The Legal 500 > Latin America > Brazil > Competition and antitrust

The antitrust department at BMA - Barbosa, Müssnich, Aragão provides 'legal advice that is very aligned with business'. The firm continued to make investments in this practice; in 2018, it promoted competition and digital law specialist Luís Bernardo Cascão to partner, and has followed up in 2019 with those of Camilla Paoletti and Sandra Terepins. The firm is renowned for its M&A practice, and as such is regularly involved in merger control for high-profile corporate transactions, including multi-jurisdictional deals. In a transaction filed in over 20 jurisdictions, Cascão and department head Barbara Rosenberg acted for Linde in its merger with Praxair, which required in-depth analysis by the Administrative Council for Economic Defence (CADE). The team is also involved in sensitive cartel investigations; other matters keeping it busy include unilateral conduct investigations. José Inacio Ferraz de Almeida Prado Filho and Marcos Exposto are active members of the department.

Leading boutique Grinberg e Cordovil Advogados covers the gamut of competition law, and has additional expertise in international trade and anti-corruption. The firm further expanded its scope in April 2018 when it hired data protection and digital law expert Ana Carolina Cagnoni. Household name companies, including many with global operations, turn to the team for advice and representation in complex cartel cases, unilateral conduct investigations and merger filings. A major highlight on the merger side was recommended partner Leonor Cordovil and next generation partner Karen Ruback's representation of 21st Century Fox in its closely watched acquisition by The Walt Disney Company. In other work, Cordovil worked alongside Ricardo Motta to represent BTG Pactual in an investigation into an alleged cartel in the onshore foreign exchange market. Mauro Grinberg is a leading figure in the team, and Beatriz Cravo is a key contact at the associate level.

'One of the best antitrust law firms in Brazil', Advocacia Jose Del Chiaro fields a 'small, but highly experienced' team. The firm has 'excellent client handling, particularly when dealing with multinationals', and companies from a broad range of sectors comprise its client base. One of its longstanding clients is ArcelorMittal; in recent work, the team advised the steel company on the acquisition of Votorantim Siderurgia, which generated significant horizontal overlaps in the steel industry. The team also has notable experience advising companies in oppositions against acquisitions. Cartel investigations are another strength. 'Brilliant antitrust lawyer' Ademir Antonio Pereira Júnior is 'highly motivated' and 'always to the point'. Name partner José Del Chiaro is a well-known figure in the market.

The 'first-rate competition team' at Mattos Filho, Veiga Filho, Marrey Jr. e Quiroga Advogados is 'highly experienced' and 'excellent to deal with'. Highlights from a busy 2018 caseload include the team's representation of Fibria in the high-profile merger with Suzano Papel e Celulose, and its representation of Wabtec in the merger with GE Transportation. Cartel and abuse of dominance cases also feature. In one example, the team advised Toshiba Samsung Storage Corporation on an investigation into an alleged international cartel in the optical disk drivers market; after a long investigation, the client was acquitted. 'Top practitioner' Marcio Dias Soares is 'smart, user-friendly, responsive and good with clients'; and 'master strategist' Amadeu Ribeiro, who is based in New York, is 'well versed in the procedures of CADE'. Recently promoted partner Michelle Marques Machado is noted for her 'clear and reliable advice'. Associate Frederico Carrilho Donas is also recommended. Renata Fonseca Zuccolo Gianella and Lauro Celidonio Gomes dos Reis Neto are also leading lawyers in the team.

The 'very well-prepared' team at Pinheiro Neto Advogados is regularly instructed in the most high-profile and sensitive investigations and mergers in the Brazilian market. Much of its work is cross-border. A case in point was its representation of Boeing in the merger filing concerning the partnership between Boeing and Embraer in the aviation business; Renê Medrado was the lead partner. On the cartels side, highlights included Medrado and Rodrigo Carneiro de Oliveira's representation of Sharp Corporation in an investigation by CADE into an alleged international cartel. Multinational groups also turn to the team for compliance training. With five partners, the competition department is among the largest in the country; a large proportion of its lawyers are based in São Paulo, although it has an additional office in Brasília, where Leonardo Rocha e Silva is based. José Alexandre Buaiz Neto is considered 'one of the best lawyers in competition and antitrust law in Brazil'. Senior associate Daniel Costa Rebello also receives praise and Cristianne Saccab Zarzur is another name to note.

A 'go-to firm' for antitrust and competition, TozziniFreire Advogados impresses with its 'high work quality and responsiveness', and is also praised for its 'commitment to diversity'. The team 'provides excellent and ethical legal representation' for its clients, which include major multinational companies. The scope of the practice is broad, and it stands out in particular for its experience with leniency negotiations. The firm's leading compliance and anti-corruption practice is another draw. Guilherme Ribas, who joined from Mundie e Advogados in 2018, is 'exceptionally approachable and responsive'. Marcelo Calliari is noted for his 'excellent standing with the agencies, humility and ability to listen'. He has 'surrounded himself with an amazing team of talented partners and lawyers', including Tatiana Lins Cruz and Patricia Bandouk Carvalho, who made partner in 2019. Vivian Fraga is also recommended.

The 'client-oriented', 'skilled' and 'experienced professionals' at Cescon, Barrieu, Flesch & Barreto Advogados combine 'outstanding technical knowledge with a user-friendly approach'. It has a considerable market share of merger cases before CADE, and is well versed in complex merger filings. Among a long list of recent highlights was the team's representation of Ferrous Resources in its merger with a subsidiary of Vale, in a transaction which was contested by third parties. The team is also active in cartel investigations, and stands out for its impressive track record in leniency applications. 'Excellent lawyer' Ricardo Lara Gaillard 'is able to provide accurate legal advice that considers what is best for the business'. Joyce Midori Honda and associate Leonardo Mansur Lunardi Danesi 'act with great professionalism and competence' and are 'always attentive to detail'.

The 'very seasoned partners' at Demarest Advogados have 'both consultive and litigation abilities' and receive plaudits for their 'deep technical skills'. The antitrust team has expanded its cross-border work and also picked up a number of significant new clients. Meanwhile, it has expanded its market share in merger filings, thanks to both the strength of its M&A department and the reputation of its standalone competition practice. Paola Pugliese and senior associate Milena Fernandes Mundim successfully represented several companies, including leading financial institutions, to obtain approval from CADE for a greenfield joint venture. (Since publication -in January 2020- Ms Mundim has been appointed partner). Other key figures include Bruno Drago. In internal developments, the team was further bolstered by the arrival of Daniel Oliveira Andreoli from TozziniFreire Advogados.

Machado Meyer Sendacz e Opice Advogados' antitrust partners 'see beyond the problems to find innovative solutions and make business possible'. They also receive praise for their 'deep understanding of international transactions' and 'remarkable and responsible work'. In one multi-jurisdictional matter, the team represented United Technologies before CADE in the filing of its acquisition of Rockwell Collins; the deal was cleared unconditionally by CADE in 2018. Maria Eugênia Novis heads the department, which is also well versed in cartel investigations. Antitrust litigation is another strength, and clients also turn to the team for compliance training and advice on antitrust issues in commercial practices. Managing partner Tito Amaral de Andrade and Érica Sumie Yamashita are recommended. Marcos Paulo Veríssimo, whose practice spans competition, compliance and public law, is also noted.

Trench Rossi Watanabe fields a highly experienced team of antitrust lawyers, who are instructed by leading companies, many of which have been clients of the firm for over a decade. The firm's full-service offering is of benefit, as is its association with international firm Baker McKenzie, although the standalone antitrust department generates much of its own work. Brasília-based practice head Francisco Todorov and a team advised General Electric on the sale of its transportation business to Wabtec, which was approved by CADE in 2019. Adriana Giannini draws on over 18 years' experience in competition law, including cartel, abuse of dominance and other antitrust investigations. The department has seen some movement at the senior associate level, including the arrival of Ursula Pereira Pinto Bassoukou from Machado Meyer Sendacz e Opice Advogados and the departure of Paula Farani de Azevedo to join CADE. Lorena Leite Nisiyama is another key senior associate. Further developments since publication have seen the departure of Todorov to Tauil & Chequer Advogados in association with Mayer Brown and his replacement as practice head by Paulo Casagrande, formerly at Stocche Forbes Advogados.

Veirano Advogados' competition team demonstrates an 'eagerness to understand the particularities of the client's needs'. From its offices in Brasília, São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro offices, the firm's antitrust lawyers act for companies in high-profile merger filings; the practice has also developed notable experience representing companies challenging merger transactions. For example, the team recently acted for Sky and WarnerMedia in challenging the acquisition of of 21st Century Fox by The Walt Disney Company. Cartel and abuse of dominance cases also feature in the department's workload. The 'extremely helpful' Leonardo Maniglia Duarte 'has a holistic vision and an open mind'. Mariana Villela heads the department, which also counts a number of experienced associates.

Inglez, Werneck, Ramos, Cury e Françolin Advogados (IWRCF) has 'very strong expertise' and provides 'solid and proactive advice'. Recommended practice head Ricardo Inglez de Souza has almost 20 years of experience in antitrust and competition. Under his leadership, the team advises companies from a broad range of industries; many of its clients are longstanding and it also attracts a steady flow of instructions from new clients. It is adept in high-profile cases, and is currently representing a company in the cartel investigation connected to the Lava Jato scandal. Senior associate Stefanie Schmitt Giglio often takes a key role on the department's cases.

Stocche Forbes Advogados' lawyers 'have deep knowledge and wide expertise' and 'understand clients concerns and expectations'. They handle high-profile merger filings - where the firm has a good market share - before CADE and a range of behavioural matters. Highlights in the latter area included advising a major Brazilian company before CADE on five cartel cases connected to the Lava Jato investigation. Practice head Paulo Leonardo Casagrande is 'a star in competition law'; 'besides his technical knowledge, he is very hands on and committed to the client's matters'. 'Excellent attorney' Ana Paula Paschoalini 'responds quickly and accurately'. The team also collaborates with the firm's compliance and white-collar lawyers. Since publication, Casagrande has left to join Trench Rossi Watanabe.

Dias Carneiro Advogados' antitrust and compliance expert Joyce Ruiz Rodrigues Alves was promoted to partner in 2018, illustrating the firm's investment in these fields. The team was further bolstered by the arrival of associate Camila Lisboa Martins from L.O. Baptista Advogados. The pair are currently representing a pharmaceutical company in an administrative proceeding as part of CADE's investigation into alleged cartel practices in public procurements for drug acquisitions.

Noted for its 'solid and strong technical legal knowledge', KLA Advogados demonstrates 'excellent communication skills' and has a 'broad vision of the Brazilian legal framework'. The antitrust team advises domestic and international companies from various sectors on administrative proceedings before CADE, multi-jurisdictional merger filings and competition compliance and best practices. 'Experts in antitrust law', Tiago Cortez and associate Maria Wagner are 'very committed'. Associate and economist Marcelo Laplane is also recommended. Gianni Nunes de Araújo is the practice head.

The 'hands-on' and 'client-oriented' competition team at Lobo de Rizzo Advogados is active in merger filings and cartel investigations, including some of the most high-profile and sensitive cases in the Brazilian market. In ongoing work, the team advises a company in an investigation into alleged collusion in bids for construction, modernisation and renovation services for football stadiums for the 2014 World Cup. Sérgio Varella Bruna leads the practice.

At Mundie e Advogados, Enrico Spini Romanielo was promoted to partner in 2018 and now heads the competition department. The 'extremely specialised' and 'very commercial' team demonstrates 'dedication and attention'. The practice encompasses a range of merger cases, cartel investigations and compliance training. Romanielo collaborates with partners from other departments at the firm, and the competition team also counts several experienced associates.

Recommended firm Siqueira Castro – Advogados acts for individuals and companies in cartel investigations before CADE. Competition and criminal law expert João Daniel Rassi is recommended. Marina de Araújo Lopes, whose practice encompasses competition, compliance and regulatory law, made partner in 2018. Guilherme Dantas and Heitor Faro de Castro co-head the department.

The competition practice at Tauil & Chequer Advogados in association with Mayer Brown has long been regularly involved in multi-jurisdictional mergers and investigations and recent mandates included advising Nestlé on the Brazilian aspects of its global acquisition of Atrium Innovations. However, following the May 2019 departure of practice head Eduardo Molan Gaban and his team -notably, senior associate Natali de Vicente Santos- to Madrona Advogados, the firm has hired Francisco Todorov, formerly practice head at Trench Rossi Watanabe, to head up the team. Key support comes from specialised counsel Alessandra Ribeiro.

Under the leadership of Bruno Lanna Peixoto, Araújo e Policastro Advogados focuses on private antitrust enforcement and follow-on recovery actions for cartel damages - a new but burgeoning field for Brazil - and has established an international practice. Ludmilla Martins is a name to note at the associate level.

André Gilberto heads the team at CGM Advogados, which 'demonstrates a strong knowledge' in the field of competition. It has a particularly strong cartel investigations practice, and also handles merger control, in addition to providing day-to-day consultancy services to household name companies.

Felsberg Advogados hired antitrust expert Paula Salles from Demarest Advogados in 2019. With over a decade of experience in this field, she is well versed in behavioural matters and mergers. Evy Cynthia Marques is another key contact for merger filings.

The competition and regulation department at Lefosse Advogados is 'very creative, responsive and business-oriented'. It balances a varied workload, from competition compliance training to representation in cartel proceedings, and benefits from its collaboration with the firm's public law and commercial law specialists. José Carlos da Matta Berardo and Marcela Junqueira Cesar Pirola are recommended. The team also includes counsel Paulo Lilla and senior associate Juliana Daniel.

Founded in 2018, Souza, Mello e Torres has already established a busy competition practice, and is particularly active in merger cases. In one example, it advised a fertiliser company on the antitrust aspects of its purchase of a 30% stake in the Brazilian subsidiary of a multinational group. Former Stocche Forbes Advogados' partner Fabricio Cardim de Almeida heads the practice.