Strategic buyers and sellers regularly turn to Vieira, Rezende, Barbosa e Guerreiro Advogados for guidance on the negotiation of M&A involving regulated sectors, corporate reorganisations and restructurings. The firm’s client roster also features an array of investors, financial institutions, asset managers, and private equity and pension funds engaged in mid-market deals involving a range of industries – most notably energy, financial services, energy, technology and education. Rated for its ‘excellent client service’, the group is co-led by São Paulo-based Paulo Albert Weyland Vieira, who works on buy and sell-side instructions, and is a key contact for Brazilian pension funds, and Cláudio Guerreiro, who leads on corporate matters out of the Rio de Janeiro office. In São Paulo, Ricardo Ariani Filho handles M&A and private equity deals (chiefly in the education segment), while Alberto Weyland Vieira is a go-to lawyer for oil, gas and offshore clients engaged in cross-border transactions, joint ventures and corporate restructurings. Practitioners to note in Rio include Felipe Hanszmann, who handles an impressive transactional workload and is also well versed in related disputes; recently promoted partner Ricardo Villela Mafra Alves Da Silva, who specialises in M&A, reorganisations and foreign investment; and associate Maria Ramos Dias.

A trusted adviser to many buyers and sellers in the entire lifecycle of corporate transactions, ASBZ Advogados attracts instructions from a strong domestic client base operating in an array of sectors, including technology, energy, financial services, food and beverages, healthcare and real estate. The ‘technical‘ group is adept at handling middle and lower-middle market M&A, and is also skilled in corporate governance issues, strategic alliances and commercial agreements. Gabriela Claro is regularly sought out by investment funds, financial advisers, major corporations and family offices. Clients from the aviation, energy, healthcare, insurance and technology sectors turn to Ricardo Melaré for advice on M&A, private equity and venture capital deals, while Gustavo Rached Taiar is counsel of choice for several investment funds. Gustavo Abud Navacchia stands out at the associate level for his involvement in M&A in the technology and real estate spheres.

B/Luz handles a steady flow of mid-market deals for a domestic and international clientele that includes a number of private equity firms, venture capital funds, emerging and mid-size companies in an array of sectors, most notably technology. Besides its solid track record in tech-related M&A, the group is also experienced in joint ventures and corporate matters involving the retail, media and consumer goods industries. Managing partner Luis Felipe Baptista Luz  leverages his strong background in tax, accounting and finance to advise high-net-worth individuals, family offices and multinationals on M&A transactions. Combining expertise in capital markets, M&A, corporate law and contracts, Jessica Bernstein Heumann is also active in corporate deals. Technology, healthcare and marketing are key sectors of focus for Érico Lopes Tonussi and senior associate Ana Carolina Chaves de Oliveira. Alexandre José De Pauli Santana, who is based in Londrina, and Rafael Peixoto Abal in Santa Catarina are also noted.

At BRZ - Barbosa, Raimundo, Gontijo, Câmara e Zanotta Advogados, the ‘very focused and specialised M&A team’ is routinely sought out by companies operating in a variety of industries, including healthcare, IT, telecoms and pharmaceuticals. Its impressive recent caseload includes various inbound investments, corporate restructurings, and private equity and venture capital deals. Managing partner Pedro Raimundo has handled several high-profile M&A in the healthcare sector; his areas of expertise encompass domestic and cross-border business transactions, and corporate and contractual matters. Praised for his ‘pro-deal vision’ and ‘dedication’, Rodrigo Câmara specialises in M&A and corporate reorganisations. Julio Barbosa and Alexandre Zanotta (the latter of whom combines extensive experience in M&A with in-depth knowledge of regulations), jointly head up the team with Raimundo and Câmara. Alessandra Salgado is often engaged by venture capital funds and VC-backed companies in relation to transactions and governance issues, while Ana Paula Deppe Leme demonstrates particular strength advising healthcare companies in M&A, private equity and corporate matters.

M&A transactions, corporate reorganisations and strategic partnerships are key areas of focus for the group at GVBG - Gentil Monteiro, Vicentini, Beringhs e Gil Advogados, which is also well positioned to advise foreign clients on the setting up of operations in the country. Buyers and sellers – including private equity funds at all stages of the investment cycle – retain the team on various mid-market transactions concerning a host of industries, from agribusiness to technology. Devoted to corporate law, founding partner Fernando Gentil Monteiro handles M&A deals and corporate governance issues. Besides his solid track record in corporate transactions, Terence Beringhs is also adept in restructurings, joint ventures and foreign investments.

Huck, Otranto, Camargo Advogados is adept at handling both domestic and cross-border mid-cap transactions on behalf of buyers and sellers operating in a variety of industries, including pharmaceuticals, healthcare, real estate, energy, technology, chemicals and insurance. Joint ventures, private equity investments and corporate restructurings also feature in the team’s caseload, which has seen an increase in mandates from foreign clients looking to establishing operations in Brazil of late. The firm – which experienced a major loss with the departure of a team of 24 lawyers in early 2022 – has since sought to reposition itself in the corporate and M&A segment. Diego Billi Falcão, who has notable experience in transactions involving the banking sector, and Fernanda Annenberg, a reference for cross-border matters and strategic negotiations, are now the main points of contact at the firm for this type of work.

Mello Torres fields a team of specialist M&A practitioners who are the trusted advisers to a variety of longstanding and new clients operating in a range of sectors, notably agribusiness, life sciences, TMT, private equity, oil and gas, logistics and education. Specialising in M&A, corporate governance and private equity, Carlos Jose Rolim De Mello has recently led on big-ticket acquisitions, sales and business combinations. He heads up the group with Alexandre Simões Pinto, who is often retained by large multinationals from the pharmaceutical, cosmetics, and chemicals segments, and Natália Teixeira Rabaça, who undertakes M&A, capital markets and corporate governance work. Vinícius Alvarez acts for both Brazilian and international players – including established companies and start-ups – regarding investments and regulatory issues.

At Benetti & Giammarino Advogados, the corporate and M&A team is well placed to advise Brazilian and international clients on the purchase and sale of assets and equity interests in companies operating in a range of sectors, including food and beverages, telecoms, media, infrastructure and technology. The practice, whose service offering covers all steps of the M&A process, is also adept at assisting with corporate restructurings, joint ventures and venture capital investments. With over 25 years’ experience in corporate and contractual law, Eduardo Benetti is frequently sought out by publicly held companies in relation to small and mid-cap M&A deals and related disputes. He oversees the practice with Pedro Giammarino, who excels in M&A, private equity matters and corporate restructurings.

Commended by clients for its ‘pro-deal stance’, FM/Derraik is reputed for its strength in the tech and start-up segments, and often advises acquirers and growth companies as targets in mid-market M&A. Foreign and domestic clients - including private equity firms, development banks, accelerators and start-ups - regularly turn to the team for advice on strategic investments. With a wealth of experience in M&A, venture capital and private equity transactions, Fabiana Fagundes has a solid background acting for companies from the technology, healthcare, retail and agribusiness sectors. Domestic and cross-border M&A are key areas of activity for Rodrigo Menezes, who is also skilled in the structuring of funds. Both practitioners, who are based in São Paulo, lead the practice alongside Carlos Derraik in Rio de Janeiro. Other individuals to note in the São Paulo office include: Pedro Ferreira, who is ‘extremely technical and knowledgeable of the start-up industry’; Juliene Piniano, a contact for private equity and venture capital investments; Marina Bittar, who handles M&A, joint ventures and restructurings; and corporate law specialist Gustavo Dalcolmo.

The ‘highly qualified [and] dedicated team’ at Gaia Silva Gaede Advogados oversees a diverse M&A caseload – including asset deals, the acquisition of equity interests, buyouts and share swaps – on behalf of domestic and foreign clients, from start-ups to publicly and closely-held corporations. Alberto Mori, who is based in São Paulo, has been at the helm of numerous M&A deals and corporate restructurings. Tax and M&A specialist Gerson Stocco de Siqueira leads the Rio de Janeiro office, while Antonio Carlos Pacheco, who handles tax, contractual and transactional matters, oversees the team in Curitiba. Names no note in Rio include Rejane Espósito, who regularly advises clients on day-to-day corporate matters, asset restructuring and joint ventures; and Guilherme Roxo, a key contact for the drafting and negotiation of shareholder agreements. Succession planning, corporate restructuring and foreign investments are key areas of expertise for Juliana Joppert Lopes in Curitiba, while Marcelo Teixeira Bernardini is an associate in São Paulo dedicated to corporate and contractual law.

Melcheds - Mello e Rached Advogados is home to seasoned corporate law attorneys, who often work with closely-held businesses and mid-market companies as buyers and sellers in M&A transactions. Investment funds and foreign corporations also turn to the company – which has been increasingly active in the technology and renewable energy sectors – for assistance in the acquisition of Brazilian targets. Rodrigo Mello possesses a strong transactional track record, covering sectors as diverse as telecoms, technology, construction and banking; he co-leads the department with Fernanda Passos, who often advises companies from a wide range of industries on daily corporate issues and commercial contracts, and Isabela Xavier, who is singled out for her international experience.

With a strong presence in the technology space, Bronstein, Zilberberg, Chueiri & Potenza Advogados ‘provides excellent services’ in sector-related transactions, including M&A, private equity deals and venture capital investments. Rated for being ‘highly experienced, attentive and efficient in the negotiation process’, the group is under the joint leadership of a seasoned quartet: Sergio Bronstein, whose ‘vast background in the technology sector allows him to provide innovative solutions’ in the context of complex M&A; Pedro Chueiri, who has a solid track record in cross-border transactions; Eduardo Zilberberg, a reference for venture capital matters; and Guilherme Potenza, who is often retained by investors, start-ups and innovative businesses. Showcasing extensive experience in M&A, venture capital and banking, André Neves regularly acts for investment funds and emerging growth companies (notably fintechs) in transactional work.

Led by Felipe Barreto Veiga, the ‘qualified team’ at BVA – Barreto Veiga Advogados assists domestic and foreign clients – as buyers and sellers – with tech-related transactions such as acquisitions, mergers, sales, incorporations and spin-offs. Veiga, who represents public and private companies, banks and investment funds in M&A, private equity and venture capital matters, receives key support from a strong team of lawyers who are rated for their ‘deep technical knowledge’. Tania Lehmann Ribeiro dos Santos frequently advises foreign clients on their business pursuits in Brazil, while Rafael Ferrão Teixeira and associate Lethycia Sant’Anna de Florencio are also recommended for corporate matters and M&A transactions.

Castro Barros Advogados handles a varied mix of business transactions for clients in the healthcare, insurance, retail, transport, defence, financial services and agribusiness sectors. Its practitioners are adept at handling corporate reorganisations, restructurings and mid-market M&A transactions for both buyers and sellers, including deals involving distressed assets. Corporate and M&A specialist Anna Cecilia Buff, who is knowledgeable regarding competition, antitrust and regulatory matters, has worked on several acquisitions, joint ventures, and shareholder and contractual issues. Helen Gaudio Valente Figurelli and Guilherme Tepedino Hernandez, who bring together expertise in M&A, commercial contracts and finance, are also part of the core team.

Able to call upon a network of tax and employment experts, L.O. Baptista Advogados offers legal support to companies of all sizes operating in diverse sectors, notably energy, real estate, mining and technology. Typical instructions for the ‘excellent' team range from structuring strategic acquisitions and exits to investment rounds and corporate reorganisations; day-to-day corporate issues and commercial agreements are also among recent mandates. Standout practitioners include Daniela Zaitz, who excels in corporate restructurings and M&A deals, Cássia Monteiro, and Renata Castro Veloso, whose areas of expertise encompass M&A, joint ventures, succession planning and environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) issues. Marta Rodrigues, Esther Jerussalmy Cunha, Marcelo Trussardi Paolini and Maria Beatriz Grella Vieira (the latter warmly recommended by clients), are also noted.

Sperling Advogados is a key port of call for a range of mid-size companies seeking advice on the full range of corporate transactions, including the setting up of business operations in Brazil. Day-to-day corporate matters, M&A transactions and contracts are core areas of activity for the team, which works in close collaboration with the firm’s tax, labour, competition, compliance and environmental practices. With over two decades’ experience in this space, Marcio Sperling is counsel of choice for international clients. He spearheads the team with Felipe Garcia De Souza, who is routinely instructed by private companies in M&A, joint ventures and restructurings, and Thomas Brink, a corporate, commercial and M&A specialist.

Themudo Lessa Advogados demonstrates strength advising buyers and sellers on middle and lower-middle market M&A, corporate restructurings and joint venture agreements. The team, which offers additional expertise in succession planning and corporate disputes, is under the joint leadership of three practitioners: Rogério Themudo Lessa, Marcos Lessa and Fernanda Mattar Mesquita, the latter of whom has a wealth of experience advising players from a multitude of economic sectors on contractual matters, corporate governance and M&A transactions. Daniela Mineko Noda assists financial institutions, publicly held companies and asset managers with financings and corporate deals.

VBSO Advogados’ M&A offering is especially concentrated on clients in the financial services, banking and asset management sectors, where the team is adept at handling middle-market M&A – on the buyer and seller sides – as well as joint ventures and corporate reorganisations. The ‘dynamic and competent team’ is particularly noted for its capabilities in multiparty corporate negotiations, and transactions with regulatory implications or requiring regulatory clearance. Founding partner Erik Oioli, who specialises in corporate law and governance issues, is seen with great regularity advising on the structuring of strategic alliances, joint ventures and business combinations. With extensive experience in M&A and other corporate transactions, Amanda Visentini Rodrigues also advises on private equity investments and corporate governance. Renata Simon, who joined from Candido Martins Advogados in January 2023, boosted the firm’s M&A offering. The group was further strengthened by the arrival of Rodrigo Felli Paes Barros from Lefosse Advogados in June 2022; Barros and Beatriz Soares Locoselli are both highlighted for their ‘very sharp business vision and profound knowledge of the complex Brazilian legal environment’.

Advising clients on the sale and acquisition of companies and assets is a core focus for the ‘very dilligent and efficient’ Fleury, Coimbra & Rhomberg Advogados, which is also adept at structuring and negotiating private equity deals, joint ventures and foreign direct investments. The group acts for a strong corporate client base, which operates in a variety of sectors – notably technology, healthcare, logistics, construction and banking. Eduardo Fleury is experienced in both domestic and cross-border M&A, the latter of which is also a strength for Lukas Rhomberg, a key contact for foreign investors. Marcelo Coimbra has led on several M&A transactions and corporate reorganisations, while Renata Camilo de Oliveira is especially active assisting international clients in their Brazil market entry. Renata Armonia is an additional name to note for M&A and corporate mandates.

With significant experience in corporate law, M&A, private equity and venture capital mandates, Graça Couto, Sequerra, Levitinas, Bicudo, Leal & Abby Advogados provides legal support to buyers and sellers in an array of transactional work, ranging from the incorporation of subsidiaries to the negotiation of strategic partnerships. Technology, sports, retail, pharmaceuticals and healthcare are all focus sectors for the group, which is well versed in acting for domestic and international clients – particularly those from the US, China, Spain, Canada and France – in regulatory issues involving listed corporations and the CVM. Natalie Sequerra, who works in local and cross-border M&A, private equity deals and investment rounds, oversees the practice group in which João Gustavo Santiago is an associate to note for corporate transactions and reorganisations involving a variety of industries and jurisdictions.

i2a Advogados regularly handles a strong mix of mid-market deals for investment funds, start-ups, banking and financial services clients, and real estate players. With equally strong credentials in domestic and cross-border transactions, the group is also frequently engaged in non-transactional corporate law matters. Department head Marcos Sader steers the team in an array of M&A deals on behalf of real estate, banking and private equity clients. At associate level, Sader receives support from Alexis Borowik Rosa.

Besides assisting clients throughout all stages of M&A deals, the ‘highly qualified’ Moreau Valverde Advogados also focuses on corporate restructuring, non-transactional corporate advice and commercial contracts. Clients from the worlds of agribusiness, technology, healthcare, consumer goods, real estate and financial services regularly turn to the team for assistance with private equity deals, shareholder issues and succession planning. Mariana Valverde (who specialises in corporate and fashion law), and Pierre Moreau (who has ‘deep legal knowledge’ and a ‘broad view of business’), jointly oversee the department. Jean Pierre Moreau leads on the firm’s most significant corporate and contractual matters. Associate Juliana Zanotto is a name to note for corporate, real estate and contractual mandates.

With a diverse sector focus that includes agribusiness, chemicals, manufacturing and technology, PGLaw is well positioned to handle a multitude of corporate transactional matters, from early-stage investments to incorporations, post-closing obligations and compliance issues. Founding partner Carlos Portugal Gouvêa is often retained by clients in relation to sophisticated M&A deals, governance and contractual matters. He oversees the corporate practice, which also features associates Caio Henrique Yoshikawa, who is knowledgeable of corporate law, commercial contracts and finance; Rodrigo Fialho Borges, a key contact for emerging growth companies; and João Paulo Braune Guerra, whose areas of expertise include M&A, corporate restructuring, governance issues and administrative proceedings before the CVM.

Boasting a substantial national presence, Siqueira Castro – Advogados fields a team of specialised practitioners who are well versed in M&A, commercial contracting, corporate restructuring and non-transactional corporate matters. The group is led by Heitor Faro De Castro, who leverages his expertise in competition and tax law to handle domestic and cross-border deals. With over two decades’ experience in commercial and corporate matters, Sérgio Ricardo Fogolin is particularly experienced in the telecoms and automotive segments. Rodrigo de Macedo Soares e Silva is also proficient in contractual and commercial agreements.

Vidigal Neto Advogados’ caseload is populated by a number of smaller deals and middle-market M&A across various industries, including agribusiness, healthcare, mining, technology and financial services. In addition to its transactional skills, the group is also strong on corporate restructurings and distressed deals. The ‘young, dynamic and available’ Claudio Gomez leads the department, which is also regularly sought out by private equity firms, asset managers and investment banks.

Focused on assisting mid-market companies operating in a range of sectors with their transactional matters, Viseu Advogados offers Brazilian and foreign entities partner-led advice on mergers, consolidations, spin-offs and daily corporate matters. Its sectoral coverage is broad; clients operate in an array of industries, including insurance, oil and gas, cosmetics, technology, retail, financial services and healthcare. American and European companies looking to establish or expand their operations in Brazil also recurrently turn to the department, which is under the leadership of Manoel Ignácio Torres Monteiro, a corporate, contracts and M&A specialist.

Rated for its ability to ‘identify and address the main issues and opportunities’ in the context of corporate transactions, Farroco Abreu Advogados is adept at assisting clients –both buyers and sellers– in M&A, corporate restructuring, investments and joint ventures. Bruno Guarnieri, who is widely recommended by clients, steers the team in a multitude of domestic and cross-border M&A and private equity deals involving the manufacturing, services, retail, technology and energy sectors, among others. Bruna Pelegrini, whose specialisms include mergers, spin-offs and restructurings, and Priscila Guidi, who is recommended for her ‘great command of the legal issues under discussion’, offer key support at the associate level.

Domestic and international clients regularly turn to the practice at Ferraz de Camargo e Matsunaga Advogados for assistance with M&A transactions, joint ventures, shareholder issues and matters before the CVM. The team possesses demonstrable strength in the banking, construction, real estate, technology and agribusiness sectors. Luciana Godoi Lorenti is well versed in foreign investments and on the incorporation of subsidiaries in Brazil; corporate restructuring is also among her areas of expertise. The ‘exceptional’ Rodrigo De Mello Motta is regularly engaged by buyers and sellers from the retail, real estate, technology and pharmaceutical sectors. Singled out for ‘his knowledge and ease in dealing with clients and counterparts’, Daniel Tardelli Pessoa is experienced in M&A, private equity and venture capital matters.

The corporate and M&A team at Fraga, Bekierman & Cristiano Advogados is a solid choice for companies across a wide range of sectors, including energy, mining, real estate, construction and technology, among others. The Rio de Janeiro-based team regularly assists domestic and international entities with corporate law and governance issues, as well as private equity investments, reorganisations and due diligence. These are all core areas of activity for Marcelo Cristiano, who manages the group with Lycia Moreira, a seasoned practitioner in tax law, commercial contracts and M&A; and Helena Marques de Souza Fernandes, a key contact for transactional and corporate matters involving the energy, mining and infrastructure segments.

Singled out for its experience in the life sciences and healthcare sectors, Kestener e Vieira Advogados provides legal support to domestic and international players in the negotiation of M&A transactions, spin-offs, and transfer of assets. On the non-transactional front, the department also advises on corporate reorganisations, shareholder agreements and commercial contracts. Fabio Alonso Vieira is the main point of contact in the team; he specialises in the sale and purchase of companies and assets in the healthcare and technology spaces.

Praised for its ‘high level of expertise, availability, [and] speed of advice’, LRI Advogados’ corporate practice draws on the firm’s dispute resolution, labour and tax capabilities to advise on transactions, investment contracts and joint ventures. With significant experience in the retail, manufacturing and technology sectors, the group is retained by Brazilian and international clients – most notably entities from Italy, Germany, China and the US – on both the buy and sell-sides of M&A deals. Department leader Nilson Lautenschlager Jr. handles an array of contractual issues, corporate law matters and transactions, which are also notable areas of practice for fellow co-head Victor Costa Toledo.

Novotny Advogados ‘has a legal team with great experience and knowledge’ of corporate law, M&A, private equity and venture capital. The group, which is particularly skilled in smaller and middle-market deals, attracts regular instructions from start-ups looking to expand as well as companies from across a wide range of sectors, such as retail, real estate and healthcare. Corporate law expert Paulo Eduardo Penna coordinates cross-border and domestic M&A transactions, private equity deals and regulatory matters, primarily acting on behalf of public and privately held businesses, entrepreneurs and investors. He co-leads the department with Gabriel Rios Corrêa, who focuses on the purchase and sale of companies and assets, joint ventures and corporate restructurings. Associate Bárbara Gentile De Senna Santos frequently assists with due diligence in the context of M&A, and advises clients on commercial contracts and administrative proceedings before the CVM.

VBD Advogados ‘provides an extremely high quality service’ to medium-sized companies in relation to strategic alliances, joint ventures, investment arrangements and M&A. The firm is also instructed by companies operating in a range of industries on a recurrent basis in day-to-day corporate matters, including commercial agreements, governance issues, compliance and, more recently, ESG. Founding partner Rafael Bicalho leads on private equity investments and M&A, while recently promoted partner Thalita De Marco Vani advises multinational corporations on the expansion of their activities in Brazil.