro-based banking head Marcelo Mattos is backed by a strong team of lawyers, including fellow Rio-based partner Rogério Campos. The highly rated São Paulo team is led by Ana Carolina Barretto, who handles corporate and project finance, and also includes capital markets expert Daniela Anversa and Lior Pinsky.
Practice head(s):
Key clients
Ternium
Leagold Mining Corporation
Lundin Mining Corporation
Equinox Gold Corp. (formerly Trek Mining Inc.)
Nordic Trustee & Agency AB (Publ)
Prumo Participações e Investimentos and Prumo Logística
DNB Bank ASA
JPMorgan Chase Bank
SP Ventures Gestora de Recursos
Nordea Bank
Work highlights
- Advised Ternium Brasil on a $500m syndicated pre-export financing agreed with several banks.
- Assisted Leagold Mining Corporation and its Brazilian subsidiaries on a $200m term loan and a $200m revolving credit facility extended by a syndicate of international bank lenders.
- Represented Nordic Trustee & Agency as agent to the bondholders on a €100m bond issue by Fiven to fund the acquisition of Saint-Gobain’s ceramic division in Norway, Brazil, Belgium and Germany.
- Advised NIBC Bank and ING Bank on a $33.4m amendment to a facility provided to Compagnie Maritime Monegasque International for the purpose of refinancing five vessels.
Lefosse Advogados
Lefosse Advogados' strong, three-partner banking practice works closely with the firm's market-leading capital markets and tax teams. Clients include a broad mix of domestic and international borrowers and lenders. Cross-border acquisition financings, restructurings and structured financings have been high on the agenda recently. Renata Cardoso, Ricardo Prado and Roberto Zarour are all highly experienced in this sphere. Recently, the department was further bolstered with the arrival of highly regarded partner Kenneth Antunes Ferreira.
Practice head(s):
Key clients
XP Investimentos
Bunge
Itaú
SACE
Petrobrás
Commerzbank
Citibank
Banco do Brasil
Aegea
JBS
Work highlights
- Advised Bunge on a $700m pre-export financing to help refinance all existing debts of the Brazil business and allow for the formation of a joint venture between Bunge and BP’s sugar mills.
- Advised the lenders, including BNP Paribas Fortis and Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank on the amendment and restatement of an existing $300m loan to Petrobras Global Trading and an additional disbursement of $50m.
- Represented Itaú Unibanco, Banco Bradesco, Banco Santander and Banco do Brasil on the R$173m debt restructuring of agribusiness company Vilela, Vilela & Cia.
Stocche Forbes Advogados
Stocche Forbes Advogados enjoys a strong market reputation for major cross-border deals and has played an active role advising borrowers and lenders on the financing of major acquisitions. The team has strong expertise in debt capital markets, refinancings, structured finance and large-scale project finance deals, and the lawyers are also noted for their strong regulatory expertise. Guilherme Forbes, Miriam Signor, Marcos Ribeiro and Henrique Filizzola have been active in the market for over 20 years. Rio de Janeiro-based partner Frederico Moura is also making a good name for himself.
Practice head(s):
Key clients
Engie Brasil Energia
Syncreon Group
Teekay Offshore Partners
Berneck Painéis Solares e Serrados
Igenomix
Cabo Serviços de Telecomunicações and Videomar Rede Nordeste
Terna Plus
SEG Automotive Germany
Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, and Banco Santander
Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Engie Brasil Energia on the financing for its $2.45bn acquisition of a 90% stake in the natural gas transportation company Transportadora Associada de Gás – TAG.
- Represented the lenders, as Brazilian counsel, on a $350m balance sheet restructuring under a UK scheme of arrangement.
- Advised BBVA and Banco Santander on a €285m loan agreement with Digidal Data Centre Bidco to finance the acquisition of several Telefonica Group subsidiaries.
Tauil & Chequer Advogados in association with Mayer Brown
Tauil & Chequer Advogados in association with Mayer Brown is a reliable choice for borrowers and lenders seeking strong cross-border banking and finance advice. The team, which includes experienced partners Eduardo Lima and Luis Montes, regularly advises on complex syndicated loans, as well as high-value trade, corporate, acquisition and project finance deals. Recently the firm has also been involved in several significant restructurings.
Practice head(s):
Key clients
Banco Santander (Brasil)
Banco Bradesco
Banco Credit Agricole do Brasil
Banco BTG Pactual
Banco Itau BBA
Banco ABC Brasil
ING Bank
HSBC Brasil
Braskem
Eldorado Brasil Celulose
Work highlights
- Advised Karoon Petróleo e Gás on a $275m reserve base lending transaction entered into with ING Bank to help acquire and develop certain oil concessions and contracts from Petrobras.
- Assisted Banco Bradesco, Citigroup Global Markets and Itau Unibanco on a $1.6bn credit commitment to Natura.
- Represented the lenders, including Banco Santander and Banco Credit Agricole do Brasil, on the R$8bn restructuring of Queiroz Galvão Group’s existing debts.
Campos Mello Advogados in cooperation with DLA Piper
Campos Mello Advogados in cooperation with DLA Piper has a small but highly focused team working out of its São Paulo office. Roberto Vianna do Rego Barros is well respected in the market for his regulatory expertise, while Jorge Luiz Gallo is one of the market's up-and-coming talents. The firm also has a strong track record in corporate, real estate, and project financing transactions as well as non-performing loans (NPLs).
Practice head(s):
Key clients
Deutsche Bank
Starboard Asset
Banco Santander (Brasil)
Banco RCI Brasil
Blackhawk Network Brasil
Marqeta
Aymoré Crédito, Financiamento e Investimentos
Twitch
Work highlights
- Advised Deutsche Bank on the closure of its trust service business in Brazil and its assignment to TMF Brasil Administração e Gestão de Ativos.
- Represented Starboard Asset on the $130m financing of oil exploration and production projects in the Macau Cluster.
Dias Carneiro Advogados
Dias Carneiro Advogados represents a mix of lenders and borrowers, including major multilaterals. Its partners, including practice head Thiago Vallandro Flores and Paulo Leme, are noted for their strong expertise advising clients in the energy, infrastructure and agribusiness sectors. The team also has strong experience in cross-border financings, project finance and debt restructuring.
Practice head(s):
Key clients
Inter-American Development Bank
Inter-American Investment Corporation
China Development Bank Corporation
Voltalia Group
Czarnikow
Banco KEB Hana
USJ – Açúcar e Álcool
International Finance Corporation
EDP Renováveis
Corporación Interamericana para el Financiamiento de Infraestructura
Biosev
Kinea Investimentos
Work highlights
- Advised Inter-American Development Bank as implementing entity under its managed co-lending portfolio programme on its $800m loan to Klabin to finance the expansion of the latter’s pulp and paper facility, as well as the expansion of its cogeneration capacity.
- Assisting Banco Keb Hana do Brasil in drafting the template for its advance exchange agreement to be used for future transactions.
Lobo de Rizzo Advogados
Lobo de Rizzo Advogados has a versatile team, which has recently been involved in several major acquisition financings, acting on behalf of lenders and borrowers. The team is led by Fabrizio de Oliveira Sasdelli and Milton Pinatti, who are well versed in structured finance, restructurings, debt capital markets and project finance.
Practice head(s):
Key clients
Itaú Unibanco
Banco Rabobank International Brasil
Banco Bradesco
Citibank Europe PLC, UK Branch
Banco do Brasil
JP Morgan
Banco BTG Pactual
Banco Santander (Brasil)
Banco ABC
Travessia Assessoria Financeira
Work highlights
- Advised the lenders, including Banco Bradesco BBI and Banco Itaú, to name a few, on the complex multibillion dollar financing to Aliança Transportadora de Gás Participações to fund its acquisition of a 90% stake in Transportadora Associada de Gás.
- Advised Arco Educação on a R$300m financing for the acquisition of Sistema Positivo de Ensino (Editora Positivo), one of the largest K-12 content providers to private schools in Brazil.
Vidigal Neto Advogados
Vidigal Neto Advogados, formerly Perlman Vidigal Godoy Advogados, has a good track record in structured finance transactions and cross-border financings. The São Paulo-based firm acts mainly for banks and financial institutions, and is also noted for its strong expertise in regulatory matters. Founding partner Rubens Vidigal Neto is a significant figure in the market and recently promoted partner Fernanda Mary Sonoki is also very active in this space.
Practice head(s):
Key clients
Banco BMG
Banco Paulista
ANFIDC – Associação Nacional dos Participantes em Fundos de Investimentos em Direitos Creditórios Multicedentes e Multissacados
Banco Itaú BBA
XP Investimentos CCTVM
Omni S/A Crédito, Financiamento e Investimento
CREDZ Administradora de Cartões de Crédito
Fortbrasil Administradora de Cartões de Crédito
Integral Investimentos
Candido Martins Advogados
Candido Martins Advogados is experienced in banking and debt capital markets work, with banking head Renata Simon and founding partner Henrique Martins both active in this space. The São Paulo firm represents a broad range of borrowers, most recently on several significant private placements. Daniel Rodrigues Alves is also rated by clients.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘Willing to come up with solutions to challenges, quick response and flexibility to adapt to operations characteristics. Daniel Rodrigues Alves stands out with good service, drafting and managing the junior team.’
‘A team with great knowledge and experience. Dedicated, available and fully involved for solutions. Renata Simon, Daniel Rodrigues Alves, and all the team make an exceptional difference in operations.’
Key clients
GEF Capital Partners
Intercement Participações
Confrapar
Restoque Comércio e Confecção de Roupas
Companhia Nacional do Álcool (CNA)
Unicoba Baterias e Participações
Hemisfério Sul Investimentos
G5 Partners
Tecverde Engenharia
Mtel Telecomunicações
Work highlights
- Advised consumer products company Restoque Comércio e Confecções de Roupas on a multimillion BRL debenture issue under a restricted public offering.
Cascione Pulino Boulos Advogados
The experienced, two-partner team at Cascione Pulino Boulos Advogados is especially noted for its strong expertise in advising banks and e-commerce companies such as Google in regulatory matters. This includes payments regulation, where Marcelo Padua Lima is very active, and foreign exchange regulation. Founding partner Fábio de Souza Aranha Cascione is also experienced in structured and project finance.
Practice head(s):
Key clients
Google Brasil Pagamentos
HSBC Brasil – Banco de Investimento
Mercadopago.com Representações
Leroy Merlin Companhia Brasileira de Bricolagem
Gerdau
Totvs
FFA Sociedade de Crédito ao Microempreendedor e a Empresa de Pequeno Porte
Banco Votorantim
Martins Comércio e Serviço de Distribuição
Leste Credit Gestão de Recursos
Work highlights
- Advised mining company Gerdau on a $800m credit agreement.
Felsberg Advogados
Felsberg Advogados has a solid banking team led by Maria da Graça out of the firm's São Paulo office. The practice has especially good expertise in project and aviation finance, and represents both borrowers and banks.
Practice head(s):
Key clients
Clifford Chance LLP
Unigel
Cederquist
Evelop Airlines
Irmãos Franciosi
Otterbourg, Steindler, Houston & Rosen, P.C
Moinho Canuelas
Deutsche Leasing International
SM Resinas
Work highlights
- Advised BNP Paribas, as security agent, on a €628m security package to a Brazilian subsidiary of European Crops Products.
KLA Advogados
KLA Advogados is a popular choice with borrowers, lenders and fintech providers, and has good experience in domestic and cross-border financings. Advice ranges from internal and external debt restructurings, trade and structured finance, to regulatory advice on banking products. Fernanda Levy and Ricardo Higashitani are the two main contacts.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘Very high quality lawyers, and ability to rapidly understand and act on concepts and advice relating to other jurisdictions. Friendly and easy to deal with.’
Key clients
Banco Paulista
Banco Brasil Plural
Iguatemi Empresa de Shopping Centers
Standard Bank group
National Australia Bank
Technicolor
Royal Bank of Canada
Gol Linhas Aéreas
Banco Renner
Banco Rabobank International Brasil
Barigui Group
Work highlights
- Advised Banco Bari on the development of its credit card products, including credit cards with limits granted to cardholders that are backed by assets granted as security.
Levy & Salomão
Levy & Salomão has a strong reputation for regulatory work. The team, which includes the well-regarded Eduardo Salomão Neto, represents a mix of major financial institutions, fintech companies and alternative lenders. Luiz Roberto de Assis is also experienced in cross-border finance deals.
Monteiro, Rusu, Cameirão, Bercht e Grottoli Advogados
Monteiro, Rusu, Cameirão e Bercht Advogados is particularly strong on the regulatory side and regularly represents venture capital funds and companies on financial service product launches. This includes advice on aspects of the payroll loans industry. Daniel Monteiro is especially well regarded.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘Expertise in the law area and professionalism in service defines the team.’
‘Daniel Monteiro, besides having a high technical knowledge, is oriented to the business and brings through his consultancy practical solutions that add value to the business.’
Santos Neto Advogados
Santos Neto Advogados represents an impressive roster of domestic and international banks and has a strong background in high-value trade finance deals, particularly in the agribusiness sector. The firm is also strong in financial regulation and structured finance. Practice co-heads Domicio dos Santos Neto and Gabriel Buscarini Leutewiler have established good reputations.
Practice head(s):
Key clients
Rabobank
ING Bank N.V. São Paulo Branch
ABN Amro Brasil
Banco Azteca
Natixis
Crédit Agricole
Louis Dreyfus
Almastone
AMERRA
Corporacion Andina de Fomento – CAF
Work highlights
- Advised Rabobank on a $120m club deal, structured in the form of an export prepayment facility, in favour of Caramuru Alimentos.
Vella Pugliese Buosi e Guidoni Advogados
Vella Pugliese Buosi e Guidoni Advogados has an active financial services and banking team, with good expertise in regulatory and transactional matters. Project finance is a busy area, although the firm's lawyers have experience advising lenders and borrowers across most product areas, including in major cross-border financings. Founding partner Rodrigo Vella and Gabriella Najjar are the two main contacts.
Practice head(s):
Key clients
Terna
Companhia Paranaense de Energia – Copel (Grupo Copel)
Santander Bank (Spain)
Banco Santander (Brazil)
Banco BTG Pactual
Cooperatieve Rabobank
Lassalle College International
Morgan Stanley
Citibank (London Branch)
Mirador – Minería, Ingeniería y Construccion
Work highlights
- Advised Rabobank on the Brazilian law aspects of its supplier finance programme in Brazil.