A 'reference in corporate law and M&A', BMA - Barbosa, Müssnich, Aragão maintains its leading position in the market. The firm is regularly advised by Brazilian and international clients - including a significant number of listed companies - in high-value deals. The team saw further expansion in 2019 with the hire of internationally focused corporate and M&A specialist Maria da Paz Tierno Lopes from Cuatrecasas. In the telecoms space, highlights included Roberto Dias Carneiro and Paulo Cezar Aragão's advice to América Móvil and its subsidiary Claro Brazil on the acquisition of NII Brazil Holdings, the indirect owner of Nextel Telecomunicações, for $905m on a cash-free and debt-free basis; the firm advised on the Brazilian legal aspects of the deal, including corporate, tax and antitrust matters. Other key practitioners include public and private M&A expert Monique Mavignier, founding partners Francisco Müssnich and Plinio Simões Barbosa, managing partner Amir Bocayuva Cunha and associate Ana Paula Reis. Luciana Marsal is also noted. In its latest promotion round, the firm promoted Carlo Rocha, Felipe Paschoalini and Igor Lima to the partnership.

Under the leadership of founding partners Maria Cristina Cescon and Marcos Rafael Flesch, Cescon, Barrieu, Flesch & Barreto Advogados' corporate and M&A practice continues to thrive, as evidenced by the promotions of former senior associates Fernanda Montorfano Gibson, Luciana de Castro Mares Torres and Isabela Leal Coelho to partner in 2019. The department's client base - which includes a number of household name companies - has also seen recent growth, with several new clients in the manufacturing, chemicals and consumer goods sectors. The firm's capital markets expertise is another draw, and the firm stands out for its expertise in public M&A. Other partners regularly leading on the firm's key deals include Darkson Delmondes Galvão, Fernanda Bastos Buhatem, Ana Carolina Castro Reis Passos and Ronald Herscovici. Marina da Silva Prado is also recommended. Since publication, the firm has announced it's opening of an office in Toronto (Canada), as of January 2021.

'On par with US top-tier firms in responsiveness, creativity and comprehensive thinking', Demarest Advogados' corporate and M&A team balances a busy workload, with a significant proportion of its deals involving high-end M&A. It particularly stands out in the technology and life sciences sectors, where it has recently been active, and has also expanded its private equity practice. In an illustration of its presence in technology-related deals, Paulo Coelho da Rocha and Ana Carolina Botto Audi acted for REIT Digital Realty in the acquisition of Ascenty from private equity firm Great Hill Partners, and later advised the client on the formation of a joint venture with Brookfield Infrastructure. Joyl Gondim has established a strong practice in middle market deals, particularly in the healthcare and, increasingly, the education sectors. Other names to note in the sizeable team include Luciana Cossermelli Tornovsky, Thiago Barbosa Sandim, Gabriel Ricardo Kuznietz and Thiago Rodrigues Maia. Maria Lúcia de Almeida Prado e Silva retired in 2020; in January 2021, Bruna Toledo Pacheco and Daniel Caramaschi were promoted to partner.

Well-established firm Machado Meyer Sendacz e Opice Advogados had another strong year for M&A in 2019. It is well versed in transactions that exceed the R$1bn mark. Recent examples include its advice to Petrobras on the oil and gas company's $8.6bn sale of 90% of its equity stake in TAG - Transportadora Associada de Gás; the deal represented Petrobras’ largest M&A transaction to date. Guilherme Bueno Malouf leads the department, which includes cross-border M&A expert Adriana Pallis, executive committee member Arthur Bardawil Penteado, Mauro Cesar Leschziner and Luciana Costa Engelberg, who advises clients on corporate transactions and fund formation. While the practice is primarily based in São Paulo, the firm also has considerable geographic reach through its offices in Rio de Janeiro, Brasília, Belo Horizonte and New York.

Noted for its ‘very solid experience in M&A‘, Mattos Filho, Veiga Filho, Marrey Jr. e Quiroga Advogados has secured its position in the top echelons of the Brazilian legal market through its involvement in numerous high-profile corporate transactions over several years. Its private equity expertise is also of note, with clients including leading private equity and venture capital funds. Clients of the corporate department also benefit from the full-service firm’s strengths in antitrust, capital markets and tax, among other areas. A team led by Maria Fernanda de Almeida Prado e Silva and Moacir Zilbovicius acted as Brazilian counsel to Avon on its all-share merger with Natura Cosméticos, advising on the corporate and tax structuring of the transaction, as well as the competition aspects. The firm stands out for its international reach, with corporate lawyers based in London and New York in addition to Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo and, since July 2020, its new office in Campinas. Key names in the sizeable team include João Ricardo de Azevedo Ribeiro, Paula Vieira de Oliveira and Claudio Oksenberg. 2019 saw the promotions of Guilherme Woo Terra, Rodrigo Arthur Carvalho and Victor Gelli Cavalcanti to partner. Associate Rosane Carmona is recommended. Since publication, Tomás Neiva joined the firm.

TozziniFreire Advogados is often engaged by well-known Brazilian and international companies in large-scale corporate transactions, particularly those with cross-border aspects. In one recent multi-jurisdictional transaction, recommended partner Francisco Eumene Machado de Oliveira Neto advised Banco Crédit Agricole Brasil on a joint venture with Banco Santander for the combination of its custody and asset management operations. The corporate and M&A department is led by Maria Elisa Gualandi Verri and Marcela Waksman Ejnisman and saw organic growth with the promotions of Fernando Silveira Carvalho and Carla do Couto Hellu Battilana to partner in February 2019; the latter advised Whirlpool on the sale of its compressor business to Nidec Corporation. Martin Miralles Pose, Luiz Renato Okumura, Mauro Guizeline and Silvia Martins de Castro Cunha Zono - who made partner in 2020 - are also key figures in the team.

‘A great partner for corporate and M&A‘, Lefosse Advogados continues to handle a significant number of large transactions, with experience spanning acquisitions and sales of publicly and privately held companies, mergers, joint ventures, corporate disputes and privatisations. Laura Affonso – who made partner in April 2019 – has led on a number of the department’s recent deals; in one highlight, she and Luiz Octavio Lopes advised healthcare company Notre Dame Intermédica Participações on the acquisition of Cliniplan Group, which marks the expansion of Notre Dame’s operations into the south of Brazil. Carlos Mello, Rodrigo Junqueira and Mirella Abe are also key members of the team. Since publication, Mauricio Paschoal left the firm in July 2021.

With extensive experience in the financial services sector, Pinheiro Guimarães – Advogados acts for major domestic and international banks in addition to corporations. Its private equity expertise is also of note, where the team advises on investments, financing and divestments. The firm's capital markets expertise also allows it to advise publicly held companies on M&A which involves capital markets transactions and regulatory matters. Highlights in 2019 included Sergio Ramos Yoshino's advice to Itaú Unibanco on its R$200m investment in Brazilian power transmission company Argo Energia Empreendimentos e Participações. René Mostardeiro Brunet, Francisco José Pinheiro Guimarães, Plinio Pinheiro Guimarães Neto  and Mariana Jost are all names to note.

'M&A powerhouse' Stocche Forbes Advogados continues to be engaged in notable corporate transactions in the Brazilian market. Meanwhile, its dedicated publicly listed company desk provides capital markets and regulatory assistance to a number of companies on an ongoing basis, while the private company desk assists its clients on a range of corporate and commercial matters. The firm also counts major Brazilian and international private equity firms among its clients. The corporate and M&A department saw considerable organic growth in its January 2020 round of promotions; Paola Carrara, Matheus Campos, Ricardo Peres Freoa and Rafael de Almeida Rosa Andrade are now partners. Established practitioners Flavio Meyer, André Mestriner Stocche , Fabiano Milani and Fernanda Cardoso are also key members of the team.

Veirano Advogados is noted for its 'good communication, tranquility, professionalism and accessibility'. With a significant presence in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Porto Alegre, the team has the size and resources to handle a large volume of transactions, including high-value M&A. In one highlight, a Rio-based team worked alongside an international firm to advise Canadian base metals company Lundin Mining Corporation on the acquisition of Mineração Maracá, Yamana Gold’s Brazilian copper and gold mining subsidiary. Augusto Cesar Barbosa de Souza and Carlos Alexandre Lobo lead the team, which includes corporate, banking and M&A expert Lior Pinsky; Paula Surerus, who leads on domestic and cross-border M&A transactions; and the 'very hands-on' Alberto Bragança. Diego Lerner was promoted to partner in January 2020, and Vitor Rozenthal made partner in January 2021. Since publication, Sergio Bronstein and Guilherme Potenza left the firm in April 2021.

Azevedo Sette Advogados' corporate and M&A department continues to receive instructions in significant transactions from clients across a broad range of sectors. The team has seen growth at the partner level with the promotions of Rafael Tavares Bassoli and Thiago Assumpção Henriques in 2019 and Alessandra Martins de Souza in 2020. Senior partners Luiz Augusto Azevedo Sette and Fernando Azevedo Sette each draw on over 25 years of legal experience. Ana Paula Terra Caldeira is another key member of the team.

Campos Mello Advogados in cooperation with DLA Piper has strong experience in cross-border transactions, where it benefits from its association with DLA Piper. It also stands out for its expertise in private equity deals; a recent highlight was Marcus Vinicius Bitencourt's advice to Brazilian private equity and advisory company Starboard Asset Management on the acquisition (in partnership with Apollo Global Management) of 72.5% of the shares in retail company Maquina de Vendas. The department expanded at the associate level with several hires in 2019, including the August-arrival of senior associate Taciana Furlan from an in-house role. Fabiano Gallo, Carolina Sant’Angelo and Luiz Augusto Osorio are key names at the partner level. In a recent development, the firm added competition and antitrust capability to its service offering with the Luciana Martorano hire as of counsel in March 2020.

Noted for its 'good business sense' and 'very pragmatic attitude', Cascione Pulino Boulos Advogados' corporate and M&A department continues to be active in the market, advising on M&A (including distressed M&A), joint ventures and corporate governance. The team also has experience in corporate disputes. Key names in the department include 'natural leader' Eduardo Taleb Boulos; 'skilled professional' Milana Antoniolli Martins; Eduardo Juaçaba, whose broad expertise includes private equity and venture capital deals; and Augusto César Rodrigues, who is 'calm and considered in negotiations'. Guilherme Bertolini Fernandes dos Santos - who was promoted to partner in 2021 - also receives praise. In other internal developments, Luiz Eduardo Malta Corradini made partner in December 2019.

Huck, Otranto, Camargo Advogados maintains a broad M&A practice, handling a range of high-end and mid-market deals. Its recent caseload encompasses M&A in a variety of industries, where the team acts for both Brazilian and international companies. Highlights included Carol Saposnic's advice to venture capital company Joa Investimentos in its investment in Green People; the deal represented a strategic step in the client's expansion into the food and beverage market. Luis Gustavo Haddad leads the team, which includes key contacts Bruno Robert, Hermes Marcelo Huck and Ana Carolina Barbuio Affonso,

2020 marked KLA Advogados' 18th year; during which time the firm has established a well-known brand for corporate and M&A and secured an enviable client roster. In one of the largest telecoms deals of 2019, Karin Alvo and a team advised Hughes on its joint venture with Yahsat; the new joint venture will offer internet access directly to consumers and through community Wi-Fi hotspots. Leading practitioners in the team include Tania Liberman, Luiz Filipe Aranha, Melissa Kanô and Mariana Cortez. Key names at the associate level include Patrícia Braga , Marina Bittar and Mário Fioratti.

Tauil & Chequer Advogados in association with Mayer Brown saw organic growth with the promotions of Débora Yanasse and Guilherme Tranquillini to partner, and the arrival of energy, infrastructure and M&A specialists Bruno Salzano and Bruno Werneck from Mattos Filho, Veiga Filho, Marrey Jr. e Quiroga Advogados during the course of 2019. The firm has established a strong reputation in the energy and oil and gas sectors, where it has an active transactional profile. Carlos Motta and Daniel Gunzburger have recently taken a lead in a number of the department's major deals. Victor Galante and Alexandre Chequer are names to note in the Rio de Janeiro office.

Vella Pugliese Buosi e Guidoni Advogados is well versed in corporate transactions across the healthcare, energy and retail sectors, among others, and is noted for its 'senior partner engagement'. The firm also stands out in the private equity space; recent work includes Rodrigo Vella's advice to Bain Capital portfolio-company Notredame Intermédica on the acquisition of hospitals, clinical centres and health insurance groups. Other key figures at the firm, which is associated with Dentons, include Bruna Gobbi, Gabriella Maranesi Najjar, Frederico Buosi  and Denise Chachamovitz Leão de Salles, who is highlighted for her 'profound knowledge in corporate law'.

Well-established firm Araújo e Policastro Advogados has strong relationships with many clients, several of which have been working with the firm for decades. Among its recent areas of growth are M&A, cross-border disputes and succession planning. Camila da Motta Pacheco Alves de Araújo excels in M&A, general business law, infrastructure and regulatory matters; she co-heads the department alongside founding partner José Theodoro Alves de Araújo and senior partner José Paulo Bueno. Names to note at the associate level include Marina Pacheco de Araújo Paciullo, Júlio Cesar Domingues and Bárbara dos Santos Moreira.

The 'commercially astute' team at Dias Carneiro Advogados has 'one of the best' venture capital practices in Brazil. Among the department's recent work was its advice to venture capital fund Monashees Capital on the acquisition of a minority stake in Fazenda Futuro Produtos Alimentícios, a Brazilian plant-based 'meat' startup. Artur Fernandes Andrezo heads the M&A practice and is noted for his business sense. Paula Seabra Carvalho Reis joined from Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton in May 2020; her experience spans M&A, corporate restructurings and general corporate law. Associates Vivian Tito Rudge and Luiz Fernando Silva Ramos Filho are also key contacts. Since publication, Eduardo Zilberberg left the firm in April 2021.

The 'client-friendly, sophisticated and efficient' team at Felsberg Advogados balances a busy corporate advisory and transactional workload and is particularly active in deals involving disruptive and innovative technologies. João Carlos Mendonça has key experience in the technology, healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors; Maria Carolina Guazzelli advises leading fashion brands, among other clients. Miriam Machado, Renato Brandão and Evy Marques each receive praise, and the team also benefits from the input of several experienced associates, including Mirella Kaufman and Paula Sozzi.

Machado Associados impresses with its 'strong expertise' in international M&A transactions. The practice advises on a range of corporate transactions and non-transactional matters, including commercial contracts, corporate governance and disputes, and also benefits from the firm's well-established tax practice. Key names in the experienced team include Mauro Takahashi Mori, Rochelle Ricci, and Mirella da Costa Andreola de Almeida.

The M&A team at Ulhôa Canto, Rezende e Guerra Advogados is equipped to handle a broad range of transactions across numerous sectors, including real estate, energy and financial services. Key practitioners include Marcelo Maria Santos, Aloysio Meirelles de Miranda Filho and Guilherme Rocha Murgel de Rezende.

Abe Giovanini Advogados is active in mid-market domestic and cross-border M&A, where it is particularly strong on the sell-side of transactions; it is also equipped to advise clients on corporate restructuring, corporate governance and disputes. Senior partner Marcos Seiiti Abe has broad experience in the market, often representing Japanese and Brazilian companies. Fernando Zanotti Schneider also takes a lead role in the department's mandates.

Brazilian and international companies turn to Almeida Advogados for assistance in sales, acquisitions, joint ventures and corporate restructurings. The firm has also developed a significant practice advising minority shareholders. André de Almeida heads the department, which also includes corporate, commercial, IP and internet law expert Pedro Tinoco. However, since publication Leonardo Palhares has moved to international firm Kobre & Kim.

Castro Barros Advogados' corporate team operates from the firm's Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo offices; in M&A, the team commonly represents buyers, though it has also grown its seller-side caseload. Anna Cecilia Rostworowski da Costa Buff's practice spans corporate, competition and regulation; Helen Gaudio Valente advises on M&A, project finance and contracts; and Fernanda Alves Wolf has knowledge of corporate, contracts, judicial recovery and capital markets law.

'A unique firm with uniquely talented practitioners', CGM Advogados maintains a key focus on M&A, and also advises on compliance, contractual, corporate governance and general corporate matters. Its clients include household name companies operating in a range of sectors, notably automotive, life sciences and retail. Key practitioners include Adriano Chaves, René Gelman, Martim Machado and Camila Magami Cardinale.

The sizeable and highly regarded corporate department at FreitasLeite Advogados is often instructed in significant M&A, including transactions involving listed companies, drawing on the firm's capital markets, tax and real estate teams for support where necessary. João Pedro Barroso do Nascimento, Claudio Fabricio Lima and Pedro Afonso Gutierrez Avvad are names to note at the partner level. Associates Amanda Peres and Júlia Rodrigues Costa de Serpa Brandão also receive praise.

Gasparini, De Cresci e Nogueira de Lima Advogados is specialised in mid-market M&A and corporate restructurings, and also assists clients with general corporate and commercial matters. Its client base comprises new and longstanding clients operating in the agribusiness, retail, IT and education sectors, among others. The main partners - Marcus Phelipe Barbosa de Souza, Felipe Mavignier and Paula Taira Horiuti - each draw on significant experience in corporate and contract law.

M&A is a core focus at Madrona Advogados, which counts a number of household name companies among its clients and is active in domestic and cross-border transactions. Name partner Ricardo Madrona has broad experience in sales, acquisitions, mergers and joint ventures. Other key contacts include corporate and contract law expert Milena Coimbra Mazzini and José Luis Camargo.

Mundie e Advogados stands out for its corporate expertise in highly regulated sectors, drawing on the firm's well-known strength in administrative law and regulatory matters. Eduardo Zobaran and Rodolpho Protasio co-head the practice, which includes Ana Cristina Moraes and Patricia Nakahara, whose expertise spans corporate, civil and IP law.

The 'committed' team at Peixoto e Cury Advogados is 'focused on fast and practical solutions'. Its lawyers draw on previous experience in international law firms and advise a mixed client base of multinational and local companies, including family-owned businesses, in mid-market deals. Key names include Renato de Oliveira Valença, 'fast thinker' Rafael Villac Vicente de Carvalho and José Ricardo de Bastos Martins, who 'stands out for his large experience'.

The corporate department at Rayes & Fagundes Advogados Associados acts for companies which are leaders in their respective fields, including pharma and technology, advising on corporate restructurings, M&A and joint ventures. It is notable for its experience in cross-border deals, including those involving the US, UK, Germany, Italy and China. Fabiana Rodriques da Fonseca and Paulo Talarico lead the team. Associate Isadora de Araujo Frade is also recommended.

In the field of corporate and commercial law and M&A, DDSA - De Luca, Derenusson, Schuttoff e Azevedo Advogados balances a varied workload, with recent work spanning sales, acquisitions, mergers, restructurings, licensing and contractual matters. João Claudio De Luca Junior and Guilherme Filardi are the practice heads.

Founded in 1989, business law firm Loeser e Hadad Advogados has a particular focus on corporate law and transactions, acting for a range of domestic and international companies. Name partner Enrique Tello Hadad coordinates the firm’s international transactions group and has experience in deals in a broad range of sectors; managing partner Richard Blanchet leads the M&A and corporate governance group. At the associate level, Fernanda Nakada focuses on corporate governance, compliance and corporate law.

Benefiting from its association with international firm Garrigues, Neiva Barros & Figueiró, Sociedade de Advogados is regularly instructed in cross-border corporate transactions, particularly deals involving Brazil and Portugal / Spain. Marcela Figueiró‘s practice spans corporate, infrastructure, projects and finance. Since publication, Tomás Neiva has left the firm.

PGLaw is 'great on the differences of Brazilian and foreign corporate law in order to help the executives and shareholders navigate between them'. The firm acts for a number of foreign and Brazilian clients in domestic and multi-jurisdictional deals, often working alongside well-known international law firms. Carlos Portugal Gouvêa is the practice head.

RZ Advogados is equipped to advise on sell-side and buy-side M&A, joint ventures, corporate restructurings and reorganisations. The firm is particularly active in the agribusiness, ports and automotive industries, though its client base extends beyond these sectors. Mauricio Jun Higashino leads the corporate and M&A team, which also includes Christian de Lima Ramos.

Many of Souto Correa Advogados‘ corporate law experts are based in Porto Alegre, although the firm also has M&A lawyers in the São Paulo office; names to note include Clarissa Yokomizo and Vinícius Fadanelli. The sizeable cross-office team handles a broad range of corporate work, from M&A to day-to-day corporate and governance matters. Fernanda Girardi Tavares and Gilberto Deon Corrêa Júnior are the practice heads. Since publication, in a significant move in July 2021 the firm hired Mauricio Paschoal from Lefosse Advogados.

Mid-market M&A is a mainstay at Wongtschowski & Zanotta Advogados, which has recently advised on transactions in the ports, education and agribusiness sectors, among others. Names to note include founding partner Alexandre Zanotta; Tiago Bonatti Peres, who has significant experience in domestic and cross-border M&A and private equity deals; and senior associates Luiza Ozores Igel and Carolina de Mattos Pacheco.