Firms To Watch: Corporate and M&A

Founded in 2020, Campos Thomaz Advogados is a popular choice for technology companies, including fintech, e-commerce, telecoms and IT players, seeking advice on M&A, venture capital, corporate law and regulatory matters; department head Sérgio Cury Meirelles  is highly regarded in venture capital investments.
Providing advice on joint ventures, M&A and strategic alliances, VBD Advogados acts for large and medium-sized companies across a variety of industries, most notably real estate, insurance and technology; founding partner Rafael Bicalho and senior associate Thalita De Marco Vani jointly manage the team.

Corporate and M&A in Brazil

BMA - Barbosa, Müssnich, Aragão

The multidisciplinary team at BMA - Barbosa, Müssnich, Aragão is regularly turned to by an impressive roster of leading domestic and international companies across an array of industries, including retail, mining, agribusiness, energy, oil and gas and telecoms, on high-profile mandates. Comprised of ‘highly qualified, well-trained, up-to-date‘ professionals, the team stands out for its track record in M&A deals involving publicly traded companies. Beyond this area of strength, the group’s cross-sector focus ensures that it is also sought out by clients in the context of public offerings, transactions for sale of control, transfers of minority holdings, structuring of joint ventures, and corporate reorganisations. In diversity and inclusion, the firm’s commitment to gender diversity is demonstrated by its significant proportion of women partners who have an active role in strategic decision-making, and its initiative to support the professional development of women lawyers through its gender equality programme, BMAWomen. Also noteworthy is the firm’s participation in Projeto Incluir Direito to foster educational and training opportunities for black students in order to enhance their competitiveness in the job market. Luís Loria Flaks and Roberto Dias Carneiro, both of whom have played an instrumental part in many of the most high-profile corporate matters and transactions handled by the team in recent decades, jointly chair the department. Paulo Cezar Aragão, who specialises in cross-border transactions and commercial arbitration, is a reference in the market, given his involvement in market-shaping M&A transactions across Latin America. Active in both sell and buy-side deals and private equity investments, Monique Mavignier is also part of the core team. Other key individuals include Luiz Antonio Campos, a counsel of choice for listed companies; joint ventures and foreign investment specialist Amir Bocayuva Cunha; senior associate Thiago Pinho; recently promoted Ana Paula Reis; and Ellen Juste Nuñez, a key contact for clients from the health sector. Luciana Magalhães Costa is a name to note for commercial contracts. Founding partners Plínio Barbosa and Francisco Müssnich have a wealth of experience in complex M&A and corporate matters. Since publication, Felipe Bon and Rodrigo Mariani were welcomed to the partnership at the end of 2022.

Practice head(s):

Luís Loria Flaks; Roberto Dias Carneiro

Testimonials

‘Availability to address any issue that arises. We have direct access to the main partners, who help us analyse various corporate and capital market markets, which are not always trivial.’

‘Monique Mavignier and Paulo Aragão are our points of contact and with whom we discuss the most complex issues we face. They are always ready to talk and address our emergencies.’

‘The services provided by BMA stand out for their excellence. Its professionals are highly qualified, well-trained, up-to-date and have not only a technical view, but also a deep understanding of how the market and business work.’

‘I especially recommend the professionals Paulo Cezar Aragão and Roberto Dias Carneiro.’

‘Roberto Dias Carneiro and Thiago Baptista Ferreira de Pinho are excellent lawyers who always seek to serve the client in the best possible way.’

Key clients

Oi

Vale

Eleva Educacao

XP Investimentos Corretora de Câmbio, Títulos e Valores Mobiliários

Eletrobrás – Centrais Elétricas Brasileiras

IRB Brasil Resseguros

Ultrapar Participações

Jereissati Participações

Americanas

Ambev

BTG Pactual

Rede D’Or São Luiz

Totvs

Peninsula Participacoes

Fleury

Sulamerica

Aliansce Sonae Shopping Centers

Braskem

CSN Mineração

Cimento Tupi

Work highlights

  • Assisted XP in the acquisition of a strategic minority stake in Grupo Suno.
  • Acted as counsel to fintech company Olivia AI and its shareholders in the Brazilian law aspects applicable to the company’s sale to NuBank.
  • Assisted Passei Direto and its founding shareholders in the sale of all the shares issued by the company to UOL Edtech Tecnologia Educacional.

Cescon Barrieu

Maintaining a top-tier corporate and M&A practice, Cescon Barrieu offers broad corporate and transactional support to an impressive client base of financial institutions and blue-chip companies across all of Brazil’s major industries, including energy, telecoms, life sciences and retail, among others. The team, which is comprised of partners and associates with notable international backgrounds, is well placed to handle innovative and high-value cross-border M&A deals, and has been recently involved in several distressed asset transactions, as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. The firm’s move towards internationalisation is evidenced by the recent opening of an office in Toronto, as Canada becomes a prime destination for its clients operating in the mining and oil and gas segments. The firm’s focus on gender diversity is apparent through the strong representation of women partners in its corporate and M&A department, with female staff comprising over 70% of the firm’s partner promotions in 2021. Other D&I initiatives include LIFT, through which the firm offers professional mentoring to young low-income black, cis and transgender people. Maria Cristina Cescon ‘is one of the most brilliant lawyers in Brazil’; she acts for financial institutions, corporations and private equity funds in large-cap M&A. She leads the group with Marcos Rafael Flesch, who is a key contact for corporate governance matters. Acquisitions and divestitures, as well as distressed transactions, are core areas of activity for Ronald Herscovici. Cristina de Freitas Bueno has taken a lead role in some of the most high-profile deals handled by the team recently. Other noteworthy practitioners include Darkson Delmondes Galvão, who also advises on private equity investments, Ana Carolina Castro Reis Passos, Luciana De Castro Mares Torres, who ‘stands out due to her knowledge, engagement, dedication and team coordination‘ and the highly recommended Eduardo LannaMarcelo Moura, senior associate Marina Faro and Fernanda Montorfano Gibson are other names to note for corporate and M&A work. Since publication, the corporate and M&A group was strengthened by the February 2023 arrival of Andrea Barbosa Campos, who was previously of counsel at Paul Hastings LLP.

Practice head(s):

Maria Cristina Cescon; Marcos Flesch

Testimonials

‘Specialised service, and availability of partners. Eduardo Lanna is recommended.’

‘The team led by Luciana Mares stands out for its ability to understand the demands and particularities of the client. Always accessible and easy to get along with, they act as if they were part of the company.’

‘Cescon’s M&A team is a benchmark in terms of agility and focus on client service. They understand the needs of the client. They do their best to meet deadlines.’

‘The main differential of the firm is in the quality of the services provided. Undoubtedly, this stems from the engagement of the team and lawyers’ high level of expertise. The team is constantly seeking to update itself and expand its knowledge in the various areas of activity. Another highlight is the agility of lawyers in preparing and reviewing documents.’

‘All the team members are excellent. Maria Cristina Cescon conveys a lot of security to the client, given her involvement in the execution of projects. She has a unique ability to negotiate with the opposing party. I certainly consider her to be the best M&A lawyer on the market. Luciana Mares also stands out due to her knowledge, engagement, dedication and team coordination.’

‘The responsiveness and availability of Cescon Barrieu’s partners and lawyers, as well as its extremely competitive price, make the firm one of our go-to choices for advice on strategic projects. Eduardo Lanna and his team provided us with high quality services in the context of M&A transactions.’

‘Excellence, availability and the feeling that the client is special and important. Maria Cristina Cescon is one of the most brilliant lawyers in Brazil.’

‘Respected, reliable and robust team, that is always available. Fernanda Montorfano Gibson is recommended.’

Key clients

Hypera (previously Hypermarcas)

Enel Brasil

AES Tietê Energia

Copagaz Distribuidora de Gás

Suzano Papel e Celulose

Smartfit

EDP Energias do Brasil

Carlyle Group

Canada Pension Plan Investment Board – CPPIB

Brookfield Asset Management

JBS

B3

Copel S

Work highlights

  • Advised B3 on the carve-out of the management solutions operations of TOTVS with the subsequent incorporation of TFS Soluções em Software and subscription, by B3, of a minority stake representing, post money, 37.5% of the total shares of TFS.
  • Advised Hypera on the acquisition from Sanofi of a portfolio of products in Brazil, Colombia and Mexico including AAS, Cepacol, Pepsamar, Naturetti, Buclina, Hexomedine, Melox, Pax, Calcigenol, Sulpan, Aturgyl and Hidantal.
  • Advised Equatorial on the acquisition of the total and voting capital stock of Echoenergia.

Demarest Advogados

With over seventy years of experience in domestic and cross-border M&A, Demarest Advogados routinely handles a significant volume of large-cap, and oftentimes innovative, transactions on behalf of Brazil’s foremost companies, private equity players and financial institutions. The team, which has developed special regional groups composed of dual-qualified professionals, is seen with great regularity advising on multi-jurisdictional deals, including inbound and outbound investments, where the team acts for Brazilian blue-chip companies looking to expand their operations internationally. Its recent workload includes advising on the structuring of the first special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) registered with the Brazilian Securities and Exchange Commission (CVM), and on the implementation of the first go-shop provision in a merger agreement in Brazil. The firm has adopted a number of structures and initiatives aimed at enhancing diversity and inclusion, including D Mulheres, a gender equality group focused on the fair distribution of opportunities within the profession; D Mais, which aims to foster a welcoming work environment for everyone irrespective of sexual orientation; and D Raízes, which works against racial discrimination. Corporate governance and M&A specialist Luciana Cossermelli Tornovskyevaluates situations with depth, but also practicality‘. With ‘in-depth knowledge of corporate and M&A‘, José Diaz manages a varied transactional workload covering M&A and corporate reorganisations. Paulo Coelho da Rocha brings experience in mergers, acquisitions and corporate governance, while Ana Carolina Botto Audi is particularly seasoned in private equity and venture capital investments, going-private deals and joint ventures. Thiago Sandim, who has a longstanding reputation in the field; Joyl Gondim, who excels in mid-market deals; key contact for infrastructure-related matters Gabriel Kuznietz; Bruna Toledo Pacheco; and Daniel Caramaschi also form part of the core team. Focused on M&A, private equity and corporate reoganisations, Fábio Tayar is a name to note at the associate level.

Testimonials

‘The nationally recognised firm offers excellent service. They were able to meet the demands of a cross-border M&A with personalised service.’

‘José Diaz has in-depth knowledge of corporate and M&A. He promptly helped us with challenges that arose throughout the process, with up-to-date and accurate information. Fábio Tayar was a great partner in the operation. Responsive, attentive and with clear knowledge of corporate and M&A.’

‘Demarest understands the needs of the client, and is always available.’

‘Luciana Tornovsky is very didactic, evaluates situations with depth, but also practicality. She is a great strategic thinker.’

‘Demarest is a full-service firm that offers top-notch legal advice in all fields of business law.’

‘Thiago Sandim is an experienced lawyer who is recognised in the market for his excellent negotiation skills in M&A transactions.’

Key clients

Santander

MRV

Netshoes

Viveo

Alvarez & Marsal

Mitsui

Nike

Ashland

DaVita

Península Participações

Banco Inter

JSL

Bayer

General Electric

Nidec

CBA

Assicurazioni Generali

Nelo Investments

H. Hemo

Banco Abc Brasil

SAAM

Canada Brokerlink

MEI FÁcil

TripAdvisor

Ghelfond

EcoImagem

UniToledo

Somos

Ser Educacional

Imerys

Vale

Work highlights

  • Advised Banco Inter on the corporate reorganisation and listing of shares in the US.
  • Assisted Grupo Werthein in the acquisition of Vrio Corp from AT&T Services.
  • Advised Alvarez & Marsal on the structuring and registration of the first Brazilian SPAC listed as a public company by the CVM.

Machado Meyer Sendacz e Opice Advogados

The ‘excellent M&A team‘ at Machado Meyer Sendacz e Opice Advogados is well placed to handle many of the most complex, high-stakes transactions taking place in the market. With great geographical reach that stretches across the country, and an office in New York, the department is skilled at assisting publicly and privately held companies, investment funds, financial institutions, and governmental entities in both buy and sell-side cross-border transactions with ties to Brazil. Over the past year, the team has advised on several high-end deals across the financial services, oil and gas, retail, energy and mining sectors, ranging from M&A to joint ventures, asset divestments and privatisations. Innovative work is at the core of the practice, which also utilises technology and AI tools to improve efficiency in the provision of its services. The firm’s extensive D&I programme is structured in three pillars, covering gender equality (Elas Conectam), LGBTIQA+ (#1gualdade) and racial equality (ID.Afro). Its pro-bono work is also noteworthy; 2021 saw more than 189 practitioners, including partners and associates, advising numerous NGOs and reaching a total of 3,750 pro-bono hours. Leading the corporate group, Guilherme Bueno Malouf specialises in M&A and private equity investments in a multitude of economic sectors. Corporate law specialist Adriana Pallis is recommended for corporate governance issues and transactions involving listed companies. Private equity funds with investments in Brazil routinely turn to Mauro Cesar Leschziner, while Arthur Bardawil Penteado has been particularly active advising Petrobras in its $15bn divestment programme. Ivandro Maciel Sanchez Junior is a name to note for Spanish clients; he heads up the Iberian desk, a multidisciplinary group of Spanish lawyers. Elie Sherique undertakes domestic and cross-border work related to joint ventures, M&A, private equity and corporate reorganisations. Paulo Markossian Nunes, Mariana Meditsch and Paulo Henrique Carvalho Pinto were promoted to partner in 2021.

Practice head(s):

Guilherme Bueno Malouf

Testimonials

‘Long-term relationship with clients, trust and technical capacity.’

‘Machado Meyer has an excellent M&A group, which often collaborates with attorneys from different practices, such as labour, tax, and environmental law.’

‘They are fully committed to the clients. They have a very specific knowledge of the Latin American markets.’

‘Ivandro Maciel Sanchez and Adriana Pallis stand out.’

Key clients

Banco C6

Banco Pan

Sibanye Stillwater

Companhia Brasileira de Distribuição (GPA)

Magazine Luiza

Aldo Pereira Teixeira, founder, and his family members

Caixa Participações

BTG Pactual

Petrobras

Ímpar Serviços Hospitalares

Diagnósticos da América

Temasek Holdings

Prisma Capital

Shareholders of CCG Participações

CMPC Melhoramentos

Banco do Brasil

GIC

Work highlights

  • Assisted Banco C6 in the sale of 40% of its shares to JPMorgan Chase.
  • Assisted Banco Pan in negotiating and elaborating the merger agreement entered into with Mosaico Tecnologia ao Consumidor, which sets forth the potential merger of Mosaico’s shares by Banco Pan, subject to the fulfilment of certain conditions.
  • Advised Sibanye Stillwater on the acquisition of two pre-developed and cash flow generating open-pit nickel and copper mines.

Mattos Filho

‘One of the best full-service firms in Brazil’, Mattos Filho ‘has a very robust team’, which is ‘prepared to face any challenge’ on behalf of a stellar client base comprising domestic and multinational companies across key sectors such as life sciences, technology, financial services, healthcare, energy and construction. Fully dedicated to corporate and M&A matters and with lawyers based across Brazil, London and New York, the department offers support during every stage of negotiations and throughout the entire life cycle of businesses. Some of the largest private equity funds and investors regularly retain the firm in market-leading deals, as do venture capital clients, start-ups and technology players engaged in complex transactions. The firm’s extensive diversity and inclusion programme sees it acting on six fronts: gender equality, LGBTIQAP+ rights, racial equity, rights of people with disabilities, religious freedom, and more recently, parenting responsibilities and gender equity. Another highlight is the firm’s varied and pioneering pro bono practice, which was created to address the lack of access to justice and the scenario of human rights violations in Brazil. Daniel Calhman de Miranda enjoys a strong reputation for his capabilities in cross-border transactions. João Ricardo de Azevedo Ribeiro – a key relationship partner for a diverse roster of private and public companies, private equity funds and foreign investors – possesses considerable experience in M&A, corporate restructurings and joint ventures, which are also among Marcelo Ricupero‘s areas of expertise. Moacir Zilbovicius is a go-to attorney for mandates involving publicly held companies, while Paula Vieira de Oliveira is noted for her private equity sector acumen. Private equity investments also feature heavily in Pedro Whitaker De Souza Dias‘s workload. Fernando Amendola leads on M&A deals in the real estate space. Other names to note include Luciana Pietro Lorenzo and Maria Fernanda de Almeida Prado e Silva. Tomás Neiva joined from CFA Advogados in August 2021. Since publication, Thaís Gasparian Moraes has been promoted to partner.

Testimonials

‘Mattos Filho has a very robust team and is prepared to face any challenge. Having multiple associates and partners capable of handling any edge of our M&A transaction was very helpful.’

‘Tomás Neiva is an extraordinary and very reliable lawyer who is able to explain to foreign investors in a simple way the particularities and complexities of the Brazilian market.’

‘Above-average technical quality, agility in returns and attention to the client’s business set the firm apart.’

‘Mattos Filho is one of the best full service firms in Brazil, with full capacity to advise on complex operations.’

‘Mattos Filho’s corporate team manages to act with great sensitivity and dedication to client needs, delving into complex issues with attention and applying all the expertise of its professionals.’

‘I believe the quality of lawyers, materials sent and level of service are excellent. In addition, they understand our company and our needs very well.’

Key clients

Actis

Advent

B2W

Cogna (Kroton)

Cosan

Daio

Evoltz

General Atlantic

GIC

Goldman Sachs

Grupo Ultra

J. Malucelli

Naspers

Oncoclínicas

Patria Investimentos

Stone

UOL

Vinci Partners

Warburg Pincus

XP Private Equity

Odebrecht

Prumo

Muniservices

Work highlights

  • Advised the sellers and current shareholders of Grupo Big Brasil on the sale of Grupo Big (former Walmart Brasil operation) to Atacadão (Grupo Carrefour).
  • Assisted Grupo Soma in the business combination transaction with Cia. Hering, through which Hering became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Grupo Soma.
  • Advised Bradespar on the transaction concerning the reduction of its share capital, in the amount of R$5.26bn, through the restitution, to its shareholders, of common shares issued by Vale held by Bradespar.

Pinheiro Neto Advogados

Praised by clients for its ‘deep legal knowledge, excellent negotiation skills and relevant deal flow’, Pinheiro Neto Advogados continues to advise buyers, sellers, private equity funds, venture capital firms and financial institutions on blockbuster M&A deals in a variety of industries. The team has reported a recent uptick in transactional mandates within the technology, education, energy, oil and gas, healthcare, agribusiness and infrastructure sectors, which are all undergoing a consolidation process in the country. In terms of technology and innovation, the firm has adopted new software solutions based on data analytics and machine learning to support decision-making in many of its core practice areas. Its D&I programme promotes internal and external actions, with an emphasis on gender equality, sexual orientation, race and ethnicity, people with disabilities, religious freedom, and financial and geographic diversity. On this front, it supports Ismart – Instituto Social para Motivar, Apoiar e Reconhecer Talentos, a non-profit that assists young people from low-income backgrounds by offering them scholarships in prime schools and access to vocational programmes from elementary to higher education levels. As a result, many law students linked to this entity joined the firm as interns. Furthermore, the firm, which was the first in the market to offset its entire carbon footprint, has been offering advice on a pro-bono basis since its inception in 1942. Focused on private equity and M&A transactions, Carlos Alberto Moreira Lima Jr manages the group, which also features managing partners Alexandre Bertoldi and Fernando Alves Meira, the latter of whom excels in cross-border deals. Marcelo Viveiros de Moura is experienced in M&A in the oil and gas space, while Henry Sztutman and Miguel Tornovsky are trusted by several private equity firms. Other core members of the team include Joao Marcelo Pacheco, Fernando Zorzo, whose experience covers corporate reorganisations involving listed companies, Eduardo Paoliello Jr., Vânia Marques Ribeiro Moyano and Joamir Müller Romiti Alves, who is highlighted for his ‘excellent negotiation skills’. Camila Carvalho Gomes and Thiago José da Silva were promoted to partner in early 2022. Since publication, Tiago Eler Silva and Cauê Rezende Myanaki have been raised to the partnership – with effect from January 2023.

Practice head(s):

Carlos Alberto Moreira Lima Jr

Testimonials

‘Super capable team with deep legal knowledge, excellent negotiation skills, and relevant deal flow to coordinate a strategic deal.’

‘Joamir Alves is a young partner who, due to his experience and performance, seems to be older than he is. Excellent negotiation skills, intelligence, experience with similar deals. Always accessible and always with good inputs.’

Key clients

Pátria Investimentos

Advent International

Carlyle Group

H.I.G. Capital

Credit Suisse

Raízen Energia

American Tower Corporation

Grupo Simões

Notredame Intermédica

SoftBank Group

Banco Bradesco

Rede D’Or São Luiz

Bank of China Limited

Caixa Econômica Federal

Banco BTG Pactual

Magalu Pagamentos

Sompo Japan Insurance

Alpargatas

Work highlights

  • Advised Hapvida Participações e Investimentos on the merger with NotreDame Intermédica.
  • Assisting Raízen Energia and Raízen Combustíveis in the acquisition of Biosev on a debt-free basis, in consideration of a certain cash payment and a number of newly issued shares of Raízen.
  • Advising Linx on the combination of its business with STNE Participações, a company controlled by StoneCo, a Brazilian fintech listed in NASDAQ.

Cascione Pulino Boulos Advogados

At Cascione Pulino Boulos Advogados, the corporate and M&A team is comprised of ‘very well-prepared professionals', who attract instructions from a stellar corporate client base operating in an array of sectors, including healthcare, financial services, education and infrastructure, to name a few. The team continues to manage a busy transactional workload populated by strategic and distressed M&A, cross-border deals and investments in the start-ups space, most notably within the fintech sector. As part of a concerted effort to diversify its workforce, the firm has committed to a three-year plan of action aimed at placing diversity at the centre of its recruitment process. Co-chair Eduardo Taleb Boulos continues to advise on multi-jurisdictional deals, including the acquisition and sale of publicly traded corporations and privately held companies, while fellow co-head Milana Antoniolli Martins' recent engagements include joint ventures and M&A in the fields of telecoms, infrastructure, energy and mining. Luiz Eduardo Malta Corradini has considerable experience in M&A, private equity, joint ventures and corporate reorganisations, while Guilherme Bertolini brings together expertise in M&A and wealth and succession planning. Brunno Morette joined from NBF Advogados to head up the firm’s Spanish desk; he regularly acts for Iberian and Latin American clients in commercial contracts, cross-border deals and corporate restructurings.

Practice head(s):

Eduardo Taleb Boulos; Milana Antoniolli Martins

Testimonials

‘Very good quality of service provided by a very dynamic team.’

‘Brunno Morette is an excellent lawyer, who anticipates possible difficulties and is always on the lookout for any issues that may arise.’

‘Excellent law firm; very professional. They provide incredible personalised services. Very well prepared professionals.’

Key clients

IG4

Raízen

Neon Pagamentos

Caixa Económica Montepio Geral

Gerdau

Hyva Holding

Comexport Trading

Porto do Açu

Carrefour Group

Work highlights

  • Assisted Raízen in the acquisition of Shell’s entire lubricant business in Brazil.
  • Advising XP Investimentos group on the acquisition of IGTI – Instituto em Gestão de Tecnologia da Informação.
  • Advising Gerdau on the sale of the assets relating to Terminal Marítimo Gerdau to Intermarítima Portos e Logística.

Lefosse Advogados

An exceptional 12 months for Lefosse Advogados saw the firm advising on a series of market-shaping deals across the healthcare, oil and gas, retail and technology segments. Brazilian and international companies engaged in strategic transactions regularly turn to the team for assistance with the full range of M&A, private equity and venture capital deals. On the innovation front, the firm’s recent investment in technology and new software systems aims to streamline the provision of legal advice. The firm’s diversity and inclusion programme was established in 2017 to focus on four grounds: gender, race, LGBTQIA+ and people with disabilities. More recently, the firm has revised its internal policies concerning talent attraction and retention in order to place a larger emphasis on diversity during the recruitment process. Leading the corporate and M&A practice, Luiz Octavio Lopes brings to the table a wealth of experience in both corporate and capital market transactions at the domestic and international level. Carlos Mello is the trusted advisor to many of the firm’s most important corporate clients; corporate reorganisations and M&A are among his areas of expertise. André Calumby, who is a name to note for corporate governance, has recently handled deals on behalf of a multitude of entities, including private and public companies, private equity houses and venture capital funds. Typical instructions for Christiano Rehder range from corporate restructuring to foreign investments, private equity and joint ventures. Christian Roschmann left the firm in April 2022. Since publication, Leonardo Batista has been promoted to partner.

Practice head(s):

Luiz Octavio Lopes

Testimonials

‘M&A projects focused on the agribusiness area done with mastery.’

Key clients

DASA

HIG

GNDI (Grupo Notredame Intermédica)

GOL

Petrobras

Vinci Partners

Elfa Medicamentos

Vivo

Magazine Luiza

Totvs

Perfin

CIP

AES Group

Pague Menos

Vale

DASA

HIG

GNDI (Grupo Notredame Intermédica)

Work highlights

  • Advised Notre Dame Intermédica Participações on the business combination between GNDI and Hapvida Participações and Investimentos II.
  • Acted as legal counsel to Petrobras in connection with the sale of Refinaria Landulpho Alves and its associated logistics assets to Mubadala Capital.
  • Assisted Hortigil Hortifruti, FIP Semillon and the other shareholders in connection with the sale of shares representative of 100% of the corporate capital of Hortigil Hortifruti and its subsidiaries.

Stocche Forbes Advogados

The highly regarded team at Stocche Forbes Advogados maintains a broad offering in the area of corporate and M&A. Noted for its partner-level involvement and ‘focus on long-term relationships‘ with major clients, the team is frequently engaged in innovative, high-end and complex transactional work, covering the formation of joint ventures, share purchases and sale arrangements and corporate reorganisations in the energy, retail, food and life sciences sectors, to name a few. Private equity is a strong point for the department, which often attracts instructions from local and foreign funds seeking to invest in Brazil. A multidisciplinary team led by capital markets and M&A partners Henrique Filizzola and Rafael Andrade oversees the legal innovation initiatives launched by the firm to optimise efficiency; it recently teamed up with a software development boutique to develop a bespoke AI solution to be utilised during due diligence processes. On the diversity and inclusion front, the firm has developed four internal committes focused on gender (SF Mulher), LGBTQIAP+ (SOMOS), disability (Ultra), and ethnicity and race (Radix) issues. André Mestriner Stocche and Flavio Meyer have been working on corporate law matters and M&A for over two decades; private equity transactions, where they act on both the sell and buy side, is another area of expertise for the pair. Fabiano Milani has considerable experience in cross-border deals involving Latin American jurisdictions. Matheus Campos ‘is tireless and always attentive to every detail of a transaction’. Other noteworthy practitioners include Bruno Bercito and Ricardo Peres Freoa. Emilio Gallucci is a key contact for foreign companies and investment funds, while Alessandra Zequi stands out for her track record in deals involving listed companies. Luciana Stracieri and Teo Silva Galvão were welcomed to the partnership in 2022. Fernanda Cardoso is no longer at the firm.

Practice head(s):

André Stocche; Flavio Meyer; Fabiano Milani; Matheus Campos; Rafael Andrade; Alessandra Zequi; Paola Carrara de Sambuy Gomes; Matheus Campos; Ricardo Peres Freoa; Rafael Andrade; Bruno Bercito; Emilio Gallucci

Testimonials

The M&A and corporate teams are very strong.’

‘Emílio Gallucci is a brilliant professional in the corporate and M&A area. The contractual negotiations he conducts are differentiated, and he has the ability to handle highly complex problems. André Stocche has an excellent business and technical vision.’

‘One of the best prepared teams – from partners to associates – in Brazil.’

‘Matheus Campos with each passing year becomes a better professional. Matheus is tireless and always attentive to every detail of a transaction.’

‘It is a firm that manages to retain talent. As a client, I have the feeling that I am the only one being served, and the provision of services is of extreme quality and efficiency. I work with them on M&A, financing, regulatory and tax matters.’

‘The team led by partners André Stocche and Fabiano Milani is highly qualified and works in an integrated way.’

‘Stocche Forbes has been a key advisor on several of our complex investments. The quality of partners and associates is excellent, but what differentiates the team is its business vision, and focus on long-term relationships. The firm adds to the strategic discussions of the transaction, going beyond purely legal points.’

‘Teo Galvão incorporates the concept of a trusted advisor, thinking in a macro way about the manager’s business and proposed transaction to help in decision-making.’

Key clients

Pátria Investimentos

Blackstone

L. Catterton

Farallon Capital Management

One Equity Partners

Gtis Partners

Acon Investments

HSI Hemisfério Sul Investimentos

Xp Investimentos

Mubadala

Tarpon Investimentos

Darby Franklin Templeton

Harvard Management Company

Grupo Verzani & Sandrini

Banco Bradesco

Cvs

Omega Energia

Energisa

Vale

Raizen

Work highlights

  • Advised CPP Investments on the acquisition of an indirect equity stake in Iguá Saneamento.
  • Advised Farallon Latin America Investimentos on the sale of the share control of Elizabeth Cimentos and Elizabeth Mineração to CSN Cimentos.
  • Assisted Highline do Brasil II Infraestrutura de Telecomunicações in the acquisition of a single production unity comprising the telecommunication towers/sites owned by Oi Group, within the scope of its judicial recovery plan.

Tauil & Chequer Advogados

The multidisciplinary team at Tauil & Chequer Advogados is a solid performer in transactional, regulatory and contentious matters. Brazilian and international corporations, financial institutions, buyout firms, private equity funds, investors and pension funds routinely seek the team’s assistance in the context of mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, consolidations, spin-offs and corporate restructurings. Oil and gas-related deals are a cornerstone of the department, whose sectoral coverage also extends to chemicals, agriculture, technology, education, retail, real estate and retail. Benefitting from its association with Mayer Brown, the firm offers a global risk management tool to clients, which can easily build a picture of their risk landscape and consider mitigation strategies in the context of transactions. Its pro bono commitment is also of note; it has recently worked on a pro bono basis with the Vance Center for International Justice, the CEFIS (Centre for Philanthropy and Social Inversions of the Adolfo Ibáñez University in Chile), the Ellen MacArthurFoundation in circular economy projects, the AAME (Association of Friends of Spinal Muscular Atrophy) and Mundo Gentileza, an organisation that provides educational support to public school students across the country. Alexandre Chequer is seasoned in M&A and joint ventures involving oil and gas players. He oversees the practice with Carlos Motta, whose experience includes cross-border transactions, private equity and venture capital, and Victor Galante, another name to note for deals in the oil and gas, energy and natural resources segments. Bruno Salzano is proficient in inbound and outbound investments, cross-border M&A and corporate restructuring. Since publication, the firm has hired Olavo Bentes David (formerly the legal head of state-owned entity Pré-Sal Petróleo – PPSA) as a counsel, effective as of October 2022.

Practice head(s):

Alexandre Chequer; Carlos Motta; Victor Galante

Work highlights

  • Assisting CNOOC Petroleum do Brasil in the acquisition of an additional 5% participating interest in Buzios.
  • Advised Alpargatas on its $475m Series B investment in Rothy’s.
  • Helped an energy infrastructure fund of Brazil’s Vinci Partners to launch a R$266m stalking horse bid to buy power assets from Renova Energia.

TozziniFreire Advogados

TozziniFreire Advogados‘ team is regularly instructed by a sizeable roster of prestigious corporate clients in an array of high-end and mid-market M&A transactions, private equity investments and divestitures, both domestic and cross-border in nature. Under the joint leadership of Marcela Waksman Ejnisman and João Busin, the practice has been notably active in high-profile deals in the technology and software fields, including fintech, as well as healthcare, logistics and infrastructure, among other sectors. Highlighted for its focus in innovation and strength in venture capital matters, the team has been ‘fostering the growth of new companies and entrepreneurship through Think Future‘, a programme whose focal point is on agile methodologies, visual law and legal initiatives that bring lawyers closer to the technical and operational areas of the law firm. On the topic of innovation, the firm has long utilised automated due diligence and AI sytems aiming at reducing costs and enhancing efficiency in the provision of legal services. Its D&I initiative (TFInclusão), which comprises affinity groups focusing on gender, LGBTIQA+, race, people with disabilities, refugees and sustainability, is also of note. The firm’s well-established pro bono programme goes from strength to strength; the firm reported an increase of almost 400% hours per year since 2017. Names to note in the M&A team include Maria Elisa Gualandi Verri, who acts for public and privately held companies in deals across the infrastructure, logistics and energy sectors. Silvia Martins De Castro Cunha Zono marries M&A experience with in-depth knowledge of wealth and estate planning, while Fernando Silveira Carvalho is recommended for venture capital and foreign investments. Victor Frias Françoso ‘is an excellent professional and super available‘. Juliana Soares Zaidan Maluf and Beatriz Seixas recently joined from Pinheiro Neto Advogados, while João Ribeiro da Costa  and Oswaldo Dalla Torre arrived from Landi, Rodrigues, Nakano e Giovannetti Advogados. Since publication, Francisco Eumene Machado de Oliveira Neto has left the firm.

Practice head(s):

Marcela Waksman Ejnisman; João Busin

Testimonials

‘We were very impressed by the professionals’ diligence, agility and knowledge of the healthcare sector. In the work we have done with them advising us, we highlight the knowledge they have in venture capital.’

‘We have worked with João Busin and Juliana Maluf. João is a great lawyer and provides a high quality service. He is well respected in the legal market. Juliana is very technical and experienced in VC, and has a very commercial profile. Both are excellent M&A attorneys.’

‘Tozzini always served us impeccably. They meet deadlines, charge agreed fees, demonstrate deep business knowledge and are technically excellent. Some of Tozzini’s differentials are the level of specialisation of the professionals in each area, the fact that they are full service and because they are always at the forefront of new practices. They were the first to have an M&A team focused on Venture Capital, for example. They are also very focused on innovation in general, fostering the growth of new companies and entrepreneurship through Think Future, a program aimed at young companies.’

‘The partners I highlight are João Busin, Silvia Cunha and Fernando Carvalho. João is today one of the main M&A lawyers in Brazil and is Tozzini’s main reference in M&A. He is very technical. Silvia is one of the highlights of the M&A team, with extensive experience in complex transactions, as well as focusing on M&A deals involving family businesses and in the agribusiness space. She is an excellent team builder, always surrounding herself with good professionals. Fernando has a very similar profile to João in terms of practice and sophistication. His knowledge of litigation, in addition to the depth he has in M&A gives him a more dynamic view of the market. Among the associates, I highlight Victor Françoso, who is an excellent professional and super available.’

‘Beatriz Seixas and João Busin worked on the project at all times, with great availability and efficiency.’

‘I like the level of delivery of the partners, diverse team, speed and readiness in relation to demands, technical and negotiating capacity of the team.’

‘In particular, I would recommend the partners Juliana Maluf and Beatriz Seixas. Both have excellent technical knowledge, in addition to good client service.’

‘We worked several times with partners João Busin, Fernando Carvalho, Silvia Cunha, Beatriz Seixas and Juliana Maluf. The team is spectacular and, despite being young, very experienced. Another quality is the speed and precision in the answers. All of them have always presented a very homogeneous level of excellence and quality, so that today they have become our reference for legal services.’

Key clients

Axxon Group

VF International

Vivante

GEF Capital Partners

Opy Health

JB3 Investimentos

FEMSA

Ontario Teachers Pension Plan

Votorantim

Solistica

McCain Foods Limited

Sinqia

Indigo Estacionamento

Marubeni Corporation

Amsted-Maxion Fundição e Equipamentos Ferroviários

Sumitomo Corporation of America

Toyota

Elis (Europe Linge Service)

Whirlpool

Decolar.com

Work highlights

  • Advised OTPP on the acquisition of Evoltz and Norte Brasil Transmissora de Energia.
  • Assisted MWS Capital in the series A investment in Árvore Educação and acquisition by Nubank of 100% of the capital stock of Olivia, a start-up focusing on AI and financial organisation.
  • Advised on the acquisition of 100% of NewCon Tecnologia and NewCon Software, companies that develop software for the management of consortium, by Sinqia.

Trench Rossi Watanabe

Trench Rossi Watanabe has a loyal following of household name companies in the agribusiness, healthcare, technology, and oil and gas sectors, among others, and also continues to attract new clients. Advising on inbound and outbound investments is a core strength for the team, which is consistently involved in high-end deals involving publicly listed Brazilian clients and cross-border M&A transactions. Drawing on Baker McKenzie’s vast international presence and resources, the firm is able to offer technology and AI tools and solutions to clients to accelerate and automatise legal processes. The firm has adopted a number of structures and initiatives aimed at enhancing diversity and inclusion by focusing on key issues like ethnicity, differently abled people, LGBTQIA+, gender equality, and religious tolerance; its commitment to sustainability and pro-bono work is also noteworthy. Anna Mello heads up the corporate, capital markets, M&A, insurance, and oil and gas practice groups. She stands out for her performance in transactional work involving the energy and infrastructure sectors. Daniel Facó oversees the firm’s transactional areas, and is widely trusted by issuers, shareholders, financial institutions and investors in a range of M&A deals. M&A involving publicly traded companies is a notable area of practice for Mauricio Pacheco, who is also seasoned in corporate restructuring and private equity. Other key individuals include Bruno Dreifus, recently promoted partner Evaristo Lucena, Paula Alonso and Munique Stragliotto Isoppo, all of whom specialise in corporate law and transactions.

Practice head(s):

Anna Mello; Daniel Facó; Mauricio Pacheco

Key clients

Abbott

Afya

Alisul (Supra)

Bemis

Boehringer Ingelheim do Brasil Quím Farmacêutica

Bunge

Daimler

Ecolab

EDP Energias Renováveis

Fedex

Froneri

Grupo Bimbo

Grupo SBF

GSK Brasil

Hotmart

J&J

Mercedes Benz do Brasil

Merck

Motorola Solutions

Pepsico

Petrobras

Petrobras Logistica De Gas

Procter & Gamble

Rhone Capital V

Salesforce

Sembcorp Marine

Shell

State Power Investment Corporation – SPIC

Takeda

Transamerica Aegon Group

Trouw Nutrition

Unilever

Wiz Soluções E Corretagem De Seguros

Yara

Zeg Energias Renováveis

Work highlights

  • Advised Ecopetrol on a $3.7bn acquisition of Interconexión Eléctrica.
  • Advised on the sale of all equity interest in Pronto Money Transfer to Banco Inter, by means of merger, in a stock and cash transaction valued at approximately $157m.
  • Advised Mercedes Benz do Brasil and Daimler on the sale of an automotive plant in Brazil to Great Wall Motor.

Veirano Advogados

Praised for its ‘differentiated business acumen‘, Veirano Advogados has cemented a strong reputation for M&A in the Brazilian market. With practitioners based in São Paulo, Porto Alegre and in the newly opened Rio de Janeiro headquarters, the practice is well suited to handle high-value M&A deals involving listed companies, mid-market and smaller transactions concerning family-owned businesses, and strategic cross-border investments. Private equity transactions are a notable field of activity for the team, which is also well placed to assist in the venture capital, technology and start-ups spaces. The firm has been developing its diversity and inclusion programme, InclusiVA, for the past six years with a particular focus on five aspects: age, gender, race, sexual orientation and social background. Its commitment to increase female participation and representation in the firm was reflected by the recent appointment of Paula Surerus, the first woman to hold the role in the firm’s 50-year history. Augusto Cesar Barbosa De Souza, who has handled M&A deals in the pharmaceutical, IT, retail and petrochemical segments, manages the corporate group alongside Fernando Verzoni, Lior Pinsky, who is highlighted for his knowledge of public M&A, private equity and capital markets, and managing partner Surerus. Alberto Bragança has a strong transactional record in regulated sectors, while Vitor Rozenthal boasts far-reaching experience in buy and sell-side M&A deals, corporate restructurings and private equity. Vanessa Felício and Daniel Augusto Malatesta, the latter of whom is well regarded for his performance in domestic and cross-border M&A, joint ventures and venture capital, were promoted to partner in early 2022. Since publication, Diego Yago Rodrigues and Maria Cecilia Vieira were welcomed to the partnership, effective as of January 2023.

Practice head(s):

Augusto Cesar Barbosa de Souza; Fernando Verzoni; Lior Pinsky; Paula Surerus

Testimonials

‘Excellent work and dedication.’

‘Excellent team with extensive knowledge.’

‘It was the best  firm among all the M&A advisors we hired in 2021: high technical knowledge, differentiated business acumen, availability of partners and specialised teams, etc.’

‘Daniel Malatesta: I expected a good job, but he excelled and really showed that he already deserved the promotion. Lior Pinsky deserves all the market recognition.’

Key clients

Claro

TPG Growth

Yara Fertilizantes

Sovos

Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein

BSBios

Argo Energia

ATTA

Intertek

Work highlights

  • Assisted Hercosul in a competitive process involving the sale of its pet nutrition business, organised by Banco Santander.
  • Advised TPG Growth on the sale of 92% of RD Gestão e Sistemas to Totvs for an amount of approximately $338m.
  • Assisted Yara Fertilizantes in the sale of Eurochem’s Salitre phosphate mining project in the city of Serra do Salitre, in the state of Minas Gerais.

Campos Mello Advogados in cooperation with DLA Piper

Campos Mello Advogados in cooperation with DLA Piper‘s presence in high-end and mid-market M&A space is reflected in the volume of big-ticket, cross-border deals the team advises on. Benefitting from its association with the DLA Piper global network, the firm is a go-to destination for companies taking part in multi-jurisdictional transactions. In addition, it is able to make use of state-of-the-art technology and software tools to improve efficiency. During the review period, the practice reported increased activity in private equity, joint ventures and M&A involving energy, oil and gas, and distressed assets. Department head Fabiano Gallo has recently been engaged by international clients looking to establish or expand their activities in Brazil; energy and infrastructure-related transactions are among his fields of expertise. Clients seeking assistance in corporate law and real estate M&A regularly retain Fabio Perrone Campos Mello, while Carolina Marcondes Sant’Angelo leads advice to retail, technology and industrial goods companies in the context of commercial contracts, M&A and private equity deals. Other key contacts include Oduvaldo Lara Júnior and the recently promoted Renata Amorim. Another relevant feature of the firm is its pro bono programme, coordinated by insurance and reinsurance partner Marcella Hill, which supports causes related to climate change, and social and gender equality.

Practice head(s):

Fabiano Gallo

Testimonials

‘Professionals that are extremely dedicated to the projects; easy access to the entire team. They are agile and work according to the client’s timing needs.’

Key clients

Sequoia

Printi

Grupo Boticario

Nissan

Statkraft

Compass/GRSA

Basf

GE

CVC

Banco Votorantim

BlackHawk Network

Blizzard Entertainment

Máquina de Vendas

Wipro Tecnologies

Finhealth

Lifemed

Brasil Plural

SITA

Lanxess

Nestle

Fleury

Crescera Investimentos

Lenovo

China Navigation Company

Eneva

Solar Bebidas/ Coca-Cola

3R Petróleo

Starboard

Work highlights

  • Assisted Arthur J. Gallagher in the acquisition of the Brazilian assets of Willis Towers Watson.
  • Assisted Cobra Group (a subsidiary of the ACS Group from Spain) – as a preferred bidder– in the negotiations for the acquisition of the Carmópolis Cluster from Petrobras.
  • Assisted Xometry, alongside an international firm, in the acquisition of Thomas Publishing Company.

KLA Advogados

KLA Advogados‘ corporate and M&A team is well versed in a broad range of corporate deals, including transactions in the food and beverage, paper and cellulose, telecoms, infrastructure, healthcare, education, media and energy spaces. The firm, which celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2022, maintains a stable and impressive roster of longstanding clients, and continues to attract new engagements in a range of sectors. 2021 saw the team acting on the buy and sell-side of significant transactions; the practice, which is well placed to advise venture capital clients, reported a recent uptick in technology-related deals. Gender diversity is an important feature of the firm, which has a high proportion of female lawyers and a diverse board of directors. On the pro bono side, partners and associates support a number of initiatives, with a particular focus on disability, human rights, small businesses, health issues and inclusion. Mário Fioratti and Karin Alvo, the latter of whom is recognised for her knowledge of technology, telecoms and life sciences-related matters, ‘are amazing corporate attorneys‘. Mariana Cortez focuses on the real estate and education segments, while Alessandra Höhne and Luiz Filipe Aranha focus on M&A and general corporate law matters. Melissa Kanô ‘excellently combines technical skills with a deep understanding of the client’s needs‘. Patrícia Braga has recently been engaged in transactions in the automotive, chemical and healthcare spaces; she is a name to note for multi-jurisdictional matters, especially related to the US and Germany. André Maruch stands out at the associate level; he regularly advises sellers and buyers in all market segments.

Practice head(s):

Karin Alvo; Mariana Cortez; Melissa Kanô; Alessandra Hohne; Luiz Filipe Aranha

Testimonials

‘The team that assisted me during my M&A transaction was very senior. They were confident in the advice they provided. This gives security to the client.’

‘Melissa Kanô is a rare professional in the legal market who excellently combines technical skills with a deep understanding of the client’s needs. Specially focused on M&A, corporate law and complex project management.’

‘Patricia Braga and André Maruch were available any time or day of the week. Both professionals are very committed to their work and clients.’

Key clients

Suzano

Boston Scientific Corporation

QMC Towers Infrastructure

General Mills Inc. / Yoplait

Hughes/EchoStar satellite

Lear Corporation

Ecogen Brasil Soluções Energéticas

Bain Company

Omnicom Group

Mars

Helexia

Deutsche Bahn

GPA

Ânima Educação

Bresco

Polaris

Kaszek Ventures

Reclame Aqui

XP/Vision One

Cerpo Group Eye Care

UOL

PagSeguro

Capital Lab Ventures

Line Express Logistics

Work highlights

  • Assisted Ânima Educação in the acquisition process of CEFOS (Faculdade de Direito Milton Campos and Faculdade de Administração Milton Campos).
  • Assisted H.Olhos Group Companies in the negotiation of a joint venture with XP private equity fund, whereby Vision One acquired the H.Olhos group companies (Cerpo, Molinari Oftalmologia and Instituto Molinari).
  • Assisted Suzano in the structuring and negotiation of the conditions for the sale of real estate properties and timber assets to Bracell.

Lobo de Rizzo Advogados

Standing out for the breadth of its expertise, Lobo de Rizzo Advogados is a popular choice for major players in the education, energy, food and beverages, and life sciences sectors in significant deals and non-transactional corporate matters. Typical instructions range from advising on the structuring of joint ventures to assisting with the negotiation of private equity investments, commercial contracts and cross-border deals. The team, whose broad scope of expertise ensures a constant flow of work, benefits from founding partners José Orlando Arrochela Lobo and Valdo Cestari De Rizzo‘s wealth of experience in this space and long-term relationships with major clients. Otávio Lucas Solano Valério‘s recent workload has included major deals and contracts in the food, beverage and franchise sectors, while corporate law and regulatory expert Paula Magalhães has been focused on transactions involving listed companies. Rodrigo Millar De Castro Guerra has been at the helm of big-ticket M&A and private equity deals, where he represents Brazilian, North American and European companies. José Eduardo Marretti, whose experience covers construction, infrastructure and education M&A, and Julia Visconti were recently promoted to the partnership. Ana Paula Miguel and Guilherme Henke Menegassi are other noteworthy practitioners, who handle M&A transactions and corporate reorganisations. The team was further strengthened by the arrival of partners Daniel Barros and Luiz Halembeck as a result of the firm’s incorporation of boutique Halembeck Barros Advogados in September 2022. The firm, which consistently invests in technology and process improvements, has recently reinforced its diversity and inclusion programme, and continues to be involved in several initiatives dedicated to promoting access to education in Brazil.

Practice head(s):

Ana Paula Miguel; Guilherme Henke Menegassi; In Hee Cho; José Eduardo Marretti; José Orlando Lobo; Julia Visconti; Marco La Rosa de Almeida; Otávio Lucas Solano Valério; Marcelo Droghetti; Paula Magalhães; Regina Gasulla Bouza; Rodrigo Delboni Teixeira; Rodrigo de Castro Guerra; Valdo Cestari de Rizzo

Testimonials

‘The work undertaken by the team was essential for the conclusion of the transaction and safety of the sellers. They brought security to the negotiation. Due to geographic distance, technology was essential for meetings and contact, as well as data processing.’

‘We work directly with Marco La Rosa de Almeida and his team. The service and full-time support were sensational.’

Key clients

Energia PCH

Serasa

Arco Educação

Afya Participações

BK Brasil

FVO – Brasília Indústria e Comércio de Alimentos

Alibra Alimentos

Sweet Mix Group

Agasus

Advent do Brasil

V2i Energia

Vinci Partners

Duratex

2W Energia

Cogna

Somos Sistemas de Ensino

Via Varejo

Itausa

IMC – International Meal Company

Coca-Cola

Work highlights

  • Assisted Energia PCH in the sale of all its assets from three companies (Desa Rio das Garças, Desa Térmicas Desenvolvimento Energético and Hydria Participações e Investimentos) to BFE Participações.
  • Advised BK Brasil on the execution of the agreement for the association of BK Brasil’s operations (Burger King and Popeye’s) with DP Brasil, the master franchisee of Domino’s Pizza.
  • Assisted Coca-Cola Indústrias in the termination of previous distribution arrangements in force since 2002 between Kaiser and certain distributors of the Coca-Cola Distribution System.

Pinheiro Guimarães

Singled out for its ‘exceptional technical quality and negotiation skills', Pinheiro Guimarães has considerable experience in sophisticated M&A transactions involving clients of all sizes, from publicly traded companies to start-ups. Drawing on the firm’s banking and finance tradition, the group is well positioned to handle high-end deals in the financial services sector; private equity investments, and M&A involving listed companies, which generally have additional regulatory challenges, are other notable areas of strength for the team. Its busy workload not only features domestic and cross-border M&A, but also public offerings, joint ventures, spin-offs and corporate reorganisations across a range of industries. Plinio Pinheiro Guimarães steers the Rio de Janeiro-based team on complex M&A deals, and Francisco José Pinheiro Guimarães oversees M&A, private equity and corporate law matters handled by the São Paulo office. Fellow co-head Marcelo Lamy Rego is noted for his ‘in-depth knowledge of corporate law, Brazilian legislation and comprehensive view of all kinds of legal challenges'. Rodrigo Marcilio is trusted by private equity funds and large corporations in both sell and buy-side transactions. Large-cap M&A and distressed deals are key areas of activity for Sérgio Ramos Yoshino. Maria Amélia Lisbão Senra is noted for her transactional track record in the financial, healthcare and retail sectors.  Also recommended, René Mostardeiro Brunet is a key contact for cross-border M&A and private equity deals, and Carolina Cardoso Ramalho brings together experience in corporate finance and business transactions. The firm has made significant investments in technology, including the implementation of AI tools to facilitate research, legal precedent analysis and due diligence exercises in the context of transactions.

Practice head(s):

Plinio Pinheiro Guimarães N.; Francisco José Pinheiro Guimarães; Marcelo Lamy

Testimonials

‘Exceptional technical quality and negotiation skills.’

‘Marcelo Lamy is certainly one of the best corporate lawyers in the country. Carolina Cardoso Ramalho has excellent technical knowledge.’

‘Highly specialised in corporate, capital markets and international transactions. Excellent team, very available, hands-on and flexible. They are distinguished from the large firms that operate in international M&A or capital markets due to their proximity to the client and work as a single team.’

‘Marcelo Lamy is very experienced and has in-depth knowledge of corporate law, Brazilian legislation and a comprehensive view of all kinds of legal challenges and issues. Excellent negotiator and strategist.’

Key clients

BTG Pactual

Brookfield

Citibank

HSBC

GP Investments

Itau Unibanco

Gávea Investimentos

International Finance Corporation –

IFC

Organizações Globo

BHG – Brazil Hospitality Group

Sendas Distribuidora

Credit Suisse

Enel

Principia Capital Partners

Goldman Sachs

EB Capital

DNA Capital

EDF

GTIS Partners

Graal Participações

BIONEXO

Participações Industriais do Nordeste

Cellera Farma

Air Bus / Helibrás

Arla Foods

Wilson Sons

CM Hospitalar / Grupo Viveo

Consigaz

Partners Group

Grupo de Moda Soma

Macquarie Capital

Klabin

Rede D’Or

Rock World (Rock in Rio)

B3 – Brasil, Bolsa, Balcão

CBSM – Companhia de Soluções de Marketing (Dotz)

CBOE Global Markets

BeeTech Global

Group 1 Automotive

Grupo Alfa

Work highlights

  • Advised Sendas Distribuidoras on the $1bn acquisition of Extra Hiper by Sendas Distribuidora (Assaí).
  • Assisted CSN Cimentos in the acquisition of equity interest representing 100% of the capital stock of LafargeHolcim (Brasil).
  • Acted as Globo’s legal counsel with respect to the sale of 100% of the capital stock of Comercial Fonográfica RGE and its affiliates, which are the operational entities behind the Som Livre musical label.

Vella Pugliese Buosi e Guidoni Advogados

Vella Pugliese Buosi e Guidoni Advogados continues to attract top-end M&A mandates, regularly acting on behalf of numerous household names in the healthcare, retail, energy, financial services, and media and entertainment industries, to name a few. Its strategic alliance with Dentons makes it a popular choice for clients, including private equity and financial services players, engaged in high-value, cross-border transactions with ties to Brazil. As a result of this association, the firm has implemented a global strategic business plan based on four main pillars (grow, protect, operate and finance), through which it has already adopted numerous cybersecurity measures and technological tools to address clients’ most pressing needs. Corporate partner Bruna Gobbi serves as co-head of the firm’s D&I committee and WomenLEAD In Brazil, a programme centred around gender equality in the legal profession. The corporate and M&A group is under the joint leadership of founding partners Frederico Buosi and Rodrigo Vilardo Vella, both of whom possess decades of experience in corporate transactions, including joint ventures and private equity investments. Denise Chachamovitz Leão de Salles specialises in M&A and compliance matters; Gabriella Maranesi Najjar is a key figure in the group, with a particular focus on the energy and infrastructure sectors; and recently promoted partner Fernanda Le Tassinari is singled out for her track record in the life sciences space. Fernando Henrique Lopes, who was also welcomed to the partnership, ‘is an invaluable advisor‘ in the areas of corporate law and compliance.

Practice head(s):

Frederico Buosi; Rodrigo Vella

Testimonials

‘Knowledge and quality of service.’

‘VPBG is our main legal advisor in M&A. They develop projects with seriousness, assertiveness and a lot of technical knowledge. They are extremely proactive and hands-on, always delivering more than agreed.’

‘Bruna Gobbi and Rodrigo Vella stand out in the team. The two form a great team with a lot of seniority and dedication to client demands.’

‘The VPBG team is extremely responsive and client-focused. They understand our business, and help us make risk-adjusted assessments. We value their practical advice, and depth of market and legal knowledge.’

‘Fernando Henrique Lopes goes above and beyond in client service. He helps manage all of our work with VPBG (across various specialties), and he is an invaluable advisor to our business in Brazil. I would recommend him highly to any potential client.’

Key clients

Alelo

Alvest Equipment Services Group

Aqua Capital

Astella Investimentos

Archimeds

Banco Santander

Bentley Systems

Biomedical Distribution Mercosur

BR-ME Negócios

Canopy Growth Brasil Biomedical

CCR

CR Almeida – Engenharia de Obras

Grupo Pão de Açúcar

Hi Technology Corp

Laika Mascotas

MF Founders Fundo de Investimento Multiestratégia

Notredame Intermédica

Bain Capital

Pátria Investimentos

Blackstone Capital

Polarcus DMCC

Primav Construções e Comércio

Rigel Pharmaceuticals

Roku

Rumo

Smile Direct Club

Usina Açucareira São Manoel

VOVL Limited

Wefi Technology Group

Work highlights

  • Advised NotreDame Intermédica Group (GNDI) – Bain Capital on the acquisition of Medisanitas Brasil from Keralty, a Colombian investment group.
  • Advised Pátria Investimentos on the acquisition of the Chilean group Neosecure and Brazilian group Proteus.
  • Assisted Biomedical Distribution Mercosur in the acquisition of Line Express Transportes e Distribuição and ALXLOG Transporte e Logísitica.

Araújo e Policastro Advogados

Araújo e Policastro Advogados has a longstanding reputation in the Brazilian market, and is praised for combining ‘tradition and innovation to provide quality legal services‘. The full range of corporate and M&A services are catered for, with the team regularly acting for leading multinational and Brazilian clients from the healthcare, real estate, chemicals, telecoms, education, banking and infrastructure sectors, among others. The team handles a steady flow of M&A transactions, but is also prepared to provide non-transactional advice, and support in the context of corporate disputes. On the contentious front, the practice, which is made up of a majority of female lawyers, offers clients a tool that automatically allows the follow-up of ongoing lawsuits. Theodoro Araújo, who leads the thriving succession planning department, also oversees work pertaining to M&A, including cross-border deals. Focused on mergers, acquisitions and divestments, José Paulo Bueno is also active in joint ventures, shareholder issues and commercial agreements. These are all areas in which Camila Araújo is a key contact; she also has a wealth of experience assisting foreign entities in their operations in Brazil. Tania Mara Ferreira specialises in M&A and contractual matters in the automotive sector; other key practitioners in the group include Fernanda Pereira Leite and Bárbara Moreira.

Practice head(s):

Theodoro Araújo; José Paulo Bueno; Camila Araújo

Testimonials

‘We believe that this is a firm with great prestige in Brazil. The team is specialised in various branches of law, which makes it a tremendously competent firm in diverse matters.’

‘The lawyers of the firm with whom we have had the pleasure of working, including Tania Mara Ferreira, are professionals who stand out, in my experience, for their permanent availability and willingness at all times to help us as quickly as possible in all the matters that we refer to them.’

‘Highly engaged and qualified professionals. Camila Araújo stands out.’

‘The firm combines tradition and innovation to provide quality legal services. Its lawyers are technically prepared and are able to deal with clients’ problems quickly, and think of creative solutions. The firm’s internationalisation weighs heavily in its favour.’

‘Theodoro Araújo possesses an excellent technical capacity and great legal and business vision.’

Key clients

Alcoa Corporation

Alcoa Alumínio

Amphenol Corporation

Cabot Corporation

Dover

GS Global

SsangYong Corporation

Meritor

Metalsa

Penumbra

ASBZ Advogados

Demonstrating extensive experience in buy and sell-side deals, the M&A team at ASBZ Advogados acts for a diverse roster of domestic and international clients from a multitude of industries, including financial services, food and beverage, energy and technology. Mid-market M&A transactions are a key pillar of the practice, which also possesses significant capabilities in the implementation of sophisticated corporate governance structures, commercial agreements and day-to-day corporate issues. The firm stands out for its focus on ‘innovative strategic solutions‘. It has introduced a number of technological tools to improve efficiency and the quality of legal advice; ASBZLab, an initiative for the development and implementation of internal tools using machine learning and AI, is an example of this. The firm was also one of the first to offer 100% paid maternity and paternity leave to all employees for six months. Gabriela Claro ‘is very directly involved‘ in the practice; her complementary financial background adds value to complex M&A transactions. Claro jointly manages the team with Ricardo Melaré, who is the main point of contact for several major corporate clients. Other key practitioners include Gustavo Abud Navacchia, who acts for domestic and international investors in M&A and venture capital matters, and fund formation specialist Gustavo Rached Taiar. Since publication, Rodrigo Casarotti has been welcomed to the partnership.

Practice head(s):

Gabriela Claro; Ricardo Melaré

Testimonials

‘Gabriela Claro is very smart and diligent. She knows the industry and is attentive to our needs. She is very directly involved and often comes up with alternative solutions to our demands. The team below her is excellent and she coordinates it with mastery, making it easy for me to delegate much of our internal work.’

‘The partners know the industry well and, in general, are more attentive to news and innovative strategic solutions in general.’

Key clients

Mutant

MEZ Energia

Ambev

XP Investimentos

Louis Dreyfus Company

Bupa Group (CARE PLUS)

United Airlines

Liderança Serviços Especializados em Cobranças

Tarpon Gestora de R ecursos

International Paper do Brasil

Votorantim Group

Isa CTEEP

BTG Pactual

Braskem

Scholl Wellness Company (DOCTOR SHOES)

Fertilizantes Tocantins  -(EuroChem Group)

HiPartners Participações e Investimentos

Arteon Z Energia e Participações

Avianca

Korean Air Lines

Kepler Weber

Mercer Human Resource Consulting

Work highlights

  • Advised XP Investimentos on the acquisition of share interest in Giant Steps.
  • Assisted the partners of Liderança Cobrança in the sale of 100% of their equity interest to a subsidiary of Banco Santander.
  • Advised Mutant on the sale of Dextra and Cinq to CI&T.

Azevedo Sette Advogados

Azevedo Sette Advogados fields a ‘team with excellent technical quality and negotiation skills‘, which is equally adept at handling both domestic and cross-border mid-cap transactions on behalf of domestic and foreign banks and companies. Besides M&A, the team – whose practitioners are based across São Paulo and Belo Horizonte – is seasoned in corporate reorganisations, commercial agreements and regulatory matters involving a range of sectors, such as energy, infrastructure and healthcare. Jointly leading the team, Fernando Azevedo Sette and Luiz Augusto Azevedo Sette each draw upon more than 25 years’ experience in foreign investments and commercial contracts. Leonardo Costa de Souza leads on transactions involving the infrastructure and real estate segments, while Ana Paula Terra Caldeira is counsel of choice for several mining and technology clients in transactional mandates. Frederico Bopp Dieterich is another name to note for infrastructure-related M&A. Roberto Ribas Wilson, Alessandra Martins De Souza and Luis Ricardo Miraglia are other core members of team; they focus on transactional and commercial work. Eleonora Santiago Carneiro Quadro is a key contact for outbound investments into Europe, especially in the fields of technology and real estate. Since publication, partner André de Godoy Fernandes joined from Mattos Engelberg Echenique Advogados, effective as of October 2022, and Natasha Midori Hinata was promoted to partner in January 2023.

Practice head(s):

Fernando Azevedo Sette; Luiz Augusto Azevedo Sette

Testimonials

‘Proximity to the client and personalised services.’

‘Leonardo Costa de Souza, and Alessandra Martins de Souza are recommended.’

‘Azevedo Sette Advogados provides the highest quality advice.’

‘Team with excellent technical quality and negotiation skills. Flexibility in negotiating fees to meet the client’s budget.’

‘Fernando Azevedo Sette – great commercial, negotiation and leadership skills.’

‘Roberto Ribas Wilson – technical quality associated with an ability to efficiently negotiate with counter-parties.’

Key clients

RHI Magnesita

Sam Ambiental

Gucci Brasil

Bmpi Infra

Andrade Gutierrez Participações

Rede Mater Dei

Farmax – Indústria De Cosméticos E Farmacêuticos

Toro Investimentos

Log Bts Extrema Empreendimentos Imobiliários

Braz Logística Internacional

Ibitu Energia

Vale Concessionária Do Aeroporto Internacional De Confins

Vita Participações

Magnesita Refratários

Localiza Rent A Car

In Vitro Diagnóstica

Companhia Brasileira De Alumínio

Bronstein, Zilberberg, Chueiri & Potenza Advogados

Founded in 2021, Bronstein, Zilberberg, Chueiri & Potenza Advogados stands out for its expertise in technology-related transactions and venture capital mandates. The ‘excellent, modern and up-to-date‘ group has already established a strong presence in the Brazilian market thanks to its involvement in numerous high-value M&A deals, private equity transactions and venture capital investment rounds. The broad scope of Sergio Bronstein ‘s expertise ensures that he is regularly engaged by a range of start-ups, technology companies, and venture capital and private equity funds. Eduardo Zilberberg  is extremely active in the venture capital space, and also showcases extensive experience in M&A transactions. Big-ticket, cross-border deals also feature on Pedro Chueiri ‘s workload, while Guilherme Potenza  has strong credentials in acting for early-stage funds, start-ups and CVCs in financing rounds, acquisitions and other corporate matters. Vivian Rudge  is also part of the core team. In November 2021, Alfredo Neri  and Priscila Menezes  joined from Pinheiro Neto Advogados and Itaú Unibanco, respectively.

Practice head(s):

Sergio Bronstein; Pedro Chueiri; Eduardo Zilberberg; Guilherme Potenza

Testimonials

‘The main differentiator is the great quality of services and how the firm manages to be our partner. Eduardo Zilberberg and Pedro Chueiri are recommended.’

‘In-depth knowledge of market and clients, proximity and effectiveness.’ 

‘Excellent, modern and up-to-date team that understands the client’s business and fights for the client’s interests.’

Key clients

General Catalyst

Neoway

Ribbit Capital

Loggi

Maya Capital

Etsy

Unico

Riverwood capital

BGMRodotec

Accel Partners

Squid

Iporanga Ventures

CRM&BONUS

Rocketseat

Cobli

Unbox Capital

Rock content

Kinea Ventures

Swap

Work highlights

  • Advised General Catalyst on a $700m Series E funding round in Kavak.
  • Advised Neoway on the sale of the company to B3.
  • Advised shareholders on the acquisition of RD Station by TOTVS.

Felsberg Advogados

Felsberg Advogados‘ corporate offering is especially concentrated on clients in the agribusiness, life sciences, infrastructure, retail and technology sectors, where the team is adept at handling large transactions, mergers and corporate reorganisations. The practice – which benefits from the firm’s strong credentials in the bankruptcy and restructuring fields – is well placed to advise on M&A transactions involving distressed assets. It also houses a sub-group focused on innovation, start-ups and venture capital, which is devoted to assisting investors, private equity players, financial institutions, accelerators and innovative businesses in their embryonic stage throughout rounds of investments; Evy Marques oversees this type of work. João Carlos Mendonça receives praise for his comprehensive knowledge of M&A and private equity; he is trusted by several of the firm’s technology and healthcare clients. Pharmaceutical companies turn to Claudia Maniaci for advice on corporate reorganisations, M&A and private equity deals. Maria Carolina Guazzelli is proficient in spin-offs and mergers, and a key contact for the retail segment. Bárbara Nátali Santos stands out at the associate level for her experience in venture capital and corporate reorganisations. The team was boosted by the addition of two new equity partners in 2021: Anneliese Eger returned from Friedrich Graf von Westphalen & Partner to lead the firm’s international department. Since publication, Miriam Machado Kleissl, Mirella Kaufman, Tasso Cipriano and Renato Brandão have left the firm.

Practice head(s):

Claudia Maniaci; Evy Marques; João Carlos Mendonça; Maria Carolina Guazzelli; Anneliese Eger

Testimonials

‘They are hands-on, pro-business, dynamic and fast.’

‘Felsberg’s team- notably partner João Mendonça – is essential in the management of our corporate affairs. The lawyers work proactively, ranging from updating the internal team to advising on decision-making and the implementation of those decisions. They are fast, efficient and extremely technical.’

‘João Mendonça knows our business in depth and is able to help us navigate not only the difficult Brazilian legal environment, but also the different areas that make up a full-service offering. The team’s performance under the baton of this partner is highly efficient.’

‘Felsberg Advogados is different from other firms in terms of its lawyers’ availability, competence and speed. The lawyers I’ve worked with are always very helpful, available to talk, discuss the case and answer questions.’

‘João Carlos Mendonça is very competent, and quick to analyse the questions raised by the client. Gleycon Queiroz is very competent and intelligent.’

‘The team is extremely knowledgeable and attentive.’

‘Great technical knowledge, speed of return, presentation of risks and alternatives to meet the needs of the company.’

‘The team that assists us is committed and interested in solving the company’s issues.’

Key clients

Renova Energia

Debenture holders of Rodovias do Tietê

Grupo Morada do Sol

WPP Group

Australian Laboratories Group

GoGipsy

SmartAdServer Group

BBL e-SPORTS

Hands Market Brasil

The Not Company

Savegnago Supermercados

CVC Corp

Lorene Importação e Exportação

Sumitomo Electric USA

Paranapanema

Work highlights

  • Advised Renova Energia on the sale of 51% of Brasil PCH as part of its reorganisation proceedings.
  • Advising the group of debenture holders on the reorganisation proceedings of Concessionária Rodovias do Tietê.
  • Assisted Desempar Group in the sale of the group companies to Lavoro Agro, held by Pátria Investimentos.

FM/Derraik

Showcasing extensive experience in the fields of venture capital, private equity and technology, the team at FM/Derraik has made a significant impact in the market for both investors and investees, who instruct it throughout all stages of transactions. The team has a loyal following of accelerators and start-ups, and is often engaged by corporations and financial institutions in their search for disruptive innovation. This particular emphasis on technology and innovation is also reflected in the firm’s provision of legal services; it has launched a support programme – Shelter – to help start-ups in their embryonic stage take off. Fabiana Fagundes stands out for her in-depth knowledge of digital law and new technologies; her transactional track record, which covers M&A and private equity deals involving technology, healthcare, retail and agribusiness companies, is also noteworthy. She heads up the practice with Rodrigo Machado, a go-to lawyer for cross-border transactions, and Carlos Derraik, who brings together experience in M&A, corporate restructuring and competition law. Pedro Ferreira is called upon by foreign and domestic clients in M&A, corporate restructuring and venture capital mandates. These are also core areas of activity for Juliene Piniano, Gustavo Dalcolmo and Marcela Rosolen. Marina Bittar, who has nearly two decades of experience in corporate and transactional matters, and Fernanda Levy, who focuses on corporate ventures and innovation, joined from KLA Advogados in March and June 2021, respectively.

Practice head(s):

Fabiana Fagundes; Rodrigo Menezes; Carlos Derraik

Testimonials

‘Proximity to the client; availability; understanding of the market; extensive experience.’

‘Rodrigo Menezes and Marina Bittar are recommended.’

‘FM/Derraik has extensive knowledge of different transaction structures and jurisdictions. This facilitates and reduces the cost of executing M&A transactions.’

Key clients

Astella Investimentos

Raia Drogasil

RD Station

VIA

Petz

Big Bets

Caravela Capital

BR Malls

Faber Castell

Qualcomm Ventures

Sequoia Logística e Transportes

Scale-Up Ventures

Mercado Livre and Mercado Libre Fund

Ambev

Cadonau Investimentos

Domo Invest

Dengo

The New Butchers

Jera Capital

Work highlights

  • Assisted RD Station in its sale to Bematech, a subsidiary of TOTVS.
  • Assisted Qualcomm Ventures in DNA Capital’s acquisition of a 61.33% stake in Memed.
  • Advised Omie, a cloud management platform, on the acquisition of Linker.

Huck, Otranto, Camargo Advogados

Highlighted by clients for ‘its excellent service, quick responses and deep knowledge of the subject‘, Huck, Otranto, Camargo Advogados is well positioned to advise on every aspect of corporate law and M&A, ranging from joint ventures to corporate planning, private equity and pre-litigation issues. Foreign clients looking to establish and expand operations in Brazil have increasingly engaged the team, which is also sought by hedge funds, family-owned businesses, start-ups and accelerator platforms. Its diverse client roster operates in an array of industries, most notably education, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, technology and energy. The corporate and M&A team – which has recently undergone a significant restructuring following the departure of several attorneys, including former practice heads Luis Gustavo Haddad and Bruno Robert – is now led by Diego Billi Falcão, who specialises in strategic M&A and corporate governance, and Fernanda Annenberg, a name to note for cross-border deals and corporate planning issues. Antonio Heraldo Wajnman Lima, who has an active role in the corporate team, is deeply involved in the cryptocurrency exchange market. The firm’s recently founded diversity committee, which is formed by mostly women, is studying the best alternatives to attract black and indigenous students to the firm and how to retain such talent later on.

Practice head(s):

Diego Billi Falcão; Fernanda Annenberg

Testimonials

‘The firm and its professionals provide an excellent service and are always up to date with the news of the legal and business world.’

‘Huck, Otranto, Camargo stands out for its excellent service, quick responses and deep knowledge of the subject.’

Key clients

RX Pro

Acerto Cobrança e Informações Cadastrais (Meu Acerto)

Resource Capital Funds

Deerns Groep

Dori Alimentos

Estater Assessoria Financeira

Holding Clube

Igah, Ventures

On – Evolução Corporal

Work highlights

  • Advised Porto Seguro on the acquisition of 50% of the equity capital of ConectCar Soluções de Mobilidade Eletrônica.
  • Advised Ipê Agroindustrial on a corporate restructuring process for the preparation of selling the quotas of Ipa Investimentos e Participações Agrícolas and its subsidiaries to Grupo Granja Faria.
  • Assisted Assupero Ensino Superior in the sale of a minority interest held by individuals in Cesumar – Centro de Ensino Superior de Maringá.

Madrona Fialho Advogados

Madrona Fialho Advogados fields a team of ‘highly qualified professionals‘, ‘with extensive experience in corporate and M&A‘. Rated for their ‘knowledge, experience, dedication and commitment‘, the firm’s practitioners attract buy and sell-side instructions in relation to a range of domestic and cross-border transactions across the healthcare, agribusiness and technology sectors, among others. Ricardo Madrona undertakes the full array of corporate and M&A work, including corporate restructuring, joint ventures and arbitration, while José Luis Camargo Jr. is best known for his strength in mergers and acquisitions in the infrastructure and private equity spaces. Milena Coimbra Mazzini is widely recommended for her ‘deep knowledge of corporate law and great negotiating skills‘; she is seasoned in succession planning, commercial transactions and contractual issues. Danilo Mininel is extremely active in the practice, where he handles a steady flow of transactional and contractual mandates. Technology, entertainment and advertising clients regularly turn to Luciana Renouard for advice on M&A. Luciana Felisbino, who stands out for her experience in asset and equity deals, joined from Machado Associados in September 2021, while Roberto Pary, who has more than 20 years of experience in the market, arrived in September 2022 from Marcelo Tostes Advogados. The result of the 2023 merger between Madrona Advogados and Fialho Salles Advogados, the firm has recently added Luciano Fialho, Alice Dourado, Patricia Alvarenga and associate Bárbara Monduzzi to the corporate and M&A team.

Practice head(s):

Ricardo Madrona; José Luis Camargo Jr.; Milena Coimbra Mazzini; Danilo Mininel; Nair Saldanha; Luciana Renouard

Testimonials

‘High quality advice related to contracts and M&A transactions. Resilient and available team.’

‘Milena was the team leader and helped us a lot. We were very reassured by her abilities and leadership skills. Ricardo Madrona also played a key role in the project.’

‘The firm has highly qualified professionals, with extensive experience in corporate and M&A, providing a differentiated service to clients. I highlight the work, knowledge, experience, dedication and commitment of lawyers.’

‘Milena Mazzini is a professional and partner of exceptional quality, who is committed to results, has a deep knowledge of corporate law and great negotiating skills. One of the best lawyers I had the opportunity to work with.’

Key clients

Acesso Soluções

Americanet

Banco BTG Pactual

Bio Rural Comércio E Representações

Boa Vista Comércio De Produtos Agropecuários

BRF

Capital Tech II – Fundo de Investimento em Participações Multiestratégia.

CM Hospitalar

Compasso Tecnologia

CVI – Companhia Vontobel de Investimentos

EB Capital

El Tejar

Embraer

Escale Tecnologia E Marketing

European Energy

First Orion

Group UOL

Hapvida Group

Heinz Brasil

Hospital Leforte

Instituto Hermes Pardini

Jas do Brasil Agenciamento Logístico

Latinex

Marcelo Magalhães Diagnósticos

Mogidonto Planos Odontológicos e Boutique Dental

Nepos

Pearson Education do Brasil

Perfetto Alimentos

QuiteJá, Seller

RB Capital

Terra Nova Comércio, Representações E Assistência Técnica Agrícola

Ultra Som Serviços Médicos

VEE

Vetta Química Importação E Exportação

Wirecard Brazil

Work highlights

  • Assisted Hapvida Group in its merger with Notre Dame Intermédica.
  • Advised Kraft Heinz on the acquisition of Brazilian food company Hemmer.
  • Advised Pearson do Brasil on the sale of the operations related to its teaching systems COC and Dom Bosco to buyer Arco Educação.

Vieira, Rezende, Barbosa e Guerreiro Advogados

Praised by clients for acting as ‘a true partner‘ in decision-making, Vieira, Rezende, Barbosa e Guerreiro Advogados handles a varied mix of corporate transactions for companies in the financial, education, energy, insurance, mining, oil and gas, and technology sectors. The group is especially active in regulated sectors, where it regularly assists clients in matters concerning the Brazilian Securities and Exchange Commission. Additionally, practitioners are adept at handling corporate reorganisations, restructurings and mid-market M&A transactions. Leading the department, founding partners Paulo Albert Weyland Vieira and Cláudio Guerreiro possess extensive experience in buy and sell-side deals. Alberto Weyland Vieira advises on the negotiation of cross-border M&A, formations of joint ventures and corporate restructurings, with a special emphasis on the energy and oil and gas sectors. Cross-border acquisitions and sector-related arbitration are among Felipe Hanszmann‘s legal specialisms, while Helena Guimarães routinely handles transactions on behalf of banks, investment funds and large corporate groups. Recently promoted Ricardo Villela Mafra Alves Da Silva ‘is extremely competent and demonstrates great knowledge and mastery of M&A‘. Pedro Hermeto was welcomed to the partnership in January 2022.

Practice head(s):

Paulo Albert Weyland Vieira; Cláudio Guerreiro

Testimonials

‘Vieira Rezende Advogados acts as a true partner; they assist us right through to the closing of transactions and we trust that the work will be of excellent quality and our interests protected.’

‘Ricardo Mafra is extremely competent and demonstrates great knowledge and mastery of M&A.’

Key clients

Petros

DBO Projetos E Participações

FS Security Serviços De Tecnologia

Alpargatas

Sociedade Michelin de Participações Industriais

Climatempo Participações

BW Offshore do Brasil

Vale

Norte Energia

SEB Sistema Educacional Brasileiro

Previ

EDP Renováveis Brasil

Brave Winds Geradora

San Atanasio Energía (SAESA)

Descomplica Tecnologia e Educação

Eleva Educação

Audiobooks Brasil

Work highlights

  • Advised Brave Winds Geradora on the merger of Santa Vitória do Palmar Holding with Omega Geração.
  • Assisted Petros, as shareholder and bondholder of Invepar, in connection with the financial reorganisation of Invepar.
  • Advised Audiobooks on the sale of a substantial portion of its audiobook rights to Amazon Serviços de Varejo do Brasil.

Abe Advogados

Abe Advogados ‘provides a differentiated service‘ in the field of corporate and M&A, where it advises a variety of longstanding and new clients operating in a range of sectors, notably technology, agribusiness and education. Besides assisting in mid-market M&A transactions, the team is also adept at handling cross-border deals and corporate restructuring issues. Its Japan desk continues to be a source of high-end corporate transactions; co-head Marcos Seiiti Abe has a notable track record in deals involving Japanese clients, and is also recognised for his strength in distressed M&A and corporate disputes. He oversees the practice with Fernando Zanotti Schneider, who is a key advisor for M&A transactions and has in-depth knowledge of earn-out and purchase price adjustment clauses. William Joji Nakasone specialises in M&A, venture capital and corporate restructuring matters, which are also among Daniel Afonso Franzin‘s areas of expertise. The firm has recently established an ESG committee to foster processes, activities and policies to make it a more sustainable, socially responsible and transparent organisation. Since publication, Renato Giovanini Filho left the firm in July 2022.

Practice head(s):

Marcos Seiiti Abe; Fernando Zanotti Schneider

Testimonials

‘Highly qualified team focused on client needs. Abe Advogados provides a differentiated service in relation to other firms due to its high level of commitment. Professionals always available to solve all situations promptly and proactively.’

‘Daniel Afonso Franzin stands out for leading our M&A projects, coordinating a multidisciplinary team that greatly contributes to the success of our acquisitions. In our experience, we have been advised by highly qualified professionals, who work with a high degree of zeal, providing alternatives for the most diverse situations.’

‘Its lawyers possess in-depth technical knowledge, along with a willingness to thoroughly understand their client’s situation.’

‘I would recommend the work of Fernando Zanotti who worked very closely with me and did an exceptional job.’

Key clients

LETT

Smarket

Agrícola Famosa

Red Ventures

Marubeni

Quadrado Mágico

Hosp Pharma

Vetor

Colégio das Américas

Rakuten

Work highlights

  • Advised Lett Serviços de Informações on its R$38.5m sale to Neogrid.
  • Advising Smarket Solutions Software de Apoio a Gestao on its sale to Neogrid.
  • Assisting Famosa (Agrícola Famosa) in the initial acquisition of a 39% stake in Agrícola Famosa by Citri&Co.

B/Luz

B/Luz is a popular choice for a number of companies active in the technology, venture capital and private equity sectors, which seek assistance with a range of domestic and cross-border corporate transactions. Its thriving VC group continues to attract instructions from large corporations and high-net-worth families with regards to their investment strategies; the corporate team is also well placed to advise on corporate restructurings, joint ventures and long-term stock-based retention plans. Its strong emphasis on technology and innovation is reflected in its use of software and technology platforms in the provision of legal services, including Lexio, a legal tech tool for documents, contracts and business proposals. Luis Felipe Baptista Luz, who has a strong background in tax law, routinely handles M&A transactions and incorporations. Debt transactions specialist Jessica Bernstein Heumann brings together expertise in M&A and capital markets. Recently promoted partner Érico Lopes Tonussi; Alexandre José De Pauli Santana, who focuses on corporate reorganisations and succession planning; Rafael Peixoto Abal; and Adriana Gomes Dos Santos are other names to note. Senior associate Alice Morrison Carvalho Bonatto joined from Daniel Carneiro Advogados in May 2021.

Practice head(s):

Luis Felipe Baptista Luz; Jessica Bernstein Heumann; Érico Lopes Tonussi; Alexandre José de Pauli Santana; Rafael Peixoto Abal

Key clients

AS Informática

Nana Delivery

Zé Delivery

O Boticário

Raccoon Marketing Digital

Arco Educação

Viasat

Havas

Tail Target

medcom

Social Miner

Brain Soluções de Tecnologia Digital

f.biz

Grupo Pão de Açúcar

Sotran Logística e Transporte

Oral Sin Franchising

Conductor Tecnologia em Meios de Pagamento

Ambev

LabImagem

SP Ventures

W3 Haus

Viajanet

tetra pak

Estee Lauder

Blinks

TechStars

Vai Tecnologia

Work highlights

  • Advised Raccon Group on its sale to S4 Capital.
  • Acted as counsel for Bsoft on the sale of 100% of its shares to NSTech.
  • Acted as Arco Educação’s counsel on the acquisition of 100% of the shares issued by Me Salva!

Benetti & Giammarino Advogados

Established in 2020, Benetti & Giammarino Advogados ‘is a modern, highly technological firm, attuned to the latest trends in the legal world‘. A strong choice for businesses and investors active in the agribusiness, retail, banking, private equity and venture capital spaces, the team handles a range of small to mid-cap M&A deals as well as strategic commercial partnerships. Standing out for his ‘agility, interest and technical knowledge‘, Eduardo Benetti is skilled at acting for publicly and privately held companies in corporate disputes and M&A transactions. Pedro Giammarino is ‘a very capable lawyer and sensitive to the specific problems of his clients‘; he has a wealth of experience in private equity deals, foreign investments and corporate restructurings.

Practice head(s):

Eduardo Benetti; Pedro Giammarino

Testimonials

‘Proximity and skilled at coming up with alternative ways to reach results.’

‘Excellent and integrated team. Very versatile.’

‘The team stands out for its prompt service and technical capacity.’

Key clients

MEC3 do Brasil

Advanta

Bonduelle do Brasil

Stefanini Group

AlmavivA Group

QMS Capital

Frango Gonzalez Group

Let’s Code

Navve Brand Publishers

Noz Group

Traive

Blend Coberturas

Habitat Capital Partners

LogBank

N1 IT

Ecossistema Haus

Oazi Sports

Konecta Group

Pieracciani Group

Red Ventures

Marcomar

Work highlights

  • Advised Topaz on the acquisition of 84% of US-based banking software company Cobiscorp.
  • Advised Traive do Brasil on a strategic commercial partnership with Syngenta Group.
  • Advised Traive do Brasil on a strategic commercial partnership with Banco BTG Pactual.

BRZ - Barbosa, Raimundo, Gontijo, Câmara e Zanotta Advogados

BRZ - Barbosa, Raimundo, Gontijo, Câmara e Zanotta Advogados is noted for its ‘multidisciplinary team with high technical knowledge‘ and ‘objective, decisive and assertive‘ advice in the context of M&A transactions, corporate restructurings and commercial contracts. The team is particularly active in the healthcare sector, but is also well placed to assist clients operating in the areas of technology, telecoms, hospitality and pharmaceuticals. The practice is jointly headed up by several partners: founder and managing partner Pedro Raimundo, a specialist in domestic and cross-border M&A; Rodrigo Câmara and Julio Barbosa, both of whom are key contacts for M&A, corporate reorganisations and capital markets matters; and Alexandre Zanotta, who joined from Wongtschowski Kleiman Advogados in April 2021, bringing more than two decades of experience in investment funds, securitisations and M&A issues. Carolina de Mattos Pacheco, who also moved from Wongtschowski Kleiman Advogados, has a solid background in corporate law, private equity and corporate governance.

Practice head(s):

Pedro Raimundo Brazil;  Rodrigo Câmara; Julio Barbosa; Alexandre Zanotta

Testimonials

‘Very qualified, dynamic and assertive team. Good relationship with the client.’

‘The lawyers who advise us are extremely specialised.’

‘Pedro Raimundo is very technically prepared, understands the client’s needs and responds with agility and efficiency.’

Key clients

Grupo NotreDame Intermédica – GNDI

GP Investments

Raia Drogasil

UHG – United Health Group

BOCOM-BBM

Log-In – Logística Intermodal

BHG – Brazil Hospitality Group

Intelsat

Mercuria Energy Group

Grupo Santa Lúcia

Alterdata Software

Brasil Brokers

SuperPrix Supermercados

HIG Capital

Hotéis Everest

ABAI Group

Bioderma (Laboratórios Naos do Brasil)

Oncorp – Aruanã Energia

Silimed Indústria e Comércio

Associação Civil do Movimento de Equidade Racial – Mover

Work highlights

  • Acted as legal advisor to Biocor in the sale of 51% of its shares to Rede D’Or.
  • Advising Notre Dame Intermédica Participações on the acquisition of BCBF Participações.
  • Assisted more than 50 companies, such as Pepsico, Coca-Cola Company, Arcos Dourados and L’Oréal, in the legal structuring of Movement for Racial Equity – Mover, a non-profit focused on corporate social responsibility and corporate governance.

Candido Martins Advogados

Candido Martins Advogados is highly active in mid-market M&A, where it routinely acts for private equity firms on the buy side, and family-owned businesses as sellers in a variety of industries. Its recent work showcases its strength in handling complex deals in the healthcare, energy, agribusiness, education and technology sectors. The firm has actively invested in innovation and technology to enhance efficiency during M&A transactions: it has implemented AI solutions that can anticipate potential contingencies during the early stages of due diligence processes, and is developing a software that will help in the management of post-closing issues. Department leader Henrique Martins has significant experience in private equity and M&A transactions in the banking, forestry and education spaces. Renata Simon maintains a broad practice in M&A and capital markets, and Daniel Rodrigues Alves focuses on corporate deals, contractual issues and private equity. Mateus Lopes da Silva Leite, who made partner in June 2022, and associate Raphael Pereira Arantes Pires are also names to note.

Practice head(s):

Henrique Martins

Testimonials

‘A very competent, young team that is dedicated to the client. Lawyers know every detail of our operations and generate the most appropriate solutions to our challenges.’

‘Renata Simon, Henrique Martins, Mateus Leite and other members won our trust.’

‘Senior partners assisted us throughout the negotiation process, and provided clear and fast solutions.’

‘Very focused on providing a differentiated legal advisory service.’

‘Commitment, dedication and focus. Senior lawyers always involved in matters.’

Key clients

Companhia Siderúrgica Nacional – CSN

BRF

Eucatex

Multiasostencia SAU (Alianz Group)

Unity Participações

Nexa Resources (formerly Votorantim Metais)

Hospital Care

Saint Gobain

Arco Educação

ENC Energy Participações

Intercement Participações

HSI – Hemisfério Sul Investimentos

Crescera Investimentos

GEF Capital Partners

G5 Partners

Carbisa Participações

Intrum Brasil Consultoria e Participações

Work highlights

  • Assisted FIP Vocatus Multiestrategia and shareholders of Unity Participações in the acquisition by Oncoclinicas of the oncology group Unity Participaçōes.
  • Advised CSN on the acquisition of Metalgráfica Iguaçú through incorporation of shares, and the subsequent transformation of Metalgráfica into a wholly owned subsidiary of CSN.
  • Advised the minority ahareholders of Grand Cru on the sale of the company to Evino.

CGM Advogados

CGM Advogados regularly advises numerous established and fast-growing companies on a range of M&A and commercial transactions, including joint ventures, reorganisations and corporate governance projects. The team, which is ‘formed by professionals of the highest technical quality‘, is instructed by a strong and diverse mix of domestic and international clients, most notably in the automotive, technology, retail, life sciences and real estate areas. Adriano Chaves oversees the corporate and M&A, data protection and privacy groups, and is particularly skilled in assisting technology clients and international start-ups looking to enter the Brazilian market. Fellow co-head René Gelman is often engaged in mandates pertaining to strategic alliances, corporate restructurings and joint ventures. Marcia Mandelbaum and Camila Magami Cardinale were recently promoted to the partnership.

Practice head(s):

Adriano Chaves; René Gelman

Testimonials

‘Team formed by professionals of the highest technical quality. In-depth analysis of strategic topics and rapid response.’

‘Understanding of client needs and agility in service, proposals for innovative solutions.’

‘Provides the highest quality advice. All of the partners are very accessible and collaborative and meet all of the demands of multinational clients.’

‘René Gelman has a wonderful range of knowledge and experience in corporate transactions. He is completely committed to the client. He works tirelessly and is completely accessible.’

Key clients

UOL/Pagseguro

Porsche

Sony Music Entertainment

Marel

ITW – Illinois Tool Works

Thermo Fischer

K B Foods

Novelis

Volkswagen Financial Services

Kalpataru Power Transmission

Brainvest

Work highlights

  • Advised Volkswagen Financial Services on the formation of a joint venture with fleet and mobility provider LM Frotas.
  • Assisted Sony Music Entertainment in the acquisition of record label Som Livre from Globo.
  • Assisted Kalpataru Power Transmission in the acquisition of 51% of the capital stock of Fasttel Engenharia.

Dias Carneiro Advogados

The ‘excellent M&A team‘ at Dias Carneiro Advogados continues to expand its client base, and has particular experience in the renewable energy, telecoms, technology and real estate sectors. The practice has a well-established practice in M&A, joint ventures, corporate reorganisations, business combinations and spin-offs. Besides its strong capabilities in transactional work, the group also advises a sizeable portfolio of companies on general corporate law and governance matters. Paula Seabra Carvalho Reis is seasoned in M&A transactions in the infrastructure space, and also assists closed and publicly held clients in corporate restructurings. She jointly heads up the department with Artur Fernandes Andrezo, who is rated by clients as ‘one of the best M&A partners in Brazil‘. Débora Trovões Cabral, who has extensive experience in M&A, corporate restructuring and corporate law, was recently promoted to counsel. Senior associate Max Ide Hasimoto joined in January 2022 to boost the department in the fields of foreign investments and corporate disputes. Tathiana Martini Quercetti Moreira Luz is also noted for her involvement in cross-border deals and joint ventures.

Practice head(s):

Artur Fernandes Andrezo; Paula Seabra Carvalho Reis

Testimonials

‘Full service advice. Excellent M&A team.’

‘Artur Fernandes Andrezo is one of the best M&A partners in Brazil.’

‘I have been working with Débora Trovões Cabral. Her direct and friendly approach is much appreciated.’

‘Efficiency and professionalism.’

‘Débora Trovões Cabral is very skilled and proactive.’

‘The team stands out for its technical and market knowledge.’

Key clients

Agro Industrial Tabu

Banco Votorantim

Brasil Plural

BTG

XP

Canadian Solar

Cura Mérya

Dechra Pharmaceuticals

Dental Cremer Produtos Odontológicos

Digital House

Digital Reef

Duratex

Endemol Shine

Energisa

Fifth Partners

Gate Gourmet

Gerdau Aços Longos

Grupo GPS

GTIS Partners

IdeaZarvos

KSM Realty

Oba Hortifruti

Odebrecht

Parparticipadas, SGPS

Quinto Andar

RAGT Semences

Santos Brasil

Servizi Italia

Siguler Guff & Company

Single Home

Softplan

Solairedirect

Stefanini

Suzano

Vallourec

Vestas

Voltalia Energia do Brasil

Work highlights

  • Advised Banco BV on its investment in S3 Bank.
  • Advised Digital House on its acquisition of Rocketseat.
  • Advised Energisa and its subsidiary Energisa Transmissão de Energia on the acquisition of Geogroup Paranaíta Transmissora de Energia SPE.

FreitasLeite Advogados

FreitasLeite Advogados' well-established presence in the capital markets space makes it a strong choice for clients engaged in M&A transactions involving listed companies, asset management companies and banks. In addition, the team handles a continuous flow of instructions from family offices, fintech clients and private equity funds in both sell and buy-side deals and day-to-day corporate matters. Standing out for ‘his solid technical knowledge and extensive experience in corporate, tax and accounting’, Pedro Afonso Gutierrez Avvad leads the department with Claudio Fabricio Lima, who is recommended for his ‘great negotiation skills and legal knowledge'. Joaquim Chacur Mano has advised on the structuring of M&A transactions, and also works on corporate disputes and shareholder issues. Guilherme Anderaos Peloiapossesses great technical knowledge' and is another key practitioner who dedicates his time to corporate law and M&A.

Practice head(s):

Pedro Afonso Gutierrez Avvad; Claudio Fabricio Lima

Testimonials

‘FreitasLeite Advogados is a law firm focused on client treatment and quality of service. We hire FreitasLeite Advogados in the areas of regulatory, M&A and corporate law and we are always happy with their advice. The firm distinguishes itself due to its technical quality and personalised service.’

‘Cláudio Lima has great negotiation skills and legal knowledge. He perfectly coordinates the due diligence teams and ensures speed and efficiency in the various deliveries throughout the M&A process.’

‘Freitas Leite provides a very personalised, differentiated service with legal depth. The partners are involved from the beginning of the transaction and differentiate themselves at the negotiation table. They are agile, without losing quality, and always focused on the client.’

‘Pedro Avvad views transactions as a whole due to his solid technical knowledge and extensive experience in corporate, tax and accounting. This is a great differential, because he knows how to assess the tax implications. In addition, Pedro is very pro-deal, dynamic and creative when it comes to solving issues that arise during deals.’

‘FreitasLeite Advogados is a reference in Corporate and M&A. During the M&A negotiation process, the firm was able to support the negotiations with the highest level of detail and with an ultra professional attitude. The tranquility, trust and depth of the team allowed for the negotiation of sensitive clauses in a subtle and effective way.’

‘Guilherme Peloia possesses great technical knowledge.  Claudio Lima was able to negotiate and position himself clearly and deeply on complex and difficult-to-negotiate topics. With above-average tranquility and confidence, he managed to defend important issues.’

Key clients

3G Radar

Avenue Securities

Br Marinas

BRQ Digital Solutions

Even Construtora e Incorporadora

Globo Comunicacao

Greenoaks Capital

Igah Ventures

Lightrock

Matera Systems

Newe Seguradora

Órama Dtvm

Petland

Provence Capital

QI Tech

Ser Educacional

The Axxon Group Private Equity

Usaflex

Vinci Partners

Work highlights

  • Advised Avenue Securities on its $30m Series B round.
  • Assisted QI Tech in a sale of a minority stake to GIC (Government of Singapore Investment Corporation).
  • Advised BRQ Digital Solutions on the acquisition of BMSIX, Livetouch and TOPi.

Gaia Silva Gaede Advogados

Gaia Silva Gaede Advogados ‘stands out for its technical competence and multidisciplinary team’, which is prepared to assist with the full range of corporate and M&A matters, including restructuring, governance and commercial contracts. Advising foreign clients on inbound investments is another area of expertise for the team, which is also proficient in succession planning matters. Alberto Mori has considerable experience in sales, acquisitions, joint ventures and equity holdings, where he acts on behalf of domestic and international clients. Rio de Janeiro-based partner Rejane Espósito offers advice in the fields of corporate restructuring, business agreements and M&A. In the same office, founding partner Gerson Stocco de Siqueira focuses on tax and corporate matters, while Guilherme Roxo undertakes a range of transactional work for retail, engineering, oil and gas, and energy companies. Marcelo Teixeira Bernardini, who recently joined the São Paulo team from KPMG, is singled out for his ‘efficiency, attention and legal knowledge’. 

Practice head(s):

Alberto Mori; Rejane Espósito

Testimonials

‘Gaia Silva Gaede stands out for its technical competence and multidisciplinary team.’

‘Full-service firm with several specialists in different areas of activity and direct involvement of partners in matters.’

‘Accessible, dedicated and competent team. Regardless of the complexity of the matter, we have always been well attended, with professionalism and efficiency. The professionals Alberto Mori and Marcelo Bernardini stand out for their efficiency, attention and legal knowledge. The team is responsible and transparent, supporting the client in decision-making.’

Key clients

Parker Hannifin

Veolia

Faber Castell

Roca NoSodexo

Condat

Arcor

Entre Investimentos

Suramericana

Hispamar Satélites

AME Digital Brasil

Sinergas GNV do Brasil

Mambo Tecnologia

Ubook Editora

Unimed-Rio Cooperativa de Trabalho

Médico do Rio de Janeiro

Mane do Brasil Indústria e Comércio

Oncomed Centro de Prevenção e Tratamento de Doenças Neoplasicas

Concessionária Rio-Teresópolis

Sendas Empreendimentos e Participações

Work highlights

  • Advised Wickbold on the purchase of 100% of the shares of Delimyll Indústria de Alimentos.
  • Assisted Entre Investimentos e Participações in the acquisition of 100% of the shares of a holding company owning 90% of Global Payments Serviços de Pagamentos.
  • Advising Unimed-Rio Cooperativa de Trabalho Médico do Rio de Janeiro on the negotiation and execution of a relevant investment in a joint venture with Oncoclínicas do Brasil Serviços Médicos.

Gasparini, Nogueira de Lima e Barbosa Advogados

The corporate and M&A team at Gasparini, Nogueira de Lima e Barbosa Advogados is highlighted by clients for the ‘availability of professionals, attention to the client, quality of analyses and advice'. Mid-market M&A, including domestic and cross-border transactions, are at the core of the practice, which acts for an array of corporate clients across the technology, manufacturing, agribusiness and retail sectors. Marcus Phelipe Barbosa de Souza and Felipe Mavignier jointly head up the department, which also features Paula Taira Horiuti, Desire Tamberlini Campiotti Pajola and Guilherme Dantas.

Testimonials

‘Several reasons make this firm unique in our experience, namely: availability of professionals, attention to the client, quality of analyses and advice.’ 

‘My main contact is with Marcus Phelipe Barbosa de Souza, he helped me a lot in negotiations. Everyone in the team was excellent and very diligent, I could really trust and feel safe at all stages.’

Gentil Monteiro, Vicentini, Beringhs e Gil Advogados

The ‘agile and efficient team' at Gentil Monteiro, Vicentini, Beringhs e Gil Advogados combines its cross-border capabilities with a diverse sector approach to regularly handle work for clients in the agribusiness, insurance, construction, real estate, telecoms and technology industries. Besides assisting in the structuring of domestic and multi-jurisdictional M&A deals, the department is often called upon to advise on corporate reorganisations, commercial contracts, joint ventures and other strategic alliances. The department is under the joint leadership of three practitioners: corporate law, private equity and venture capital specialist Fernando Gentil Monteiro, who ‘is able to understand the needs of his clients and propose safe solutions to problems'; Terence Beringhs, who ‘offers great advice' on contractual issues and transactional matters; and Apoena Joels, who has a strong track record acting for private and publicly traded companies, private equity funds, banks and shareholders in corporate and M&A mandates.

Practice head(s):

Fernando Gentil Monteiro; Terence Beringhs; Apoena Joels

Testimonials

‘Agile and efficient team, always at the client’s disposal.’

‘Fernando Gentil Monteiro is an excellent lawyer; he is able to understand the needs of his clients and propose safe solutions to problems.’

‘The firm has been providing services with excellence and quality for over 5 years. It stands out for its agility, understanding of the client’s business, and personal involvement of the partners.’

Key clients

Amazon

MDS Group

Mubadala

Iharabras

Cooke Aquaculture

Kikkoman Corporation

Suaposta/BETSSON Brazil

SumUP Pagamentos

Taiyo Kogyo Corporation

BTG Pactual

Via Veneto

Skylight Consulting

Poch International Enterprise

Green Super Food B

BRZ Investimentos

Parceiro Ventures

Sanfarma

Virgo Securitizadora

Work highlights

  • Acted for the individual selling shareholders in the sale of the total equity interest of Iftnet Telecomunicações to Megatelecom Telecomunicações.
  • Advised Vianuvem’s founding quotaholders on the sale of 100% of its equity to Único.
  • Assisted Club Fisio and its shareholders in the merger with Care Club Medicina Esportiva e Administração.

L.O. Baptista Advogados

The ‘exceptional‘ team at L.O. Baptista Advogados ‘has a broad range of knowledge of Brazilian and international law‘. Working in close collaboration with other practices within the firm, such as tax and employment, the team is seasoned in the structuring and negotiation of acquisitions, sales, corporate reorganisations and investment rounds. Typical instructions also include non-transactional corporate issues and commercial agreements. Its diverse and ever-expanding client roster is composed of domestic and international companies with operations in the energy, real estate, technology and mining sectors, to name a few. Senior partner Daniela Zaitz possesses considerable experience in corporate restructurings, M&A deals and corporate governance. Marta Rodrigues ‘provides exceptional support in corporate and M&A matters in Brazil‘, and Esther Jerussalmy Cunha ‘is a very experienced partner with extensive knowledge of the law‘. Renata Castro Veloso, Marcelo Trussardi Paolini and Maria Beatriz Grella Vieira are also part of the core team.

Practice head(s):

Daniela Zaitz; Marta Rodrigues; Cássia Monteiro; Esther Jerussalmy Cunha; Renata Castro Veloso; Marcelo Trussardi Paolini; Maria Beatriz Grella Vieira

Testimonials

‘High availability of partners who respond quickly to requests.’

‘Esther Jerussalmy Cunha is a very experienced partner with extensive knowledge of the law.’

‘I had the opportunity to work with Marta Rodrigues; she is a proactive, creative, prudent and skilled attorney. Always available to provide solutions.’

Key clients

Companhia Brasileira De Tecnologia Para E-Commerce (Vtex)

Grupo Vallourec (Vallourec Tubos Do Brasil E Vallourec Tubes)

Grupo Orbis

São Martinho

Grupo Usina Da Pedra

Copart Do Brasil

Usina Batatais Açúcar E Álcool

Guala Closures

PPE Fios Esmaltados

Unimetal

Mov Investimentos

Work highlights

  • Advised PPE Fios Esmaltados on the negotiation of the quota purchase agreement for the acquisition of 100% of the quotas of São Marco Indústria e Comércio by Viakable and Xignux Corporativo.
  • Assisted Supergasbras in the acquisition of assets and rights related to retail customers of Copagaz in the bottled LPG distribution market.
  • Advised Vallourec Soluções Tubulares do Brasil on the drafting and negotiation of documents related to a joint venture formed with Incotep.

Melcheds - Mello e Rached Advogados

With expertise in every facet of corporate and M&A work, Melcheds - Mello e Rached Advogados fields a well-established practice handling foreign investment, acquisitions of minority and majority stakes, joint ventures and domestic transactions. The firm, whose earliest experience included deals in the retail and healthcare spaces, is now the key advisor to numerous family businesses and mid-market companies operating in an array of sectors, as well as investment funds and foreign corporations looking to acquire Brazilian targets. Energy M&A has been an area of increased activity for the team, which has advised on several transactions involving renewable assets such as solar power projects. Rodrigo Mello, who has a strong international background, is one of the main points of contact for M&A matters. Fernanda Passos advises on mid-market deals and day-to-day corporate issues, while Isabela Xavier, who recently joined from Veirano Advogados, is singled out for her experience in M&A and international contracts. Rafael Teixeira is a name to note at the associate level.

Practice head(s):

Rodrigo Mello; Fernanda Passos; Isabela Xavier

Key clients

UBS Bank

Sungrow

BTG Pactual

Phenom Capital Group

Fundo de Investimento em Participações Felix Multiestratégia

Fadel | Fadel Transportes

EVO W12 BRASIL

SEGURITECH PRIVADA

Timbro Group

Bang Energy

Assurant Seguradora

Vox Frotas

XP

Imed Group

Petromais

Grupo JSL

Lot Engenharia

PowerTree

STC Soluções Tecnologicas

Work highlights

  • Advised Original, a subsidiary of Simpar, on the acquisition of Sagamar.
  • Assisted Comau do Brasil in the sale of its services/maintenance business to Grupo GPS.
  • Advised Realizee Plataforma de Benefícios on the negotiation of a private investment, involving the sale of shares representing 10% of the capital stock of Realizee Plataforma de Benefícios.

Peixoto e Cury Advogados

The corporate practice at Peixoto e Cury Advogados acts for a mix of mid-cap entities, family-owned businesses and private equity funds on local and cross-border M&A deals. Its practitioners – many of whom have international experience linked to the US – are also skilled in corporate restructuring and debt transactions. Claudia Soares Garcia has a wealth of experience in regulatory issues, corporate law and compliance, while Bernardo Coelho Rezende Vieira is noted for his experience in working with listed companies and clients from Japan, China, Germany and the US. Since publication, José Ricardo de Bastos Martins, Rafael Villac Vicente De Carvalho and Renan Bruno Agustinide Oliveira have left the firm.

Testimonials

‘Extremely hands-on, and direct partner involvement. The P&C team was fundamental for us to arrive at the final design of the transaction.’

‘The Peixoto & Cury team is very experienced and pragmatic.’

‘Professionals with high technical knowledge and excellent ability to interact with the client.’

‘Extremely competent team. Solution-oriented and reliable.’

Key clients

The Interpublic Group of Companies

Owens-Illinois do Brasil Indústria e Comércio

Thyssenkrupp Metalúrgica Campo Limpo

Saint Gobain

Mccann-Erickson Publicidade

Lojas Americanas

Pilkington (NSG)

Avon Cosméticos

You & Mr. Jones

Grupo Mcassab

Caterpillar

Arkema Química

Hy Cite Enterprises

The Brazilian Association of Advertising Companies (ABAP)

Inova Empresa Fundo de Investimento em Participações Multiestratégia

BBrands Holding Participações

AEL Sistemas

BTG Gestora de Recursos

Beyoung

Allfood Importação, Indústria e Comércio

Ecu Worldwide

Sol-Millenium Medical Group

Cebrace Cristal Plano

FCB Brasil Publicidade e Comunicação

Construcap

Petland

Usina Fortaleza

Soucy Holding

Beontag

Bionexo

Anticimex

Work highlights

  • Advised You & Mr. Jones on the acquisition of a majority stake in DP6.
  • Assisted BTG Gestora de Recursos in all the steps of the acquisition, by Grupo CCRR, of 100% shares of Syntpaper Indústria, Comércio e Importação de Papéis Especiais.
  • Advised M Cassab Comércio e Indústria on matters related to the corporate restructuring of the group.

Pereira Neto | Macedo | Rocco Advogados

The corporate and M&A team at Pereira Neto | Macedo | Rocco Advogados is broad in scope, showcasing strength in M&A transactions on the buy and sell side, corporate restructurings and day-to-day corporate law issues. Its practitioners are often called upon by investment funds, asset management firms and several companies in the energy, technology, engineering, agribusiness and media spaces. Key individuals include Marina Meirelles Sobreira Krepel, Ricardo Ferreira De Macedo, Mônica Figueiredo De Camargo Arruda and Vinícius Mancini Guedes.

Rayes & Fagundes Advogados Associados

Primarily based in São Paulo but with an additional office in São Bernardo do Campo, Rayes & Fagundes Advogados Associados handles the entire gamut of corporate law matters and M&A transactions, frequently acting on due diligence reviews and the setting up of business operations in Brazil. Corporate restructurings and shareholder agreements also feature in the firm’s workload, which includes mandates across a range of sectors, such as technology, life sciences, education, energy and banking. Fabiana Fonseca, who has been particularly active in partnership negotiations and restructuring matters, heads up the team, whose lawyers are praised for their ‘great legal knowledge and practical vision'. Carolina Taunay Joop handles commercial agreements, corporate reorganisations and M&A, and the highly regarded Ludmila Passos Holtz focuses on cross-border transactions, contracts and capital markets.

Practice head(s):

Fabiana Fonseca

Testimonials

‘Team with great legal knowledge and practical vision aligned with the client. I feel they are looking for efficient solutions. Objective and clear advice.’

‘Ludmila Passos Holtz has specific and multidisciplinary knowledge, is very objective and practical. She always looks at issues from the client’s point of view and finds efficient and practical solutions. She is also very available for work.’

Key clients

FLSmidth

Alphaland Real Estate Administração de Bens

SABIS Serviços Educacionais

Leão Alimentos e Bebidas

Banco Indusval & Partners

Loggi Tecnologia

Patria Investments

IBM Brasil – Indústria, Máquinas e Serviços

Nokia Solutions and Networks do Brasil Telecomunicações

Alcatel-Lucent Brasil Telecomunicações

Audatex Brasil Serviços and Inpart Serviços

Hendrix Genetics

Guide Investimentos

CESVI Brasil

RFS

Work highlights

  • Acting for Alvenius Equipamentos Tubulares in the judicial sale of its distribution business of helical carbon steel tubes, which is subject to the client’s ongoing court restructuring.
  • Assisted FG Soluções in the sale of its ownership interest in two solar/wind projects in the state of Ceará.
  • Advising Sabis Serviços Educacionais on the setting up of its operations in Brazil.

Souto Correa Advogados

Working in close collaboration with other departments in the firm (including tax, labour, competition and bankruptcy), the corporate and M&A group at Souto Correa Advogados offers multidisciplinary advice in the context of M&A deals, corporate restructurings and joint venture agreements. The team, which is often retained by major players in the energy, technology, agribusiness, infrastructure and manufacturing sectors, excels in foreign investment mandates, where it acts for global and regional clients in incorporations, restructurings or the expansion of operations in Brazil. The practice is under the joint leadership of managing partner Carlos Souto and Rodrigo Tellechea, both of whom possess in-depth knowledge of M&A transactions, corporate reorganisations and contractual structures. Gilberto Deon Corrêa Junior and the ‘incredibly talented' Mauricio Negri Paschoal are also recommended for corporate, commercial and M&A matters. Clarissa Yokomizo excels in cross-border transactions, joint ventures and financing issues. The firm’s diversity committee is focused on the promotion of measures to reduce unconscious biases in hiring processes and career progression. It has recently partnered up with Pretos no Direito and Black Tax Matters, which seek to connect black students and professionals and companies that are committed to making the legal profession more diverse and inclusive.

Practice head(s):

Carlos Souto; Rodrigo Tellechea

Testimonials

‘It is a highly specialised and competent team. Strong in the use of technological tools for work, research and data search through innovative means.’

‘The team is available, accessible, dedicated, knowledgeable about the sector in which the company operates. They are always willing to seek solutions to meet the company’s needs. The partner is very accessible and transparent.’

‘The firm understands the agility and dynamics of the crypto market and jointly searches for solutions, providing a quality service with the flexibility that the market demands and with the necessary diligence in order to protect the client’s interests.’

‘Maurício Negri Paschoal is a highly qualified professional, who helps to find solutions, and is always interested in understanding the client’s needs.’

‘Clarissa Yokomizo stands out in the M&A area.’

‘Souto Correa delivers the same product it sells: partner engagement is real and thoughtfulness regarding cost and billing rates is a regular feature.’

‘Mauricio Paschoal is an incredibly talented lawyer who combines business acumen with attention to detail, delivering a work product that makes a difference.’

‘Maurício Paschoal is an excellent professional, with a deep knowledge of the subject. He’s available and attentive, always brings alternative solutions and is a great partner of the business team. Clarissa Yokomizo is a dedicated and available professional. She always seeks to understand the narrated problem in detail.’

Key clients

Telefonica Brasil

Oleoplan Oleos Vegetais Planalto

Diagnosticos da America

Sociedade Beneficente de Senhoras – Hospital Sírio Libanês

GD – Geração Distribuída Participações (GDSun)

Samsung Eletrônica da Amazonia

The Walt Disney Company (Brasil)

99 Tecnologia

Honeywell do Brasil

Knauf Isopor

Central Eólica Babilônia

Randon – Implementos e Participações

Dell Computadores do Brasil

Perfin Administração de Recursos

Abbott Laboratórios

SLC Participações

Sikur Participações Societárias

Work highlights

  • Advised Telefonica Brasil on the negotiation of a joint venture with Anima Educação to develop and sell short-term professional educational courses on a digital platform.
  • Assisted Perfin Administração de Recursos in the negotiation for the sale of 35% of its stake to BTG Pactual Gestora de Recursos.
  • Advised the shareholders of Tiscoski Distribuidora on the sale of a majority stake of their business to Pátria.

Sperling Advogados

The ‘professional team‘ at Sperling Advogados has ‘abundant experience‘ in M&A deals, non-transactional corporate issues as well as commercial contracts. The firm’s multidisciplinary approach – covering tax, labour, competition, administrative law and compliance – is valued by mid-market companies and international clients, which often seek comprehensive assistance in the setting up of business operations in Brazil. A member of AB2L, an association of Lawtechs and Legaltech that works in close collaboration with a number of start-ups, the firm has implemented automated document assembly, discovery and AI-based research tools. Also of note, the firm occupies a place in Brazil’s law firm association CESA’s committee for diversity and inclusion. Marcio Sperling ‘has very good experience and knowledge‘ of corporate and commercial law. He spearheads the department with Felipe Garcia De Souza, who is counsel of choice for several mid-cap and large corporations in Brazil in the context of corporate reorganisations and M&A, and Thomas Brink, who joined from Boltz, Brink Advogados in 2021.

Practice head(s):

Marcio Sperling; Felipe Garcia de Souza; Thomas Brink

Testimonials

‘Professional team; abundant experience and knowledge; speed and reliability.’

‘Felipe Garcia is highly experienced and knowledgeable. He also fully respects the client’s opinion, and suggests the best solutions for stakeholders. A very reliable partner.’

‘Highly technical team focused on meeting client needs.’

Key clients

American Vanguard Corporation

Henniges Automotive Sealing Systems Brasil

Schenck Process Equipamentos Industriais

Dräger do Brasil

CIMC Enric Tank & Process

Borgwarner Indústria e Comércio Brasil

Helm Group

ZeBrands Comercial

Bequisa Indústria Química do Brasil

Hatch

Enza Zaden Beheer

Vulkan Group

Osram

Dräger Group

Norgren – IMI Precision

Fundação Voith

Mitsubishi Chemicals

Rittal – Sistemas Eletromecânicos

Airbnb

Degesch

Gianni Versace

Döhler

Jack Links / Meat Snack Partners

Pecplan ABS / Genus

Uhlmann Pac-Systeme

Sixt

Toyota Material Handling Mercosul

Selena FM

Ferreira International

Deutz

Gaming Labs

In Vitro Brasil

Festo Brasil

Neapco Holdings

Kriwan

Tünkers

Softtek

Projeto K

Edag do Brasil

Anhui Guangxin Agrochemical

Fugran C.I.S.A.

Planmeca OY

Flender

Work highlights

  • Advised BorgWarner on the sale of an old, contaminated facility.
  • Assisted Hitachi High-Technologies do Brasil in the structuring of the merger of its business located in the state of São Paulo with its steel products business located in state of Santa Catarina.
  • Advised Hatch on the structuring and implementation of a merger involving its Brazil-based subsidiaries.

Themudo Lessa Advogados

Boutique firm Themudo Lessa Advogados is equipped to advise on mid-market M&A transactions, corporate restructurings and joint venture agreements across a wide range of economic sectors. Clients appreciate the firm’s ‘ability to solve complex issues in simple and personalised ways‘ in the context of corporate law matters, corporate disputes and succession planning. Fernanda Mattar Mesquita has more than two decades’ experience in M&A, joint ventures, corporate governance and contractual law. She leads the practice with Rogério Themudo Lessa and ‘brilliant professionalMarcos Lessa. Daniela Mineko Noda joined the firm from Jive Investments in May 2021.

Practice head(s):

Rogério Lessa; Marcos Lessa; Fernanda Mesquita

Testimonials

‘The team has an incredible ability to solve complex issues in a simple and personalised way. They stand out for their availability, partnership and high quality advice.’

‘Marcos Lessa is a brilliant professional.’

Key clients

Via Varejo

Klabin

HIG Capital

Desktop

Geo Energética

Essencis Soluções Ambientais

Solvi

Cosan

Indústria e Comércio

banQi

Aliansce Sonae

Grupo Tavares de Melo

GP Investments

Jive Investments Consultoria

Corr Plastik Industrial

Work highlights

  • Advised Cosan on the formation of a joint venture with Porto Seguro.
  • Advised HIG Capital on acquisition of Netell, Netion, C-Lig, Starnet, LPNet Group and NetBarretos.
  • Advised GP Investments on its sale to TOP Service, controlled by GPS Participações.

Almeida Advogados

With wide-ranging sector focus, Almeida Advogados advises on the entire spectrum of corporate transactions, including joint ventures and corporate restructurings. Commercial contracts and corporate governance are other areas of expertise for the department, which is noted for its strength in the representation of minority shareholders of large Brazilian corporations in contentious matters. The team – which has the ability to advise clients based across the country given its location in Brazil’s main economic hubs, São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Brasília, Belo Horizonte and Recife – is praised for its ‘quick response', 'availability‘ and ‘knowledge of the topic‘. Leading the practice is founding partner André De Almeida, who brings together expertise in corporate, commercial, M&A, compliance and competition law. Pedro Tinoco is a a key contact for technology clients, while Guilherme Doval is regularly retained by domestic and international companies in corporate, mining and real estate matters.

Practice head(s):

André de Almeida

Testimonials

‘The team is extremely engaged and quick to respond to requests. They are able to have a view not only of the local legal framework, but also that of our business, which greatly facilitates discussions.’

‘Quick response, availability regardless of day or time, knowledge of the topic. My interactions are coordinated by Pedro Tinoco.’

‘Almeida Advogados has a very strategic role in the sense that, in addition to taking care of the technical foundations of the corporate matters under analysis, it tries to address the strategic context as a whole. In this way, decision-makers have the possibility to act legally in a way that is compatible with the operational and strategic situation of the company.’

Key clients

Grupo Ferroeste

ACI Worldwide

Gafisa

Walmart

Proteus

FIS Group

Citeluz Serviços de Iluminação

Harmonia DTVM

Aeroméxico

Mahle

Interamerican Development Bank

Grupo Cedro

Coursera

Work highlights

  • Advising FIS Group with the corporate and tax restructuring of its Brazilian companies.
  • Assisting Grupo Mister Car with its corporate restructuring to gain estate and succession planning efficiency.
  • Supporting Grupo Ferroeste in the acquisition of farms and biological assets for mineral coal production to be used in steel production.

Andrade, Foz, Hypolito e Medicis Advogados

Denise Hypolito Passaro leads the corporate and M&A practice at Andrade, Foz, Hypolito e Medicis Advogados, which is regularly instructed by clients from the education, infrastructure, construction and logistics sectors, to name a few. The team is also well equipped to act for agribusiness companies in their business transactions in Brazil, which often involve strict regulatory requirements. Rated for their ‘knowledge of the law and how to implement practical solutions', its lawyers are fluent in English, Spanish and Italian, and as such are well placed to assist international companies in cross-border mandates, including due diligence exercises and reviews. Lira Renardini Padovan advises companies of all sizes and industries in corporate and commercial matters, including corporate restructuring and compliance. Paula Medicis D’Ippolito is noted for her experience in private equity investments, while Camila Machado De Assunção focuses on M&A, banking and contractual issues.

Practice head(s):

Denise Hypolito Passaro

Testimonials

‘Attention to the needs of the client. Ability to evaluate the various issues at hand and develop an appropriate flexible strategy to move forward.’

‘They are very capable in their knowledge of the law and how to implement practical solutions.’

‘Dedicated professionals with a sense of urgency and a sense of ownership.’

Bocater, Camargo, Costa e Silva, Rodrigues Advogados

Mid-market companies and other entities, including publicly held corporations and private equity funds, turn to Bocater, Camargo, Costa e Silva, Rodrigues Advogados on a regular basis for assistance in M&A and non-transactional corporate matters. Drawing on its extensive experience in matters concerning the Brazilian Securities and Exchange Commission, the team is particularly well positioned to advise on securities regulations. Typical instructions for the department include acting for shareholders in routine corporate activities, as well as joint ventures and incorporations in the energy, technology and financial services sectors, among others. The team is under the joint leadership of Francisco da Costa e Silva, who has held several positions at leading banks and financial institutions, and João Laudo de Camargo, who brings to the table expertise in financing and capital markets transactions. Other key figures include Maria Isabel do Prado Bocater and Luiza Rangel de Moraes, the latter of whom is highlighted for her ‘deep knowledge of corporate law'.

Practice head(s):

Francisco Costa e Silva; João Laudo de Camargo

Testimonials

‘Great advisory services, commitment and availability.’

‘João Laudo de Camargo and and Maria Isabel Bocater stand out for their performance in matters.’

‘Bernardo Costa e Silva excelled on the corporate litigation front.’

‘The firm has a great ability to interact with the client and a deep knowledge of the business. Its partners are directly engaged in the client’s affairs, providing a high quality service.’

‘Luiza Rangel has a deep knowledge of corporate law and is always willing to deliver the work at the speed required.’

Key clients

Bombril

Embraer

Impacto Energia

Coperçúcar

Usiminas

Vale

Banco Safra

Petro Rio

Neoenergia

Terra Santa Agro

BTG Pactual

Anumara Capital GMBH

Banco Fator and Fator Corretora

Investimentos e Participações em Infraestrutura (Invepar)

FIP Aeroespacial

Globenet Cabos Submarinos

Ático Investimentos e Participações

Kepler Weber

Banco Máxima

Fator Corretora

Impacto Energia

Siner Engenharia e Comércio

Socopa Sociedade Corretora Paulista

Truccare Cosméticos

Visiona Tecnologia Espacial

Banco Semear

Work highlights

  • Assists Petrobras in day-to-day corporate matters.
  • Assisting FIP AEROESPACIAL in the reorganisation of the equity stake held in Redspark Technology.
  • Assisted Siner Engenharia in all the stages related to a potential M&A with a holding company until the due diligence phase.

BVA – Barreto Veiga Advogados

With particular strength in representing sellers, BVA – Barreto Veiga Advogados fields an ‘extremely qualified, competent and accessible team‘, which stands out for its proven track record in venture capital matters and M&A in the technology sector. Several venture capital funds turn to the group for advice on investment rounds in Brazil; investment funds, family offices, start-ups and shareholders also retain the firm on a regular basis in relation to the sale and purchase of companies, incorporations and spin-offs. The department is jointly led by venture capital, private equity and M&A specialist Felipe Barreto Veiga and recent arrival Tania Lehmann Ribeiro dos Santos, who brings a wealth of experience in the structuring of foreign investments, corporate reorganisations and contracts. Sâmya Félix Nascimento excels in corporate governance issues and M&A transactions involving both listed and private companies. The firm has adopted a number of structures and initiatives aimed at enhancing diversity and inclusion through the creation of a research and innovation group under the leadership of IP expert Danniel Barbosa Rodrigues.

Practice head(s):

Felipe Barreto Veiga; Tania Lehmann Ribeiro dos Santos

Testimonials

‘BVA has extensive experience in this area, especially with regard to corporate banking.’

‘Extremely qualified, competent and accessible team. People who are extremely qualified in their fields of expertise, educated, approachable and interested.’

Key clients

Ssoil Energy

TRMF Consultoria

Goldman Sachs do Brasil Banco Múltiplo

First Abu Dhabi Bank

Singu Serviços de Beleza e Tecnologia

Domo Invest Gestora de Ativos Financeiros e Valores Mobiliários

Oakberry Açai

Nuvini

V4 Company

Routeasy Serviços de Assessorial Logística

Mobills Labs Soluções em Tecnologia

LBM Indústria e Comércio de Confecções

G40 Treinamentos e Cursos

Gol Linhas Aéreas

Investidores VC

Fábrica de Artefatos de Latex Blowtex

Oral Unic

Smart NX

OLX

Baggagio

AWS Brit Tecnologia

Dr. Cuco Desenvolvimento de Softwares

Live On Meios de Pagamento

Estater Assessoria Financeira

Fontes Promotora

Linkapi Tecnologia

EasyCarros

Trugghub Desenvolvimento em Transporte de Carga

Taqtile

Agroline

BeerOrCoffee

Noah Tech

Work highlights

  • Advised Mobills on the sale of its entire equity interest to Toro Corretora.
  • Assisted Fluxonaut in its sale to Gorila.
  • Advised Netzee on the sale of 100% of its shares to Locaweb.

Castro Barros Advogados

The highly regarded team at Castro Barros Advogados works on numerous corporate transactions for a diverse, often international client roster. The team is adept in acting for sellers and buyers in M&A transactions, demonstrating particular strength in deals in the agribusiness and hospitality sectors, and in the acquisition of Brazilian family-owned enterprises. Helen Valente Figurelli's track record covers M&A, corporate restructurings, private equity deals and international contracts. Competition, antitrust and regulatory specialist Anna Cecilia Rostworowski da Costa Buff has assisted clients from a variety of industries in joint ventures, shareholder agreements and commercial contracts. Guilherme Tepedino Hernandez is another name to note for foreign investments and corporate law mandates.

Practice head(s):

Anna Cecilia Rostworowski da Costa Buff; Helen Gaudio Valente Figurelli; Guilherme Tepedino Hernandez

Testimonials

‘The team is professional and responsive.’

‘Guilherme Santos – strong client relationships and practical understanding.’

‘Helen Gaudio Valente Figurelli was the best professional I’ve ever worked with.’

Key clients

Mercer, Marsh & McLennan Companies

Atual Serviços de Recuperação de Créditos e Meios Digitais

The Pearl Hotel

Praia Ipanema Hotel

Total Express

Pestana Hotel Group – Brasturinvest Investimentos Turísticos

Work highlights

  • Assisting Atual Serviços de Recuperação de Créditos e Meios Digitais – Banco Santander in the acquisition of 100% equity participation in Liderança Serviços Especializados em Cobrança and Fozcobra Agência de Cobranças.
  • Advised Praia Ipanema Hotel on the sale of the company Hotéis Chami to RK8 SPE Empreendimentos e Participaçoes.
  • Advised Mercer, Marsh & McLennan Companies on the sale of its pension administration business in Brazil to Sinqia.

De Luca, Derenusson, Schuttoff Sociedade de Advogados

De Luca, Derenusson, Schuttoff Sociedade de Advogados is regularly sought out by an impressive roster of domestic and international clients on day-to-day corporate matters and M&A transactions. With the ability to provide support on all legal aspects surrounding the purchase and sale of companies, the practice is also active in corporate reorganisations, governance issues, consolidations and joint ventures. Furthermore, clients benefit from the firm’s multidisciplinary service offering, covering tax, labour, litigation, regulatory and environmental law. The practice is jointly led by founding partners João Claudio De Luca Junior and Guilherme Filardi, both of whom handle M&A deals and contractual matters.

Practice head(s):

João Claudio De Luca Junior; Guilherme Filardi

Key clients

Cencosud

Granarolo

Idemia do Brasil Soluções de Serviços deTecnologia

Evertec Group

Roland Berger GmbH

FedEx Trade Networks

TGM Indústria e Comércio de Turbinas e Transmissões

DPZ Partners

Trescal Group

G+D Mobile Security

Work highlights

  • Advised a client on the sale of equity in IBD Certificações to QIMA.
  • Advised Plusoft Informática on the acquisition of Ibope DTM Marketing Derelacionamento.
  • Assisting Trescal Participations in the merger of its seven operational subsidiaries in Brazil.

Focaccia, Amaral e Lamonica Advogados (FAS Advogados)

Focaccia, Amaral e Lamonica Advogados (FAS Advogados) is equipped to handle a range of corporate law and transactional matters, where it acts for both buyers and sellers. Mid-market deals in the education, healthcare and technology are the focus of the corporate and M&A team, which is also skilled in succession planning and in the structuring of investment vehicles. In terms of diversity and inclusion, the firm has a committee named FAS Pra Todos, through which it seeks to promote equality and diversity at the firm; it also works with Banco Paraisópolis on a pro bono basis, a financial inclusion initiative which began in the Paraisópolis Favela. Renata Homem De Melo has recently handled several M&A deals in the education and healthcare spaces. She spearheads the group with Carla Anastácio, who excels in buy and sell-side transactions.

Practice head(s):

Renata Homem de Melo; Carla Anastácio

Testimonials

‘Excellence in the service provided. Carla Anastácio, is our main contact. She is a great professional.’

‘A lot of knowledge about corporate structures.’

‘Renata Homem de Melo is experienced and thoughtful.’

Key clients

Superlógica Tecnologias

Odontoprev

Diagnósticos Médicos Santo André

Rocha Lima Análises Clínicas e Vacinações

Elfa Medicamentos

Work highlights

  • Advised Odontoprev on the acquisition of Mogidonto and CLIDEC.
  • Assisted Surya Dental Comércio de Produtos Odontológicos e Farmacêuticos in the acquisition of all the quotas issued by Biodente Materiais Odontológicos.
  • Assisted B/Network Participações in the acquisition of initially 5% corporate interest of Vitrio Consultoria and Vitrio Publicidade.

Graça Couto, Sequerra, Levitinas, Bicudo, Leal & Abby Advogados

Highly regarded for its capabilities in environmental law and dispute resolution, Graça Couto, Sequerra, Levitinas, Bicudo, Leal & Abby Advogados is skilled in both buy and sell-side M&A and private equity investments on behalf of domestic and international clients. Recent highlights have seen the firm advising on share deals, asset disposals, corporate reorganisations, joint ventures and post-closing disputes. Securities regulatory issues are also among the department's strengths, and the team's track record spans the technology, retail, life sciences, healthcare and food sectors. Department head Natalie Alberdi Sequerra's experience covers M&A, private equity and investment rounds in start-ups; she and João Gustavo Santiago ‘possess great theoretical and practical knowledge’.

Practice head(s):

Natalie Alberdi Sequerra

Testimonials

‘Graça Couto has qualified professionals who are always available to assist us.’

‘Natalie Sequera and João Gustavo Santiago possess great theoretical and practical knowledge.’

‘Excellent firm; great technical knowledge; transparent communication. Partners are always on top of all transactions.’

Key clients

Concept Investimentos

Brown-Forman

Maquira

Rothschild & Co.

Capgemini

Blanver

Cinemark

EDGE Global Supply

Aura Minerals

Pomifrutas

Urgo Group

Allegra

CNOOC

Aggir

Suivie

Work highlights

  • Advised Zigpay on its Series A investment round of R$40m.
  • Acted as local counsel to Dorel Sports in the sale of its global operations to Pon Group.
  • Advised Tencent on a minority investment in Quinto Andar.

Loeser e Hadad Advogados

Focused on business law, Loeser e Hadad Advogados brings together expertise in corporate, M&A, data protection and tax law, and is highlighted for its capacity to ‘accurately and efficiently assess all the legal risks involved in the M&A process‘. On the transactional front, the team handles the entire spectrum of mandates, ranging from corporate restructurings to divestments, mergers, acquisitions and post-closing issues. Its sectoral coverage is also broad; clients operate in an array of sectors, including banking, retail, life sciences, energy and real estate, among others. The firm, which places a strong emphasis on innovation, has recently been utilising AI technology in due diligence processes and contract revisions in connection with M&A transactions, corporate restructurings and business reorganisations to promote more efficient services. Leading the practice, Enrique Tello Hadad is a ‘highly attentive and dedicated partner with an above-market knowledge of corporate and M&A‘. Daniel Domenech Varga has handled both domestic and cross-border M&A in the chemicals, healthcare, and food and beverages spaces.

Practice head(s):

Enrique Tello Hadad

Testimonials

‘Interdisciplinary team. Engagement beyond bureaucracy, a true human enterprise.’

‘The firm stands out for the technical capacity of the team, for the seriousness in legal guidance in order to protect the interests of the client, and for its honesty.’

‘Loeser e Hadad Advogados’ greatest assets are, in my opinion, the firm’s lawyers, especially Enrique Hadad who is an expert in diagnosing “legal problems” and offering practical solutions.’

‘Enrique Haddad at times fluctuates from lawyer, friend, mentor, and musician. He’s great at maintaining longstanding relationships with clients.’

‘What makes the firm stand out and differentiates it from others is the attention and concern to understand and put itself in the Client’s shoes. Its lawyers are prepared to respond quickly and effectively to all our demands, managing the risks involved and helping us to make safe decisions. They are able to accurately and efficiently assess all the legal risks involved in the M&A process, proposing alternatives to mitigate them. They are also able to expose the risks identified in the due diligence process, presenting a detailed view of the critical points of the transaction. Availability, proactivity, vanguard and technical capacity are some of their highlights.’

‘Enrique Hadad is a highly attentive and dedicated partner with an above-market knowledge of corporate and M&A.’

Key clients

Indigo

Bio-Rad

Tekfor

Mars

Dr. Oetker

Globachem

Assaí

Delta Electronics Brasil

APTIV Manufatura e Servicos de Distribuicao

Pepsico do Brasil

Plastek do Brasil Industria e Comercio

Cosmocel do Brasil Nutricao Vegetal

Apoio/Ecolimp Sistemas de Servicos

Tsubaki Brasil Equipamentos Industriais

Grupo GPS

Liebherr Brasil Indus. e Com. de Maq. e Equipamentos

Work highlights

  • Advised Hewlett Packard Enterprise on the acquisition of Cray Inc. in Brazil.
  • Advised Assaí in the acquisition of over 70 commercial premises from Grupo Pão de Açucar.
  • Assisted Bayer in the sale of its animal healthcare division to Elanco Brasil.

Machado Associados

Machado Associados leverages its ‘experience in business law, accounting, tax planning and corporate law’ to provide assistance to several Brazilian and international entities in inbound and outbound transactions. Besides assisting clients throughout all stages of M&A deals, the practice also focuses on corporate restructuring, non-transactional corporate advice, commercial contracts and corporate disputes. The firm – which is a member and co-founder of Lataxnet, an international network of Latin American law firms dedicated to tax and corporate law – counts energy, construction, mining, technology, real estate and agribusiness companies among its core clients. Leading the department is Mauro Takahashi Mori, who brings together expertise in M&A, wealth and succession planning, and ‘is extremely approachable and technical‘. Rochelle Ricci is a key contact for both transactional and contentious matters, while Rubens Bezerra Filho is devoted to M&A deals, foreign investment and contracts. Caio Fink Fernandes, whose areas of activity cover corporate restructuring, spin-offs and amalgamations, is also noted.

Practice head(s):

Mauro Takahashi Mori

Testimonials

‘Firm with consolidated experience in business law, accounting, tax planning and corporate law.’

‘Extremely technical team, that is prepared and accessible.’

‘Mauro Takahashi Mori is extremely approachable and technical.’

‘A team of very senior professionals focused on helping the client solve their problems. Easy communication and excellent response time.’

‘High quality of human resources, highly updated professionals in relation to tax and corporate law. Quality and promptness of the services demanded, excellent dialogue with the client, always trying to understand the specific needs always within the legal parameters.’

‘The team that assists us is always very precise and proactive in the search for solutions that best fit the company’s reality. The depth of knowledge is a great differential.’

‘Caio Fink and Mauro Takahashi Mori are recommended.’

Key clients

CCR Group

Bandeirantes Group

Capital Realty

Boticário Group

Marubeni

AR Mettalizing

ICL

Enxuto Group

Dialogo Engenharia

Lider Aviação

Wobben

Mattos Engelberg Echenique Advogados

Praised for its ‘excellence in the provision of services in the M&A field‘, Mattos Engelberg Echenique Advogados assists in a range of non-transactional corporate matters, mid-market M&A, corporate reorganisations and joint ventures. The team is regularly called upon by Brazilian and international companies operating across the agribusiness, technology, life sciences and other regulated industries. Fernando Engelberg De Moraes, who has over three decades of experience as in-house counsel in major corporations, has a wealth of experience in M&A deals and commercial agreements. Other noteworthy names include Marcello Vidigal.  Since publication, André De Godoy Fernandes, Cristiane Borges Da Costa and Priscila Farisco have left the firm.

Practice head(s):

Fernando Engelberg de Moraes; Marcello Vidigal

Testimonials

‘Availability and excellence in the provision of services in the M&A field, mainly in agribusiness.’

Key clients

Groupe Up

Ferrero do Brasil

Dyna Industria e Comercio

State Grid Brazil Power Participações

Specialized Bicycles

Torrent do Brasil

Astella Investimentos

Akzo Nobel

Axismed – Gestão Preventiva De Saúde

Annex Consultoria

Team Eight – Soluções Em Tecnologia Da Informação E Consultoria Empresarial

Quiver Soluções

Premier Pet

Wayra Brasil

Kempetro Engenharia

Bunge do Brasil

Freebalance

One Taxi

Plataforma Consultoria

OnnixCann

Yalla Capital

Lote Invest

Banco Master

Smart Agro

Banco Paulista

Contea Gestora

Vistra

Amicorp

Corpag

Gespar

Porto Fino Investimentos

Star Soho

Barn Invest

Work highlights

  • Advised State Grid Brazil Power Participações on the preparation of its governance policies for a Brazilian subsidiary.
  • Assisted the shareholders of Quiver Tecnologia in the acquisition of a 26% equity participation held by a minority shareholder.
  • Assisting Dyna Indústria e Comércio in a corporate reorganisation.

Mello Torres

With offices in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, Mello Torres attracts instructions from clients operating in the agribusiness, life sciences, technology, telecoms, oil and gas, and infrastructure sectors in a range of corporate, M&A, private equity and venture capital mandates. The multidisciplinary team is skilled in assisting with the modelling of tax efficient structures and assessment of antitrust risks in mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, corporate reorganisations and real estate-related transactions. M&A, corporate governance and private equity specialist Carlos José Rolim de Mello manages the department alongside Clovis Torres, whose areas of expertise include compliance issues, Alexandre Simões Pinto and Natália Teixeira Rabaça, all of whom have considerable experience in M&A and corporate governance mandates.

Practice head(s):

Carlos José Rolim de Mello; Clovis Torres; Alexandre Simões Pinto; Natália Teixeira Rabaça

Testimonials

‘Knowledge and accessibility set the firm apart.’

‘Alexandre Simões Pinto is recommended.’

Key clients

Casino Group

Grupo NotreDame Intermédica

IHS Brasil Participações

Makro Atacadista

AXA SEGUROS

Superfrio Armazéns Gerais

BBM Logística

Piratininga Bandeirantes Transmissora de Energia

Ourivio Participações

Banco Modal

Nacional Comercial Hospitalar

Klimt Participações

Neurolab Serviços Médicos EPP

Creb Centro de Reumatologia e Ortopedia Botafogo

Clovis Bersot Munhoz Assessoria

BR Partners

Trico group, LLC

Sirius Minerals PLC

Dental Surya

Distrito

Ideal Corretora

Darol Participações

Capitale Energia

SC BPO Fundo de Investimento em Participações Estratégicas

LTM Participações Empresariais

Work highlights

  • Assisted Notre Dame Intermédica Participações in its combination of business with Hapvida Participações e Investimentos.
  • Advised IHS on the acquisition of 51% of FiberCo’s share capital from TIM.
  • Assisted CSU Cardsystem in the acquisition of FitBank.

Moreau Valverde Advogados

The corporate and M&A team at Moreau Valverde Advogados is a solid choice for international and domestic companies across a wide range of sectors, including fashion, consumer goods, agribusiness, banking and real estate, among others. The team – which had a particularly strong year in 2021 in cross-border deals – is regularly retained to assist with corporate law issues, restructurings, private equity investments, shareholder agreements and succession planning matters. Its members are highlighted for their ‘strong technical background' and ‘hands-on, creative and agile' approach to solving ‘the most challenging problems'. Mariana Valverde is a key contact for fashion industry clients engaged in transactional and corporate restructuring matters. She oversees the practice with Jean Pierre Moreau, who assists healthcare and consumer goods companies in corporate and commercial issues. Pierre Moreau, whose areas of expertise include commercial arbitration, and associate Juliana Zanotto are also recommended.

Practice head(s):

Mariana Valverde; Jean Pierre Moreau

Testimonials

‘Efficiency, good legal advice and communication.’

‘Pierre Moreau, Jean Pierre Moreau and Juliana Cançado Zanotto are recommended.’

‘I enjoy working with the corporate team, as the members have a strong technical background, are hands-on, creative and agile to solve the most challenging problems. I frequently work with founding partner Pierre Moreau, and with Jean Pierre Moreau, who is an impressive lawyer.’

Key clients

Ford Models

Art RIO, Art Fair

Mundie e Advogados

Mundie e Advogados‘ transactional team is noted for its strength in highly regulated sectors. Its in-depth knowledge of administrative law and regulatory issues positions it as a go-to firm for telecoms, media, technology, energy and infrastructure clients seeking assistance in corporate transactions and private equity deals. Recommended for his ‘extensive legal knowledge, understanding of the business world, great articulation and negotiation skills’, co-head Rodolpho Protasio leads on high-value M&A and private equity deals. Fellow co-chair Eduardo Zobaran complements his M&A practice with additional expertise in finance and civil law. Associates Leonardo Burlamaqui and Danusa Pereira Fernandes are also active in the practice.

Practice head(s):

Rodolpho Protasio; Eduardo Zobaran

Testimonials

‘The M&A team knows a lot about our business and helps us in the development of activities related to corporate matters.’

‘Rodolpho Protásio is recommended.’

‘The team stands out for its negotiation skills.’

‘Rodolpho Protásio: Extensive legal knowledge, understanding of the business world, great articulation and negotiation skills.’

‘Well-structured team, with a high degree of commitment and knowledge of topics.’

‘Eduardo Zobaran is a leader respected by the team and everyone around him.’

Key clients

Glencore Group

Fleetcor Technologies

Fidelity National Services

Equifax

Banco BTG Pactual

Cervejarias Kaiser Brasil

Heineken International

AEGEA Saneamento e Participações

Multilog

Tim Participações

Vitopel

MCAM Brasil Indústria e Comércio de Plásticos

Kinea Private Equity Investimentos

Altra Motion

Sky Serviços de Banda Larga

Tredegar Corporation and Terphane

Gávea Investimentos

Salvatore Ferragamo

Verizon

Viasat

Inmarsat Brasil

KVH Industries

Iridium Satellite

ABS Global

Bracco Imaging

Desktop-Sigmanet Comunicação Multimídia

Molex Electronic Solutions

O3b Networks

OneWeb Satellites

Ranpak

Luxxotica

Work highlights

  • Acted for Equipav and Aegea Saneamento in the sale of 8.32% of Aegea’s voting capital.
  • Advised Equipav and Aegea Saneamento on an association agreement for participating in the public bidding for the water and sewage concessions formerly held by CEDAE.
  • Assisted Vulcan Fundo de Investimentos em Participações Multiestratégia in the agreement to acquire the 25% stake held by Equatorial Energia.

PGLaw

Multidisciplinary boutique firm PGLaw stands out in the technology sector, where it has an active practice and advises established players and start-ups on transactional matters and corporate law. The team’s sectoral coverage extends to the chemical and manufacturing industries, while its service offering also covers corporate governance, post-closing obligations, compliance issues, incorporations and matters before the CVM. The firm recently launched PGSoft, a legal tech initiative focused on developing innovative projects with clients. Department head Carlos Portugal Gouvêa is considered by a client as ‘a reference in corporate law', and João Paulo Braune Guerra receives praise for his ability to handle complex M&A, corporate restructuring and securities regulatory issues. Other names to note at the associate level include Caio Henrique Yoshikawa, who specialises in corporate, commercial, banking and finance mandates, and Rodrigo Fialho Borges, a key contact for matters regarding start-ups and corporate ethics.

Practice head(s):

Carlos Portugal Gouvêa

Testimonials

‘Super close and responsive service. They spare no effort to meet deadlines. Constant presence of the most senior partners in meetings. I felt very comfortable and confident in the work delivered.’

‘Senior partner Carlos Portugal is a reference in corporate law. In addition to technical knowledge, he conveys calmness and common sense in the most tense negotiations. João Paulo Braune Guerra handled the matters in a super responsive way, contributing to the discussions and delivering everything on time.’

‘The services provided met our day-to-day requirements, showing a consistent degree of quality.’

Key clients

Suzano

Kria Investimentos

Gympass (GPBR Participações)

Neofield Tecnologia e Agricultura de Precisão

Associação Brasileira dos Importadores de Combustíveis (ABICOM)

Martrust Corporation Limited

Iguá Saneamento

Quest Software

Unlimint Brasil Serviços de Internet

Cerdia Brasil Indústria e Comércio

Abengoa

Cypher International Holdings

ePioneers

Whiz Blockchain Technology

Orion Engineered Carbons

FT Economics

Ormuco

Associação Brasileira dos Importadores de Combustíveis (ABICOM)

AOVS Sistemas de Informática (Alura)

Letrus (Centro de Autoria e Cultura)

Basement Soluções de Captação e Registro

Reserva Serra Bonita

Agroflorestal Camacan Preservação Ambiental

SonicWall Software

RecuperiTecnologia e Gestão de Crédito

Somos 3 Internet

Work highlights

  • Advising SonicWall Software on its incorporation by private equity fund Francisco Partners and hedge fund Elliott Management.
  • Provided assistance to Cerdia Brasil Indústria e Comércio in its corporate restructuring and in post-closing matters.
  • Assisted Kria, a platform for collective investments in start-ups, in setting up a vehicle to enable a private equity investment in one of Kria’s clients to be made in a different number of jurisdictions.

Siqueira Castro – Advogados

With a great geographical footprint across the country, Siqueira Castro – Advogados is well placed to advise a range of clients in M&A and non-transactional corporate mandates. Its lawyers ‘provide excellent and practical advice' and ‘have shown to be a safe pair of hands for dealing with shareholder disputes' and cross-border deals. The firm’s pro-bono initiatives are also of note; it currently supports over 70 non-profit organisations throughout Brazil. Specialised in international contracts and M&A, Heitor Faro de Castro is also skilled in assisting start-ups and companies in tax and competition law. Marina Magalhães Gomes Ramacciotti advises on corporate compliance, which is also an area of specialism for Sérgio Ricardo Fogolin. Rodrigo de Macedo Soares e Silva is another key contact for foreign investments, commercial agreements and M&A.

Practice head(s):

Heitor Faro de Castro; Marina Magalhães Gomes Ramacciotti; Rodrigo de Macedo Soares e Silva; Sérgio Ricardo Fogolin

Testimonials

‘With an excellent command of English, they have shown to be a safe pair of hands for dealing with shareholder disputes. Lawyers provide excellent and practical advice.’

‘We have worked with Rodrigo de Macedo Soares e Silva, who has been very responsive, providing deep and clear analysis and solutions.’

‘The partners are very accessible and are usually present in every delivery of contracted work, in addition to having collaborators who bring us confidence and knowledge.’

VBSO Advogados

VBSO Advogados is adept in assisting clients throughout the entire life-cycle of corporate transactions, including proceedings before Brazil’s regulatory agencies. The firm has remained busy acting for buyers and sellers in significant M&A deals, business combinations, corporate reorganisations and joint ventures in an array of sectors. Erik Oioli has a strong background in the purchase and sale of equity interests, incorporations and spin-offs. He heads up the practice with Amanda Visentini Rodrigues, who is singled out for her track record in private equity deals, corporate governance matters and business restructurings. Associate Beatriz Soares Locoselli focuses on M&A, corporate law and private equity. The VBSO Institute, a tool to further the scope of the social responsibility initiatives developed by the firm, was founded in 2021, and in that year alone its partners and associates dedicated 280 hours to pro bono work.

Practice head(s):

Erik Oioli; Amanda Visentini Rodrigues

Testimonials

‘Dedication and great attention to the clients.’

‘Erick Oioli is recommended.’

Key clients

Banco BMG

Liqi Digital Assets

Work highlights

  • Advised Banco BMG on the acquisition of 50% of the stake of AF Invest Administração de Recursos and Araújo Fontes Consultoria e Negócios Imobiliários.
  • Assisted Banco BMG, as the controlling shareholder of BMG GranitoSoluções em Pagamento, in a joint venture transaction with Banco Inter.
  • Assisted Liqi Digital Assets in an investment round, which involved a R$30m capital injection.

Vidigal Neto Advogados

The ‘extremely agile and technical team' at Vidigal Neto Advogados has established a good reputation for M&A in the market, with a keen focus on the financial, industrial, healthcare, technology, mining and agribusiness sectors. Corporate reorganisations, strategic and distressed transactions are particular specialisms, with the firm counting a number of private equity firms, investment banks and asset management companies among its clients. Practice head Claudio Gomez and Rubens Vidigal Neto ‘are both very competent and objective'. Gomez excels in matters involving corporate law, M&A, commercial contracts and capital markets.

Practice head(s):

Claudio Gomez

Testimonials

‘Extremely agile and technical team.’

‘Claudio Gomez and Rubens Vidigal are both very competent and objective.’

Key clients

Banco Paulista

Sul Brasil Securitizadora (Grupo Sul Brasil)

WNT Gestora de Recursos

TF Investment (Canary)

Integral Investimentos

Artesanal Investimentos

JCL Group.

Tax Review Gestão Tributária

Rio Bravo Investimentos

Neil Patel Digital

Boost Payment Solutions

Eletronet

Work highlights

  • Assisted Singulare and its controlling shareholder in the sale of Singulare’s portfolio of clients to XP Investimentos Corretora de Câmbio, Títulos e Valores Mobiliários.
  • Assisted JCL Group in the acquisition of a minority stockholder of the group.
  • Assisted the former partner of Integral Investimentos and the quotaholders of RZB Participações in the acquisition by the former of joint control of RZB.

Viseu Advogados

Viseu Advogados‘ corporate and M&A team handles a mix of acquisitions and disposals, mergers, joint ventures and spin-offs in a range of sectors, including insurance, technology, retail, financial services, oil and gas, and healthcare. The team has been increasingly involved in cross-border deals involving the US and Europe, and also provides assistance in an array of non-transactional corporate law, regulatory and compliance matters. The firm has recently consolidated its diversity and inclusion committee, which aims to attract, develop and retain talent in order to promote equal opportunities for minorities, people with disabilities, women and people in the LGBTQIA+ community. Leading the department, Manoel Ignácio Torres Monteiro  specialises in corporate law, contractual matters and M&A deals. Paulo Bardella Caparelli left the firm in March 2022, since when the firm has hired Adriana Piraíno Sansiviero  as a corporate partner and head of the firm’s China desk – effective as of August 2022.

Practice head(s):

Manoel Ignácio Torres Monteiro

Testimonials

‘Viseu Advogados’ service is really different, and the entire team is very attentive and careful with all the details of the work that is passed on to them.’

Key clients

Teak Resources Company

Elevate Hong Kong Holding Limited

Awa Minerações

Coty Group

Cyrela

Panasonic do Brasil

Wella

Restaurantes Kitchin

Rede de Restaurantes Pecorino

Lavvi

Loungerie

Wilmar Group

Western Union

Nova Futura Corretora

Hogan Lovells

Assaí Atacadista

Domino’s Pizza

Fox Reciclagem

Housi / Vitacon

NOF Metals

Work highlights

  • Assisted Nova Futura Corretora in a partnership with Swiss bank Vontobel to provide cross-border services.
  • Advised Cyrela Real Estate on the acquisition of 12 start-ups focused on construction.
  • Advised an international law firm on best practices in Brazil, considering the strict legislation for foreign firms.

Elias, Matias Advogados

With over two decades’ experience in the M&A and corporate law fields, Elias, Matias Advogados offers legal support to both domestic and international clients. The team is adept in the structuring of M&A transactions, but is primarily active in the provision of general corporate and commercial advisory services. Start-ups and entrepreneurs benefit from a new billing system developed by the firm and the creation of its own currency, E,Mcoin. Department head Eduardo Felipe Matias is the main point of contact for clients engaged in M&A and corporate law mandates. He receives key support from a team of associates, including João Luis Marques Boffino, Evelyn Tamy Macedo and Thaís Gomes da Silva.

Practice head(s):

Eduardo Felipe Matias

Key clients

We Pulse Comércio e Serviços

Programa Vivenda Reformas para Baixa Renda

Aronis Software

Crane Worldwide Logística do Brasil

Work highlights

  • Assisted Programa Vivenda Reformas para Baixa Renda in a funding round by means of a convertible loan.
  • Acts for Crane Worldwide Logística do Brasil in the negotiation and drafting of agreements and day-to-day corporate matters.
  • Advised We Pulse Comércio e Serviços on the drafting of the terms and conditions of use for the app Kiko’s Fit.

Fleury, Coimbra & Rhomberg Advogados

The ‘highly qualified team‘ at Fleury, Coimbra & Rhomberg Advogadosis well placed to handle the various legal aspects of international transactions‘ on behalf of entrepreneurs, investors, and Brazilian and foreign corporations. Clients, ranging from technology companies and start-ups to manufacturing companies and financial institutions, turn to the team for advice on M&A, joint ventures, private equity deals, foreign direct investments and post-closing obligations. Founding partner Eduardo Fleury leads on tax matters and several M&A transactions. Lukas Rhomberg can often be found acting for international groups in the structuring of their investments in Brazil, while Renata Camilo de Oliveira focuses on corporate restructurings and financing transactions. Renata Armonia is a name to note for telecoms and energy clients. Senior associate Felipe Freire, whose areas of focus include M&A in Brazil and across Latin America, is widely recommended by clients.

Practice head(s):

Eduardo Fleury; Lukas Rhomberg; Renata Camilo de Oliveira; Renata Dorce Armonia

Testimonials

‘In my point of view, what makes the firm unique is the quality of the lawyers, who have a lot of knowledge in the proposed topics, but also have a broader knowledge about business.’

‘Its lawyers are very well educated and can help you promptly. Billing is simple and straightforward.’

‘Lukas Matthias Rhomberg is very close to the clients.’

Key clients

Ascential Serviços de Informação

Era Serviços de Inteligência em Software

Loesche

Bella Aurora Labs

Labelium Spain

B4A Comércio de Cosméticos e Serviços

Rankmyapp Software e Serviços de Internet

Care Club Medicina Esportiva eAdministração

Grupo Prolífico

Bremer Lloyd Brazil Logistics

BremerLloyd Logistics Beteiligungs

Herkules Latin America

HerkulesGroup Holding

OBO Bettermann do Brasil

Workally Consultoria em Bem-Estar

Fronius do Brasil Comércio, Indústria eServiços

AKA Ausfuhrkredit-Gesellschaft

Sophia Genetics

Awin Veiculação de Publicidade na Internet

Deutsche Gesellschaft für InternationaleZusammenarbeit

Tag Mensageria Transportes e Serviço

Ani med brasil

Icu Medical

Sun Chemical

Mann+Hummel

Top Cau ITT

Optel Vision

Tyri Lights

Voith Paper Máquinas e Equipamentos

Work highlights

  • Acted for Ascential Serviços de Informação on the acquisition of 100% of the shares of EraServiços de Inteligência em Software.
  • Advised Loesche on the acquisition of 51% of the shares of Dynamis Engenharia e Comércio.

Fraga, Bekierman & Cristiano Advogados

Based in Rio de Janeiro, Fraga, Bekierman & Cristiano Advogados is routinely engaged in corporate governance matters, due diligence and corporate restructurings across a range of industries, such as energy, real estate, construction and mining. The firm has recently experienced an uptick in work related to M&A and joint venture agreements in the infrastructure, chemicals and real estate sectors. Marcelo Leonardo Cristiano is proficient in M&A, private equity and corporate reorganisations, while Lycia Braz Moreira is noted for her comprehensive knowledge of corporate law and commercial contracts. Helena Marques De Souza Fernandes is counsel of choice for energy and mining clients seeking advice in transactional and corporate law matters. Guilherme Cinti Allevato and Beatriz Souza Costa possess significant experience in corporate, contractual and M&A matters.

Practice head(s):

Marcelo Leonardo Cristiano; Lycia Braz Moreira; Helena Marques de Souza Fernandes

Key clients

A.N.W. Participações

Karmin Exploration

Calçada Empreendimentos Imobiliários

Swire Energy Services do Brasil

TomTom Brasil Mapas e Serviços

FKB Equipamentos

Gameloft do Brasil

Work highlights

  • Assisted FKB Equipamentos in negotiations, drafting and revision of various contracts, including supply, purchase and sale, assignments, and rental agreements.
  • Advised Calçada Empreendimentos Imobiliários on the sale of some of its assets to Gafisa.
  • Provides legal assistance to Gameloft do Brasil in all sorts of corporate matters.

i2a Advogados

Established in April 2019, i2a Advogados continues to increase its M&A workload. Besides handling M&A deals in an array of sectors, including banking and finance, fintech, real estate and investment funds, the group also provides legal support on non-transactional corporate law matters. Marcos Sader, who heads up the corporate and M&A department, has over 15 years of experience in this field. Corporate, M&A and real estate specialist Alexis Borowik Rosa is also noted.

Practice head(s):

Marcos Sader

Testimonials

‘i2a’s corporate/M&A team provided great support in some of our most decisive business transactions.’ 

‘Alexis Rosa is excellent.’

Key clients

Stone

Copa Investimentos

Vórtx

Vinci Partners

Pátria Investments

Kinea

Perenne Investimentos (Grupo NC)

Mauá Capital

Guardian Asset

Kilima Asset

Quinto Andar

Alianza

NorthWest Gestão

BlueMacaw

Rodobens

True Securitizadora

Patagonia Asset

Emerging Variant

Brookfield

Placelog (SmartEnvios)

São Carlos

Banco Modal

Work highlights

  • Advised HSI – Hemisfério Sul Investimentos on the acquisition of 100% of the shares of REC 2017.
  • Assisted Banco Modal in the structuring of a joint venture with Cyrela Brazil.
  • Advising Stone Pagamentos on several acquisitions of start-ups in different market areas, such as accounting, life sciences and technology.

Kestener e Vieira Advogados

With the capacity to advise clients throughout all stages of mergers, acquisitions, spin-offs, and the transfer of assets, Kestener e Vieira Advogados is a popular choice for large companies in Brazil operating in the life sciences, technology, retail and automotive sectors, to name a few. Praised for working in a ‘very objective, fast and result-oriented way', the team is led by Fabio Alonso Vieira, a name to note for corporate transactions and commercial agreements. Life sciences and technology-related matters are core areas of activity for the department head. At the associate level, Daniel André Salgado and Carolina Barbosa Cunha Costa participate in asset and share deals, as well as corporate reorganisations and foreign investments.

Practice head(s):

Fabio Alonso Vieira

Testimonials

‘The team works in a very objective, fast and result-oriented way. They come up with solutions according to the client’s needs.’

‘Daniel André Salgado is smart, very responsive and willing to understand the needs of clients to create solutions. Fábio Vieira is the partner who assists us and is always available to participate in meetings, understand issues and build solutions together.’

‘Highly qualified team that is always ready to help the client, meet deadlines and expectations. Highly recommended!’

Key clients

Glenmark Group

Continental Group

Boehringer Ingelheim Group

Perrigo do Brasil Farmacêutica

Zodiac Produtos Farmacêuticos

Baxter Hospitalar

Kellogg Brasil

Hefesto Desenvolvimento e Criação de Tecnologia Médica

Lyoness Group

Global Reward Solutions do Brasil – Planos de Incentivo

Graphisoft Brasil Serviços de Tecnologia da Informação

Dunnhumby Brasil Consultoria

Cardinal Health do Brasil

Cengage Learning Edições

Intercos do Brasil Industria e Comércio de Produtos Cosméticos

Work highlights

  • Assisted Perrigo Group in the Brazilian aspects of the sale of the shares of Perrigo Company and Perrigo do Brasil Farmacêutica to Advent International.
  • Advised Adiuma Pharma on the evaluation of the purchase of 100% of the shares of a pharmaceutical company in Brazil.
  • Assisting Boehringer Group in the analysis, review and update of its permits, licenses and authorisations on a municipal, state and federal level, in light of its corporate restructuring.

LRI Advogados

A strong performer in dispute resolution and tax law, LRI Advogados is also adept in complex corporate matters and M&A transactions at the national and international level. Recent highlights have seen the team advising on the sale and purchase of shares and assets, creation of joint ventures, corporate reorganisations, and the negotiation of cross-border business deals. Its diverse client roster features several international players, most notably companies from Italy, Germany, China and the US; publicly traded companies also turn to the firm for assistance in relation to regulatory CVM matters. Department leader Nilson Lautenschlager Jr.  is noted for his comprehensive knowledge of corporate law, contracts and transactional matters. He receives key support from Victor Costa Toledo , who is actively engaged in M&A, foreign investments and compliance mandates.

Practice head(s):

Nilson Lautenschlager Jr.

Testimonials

The maturity of the lawyers and their corporate experience sets the firm apart.’

LRI demonstrated a high level of service, always ready to promptly support us in all our requests. It also contributed effectively to the structuring of alternatives for the transaction.

The team, particularly Nilson, were very thoughtful and responsive.’

Moreira Menezes Martins Advogados

Praised for its ‘great technical capabilities‘, Moreira Menezes Martins Advogados specialises in corporate and capital markets issues, and is often instructed by financial institutions, shareholders, brokers and companies in M&A and corporate restructuring matters. The firm – which is headquartered in Rio de Janeiro and has recently opened an office in São Paulo – also possesses strong credentials in arbitrations arising from corporate contracts, and is proficient in regulatory matters involving the CVM. Founding partner Carlos Martins Neto handles a variety of transactional matters on behalf of private equity funds and companies from the oil and gas and energy segments. Mauricio Moreira Menezes excels in corporate restructuring and corporate disputes. Nicholas Furlan Di Biase was recently welcomed to the partnership.

Practice head(s):

Carlos Martins Neto; Mauricio Moreira Menezes

Testimonials

‘Carlos Martins Neto and Nicholas Furlan Di Biase stand out for their technical quality, availability, and clear and objective advice.’

‘Committed, dedicated, focused and knowledgeable of the market.’ 

‘The team is made up of complementary professionals in terms of profiles and specialisms.’

‘Carlos Martins Neto’s participation brought maximum security to the transaction, as he demonstrated complete mastery of the required matters and, above all, the ability to dialogue. Another lawyer who stood out was Nicholas Di Biase, as he participated in all the meetings, was always helpful and very observant.’

‘Team is highly prepared and has great technical capabilities.’ 

‘Mauricio Moreira Menezes and Carlos Martins Neto are brilliant, responsible and have an excellent reputation.’

Key clients

Bluefit Academias de Ginástica eParticipações

Arconvert-Ritrama do Brasil

Enccamp Residencial

Gafisa

Ritrama Autoadesivos Comércio

Planner Corretora de Valores

Planner Trustee DTVM

PetroRio

Waterloo Empreendimentos e Participações

Grupo Leste Investimentos

Arion Otimização em Energia

Freight Logistics

H.I.G. Europe Old

Airstar

Mongeral Aegon Seguros e Previdência

Hydria Participações e Investimentos

Energisa

Performance Empreendimentos Imobiliários

Fundação Rede Ferroviária de SeguridadeSocial – REFER

Bain Capital Private Equity Europe

Ori Capital

CNO

Atvos Agroindustrial Participações

Pacta Participações

Triuno Agentes Autonomos deInvestimentos

Eneva

Fedrigoni

Grupo Luxor Investimentos

CREB Centro de Reumatologia e Ortopedia

Botafogo

Novotny Advogados

Covering all types of corporate law matters, M&A and private equity transactions, Novotny Advogados is instructed by a diverse mix of domestic and international clients, most notably in the areas of retail, real estate and healthcare. Led by Paulo Eduardo Penna and Gabriel Rios Corrêa, both of whom have strong backgrounds in finance, the team is also skilled in assisting start-ups in corporate restructurings and in their expansion projects. Penna is called upon by public entities, companies of all sizes, private equity funds and entrepreneurs in a range of cross-border and domestic M&A transactions, while Corrêa is singled out for his experience in corporate law and business contracts. Bárbara Gentile De Senna Santos has advised on numerous M&A deals, commercial contracts and CVM administrative proceedings.

Practice head(s):

Paulo Eduardo Penna; Gabriel Rios Corrêa

Key clients

Ancar Ivanhoe

Ivanhoe Cambridge

Zee Dog

Brookfield Properties

EASA – Estaleiro da Amazônia

Navi Capital – Administradora e Gestora de Recursos

Neoenergia

DXA Gestão de Investimentos

Windsor Administração de Hotéis e Serviços

MyFinance

Linka Plataforma Eletrônica de Investimento – Linka Invest

Novu Participações (Desinchá)

Grupo Diletto

Aria Capital

Eliezer Max

Supervia Concessionária de Transporte Ferroviário

Full Nine Digital Consultoria (ConectaLá)

Milênio Capital Gestão de Investimentos

Zerezes Design, Produção e Comércio de Artesanatos

Hep do Brasil Serviços

Mamba Fabricação de Comércio de Bebidas

Life is Now Comércio de Bebidas

Work highlights

  • Assisted Zee Dog in the negotiations with Petz regarding the acquisition of the entire share capital of Zee Dog.
  • Advised Gustavo Agostini on the acquisition of Lance Digital.
  • Assisted Conecta-Lá in the negotiations with Raia Drogasil Corporate Venture Fund regarding the acquisition of a 12.5% stake in Conecta-Lá.

Orizzo Marques Advogados

Orizzo Marques Advogados acts for Brazilian and multinational companies of all sizes across the retail, food, pharmaceuticals, consumer goods and construction sectors in relation to M&A transactions, joint ventures and contractual issues. Co-head Alessandro Orizzois an excellent professional, who combines theory with practice in a brilliant way‘; he is the main point of contact for foreign clients, and steers the team in cross-border deals. Also recommended is fellow co-leader Fábio Marques, who brings together expertise in corporate and tax law, and concentrates on legal due diligence of complex transactions. Other key figures include Luiz Gustavo Mesquita, whose experience includes M&A, debt capital markets and wealth management, and corporate law specialist Guilherme Coltro.

Practice head(s):

Alessandro Orizzo; Fabio Marques; Luiz Gustavo Mesquita; Guilherme Coltro

Testimonials

‘Very close relationship and attention to the client’s needs. Technically competent team, and partners with great availability.’

‘Alessandro Orizzo has comprehensive knowledge and is a strategic thinker.’

‘Orizzo Marques stands out for carrying out work geared to clients’ needs. Fábio Marques stands out for his ability to understand, navigate and consolidate different areas of law.’

‘Alessandro Orizzo and Fábio Marques demonstrated extensive experience and knowledge of M&A deals.’

‘The team is very qualified, always serves with willingness and availability. The team is great, agile, efficient.’

‘Alessandro Orizzo is an excellent professional, who combines theory with practice in a brilliant way. He is very approachable, technically impeccable and very responsible and careful in his work.’

Key clients

Grupo GPS

Lodologic

Marubeni Corporation

VBI Real Estate

Terlogs Terminal Marítimo

Adubos Real

Inloop Incorporadora

CRK / Topaz

Santher – Fábrica de Papeis

Ebara Corporation

MSN Pharma

Simétrica Engenharia

Lumen Centro de Diagnósticos

Maua Capital

Work highlights

  • Advised Grupo GPS on the acquisition of Comau do Brasil.
  • Advised private clients on the sale of a 60% stake of CRK (technology developer) to Stefanini Group.
  • Advised VBI on the acquisition and funding of real estate from Grupo Pão de Açucar.

RGSH Advogados

Buy and sell-side M&A, corporate restructurings, governance issues and succession planning are all core areas of activity for the team at RGSH Advogados, which is particularly well versed in matters pertaining to the agribusiness, port, retail and education sectors. The practice is instructed by a mix of financial institutions, trading companies, investment funds and family businesses in a host of corporate and M&A matters. Leading the practice, Mauricio Jun Higashino has extensive experience in contractual matters and post-closing obligations; he has taken a lead role in several transactions and reorganisations across the pharmaceuticals, agribusiness and automotive segments. Clarissa Novaes, who was welcomed to the partnership in a wave of recent firm-wide promotions, offers key support in complex M&A, corporate restructurings and contractual matters. Christian de Lima Ramos is another key contact for agriculture clients.

Practice head(s):

Mauricio Jun Higashino

Key clients

Humberg Agribrasil Comércio E Exportação de Grãos

Novaprint

Instituto Metodista de Serviços Educacionais

Holiste Psiquiatria

Scania Latin America

Culttivo Tecnologia e Serviços

Agromave Insumos

Mega – Logística Serviços Portuários e Transportes

Associação Educativa Evangélica

Nine Dragons Worldwide Investment

DTA Engenharia

SSL Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento

Work highlights

  • Advises Humberg Agribrasil Comércio e Exportação de Grãos on the acquisition of the totality of the stake in Nityam Empreendimentos e Participações.
  • Assisted the shareholders of Culttivo Tecnologia e Serviços in the investment made by KPTL Agro V Fundo De Investimento Em Participaçoes Multiestrategia.