Working in close collaboration with the firm’s tax, labour, real estate and competition departments, the corporate team at Souto Correa Advogados is rated for its track record in complex mandates involving joint ventures, M&A, corporate restructurings and foreign investment. The group is a popular choice for large domestic and international companies pertaining to the energy, agribusiness, tech, manufacturing and software segments, and is noted for its expertise in corporate governance, minority shareholder issues and commercial contracts. Rodrigo Tellechea, who is often engaged in corporate and commercial litigation, leads the practice alongside Raquel Stein, a key contact for cross-border projects, and Fernanda Girardi Tavares, who focuses on commercial, infrastructure and technology contracts. Another key name in the team is Carlos Souto, who regularly advises on complex M&A and commercial transactions.
Commercial, corporate and M&A in Brazil
Souto Correa Advogados
Practice head(s):
Rodrigo Tellechea; Raquel Stein; Fernanda Girardi Tavares
Testimonials
‘We use Souto Correa’s services on several fronts, including M&A transactions. The firm is fast and committed to the sense of urgency that technology companies demand, combined with good risk management.’
‘The lawyers who serve us are true partners- they contribute to our business and offer the best quality of service.’
‘Ability to understand the client’s business, talk about business matters, and add strategic value.’
‘Souto Correa’s main difference is the interdisciplinarity of its team. Lawyers do not have a strictly legal view, but they are able to make connections and bring solutions from areas other than their main fields of activity, in addition, of course, to having specialists in the main areas. The security that the team gives us due to this broad notion of business is what makes the firm different.’
‘We work mainly with Rodrigo Tellechea. Rodrigo has a very refined business vision, which allows him to offer insights beyond the legal matters. Many times, we even forget that we are in a meeting with a lawyer as his contributions are of a business partner who envisions the future of the business as if it were his. His availability and zeal are also commendable.’
Key clients
Oleoplan Óleos Vegetais Planalto
CMPC Celulose Riograndense
Vitesco Tecnologia Brasil Automotiva
Salux Informatização em Saúde
Alcon Brasil Cuidados com a Saúde
Desmet Ballestra Brasil
HCL Software
LATAM Airlines
DASA – Diagnóstico das Américas
Work highlights
- Advised Johann Alimentos, Nóia Alimentos, and their shareholders on the acquisition of shares representing 100% of the issued and outstanding share capital of a joint-stock company controlled by Delly’s, a food service distributor in Brazil.
- Assisted the local Walterscheid group in completing the required conditions for the closing of a merger.
- Advised Irani Papel e Embalagem on key contractual issues related to the expansion and modernisation of its industrial plants located in Santa Catarina.
TozziniFreire Advogados
Active in a wide range of sectors, such as transport, chemicals, food and beverage, healthcare, and banking, the corporate team at TozziniFreire Advogados works in an integrated basis with the firm’s national network of offices to assist clients in complex cross-border mandates, M&A transactions and corporate restructurings. Venture capital deals and matters related to start-ups are other areas of particular strength for the group. The practice’s leadership is split between Luis Renato Ferreira da Silva, a specialist in contract law, litigation and arbitration, and Maria Bofill, who is qualified in both Brazil and California and has extensive experience in M&A, private equity and foreign investments. At the associate level, Daniel Born Roman and Bruna Braga Luz De Oliveira are noted for their expertise in contractual matters. In August 2022, the team was strengthened by the arrival of Fernanda Fossati from Veirano Advogados, who joins as a partner.
Practice head(s):
Luis Renato Ferreira da Silva; Maria Bofill
Testimonials
‘Experience and ability to resolve complex situations.’
Key clients
Magazine Luiza
Polo Venture Participações (Marcopolo)
Franke Kitchen Systems
Rudder Segurança
SLC Agrícola
RVC Venture CapitalParticipações e Investimentos (Randon Ventures)
Delinea Tecnologia Educacional
Aegro Holding
Boletoflex Tecnologia e Serviços
Lojas Renner
Sodexo do Brasil Comercial
Vulcabras Azaleia
Stahl Brasil
Tanac
Work highlights
- Assisted Magazine Luiza in a series of M&A transactions focused on digital companies and e-groceries.
- Advised Swiss company Franke Kitchen Systems on the sale of 100% of the shares issued by Franke Production, its Brazilian subsidiary, including all Franke’s manufacturing activities in Brazil, to Docol Metais Sanitários.
- Assisted Rudder and its shareholders in the sale of 100% of the Rudder Group’s shares to the GPS Group after the acquisition was approved by the CADE and the Brazilian Federal Police.
CMT – Carvalho, Machado e Timm Advogados
CMT – Carvalho, Machado e Timm Advogados is best known for its expertise in corporate restructuring and complex commercial agreements. With notable expertise in distribution, agency, franchise and construction contracts, the practice attracts instructions from international and domestic clients operating in the tech, energy, logistics and cellulose industries. The group is especially active in the mid-cap space, where it handles M&A and foreign investment transactions. M&A expert Rafael Bicca Machado jointly leads the practice with Giordano Andrei Dos Santos, who was promoted to partner in January 2022 and is well versed in corporate matters.
Practice head(s):
Rafael Bicca Machado; Giordano Andrei dos Santos
Key clients
CMPC Celulose Riograndense
Ecológica Resíduos Industriais
4 All Tecnologia
Work highlights
- Assisted CMPC Celulose Riograndense in conducting various legal audits to evaluate risk assessments and structuring operations for the acquisition of real estate and biological assets.
- Advised Ecológica Resíduos on the sale of an ownership stake to Ambipar.
- Acted for 4 ALL Tecnologia in the structuring of a strategic partnership between 4 ALL and Spain Startup to bring the “South Summit” event to Porto Alegre.
Silveiro Advogados
Clients from the real estate, oil and gas, construction and telecoms sectors turn to Silveiro Advogados for assistance in M&A and capital markets transactions, corporate restructurings and real estate matters. In addition to its expertise in corporate and commercial issues, the team is well versed in estate planning, insolvency, IP and public law. The practice is led by Pedro Chagas, who has more than 23 years of experience in joint ventures, private equity, venture capital and foreign investment mandates. He is supported by Julie Griebler, who is skilled in litigation and commercial contracts.
Practice head(s):
Pedro Chagas
Testimonials
‘We have been using the firm for some time now. Led by Pedro Chagas, the team proved to be extremely professional and dedicated, and responsive to our needs.’
‘We mainly work with Pedro Chagas and Julie Griebler, both of whom are loyal and efficient in their work.’
‘I can safely say Silveiro are the best law firm we’ve ever worked with.’
‘Excellent legal knowledge and service from Pedro Chagas.’
Key clients
Multiplan Empreendimentos Imobiliários
Telefônica Brasil
HT Micron Semicondures
Sulgás – Companhia de Gás do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul
Fleming Serviços Educacionais
Frusapar Participações
CRP Empreendedor – Fundo de Investimento em Participações Multiestratégia
SQ Group Engenharia
Work highlights
- Acted for Multiplan in the renegotiation with Jockey Club de Porto Alegre of the payment for the area in which Golden Lake will be built, a real estate development in Rio Grande do Sul composed of 20 commercial and residential buildings.
- Assisted Telefônica Brasil with the split, segregation and transfer of IoT (Internet of Things) and Big Data activities to its subsidiary.
- Advised HT Micron Semicondutores on the negotiation and the formalisation of a new capitalisation by its Korean partner.
Veirano Advogados
Veirano Advogados‘ Porto Alegre-based team handles complex M&A transactions in the tech, agribusiness, renewable energy, construction and retail sectors, where it frequently acts on both buy and sell-side mandates. In addition to its track record in cross-border matters and complex commercial negotiations, the team is equipped to assist with domestic and international contracts related to the sale and purchase of commodities, debt facilities and bridge loans, and equipment supply. Fernando Verzoni, who is dual qualified in Brazil and New York and is especially sought after to advise on acquisitions and joint ventures, leads the practice. Another key name is Diego Fraga Lerner, who is experienced in M&A transactions in the plastics, logistics and telecoms segments. Fernanda Fossati is no longer at the firm.
Practice head(s):
Fernando Verzoni
Testimonials
‘Excellent service; dedication and promptness to always serve us. Very good technical quality in the most diverse subjects and always very willing to find the best legal solutions to help their clients.’
‘Veirano is a firm that values the client experience. Clients are always well advised and assisted on legal aspects. The team has excellent sectorial and local law expertise.’
‘Diego Lerner is an excellent professional. He is knowledgable and keeps the client well-informed. Diego is highly recommended for cross-border matters.’
‘Veirano, in addition to providing excellent advice on our M&A transactions, is genuinely concerned with the client, doing its best to ensure that demands are met on time. Several areas of the firm come together to provide us with the most complete solutions, taking a holistic approach to deals. In addition to strong compliance, the cordial service, availability and technical quality of the work stand out.’
‘The Veirano team that assisted us with the transaction was led by Ricardo Veirano and Diego Lerner. They were extremely responsive, diligent and proactive in their advice and work. Their partner-led approach ensured a high quality service. They engaged the right teams and specialist lawyers within their firm at the right moments to ensure slick and consistent advice.’
‘Ricardo Veirano has a strategic vision and is focused on the best interests of the client.
‘Diego Lerner stands out for his great dedication to M&A transactions from the first steps to post-closing obligations, making himself available regardless of the day or time.’
Key clients
Yara Brasil Fertilizantes
Arauco Forest Brasil
S. Oleum Partners
IMPINJ
Philip Morris do Brasil
Ybytu Empreendimentos de Energia Renovável
Borrachas Vipal
BSBios Indústria e Comércio de Biodiesel Sul Brasil
Huobi Global
Box Office Soluções em Mobilidade
Work highlights
- Acted for Yara Brazil in the sale of an advanced-stage integrated upstream phosphates project located in the city of Serra do Salitre.
- Advised RP Participações (currently BSBios) on the acquisition of a 50% equity stake in BSBios Indústria e Comércio de Biodiesel Sul Brasil for R$617,5m.
- Assisted Hercosul in a competitive process involving the sale of its pet nutrition business to BRF.
Gerson Branco Advogados
Covering advisory, transactional and contentious services, Gerson Branco Advogados is active in the agribusiness, telecoms, construction, entertainment and education industries. As part of its broad offering, the group handles commercial contracts, M&A transactions and matters related to tax, environmental law and corporate governance. Gerson Luiz Carlos Branco, a key contact for corporate and litigation matters, leads the practice alongside Diogo Merten Cruz, who is specialised in contract law, insolvency and corporate reorganisations, and Flaviana Rampazzo Soares, who often handles complex civil disputes and arbitration proceedings.
Practice head(s):
Gerson Luiz Carlos Branco; Diogo Merten Cruz; Flaviana Rampazzo Soares
Testimonials
‘The firm has excellent technical quality and great business knowledge, giving us confidence in the decision-making process and risk assessments. The combination of negotiation skills and technical capacity differentiates it from competitors.’
‘Gerson Luiz Carlos Branco and Lenin Mariano da Rocha are professionals of first technical level. Professionalism and efficiency in solving the problems that are presented to them.’
‘The service is very personalised. The lawyers who serve us are always concerned with understanding the company and thinking about the best legal solution to the issues presented. The lawyers are available whenever we need them.’
‘Gerson Luiz Carlos Branco stands out for his technical knowledge and his focus on the client and their business. In the consultations, he always shows the possible avenues and risks involved, assisting the company in several fronts.’
‘Professionals with high-level technical training and ethics. Complete firm with professionals specialised in different areas, capable of bringing solutions and add value to our business.’
‘Very well-prepared professionals. Empathy is one of their strengths.’
‘The entire team in Gerson Branco stands out for its extensive knowledge of the subjects being discussed, involvement in cases, in-depth analysis and discussion of all possibilities with stakeholders.’
‘Legal knowledge of the team, attention and service. Success in legal proceedings.’
Key clients
Dakota Group
Tornak Holding
TKPAR Participações
051 Gestão de recursos
Grupo Soma
Cerealle Tecnologia em Alimentos
Encorp Engenharia e Construções
Agropecuária Maragogipe
Raiz Educação
MDM Participações e Empreendimentos
Integra Consultoria
AGM Operadora Portuária
Serra Morena Corretora
Agropecuária Mapocho
Ekvilibro Flp1
Kaefe Engenharia e Empreendimentos Imobiliários
Convex Research Publicações
Bronze Administração e Participações
Work highlights
- Advised Tornak Holding on corporate contracts in connection to the setting up of GExperience Empreendimentos, a joint venture with Rede Globo de Comunicação.
- Assisted Agropecuária Maragogipe in the segmentation of shares among the members of the Brochmann family involving approximately R$400m.
- Advised Grupo Soma on its corporate reorganisation.
LMDias Advocacia Empresarial
Since merging with boutique law firm LMDias Advocacia Empresarial, Ilarraz Advogados has strengthened its corporate team with the arrival of Lucas Martins Dias, who has extensive experience in investment transactions, project finance and M&A deals. Another key practitioner in the practice is Larissa Verri Boratti, who focuses on commercial contracts, compliance issues and environmental matters. The group assists a client base of domestic and international companies from the tech, agrobusiness, logistics, food and energy segments with M&A transactions and investment structures. Another area of strength of the practice is venture capital and financing transactions.
Practice head(s):
Lucas Martins Dias
Testimonials
‘The partners and staff who serve me are highly qualified. Deep knowledge of the financial and fiscal areas. I feel quite secure about the advice provided. They are very committed, efficient. The relationship is very close and personal and at the same time professional.’
‘Personalised service. Extensive knowledge of the proposed topics. Relationship with other partner firms that can complement the services requested.’
‘The firm stands out for the capacity and technical knowledge of its lawyers, which, combined with its pro-business vision, provides high quality advice in the business area.’
‘I highlight the performance of Lucas Martins Dias, an extremely qualified professional from a technical point of view. An experienced professional who brings a mature and calm vision to business transactions and more complex topics.’
‘This is a firm with very clear values, ethics and transparency. Highly qualified and engaged team.’
‘Knowledge of M&A and investment funds. Individualised service.’
‘Lucas Martins Dias has exceptional expertise in the execution of purchase and sale agreements, shareholder agreements for companies of varying sizes (from start-ups to large corporate conglomerates).’
‘Strategic advice supporting business growth in a format that is not just reactive to day-to-day operational demands. They prepare the entire corporate structure to support the company’s growth. Support in analysing the investment portfolios.’
Key clients
ATF Credit Sociedade de Crédito Direto (ATF Bank)
ATF Gestora de Recursos (ATF.Credit)
Nap It
Fueltech