Housing a sizeable corporate and M&A department in Belo Horizonte that is the first port of call for several blue-chip clients from the agribusiness, mining, banking, energy, telecoms and technology sectors, full-service firm Azevedo Sette Advogados is a reference in the Minas Gerais market. The team handles a diverse workload of M&A, foreign investments, commercial and financial contracts, corporate restructurings and infrastructure projects, and has witnessed a recent growth in deals pertaining to the healthcare sector, and matters involving wealth planning and succession issues. Practice head Fernando Azevedo Sette is a key contact for private wealth management. Luís Ricardo Miraglia, who is often retained by mining and energy clients, and Ana Paula Terra Caldeira, whose areas of activity include M&A and corporate financing, are other key practitioners. Frederico Bopp Dieterich leads on infrastructure-related transactions, while Thiago Assumpção Henriques has been particularly busy advising healthcare companies. In a relevant development in 2021, Eleonora Santiago Carneiro Quadros joined the firm from Portela, Lima, Lobato & Colen Advogados.
Commercial, corporate and M&A in Brazil
Azevedo Sette Advogados
Practice head(s):
Fernando Azevedo Sette
Testimonials
‘Consistency; sense of urgency; senior and experienced team. Excellent technical and intellectual level of the team. Multi-disciplinary advice.’
‘Fernando Azevedo Sette has an excellent reputation in the market, experience and technical knowledge.’
‘High quality of services in all areas. Fernando Azevedo Sette is an excellent lawyer. He is extremely skilled and competent.’
Key clients
Ibitu Energia
Rhi Magnesita
Andrade Gutierrez Group
Construtora Aterpa
Concessionária Do Aeroporto Internacional De Confins
Vale
Bmpi Infra
Magnesita Refratários
Carmeuse Brasil Soluções Químicas
Grupo Promed
Vita Participações
Vertex Administradora E Corretora De Seguros
Work highlights
- Assisted Grupo Promed in the sale of 100% of its capital stock and 96.5% of capital stock of Hospital Vera Cruz.
- Advised Grupo Toro and its private shareholders on the sale of 60% of their equity interest to Santander subsidiary Pi.
- Provided assistance to Andrade Gutierrez in the closing of the sale of a hospital PPP concessionaire (Novo Metropolitano) to Opy Health (the health industry investment platform of private equity fund IG4 Capital).
Fialho Salles Advogados
With particular strength in the mining, energy and infrastructure sectors, Fialho Salles Advogados is a leading player in the Minas Gerais market, where it has multidisciplinary expertise that covers corporate law, M&A, commercial contracts, financing deals, infrastructure projects and public law issues. Alice Dourado leads the corporate practice, and steers the team on a variety of transactional matters, ranging from corporate restructurings and joint ventures to private equity deals and venture capital investments. Dourado receives key support from Patricia Alvarenga and Débora Resende, both of whom also focus on domestic and cross-border transactions. Leonardo Canabrava specialises in antitrust and international trade, while public law, regulatory and infrastructure matters are core areas of activity for Érico Andrade, Gustavo Magalhães and Anderson Novais. Associate Thiago Vieira is also noted.
Practice head(s):
Alice Dourado; Anderson Novais; Erico Andrade; Gustavo Magalhães; Leonardo Canabrava; Lucas Spadano; Luciano Fialho; Patrícia Alvarenga
Testimonials
‘The firm consistently delivers high quality advice and, as it has extensive knowledge of the investment sector (M&A and private equity/venture capital), they are very assertive in their proposals, especially in more complex deals that require greater creativity.’
‘Alice Dourado and Thiago Vieira have extensive experience in the sector and knowledge of the regulation of business companies and private equity funds (FIPs).’
‘Débora Resende Castanheira stands out for her attention and dedication to the client, and vast knowledge of her area of expertise.’
‘The practice has great expertise in handling M&A transactions.’
‘Alice Dourado is an extremely capable and accessible professional. She participated in the discussions and implementation of legal decisions. Thiago Vieira is a professional with great technical background and great dedication.’
Key clients
VLI
COTRIN Construtora Trindade
Sadesul Projetos e Construções
Embaré Indústrias Alimentícias
Aperam Inox America do Sul
Rio Branco Alimentos
Sandvik Mining and Construction do Brasil
Abbott Laboratórios do Brasil
Mineração Usiminas
RHI Magnesita
Banco Mercantil do Brasil
Patologia Clínica São Marcos
Aliança Geração de Energia
BNDES – Banco Nacional de Desenvolvimento Econômico e Social
BMPI Infra (Barbosa Mello Participações Investimentos)
BH Iluminação Pública
Empresa Construtora Brasil
Mota Engil Engenharia e Construção
Canopus Holding
BRK Ambiental Participações
AEGEA Saneamento e Participações
Uber do Brasil Tecnologia
OEngenharia
Domingos Costa Indústrias Alimentícias
Terna Plus
BTG Pactual Gestora de Recursos
Construtora Remo
Work highlights
- Assisted TACOM in all regulatory and contractual aspects regarding the technology development, production and ANVISA approval of new mechanical ventilators especially designed to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic.
- Acted as legal advisor to UNIFIPMoc’s founding shareholders in the sale of 100% of the total share capital of Sociedade Padrão de Educação Superior (UNIFIPMoc) to Afya Participações.
- Assisted the Consortium Ibirité IP on the procurement procedure for the modernisation and maintenance of the streetlights of the municipality of Ibirité.
Cescon Barrieu
Cescon Barrieu is singled out for its ability to handle high-value financing and capital markets transactions across a variety of regulated sectors, such as mining, energy, telecoms and healthcare. The practice combines extensive experience in cross-border deals with a thorough knowledge of the local business scenario, and is prepared to assist clients engaged in corporate restructuring, joint ventures, M&A and corporate governance. Practice head Frederico Viana Rodrigues is frequently sought after by clients partaking in equity and debt capital market transactions, acquisitions and private equity deals. Other key individuals include recently promoted partners Júlia Lobo and Alice Brandão, the latter of whom has substantial experience in public offerings. Eduardo Menezes focuses on mergers, joint ventures, and stock and asset deals.
Practice head(s):
Frederico Viana Rodrigues
Key clients
Grupo Localiza
Grupo Unidas
Banco BS2
Meliuz
Premium Saúde
AG7 Group
Algar Telecom
Biomm
Companhia de Saneamento Básico do Estado de São Paulo – SABESP
Flex Gestão de Relacionamentos
Work highlights
- Advised Meliuz and certain selling shareholders on its IPO and its corporate restructuring.
- Acted as deal counsel, advising both the issuer and the underwriters, on two public offerings of local bonds issued by Algar Telecom.
- Advised the founding shareholder of Premium Saúde on the sale of all the shares of Premium to Hapvida Participações e Investimentos, through its subsidiary Hapvida Assistência Médica.
Freitas Ferraz Capuruço Braichi Riccio Advogados
Freitas Ferraz Capuruço Braichi Riccio Advogados is well versed in all facets of corporate law and M&A deals, and often handles mandates involving corporate restructuring, commercial contracts and contentious issues. The team has been increasingly active assisting national and foreign investors in renewable energy transactions, with a particular emphasis on solar power generation and greenfield projects. Other areas of growth include financial services matters, acquisitions in the technology sector, and venture capital investments. Practice head Bernardo Freitas is proficient in private equity, investment funds and capital markets regulations. He jointly heads up the department with Adriano Ferraz, who specialises in corporate transactions in the energy sector.
Practice head(s):
Bernardo Freitas; Adriano Ferraz
Testimonials
‘Very senior staff with a great sense of practicality and urgency. Excellent ability to conduct due diligence and negotiations with the other party. It conveys a lot of security to the client. Adriano Ferraz is recommended.’
‘Excellent level of knowledge of legal topics as well as excellence in service delivery. Adriano Ferraz assisted us promptly.’
‘They are specialised in M&A and the service is very good and carried out directly by the partners.’
‘Bernado Freitas is a creative lawyer who always solves the problems that eventually arise in the transaction.’
‘The ability to understand the client’s needs and the legal certainty in the answers.’
‘Adriano Ferraz has the ability to understand issues and respond quickly.’
‘The firm’s professionals, especially the partners, demonstrate full knowledge of M&A transactions.’
Key clients
Horizonte Minerals
CEI – Energética Integrada
Banco Inter
Afya Participações
Tambasa Atacadista – Tecidos e Armarinhos Miguel Bartolomeu
Arcelormittal Brasil
Casa Mineira Corretora de Imóveis
Viasolo Engenharia Ambiental
Super Jobs Ventures e Participações
Monetizze Participações
Work highlights
- Advised both parties, CBB Web Serviços e Transmissões Online and Medcel Editora e Eventos, on a corporate restructuring that implemented the merger of CBBW into Medcel.
- Represented Torc in the negotiation of a joint venture with four other companies, each of them with 20% of the equity capital.
- Advised a wholly-owned Brazilian subsidiary of Horizonte Mineral on the acquisition of a ferronickel processing equipment owned by Companhia Brasileira de Alumínio.
Rolim, Viotti, Goulart, Cardoso Advogados
Rolim, Viotti, Goulart, Cardoso Advogados offers assistance to private and public companies in an array of corporate, commercial and M&A matters. With a strong following in the energy and mining sectors, the team is often retained to advise on joint ventures, private equity deals, contractual issues, business restructuring and corporate governance. Fábio Appendino and Luis Gustavo Miranda are the key points of contact in the Belo Horizonte-based corporate and M&A practice
Coimbra & Chaves
The highly regarded Coimbra & Chaves primarily handles mid-cap M&A transactions for a mixed client roster of domestic and international companies. The team is routinely involved in matters involving venture capital deals, commercial agreements, acquisitions and corporate governance. Corporate law specialist Paula Andrade Ribeiro Chaves and Eugênia Aguiar Siqueira jointly lead the department, which is most active in the mining, technology, construction, retail and healthcare sectors. Loni Mellilo Cardoso is another core member of the M&A, contracts and corporate group.
Practice head(s):
Paula Andrade Ribeiro Chaves; Eugênia Aguiar Siqueira
Testimonials
‘Service provided in a personalised and excellent way. Ability to think outside the box.’
‘The team, in addition to being highly qualified from a technical point of view, has a hands-on approach: they seek to solve the client’s problem, thinking not only from a legal point of view, but also from a management and strategic perspective. In addition to her exceptional domain in the legal area, Paula Chaves is an excellent negotiator.’
‘They are excellent professionals, who manage to assist us within our deadlines, coming up with intelligent solutions to our problems and businesses. I highlight Paula Chaves and Loni Mellilo Cardoso. They are assertive and very collaborative.’
‘Dedicated team, high participation and availability of partners, excellent value for money compared to the market, good argumentative rationale and technical knowledge.’
‘Availability, fairness in considerations, mapping of sensitive points, ability to predict movements of other parties. I especially recommend Eugenia Aguiar Siqueira.’
Key clients
Takraf do Brasil Equipamentos de Mineração e Manuseio
Neuman & Esser America do Sul
Grupo Super Nosso e Apoio Mineiro
Herculano Mineração
Starline Tecnologia
Engeform Engenharia
Gerencianet Pagamentos do Brasil
Clínicas Expressas do Brasil
Stantec Consulting
Companhia Brasileira de Planos Funerários
Fundo AvanTI
Zona da Mata Mineração
VetBR Saúde Animal
Centro Oftalmológico de Minas Gerais
Compass Diagnóstico, Planejamento e Prototipagem Odontológica
Fundep Participações
Reev Soluções Tecnológicas
Vitória Fertilizantes
CEMIG – Companhia Energética de Minas Gerais
MRV Engenharia e Participações
Prosegur Cash
COMAU do Brasil Indústria e Comércio
Work highlights
- Advised Multiformato Distribuidora and affiliated companies (Super Nosso Group) on a strategic partnership with Carrefour Comércio e Indústria.
- Assisted CBPF – Companhia Brasileira de Planos Funerários (Zelo Group) with due diligence, drafting and negotiation of an investment agreement with private equity fund Crescera Capital.
- Acted as legal counsel to Vitória Fertilizantes in the sale of 75% of the company’s shares to Vittia Group.
Machado Meyer Sendacz e Opice Advogados
Working in close collaboration with the firm’s network of offices across Brazil, Machado Meyer Sendacz e Opice Advogados‘ Belo Horizonte practice excels in capital market deals. In addition to assisting clients from a variety of sectors, notably energy and financial services, with equity and debt transactions, the team is also experienced in M&A, financial agreements, commercial issues and regulatory matters involving public companies. Gustavo Rugani oversees the local corporate finances department, which also includes Guilherme Azevedo, who made partner in January 2022 and has a relevant background in cross-border transactions.
Practice head(s):
Gustavo Rugani
Testimonials
‘Quality service, timely, proactive in anticipating problems and presenting solutions.’
‘Gustavo Rugani is present and proactive. He quickly understands the points and presents simple solutions to solve them.’
‘They are extremely competent and helpful lawyers. They are helpful and timely in solving legal problems.’
‘Gustavo Rugani is a lawyer with unique technical/legal knowledge, which makes him stand out in the market.’
‘Differentiated performance in complex operations, with personality, deep and practical knowledge in corporate and M&A matters and a pro-deal vision.’
‘Gustavo Rugani stands out for his legal knowledge, practicality, agility, availability, and reputation.’
Key clients
Eletrobras
Arcelormittal Brasil
Sequoia Logística e Transportes
Direcional Engenharia
Banco Inter
Unidas
Patrimar Engenharia
Instituto Hermes Pardini
Localiza Rent a Car
Hospital Mater Dei
Work highlights
- Assisted Banco Inter in a public offering with restricted placement efforts, of common shares, preferred shares and units.
- Assisted in the IPO of shares issued by Sequoia Logística e Transportes.
- Acts as deal counsel for the third issuance of debentures by BHF Holding Financeira.
Vilas Boas, Lopes e Frattari Advogados
Vilas Boas, Lopes e Frattari Advogados handles a broad array of transactional work, ranging from mergers and acquisitions to commercial contracts and international agreements. The team is also equipped to assist clients in the context of corporate restructuring and contentious matters. Christian Lopes, who combines experience in corporate law and arbitration, oversees the Belo Horizonte practice with Pedro Ernesto Rocha, a name to note for M&A deals. They receive key support from fellow department head Fernanda Galvão, who is based in Uberlândia and leads on contractual matters.
Practice head(s):
Christian Lopes; Pedro Ernesto Rocha; Fernanda Galvão
Testimonials
‘The professionals involved were extremely competent and highly skilled. The team demonstrated a lot of knowledge. They were always up to date with current legislation.’
‘Christian Lopes proved to be a deep expert of the laws that govern the corporate market. He actively participated in the company’s acquisition process and resolved all the doubts that existed between the parties with a very didactic language.’
‘Pedro Ernesto Rocha is an excellent and intelligent professional.’
‘Quick answers and various specialties.’
Key clients
FCA Fiat Chrysler Automóveis Brasil
USIMINAS – Usinas Siderúrgicas de Minas Gerais
Arcelormittal Brasil
Samarco Mineração
Aperam Inox América do Sul
CMU Energia
Algar Telecom
Solatio Energia Gestão de Projetos
Biohosp Produtos Hospitalares
CORI – Colégio Registral Imobiliário de MinasGerais
Aliança Consultoria Atuarial
Gotlib Massara Rocha Advogados
Gotlib Massara Rocha Advogados maintains a broad service offering, covering corporate and M&A, capital markets and commercial contracts, among other areas, thanks to the wide-ranging and multidisciplinary expertise of its key partners, including name partners Renzo Gotlib, David Massara Joanes and Pedro Figueiredo Rocha. Although only founded in 2018, the firm has already established a strong following from clients in the energy, education, technology and real estate sectors.
Practice head(s):
Renzo Gotlib; David Massara Joanes; Pedro Figueiredo Rocha
Work highlights
- Advised a client on its capital increase of approximately R$417m.
- Advised a client on the sale of its ownership interest in certain properties.
- Advised a client on a joint venture transaction.
Goulart & Colepicolo Advogados
Showcasing extensive experience in the real estate market, Goulart & Colepicolo Advogados is a go-to destination for clients in the shopping centre industry. The corporate, M&A and capital markets practice also provides legal support to investment funds and mining, technology and agribusiness companies in a range of transactions, chiefly incorporations, mergers and acquisitions. João Gilberto Freire Goulart heads the department alongside Cristiano Silva Colepicolo and Pedro Paulo Moreira Rodrigues, the latter of whom is frequently engaged in M&A and capital markets deals, contractual issues and wealth planning.
Practice head(s):
João Gilberto Freire Goulart; Cristiano Silva Colepicolo; Pedro Paulo Moreira Rodrigues
Testimonials
‘Personalised support and assistance.’
‘Pedro Paulo Moreira Rodrigues is excellent.’
‘The level of knowledge in various areas of law makes the firm stand out.’
‘Great service provided; fast and agile advice. Pedro Paulo Moreira Rodrigues is recommended.’
Key clients
Bahia Mall Empreendimentos
Castor Participações
Group CCPA
Edifica Empreendimentos e Engenharia
eMotion Studios Group
Empreendi
Federação da Agricultura e Pecuária do Estado de Minas Gerais – FAEMG
Fundação Forluminas de Seguridade Social – Forluz
Greenpass Tecnologia em Pagamentos
Infinita Estrutura de Negócios
KPTL
LARF Consultoria e Administração
LLK Engenharia
Mining Hub
Multiplan Empreendimentos Imobiliários
Intergado (Pro-Eficiência)
Quartz Mineração
Itabirito Negócios Imobiliários
MGPX Empreendimentos e Participações
Work highlights
- Advised MGPX on selling 50.01% of its share in the property of an outlet mall located in Belo Horizonte.
- Assisted R31 Investimentos in the issuance of debentures to raise funds for the construction of the development of a shopping centre.
- Advised the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture on the most appropriate format for the creation of a national emergency health care fund in the livestock sector.
Guimarães & Vieira De Mello Advogados
With strong knowledge of corporate governance, Guimarães & Vieira De Mello Advogados offers advice to clients from the mining, technology, logistics, financial services and real estate industries. On the transactional side, the practice is also experienced in assisting with corporate debt issues. Leonardo Guimarães focuses on corporate law and leads the M&A department alongside Helder Fonseca, who is based in São Paulo.
Practice head(s):
Leonardo Guimarães; Helder Fonseca
Testimonials
‘I highlight the team’s professionalism, outstanding knowledge, personalised service and multi-sector expertise.’
Key clients
Intralot Group
ASM Participações Societárias
GSM Mineração
Stradigi AI Brazil
AGFA Fundo de Investimentos em Participações Multiestratégia
Hera Medicamentos
Holt Accelerator Brazil
Grupo Canopus
Brink’s – Segurança e Transporte de Valores
Codeme Engenharia
EMCASH Serviços Financeiros Sociedade de Empréstimos Entre Partes
Acqualimp Indústria e Comércio De Materiais Plásticos
Estuda.com Tecnologias Educacionais
Companhia de Desenvolvimento de Minas Gerais – CODEMGE
Belvedere Investimentos
Work highlights
- Provided legal assistance to Intralot Group subsidiaries in Brazil in relation to the reorganisation of assets through the merger of Intralot Minas Gerais and Intralot do Brasil subsidiaries.
- Advised Companhia de Desenvolvimento de Minas Gerais – CODEMGE on the disinvestment process in several investment funds and projects.
- Assisted Hera Medicamentos in structuring, negotiating and executing all legal documents and procedures to sell 100% of its assets/operations to Elfa Medicamentos.
Lacerda, Diniz e Sena Advogados
A well-established player in the Minas Gerais market, Lacerda, Diniz e Sena Advogados attracts instructions from a growing client roster, which includes companies from the consumer goods, transports, mining, distribution and technology sectors. Led by Rafael de Lacerda Campos - whose experience covers corporate law, tax and succession planning - the department has a strong track record in M&A and corporate restructuring. He receives key support from Eric Gariglio Nahum, who is also often involved in business transactions. Daniel Jardim Sena is a name to note for tax matters.
Practice head(s):
Rafael de Lacerda Campos
Key clients
Laticínios Porto Alegre Indústria e Comércio
Loja Elétrica
Rede Dom Pedro de Postos
Tarpon Gestora De Recursos
N. Minas Transportes e Locações–Nova Minas Transportes
Falconi Capital
Nomad Sports
K-Happy
Minas Mineração
Friopeças
Vilma Alimentos
Jeito Caseiro
Instituto de Olhos de Belo Horizonte
Hermes Pardini
Grupo Zelo
Expresso Nepomuceno
DL Comércio e Indústria de Produtos Eletrônicos
Rúmina Tecnologias para Pecuária
Grupo CRM
Tractor Parts
Work highlights
- Advised former shareholders of Laticínios Porto Alegre Indústria e Comércio in a 70% acquisition.
- Assisted former shareholders of Cal Arco Íris and Brasiminas Mineração e Comércio de Calcáreo in the sale of 100% of the participation in the capital of both companies.
- Acting for the Comercial Mariano group in the corporate restructuring of the companies.
Manucci Advogados
Manucci Advogados acts for a varied client base, comprising companies from the energy, healthcare, construction, real estate and banking sectors. The corporate department is often retained to advise on foreign investments, joint ventures and commercial contracts. Managing partner Daniel Manucci and London-based Délber Lage are key contacts for cross-border transactions. Corporate, commercial and contractual matters are among Guilherme Poggiali's areas of expertise. Edson Martins, who specialises in corporate law and M&A, is another core member of the Belo Horizonte team.
Practice head(s):
Daniel Manucci; Délber Lage; Guilherme Poggiali; Edson Martins
Testimonials
‘The team is extremely technically capable and has a lot of practical knowledge.’
‘Guilherme Poggiali stands out for his refined technical knowledge and punctuality. He is able to understand the difficulties and obstacles that arise, directing actions towards practical and viable solutions.’
Key clients
Oxis Energy
Gerdau
Zetrasoft
Salary Fit
NetBet
Take Blip
Confrapar
BrMalls
Construtora Canopus
Urca Energia
Work highlights
- Assisted Gerdau in a standardisation of 45 types of contracts and documents, creating a database to speed up the elaboration of contracts by the client’s commercial areas.
- Advised all of Instituto Materno Infantil de Minas Gerais – Hospital Vila Da Serra’s shareholders on the sale of 100% of the company shares to Grupo Oncoclínicas.
- Advised the sellers on the sale of 20.2% of shares of Take Net/Take Blip to private equity fund Warburg Pincus.
Tavernard Advogados
Companies from the energy, mining, education, healthcare, construction and IT sectors seek Tavernard Advogados' broad corporate and M&A services. Contract negotiation, corporate restructuring, sales and acquisitions are core areas of strength for the department, which is under the leadership of Mário Tavernard. The practice leader combines experience in estate planning, M&A structuring, capital markets and private equity deals. Júlia Ribeiro, who focuses on commercial contracts, joined the firm from Rolim, Viotti, Goulart, Cardoso Advogados.
Practice head(s):
Mário Tavernard
Testimonials
‘The team is highly qualified and all partners have a solid academic background. On a day-to-day basis, lawyers’ creativity and proximity are crucial to being able to solve our problems. Mário Tavernard is great.’
‘Deep knowledge of the topics, commitment and availability.’
‘Tavernard Advogados is a very capable firm, especially for corporate matters. Practically all the work was coordinated and executed by the founding partner Mário Tavernard.’
‘Strong involvement of the founding partners in the matters, highly qualified people who contribute to the development of the cases.’
‘The availability, attention and qualification of lawyers are points that differentiate Tavernard Advogados.’
‘Mário Tavernard is a unique lawyer! His facility to explain the structures, which are often complex in their arrangements, conveys a confidence and closeness difficult to find in other law firms.’
Key clients
Arquivar
BII Altavista Participações
BII Par Participações
BNDES – Banco Nacional de Desenvolvimento Econômico e Social
EIVA – Empreendimentos Imobiliários Vista Alegre
Fernandes Administradora de Bens e Negócios
Ágape Participações
Plantar Participações
Vermont Gestão de Investimentos
Instituto Hermes Pardini’s controlling shareholders
Work highlights
- Assisted Plantar Participações in a corporate restructuring.
- Advised the controlling shareholders of Fernandes Administradora de Bens e Negócios in a corporate restructuring.
- Assisted all shareholders of DTI Sistemas in the acquisition of an IT company by a British multinational WPP Group.