With a particular focus on listed companies, BMA – Barbosa, Müssnich, Aragão has one of the country’s leading M&A practices. It is regularly involved in sophisticated mergers, acquisitions and public offerings, including deals with cross-border aspects. It has recently handled a number of transactions in the retail and shopping centres segment, and has also seen an uptick in corporate restructuring mandates. In terms of diversity and inclusion, the firm has a programme named BMA Diversity, through which it seeks to collaborate internally and with other law firms. The firm is part of the Aliança Jurídica pela Equidade Racial (Legal Alliance for Racial Equality), a project between law firms in Brazil and São Paulo law school FGV Direito SP aiming to promote the inclusion of black professionals in the legal market. M&A, capital markets and commercial arbitration specialists Paulo Cezar Aragão and Francisco Müssnich, Monique Mavignier, whose strong practice sees her acting on the buy and sell side of M&A and private equity investments, and corporate, M&A, corporate governance and securities law expert Luiz Antonio Campos are key practitioners in the team. Other names to note include M&A, joint ventures and debt restructuring specialist Luís Loria Flaks, Plínio Barbosa, whose sector specialisms include real estate, mining and infrastructure, and Amir Bocayuva Cunha, who acts for listed companies, entrepreneurs and private equity funds. In addition to its unquestionable strength at the partner level, the department also benefits from the input of experienced associates Rodrigo Mariani and Thiago Pinho, among others. Since publication, Ana Paula Reis and Ellen Juste Nuñez were promoted to partner, in December 2021.
Corporate and M&A in Brazil
BMA - Barbosa, Müssnich, Aragão
Practice head(s):
Francisco Müssnich; Paulo Cezar Aragão; Plínio Barbosa; Luiz Antonio Campos
Testimonials
‘Very good technique, superb towards the client.’
‘Ana Paula Reis is recommended.’
Key clients
TOTVS
B2W – Companhia Digital
AES Tietê Energia
AES Holdings Brasil II
Sul América
Adtalem Global Education
Atacadão
E2E
AALU Participações e Investimentos
XP Vista Asset Management
PJus Investimento em Direitos Creditórios
Petroreconcavo
Grupo de Moda Soma
Maria Filó Modas
Dynamo Gestão de Recursos
Singu
The Travelers Inc
Work highlights
- Advised AES Tietê Energia in the defence against the hostile takeover by Eneva.
- Advised Sul América on the sale of its auto and other property and casualty insurance business, by means of the formation of a new insurance company focused on these lines to be acquired by Allianz.
- Advising Adtalem Global Education on the sale of 100% of Adtalem Brasil Holding to Sociedade de Ensino Superior Estácio de Sá.
Cescon, Barrieu, Flesch & Barreto Advogados
Cescon Barrieu has a well-established reputation among the top M&A firms in Brazil, and continues to be involved in standout deals in the market. The team’s international experience makes it well placed to handle cross-border transactions, and its continued commitment to such matters was illustrated by its opening of a new office in Toronto in December 2020. Recently, the firm has taken key roles on a number of major deals in active sectors including education, healthcare and technology, in addition to the energy, mining and telecoms industries. The firm’s commitment to gender diversity is demonstrated by its balanced mix of women and men in the corporate department, among others. An important initiative is the firm’s association with the Incluir Direito – CESA project, which is in partnership with Mackenzie University and aims to increase the participation of black professionals in the legal sector. Its pro bono commitment is also of note; it has recently worked on a pro bono basis with WWF Brazil, GREEN4T, Iniciativa LIFT (a racial equality project which uses English language teaching as a tool for social mobility), Embrace Initiative (an education project for trans people) and Movimento Down. The sizeable team is jointly led by Maria Cristina Cescon and Marcos Rafael Flesch, and includes the ‘exceptional‘ Ronald Herscovici, Ana Carolina Castro Reis Passos and Marina da Silva Prado. Cristina de Freitas Bueno, who draws on former experience as an investment banker, Darkson Delmondes Galvão and corporate law and governance expert Fernanda Montorfano are also key contacts. Also of note is Tania Liberman, who joined from KLA Advogados in October 2021, bringing with her broad expertise in corporate law, IP and TMT. Marcelo Moura recently joined from Trench Rossi Watanabe.
Practice head(s):
Maria Cristina Cescon; Marcos Flesch
Testimonials
‘We have been working with them since 2019. They make a difference. They helped us build the company. They work with a lot of focus on the customer.’
‘Ronald Hescovich is the best corporate lawyer I have had the opportunity to work with. Exceptional.’
Key clients
Hypera
Enel Brasil
AES Tietê
Copagaz
Suzano Papel e Celulose
Smartfit
EDP Energias do Brasil
Carlyle
CDPQ – Caisse de Dépôt et Placement du Québec
Brookfield
Work highlights
- Advised Hypera on the acquisition of the business of Takeda, involving the commercialisation in certain countries of Latin America of a portfolio of 18 over-the-counter and prescription pharmaceutical products.
- Advised AES Tiete Energia on (i) the defence to a hostile takeover attempted by Eneva, and (ii) negotiations with BNDESPar, a relevant shareholder of AES Tietê Energia and party to a shareholders’ agreement with AES Holding Brasil.
- Advised Copagaz on the acquisition of 100% of Liquigás Distribuidora by a consortium composed by Copagaz, Itausa and Nacional.
Demarest Advogados
Having successfully established a strong M&A practice, Demarest Advogados has a loyal following of household name companies in the financial services, consumer goods and life sciences sectors, among others, and also continues to attract new clients. Its recent workload includes complex and high-value M&A (including transactions that exceed the R$1bn mark) in the banking, agribusiness, technology, education and healthcare sectors. Corporate reorganisations and distressed M&A are other areas of specialism. In diversity and inclusion, the firm has a number of internal affinity groups, through which around 12% of employees volunteer as allies, including D Mais, its LGBTIQA+ affinity group, D Raízes for racial and ethnic equality (including its involvement with Incluir Direito and Aliança Jurídica pela Equidade Racial), and D Mulheres for gender equality. Luciana Cossermelli Tornovsky has vast experience in corporate and M&A and corporate governance, and also leads the firm's corporate social responsibility area. José Diaz and Paulo Coelho da Rocha also each draw on over 25 years of experience; they are names to note in the practice, along with Ana Carolina Botto Audi, who acts for major funds and blue-chip companies, Joyl Gondim, who specialises in mid-market and life sciences deals, and infrastructure, transport and logistics specialist Gabriel Kuznietz. Bruna Toledo Pacheco and Daniel Caramaschi, partners since January 2021, are also key contacts. In July 2021, the firm announced its Disrupt initiative, which focuses on start-ups.
Testimonials
‘The firm has high-level professionals, agile and concerned with the business.’
Key clients
Santander
MRV
Netshoes
Mitsui
Nike
Ashland
DaVita
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 Caixa Econômica Federal on the formation of a joint venture, by means of its subsidiary Caixa Seguridade, with French insurance company CNP Assurances, involving R$7bn.
- Represented Laureate in the sale of 100% of the Rede Internacional de Universidades Laureate corporate capital by Ânima Holding for R$4.6bn.
- Advised Companhia Energética de Brasília (CEB), Banco Nacional de Desenvolvimento Econômico e Social (BNDES) and Banco Plural on the privatisation process of CEB Distribuição and the consequent share auction won by Neoenergia.
Machado Meyer Sendacz e Opice Advogados
The 'all-star team' at Machado Meyer Sendacz e Opice Advogados is 'attentive to the client's needs, and extremely agile'. The firm is adept in high-value deals that exceed R$1bn, in addition to mid-market transactions, where it works on the buy and sell side for well-known companies. With a sizeable team at both partner and associate level, the firm fields teams of experts in public M&A, private equity, healthcare and technology, among other sectors. Besides its offices in major states in Brazil, the firm also stands out for its presence in New York, which puts it closer to US-based investors and is also of benefit in outbound deals. The firm utilises technology and AI to improve efficiency, and has trained its staff through an Operational Excellence Programme that uses Lean Six Sigma, a methodology based on statistical methods to analyse data. In terms of D&I, the firm established a Diversity and Inclusion Committee in 2011, and today has affinity groups focusing on Gender Equality (Elas Conectam), LGBTIQA+ (#1gualdade) and Racial Equality (ID.Afro). Its work in these areas include lectures, meetings, mentoring and pro bono support. Guilherme Bueno Malouf leads the firm's business law department and is an expert in M&A and private equity investments. With him in the team are highly regarded corporate M&A and governance specialist Adriana Pallis and Arthur Bardawil Penteado, who acts for major Brazilian and international companies and private equity funds and is a member of the firm's executive committee. Diana Henne acts for international companies in their operations in Brazil, including in M&A and joint ventures, and Mauro Cesar Leschziner advises on M&A and private equity operations involving a broad range of sectors. Luciana Costa Engelberg, Ivandro Maciel Sanchez Junior and Manuela Lisboa Gentil Monteiro also receive praise.
Practice head(s):
Guilherme Bueno Malouf
Testimonials
‘Organized team, attentive to the client’s needs, extremely agile and always available.’
‘Technical knowledge, assertiveness in dealings with the board of companies involved in M&A and Venture Capital processes and flexibility and availability of unconventional schedules.’
‘They have a great team. The team built by Ivandro Sanchez and Adriana Pallis, with the support of specialists of different fields is an all-star team.’
‘Luciana Costa Engelberg – very high availability, meeting deadlines, commitment.’
‘Manuela Lisboa Gentil Monteiro, Tatiana Machado Soares and Rafaela Gomes Ehl Barbosa are recommended.’
‘Ivandro Sanchez and Adriana Pallis lead an excellent team. Andrea Fialho is a young associate that works as a partner with lots of experience.’
‘I had a very positive experience with the office. The Corporate and M&A team, and specifically partner Adriana Pallis, conducted the negotiations satisfactorily, accommodating the interests of all parties.’
‘Especially the partner Adriana Pallis had a very conciliatory performance and understanding of the business and the wishes of the parties, adequately addressing the needs of the operation and satisfactorily meeting the expectations.’
Key clients
Blackstone Tactical Group
BlackRock
SoftBank
Itaú-Unibanco
Duratex
Klabin
XP Inc.
Julius Baer
Cinépolis
Siemens Brasil
Work highlights
- Advised Unidas on the merger with Localiza.
- Advised Telefonica on the potential acquisition by Telefonica Brasil, TIM and Claro of the totality of the mobile business assets currently held by Oi Móvel – in judicial reorganisation.
- Advised Dasa/Impar on its acquisition of Grupo Leforte.
Mattos Filho, Veiga Filho, Marrey Jr. e Quiroga Advogados
Mattos Filho, Veiga Filho, Marrey Jr. e Quiroga Advogados has long been at the forefront of the Brazilian M&A market, where it is well versed in high-profile and high-value deals. The breadth of its practice – covering key sectors such as life sciences, technology, renewable energy, agribusiness, real estate and others – is matched by its size and geographic coverage, where it has dedicated lawyers based in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, London and New York. The firm’s extensive D&I programme is structured in five pillars, covering gender equality, LGBTIQAP+ rights, racial equity, rights of people with disabilities, and religious freedom, and sees the firm and its staff participating in social projects, awareness campaigns and volunteering. The firm’s well-established pro bono programme goes from strength to strength; in the period January to December 2020, the firm reported an increase of 122% in the number of pro bono cases opened. Sustainability is another area of focus for the firm, which, in 2020, joined the UN Global Compact advocacy campaign, signing a commitment to zero its carbon emissions by 2050. In a relevant development in 2021, the firm launched its internal Conecta initiative, which focuses on flexibility, efficiency and well-being. In corporate and M&A, Maria Fernanda de Almeida Prado e Silva often advises large companies on mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, corporate governance and reorganisations, and is particularly active in deals involving publicly held corporations; Marcelo Sampaio Góes Ricupero is particularly prominent in distressed M&A and cross-border deals; Paula Vieira de Oliveira‘s practice has an emphasis on private equity transactions, where she works with leading funds active in the region; and Luciana Pietro Lorenzo, who draws on her previous experience as in-house counsel for a Brazilian fund, balances a broad corporate and M&A practice. Other leading practitioners include João Ricardo de Azevedo Ribeiro, Moacir Zilbovicius and Pedro Whitaker De Souza Dias. Fernando Amendola and associate Rafaella Barbosa Boccia and João Marcelino Cavalcanti Júnior (who made partner in April 2022) are also noted. The department was further strengthened by the arrival of highly regarded corporate law expert Tomás Neiva in 2021.
Testimonials
‘Mattos Filhos’ team have deep knowledge and experience in any corporate transactional matters, and are always quick and responsive.’
‘The firm has a very high-level team of lawyers, giving confidence that the issues will be dealt with in the best possible way.’
‘Without a doubt, the team is the most qualified we have ever worked with.’
‘Excellent customer orientation. I would highlight Fernando Amêndola, João Cavalcanti and Rafaella Boccia.’
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
Work highlights
- Represented Avon Group in an all-share merger transaction between Natura Cosméticos and Avon Products, which resulted in the high-profile acquisition of Avon by Natura.
- Advised International Paper do Brasil in the sale of its corrugated packaging business located in Brazil.
- Advised Vinci Capital Gestora de Recursos on the acquisition, by its private equity fund Vinci Capital Partners III H Fundo de Investimento em Participações Multiestratégia, of a minority stake in Banco Agibank.
Pinheiro Neto Advogados
With a ‘huge reputation in corporate and M&A‘, Pinheiro Neto Advogados fields lawyers who ‘in addition to knowledge, have soft skills that are increasingly necessary in an environment of pressure and anxiety‘. Corporate and M&A has been in the firm’s DNA since its creation in 1942, and today it continues to be instructed in market-leading transactions, acting for a mix of buyers and sellers, and national and international companies. The full-service firm’s coverage of competition, compliance and capital markets is also of note. In the important topic of D&I, the firm’s diversity programme sees it acting on five fronts: gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, people with disabilities and religious freedom. The firm is a signatory to the UN Free & Equal campaign and the Law Firm Antiracism Alliance (LFAA) resolution, and – alongside other leading Brazilian firms – it is a supporter of the Incluir Direito and Aliança Jurídica pela Equidade Racial projects. Its large pro bono practice remained active – and in fact increased in hours and participation – throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, during which time the firm participated in a number of relevant initiatives, including the Brazilian Relief Fund, Estímulo 2020, which assists small and medium entities as well as micro-enterprises to handle the economic fallout of the crisis. Key names in the large corporate and M&A department include the highly regarded Carlos Alberto Moreira Lima Junior, co-managing partners Alexandre Bertoldi and Fernando Alves Meira, member of the firm’s steering committee Vânia Marques Ribeiro, M&A, private equity and securities law partner João Marcelo Gonçalves Pacheco and Marcelo Viveiros de Moura, who has a notable track record in M&A in the oil and gas sector. M&A and capital markets expert Henrique Lang, Antônio José Mattos Morello, and senior associate Priscila Gurgel Menezes is also noted. Since publication, Camila Carvalho Gomes has been promoted to the partnership, effective January 2022.
Testimonials
‘I only have compliments regarding the PNA corporate and M&A team. In fact, all the PNA teams are fantastic. They are excellent in conducting the project, have expertise in the subject and, as a client, I am extremely relaxed being advised by them. The main differential is that, in addition to knowledge, they have soft skills that are increasingly necessary in an environment of pressure and anxiety.’
‘The office has a huge reputation in the corporate and M&A area, having worked in relevant market operations, being highly qualified to advise on complex cases and find solutions on a case-by-case basis.’
‘Carlos Lima, for his legal knowledge, deep understanding of the sector where the current company and the understanding of the concerns and desires of the shareholders and the vision of the owner (goes beyond what was asked, seeking the best for the client). Hernique Lang, for his deep knowledge in operations structured in capital market operations. Carlos Eduardo de Azevedo for understanding the sector where the company operates, exceptional partnership and engagement, being willing to go beyond and seek solutions to meet the needs of customers.’
‘Experience, pro deal work, team availability.’
‘Antonio Morello, Priscila Menezes and Camila Otani Nishi are recommended.’
‘Henrique Lang and Camila Carvalho Gomes are recommended.’
Key clients
Pátria Investimentos
Natura & Co
Localiza Rent a Car
SOL Fundo de Investimento em Participações Multiestratégia and RFPLCA Participações (Santher)
Nu Pagamentos (Nubank)
Raízen Energia
Linx Pay Meios de Pagamento
Banco BTG Pactual
Fleury
Carrefour
Credit Suisse
Azul Linhas Aéreas Brasileiras
Mayfair Pharma
Banco Bradesco
ABB
Grupo A Educação
PagSeguro Internet
Work highlights
- Acts for Localiza Rent a Car in the business combination of B3’s Novo Mercado-listed companies Localiza Rent a Car and Companhia de Locação das Américas – Unidas.
- Represented Natura Cosméticos in the acquisition of Avon Products by means of an all-share merger.
- Acted for TIM in the joint acquisition by TIM, Telefonica Brasil and Claro of the mobile services business operated by Oi Móvel.
TozziniFreire Advogados
‘Always working with ethics, respect, professionalism and a proactive approach,’ TozziniFreire Advogados is ‘widely recognised in the legal market‘. It remained busy during 2020 and 2021, taking key roles on domestic and multi-jurisdictional transactions involving companies in various sectors, including in private equity and venture capital deals. Its strength in M&A is matched by its prominence in competition, compliance and labour law, allowing the firm to provide comprehensive coverage. The firm is renowned for innovation and, in 2019, it launched its ThinkFuture project to consolidate its technology practices, with the aim of further strengthening its relationships with lawtechs and continuing to develop initiatives aimed at start-ups and open innovation programmes. Its D&I policies – which cover gender, LGBTIQA+, race, people with disabilities, refugees and sustainability – and pro bono programme are well established and have not gone unnoticed by the market either, with one client noting that ‘a special highlight is the number of women in leadership positions‘. The firm’s TFAffinity LGBTIQA+ group and TFAfro racial equality group each have almost 100 members, and the firm maintains partnerships with Nurap (Centre of Professional Learning and Social Assistance) and NGO Educafro, among other important organisations. Highly regarded corporate and M&A experts Marcela Waksman Ejnisman and Maria Elisa Gualandi Verri jointly lead the practice, which expanded further with the hires of of João Ribeiro da Costa and Oswaldo Dalla Torre from Landi, Rodrigues, Nakano e Giovannetti Advogados in June 2021. João Busin stands out for his ‘remarkable experience‘; he has established a strong name in private equity and venture capital. Jun Makuta coordinates the firm’s Japan desk, and complements his M&A practice with his experience in civil litigation and corporate restructuring; Silvia Martins de Castro Cunha Zono is highlighted for her ‘extensive experience in highly complex operations‘; and Francisco Eumene Machado de Oliveira Neto is ‘recognised for his performance in large M&A‘. Banking, capital markets and M&A expert Fabíola Augusta Cavalcanti, Leonardo Miranda, associate Victor Frias Françoso and Juliana Maluf, who joined the firm from Pinheiro Neto Advogados in March 2021, also receive praise.
Practice head(s):
Marcela Waksman Ejnisman; Maria Elisa Gualandi Verri
Testimonials
‘TozziniFreire is the office with which we have worked the most since the arrival of our company in Brazil. They are widely recognised in the legal market, being one of the great corporate offices, being among the market leaders. They have a practice that has been consolidated for many years, with experience in transactions from the simplest to the most complex. As a client, we make great use of TozziniFreire’s full service platform, and they offer us a very homogeneous high quality in all these areas, especially in corporate, under the leadership of the partners Marcela Ejnisman, Francisco Machado and João Busin.’
‘TozziniFreire has the values of diversity and innovation in its DNA. The characteristic of diversity permeates the entire history of the office, which has always fostered an inclusive environment and access for all minorities. A special highlight is the number of women in leadership positions.’
‘João Busin: Outstanding performance in our subjects, always available, excellent technically. We see him as one of the market leaders. Fernando Carvalho is a new partner, but with an excellent experience in M&A. We have always had good experiences with him. Silvia Cunha has also always worked with great competence and technical excellence in our subjects. She has great critical capacity and good communication with the other members of her team, always assuming an important role in operations. She certainly must emerge as one of the important names in the office and also in the market.’
‘Marcela Ejnisman: great partner. She is the leader of the Corporate M&A practice, in addition to having a relevant contribution in positioning the office as a market leader. João Busin: remarkable experience in several M&As in the area and has a leadership position in this specific market, being extremely recognized by customers and even by competitors. Francisco Machado: extensive knowledge in the various areas that make up corporate law, being quite versatile. He is recognised for his performance in large M&A. He also has a strong presence in the capital markets.’
‘Today, one of their great differentials is the performance in private equity and venture capital, with João Busin, Fernando Carvalho and Marcus Vinicius Fonseca being references in that practice. We have also had great experiences with associates (Victor Françoso, Daiane Nunes, Juliana Mattar etc). They are well structured. They are among the greatest highlights among Brazilian offices.’
‘Silvia Cunha: She always has a lot of autonomy, a questioning spirit and very precise comments. She is very good at negotiating, but flexible in the right measure, always thinking about the best for the client. Maria Elisa Verri: Very engaged in issues of diversity, philanthropy and the third sector. She also works in corporate matters and is well known for helping clients with corporate secretarial matters (minutes, corporate reorganization, etc.).’
‘Maria Elisa Gualandi Verri, Monica Mendonca Costa: professionals of unlimited continuous professionalism and morals, highly committed to their clients. Seriousness, seniority, commitment and excellence.’
‘I would particularly like to highlight Fabiola Cavalcanti and Fernando Carvalho, Fabiola is a super lawyer – she has a global view of matters that always impresses and contributes a lot. Fernando always gives us comfort in stressful situations. He deals very well with people and navigates very well on subjects that demand operational and commercial knowledge from our business. He is a rising star with an excellent future ahead. Silvia Cunha is also another prominent partner. She has extensive experience in highly complex operations and always stands out with creative solutions, high negotiation skills in adverse situations and with a very different technique. She is a professional who has already achieved prominence in the market. Lucas Mejias has supported us with excellence in highly complex litigious matters, showing remarkable strategic prominence and technical excellence. Last but not least, I would also like to highlight the work of Victor Frias Françoso. Excellent lawyer. Rising star.’
Key clients
Axxon Group
Car10
MSW Capital
VF International
GPS Group
Vivante
Greystar
GEF Capital Partners
Opy Health
JB3 Investimentos
FEMSA
Ontario Teachers Pension Plan
Hainan Airlines
CPPIB – Canada Pension Plan Investment Board
Votorantim
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
Saab
The Blackstone Group
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
Laboratórios Pfizer
Colgate-Palmolive Indústria e Comércio
Work highlights
- Advised on the first direct investment by Red Eléctrica Internacional in Brazil.
- Advised Corredor Logistica e Infraestructura on the sale of 100% of its shares.
- Advised Greystar Real Estate Partners on the joint venture with Cyrela Brazil Realty and Canada Pension Plan Investment Board.
Lefosse Advogados
An ‘extremely qualified team to deal with complex matters‘, Lefosse Advogados is a popular choice among leading Brazilian and international companies in strategic M&A. Its recent workload includes deals in the energy, healthcare and retail sectors, among others, with its advice to Coty on the sale of its Brazilian professional beauty and retail hair businesses to KKR a particular standout. The firm’s capital markets and tax practices also enjoy strong renown in the Brazilian market, providing a further benefit to clients. The firm established its Lefosse Plural initiative in 2017 to discuss important D&I matters, and it also has specific groups focusing on diversity in terms of gender, race, LGBTIQA+ and persons with disabilities. Another highlight is the firm’s varied pro bono practice, which in 2020 logged approximately 1,700 hours. Highly regarded M&A expert Carlos Mello leads the team, which includes Mirella Abe, Christiano Rehder, managing partner Rodrigo Junqueira and Sérgio Machado, who has vast experience in cross-border private equity, public M&A and special situations transactions. André Calumby is noted for his ‘strong technical knowledge and availability to search for solutions‘, Christian Roschmann for his ‘great negotiation skills‘. M&A and private equity partner Gonçalo Godinho and senior associate and capital markets expert Fabiane Ortiz also receive praise. In recent developments, André Ziccardi de Carvalho and Marcelo Tourinho were promoted to partner, Alessandra Cony Siniscalchi was promoted to counsel, while Jorge Kou joined the firm from Vella Pugliese Buosi e Guidoni Advogados in June 2021, and associate Gregory de Oliveira Campos joined in May 2021 from Gaia Silva Gaede Advogados.
Practice head(s):
Carlos Mello
Testimonials
‘Lefosse is an excellent firm. One of our go to firms in Brazil. We consider it to be among the top firms in the market. Compares favorably.’
‘André Calumby: strong technical knowledge and availability to search for solutions.’
‘Carlos Mello certainly deserves to be highlighted. Technically ahead of the curve, dedicated and committed.’
‘Commitment to the customer and the quality of thinking “outside the box”.’
‘The corporate and M&A team, led by the partner Christian, has an incredible quality. They have excellent technical knowledge of the topics, as well as a great adaptation to the company culture. Christian, in addition to his recognized experience, has great negotiation skills and relationships with the members of the projects, regardless of hierarchical position. Fabiane Ortiz is very proactive and extremely dedicated to projects, adding a lot of value to the team.’
‘Goncalo Godinho is pragmatic and zeroes in on what matters for us and clients.’
‘Sergio Machado and Carla Gorescu are recommended.’
‘Extremely qualified team to deal with complex matters.’
Key clients
Coty
New Fortress Energy
AES Holdings Brasil
Bracell SP Celulose
Turvinho Participações
Unipar Carbocloro
AES Tietê
GIC (Ventures)
Companhia Brasileira de Planos Funerários
Klabin
Elfa Medicamentos
Treecorp Pet Participações
PayPal
HSI V Real Estate – Fundo de Investimento em Participações Multiestratégia
DASA – Diagnósticos da América
Cielo
BlueMacaw Gestora de Recursos
Necton Investimentos Corretora de Valores Mobiliários e Commodities
Vitreo Gestão de Recursos
Fundação Ary Frauzino para Pesquisa e Controle do Câncer (Fundação do Câncer)
Magazine Luiza
Work highlights
- Advised Coty on the Brazilian law aspects of the sale of its Brazilian professional beauty and certain retail hair businesses to KKR.
- Advised New Fortress Energy on the acquisition of Hygo Energy Transition (formelly Golar) in Brazil.
- Acts as counsel to AES Holdings Brasil and affiliates in connection with the acquisition from BNDES Participações of units representing 18.5% of the share capital of AES Tietê Energia.
Stocche Forbes Advogados
The 'agile professionals' at Stocche Forbes Advogados are highlighted for their 'high technical knowledge'. Despite the Covid-19 crisis, the corporate and M&A team has remained busy, acting for buyers and sellers in significant transactions in the energy, retail, food and life sciences sectors, to name a few. Also of note is the firm's publicly listed company desk, which provides support to clients on corporate, capital markets and regulatory matters, while its private company desk provides advice on corporate deals and commercial agreements. The firm has invested in technology in order to enhance efficiency during legal due diligence processes; collaborating with a software development boutique, it has developed an AI solution, with software that can perform several of the most common steps needed in the due diligence process. Name partner André Mestriner Stocche, Fernanda Cardoso, Flavio Meyer and Fabiano Milani each draw on over 20 years working in corporate law. Other key practitioners in the department include Alessandra Zequi, who often works with listed companies and has strong knowledge of the Brazilian Securities and Exchange Commission (CVM) and São Paulo Stock Exchange (B3 – Brasil, Bolsa, Balcão) regulations, and Rafael Andrade. In recent developments, Emilio Gallucci, who has an active practice with private equity funds and companies in the energy sector, and Bruno Bercito, whose practice spans M&A and capital markets, were promoted to partner in January 2021, while Igor Finzi joined the firm in September 2021 from Machado Meyer Sendacz e Opice Advogados.
Practice head(s):
André Mestriner Stocche; Flavio Meyer; Fabiano Milani; Fernanda Cardoso; Alessandra Zequi; Paola Carrara de Sambuy Gomes; Matheus Campos; Ricardo Peres Freoa; Rafael Andrade; Bruno Bercito; Emilio Gallucci
Testimonials
‘Stocche Forbes is an office with accessible, agile professionals without letting technical quality influence the tight deadline that M&As normally require.’
‘André Stocche, Rafael de Almeida Rosa Andrade, André Penna Bandeira de Mello and Bruno Melnick are recommended.’
‘High technical knowledge, business savvy and agility.’
‘Guilherme Forbes – seniority and ability to find solutions. Matheus Campos – unique strength of work. Fabiano Milani – high technical knowledge.’
Key clients
Pátria Investimentos
Blackstone
Catterton
Farallon Capital Management
One Equity Partners
GTIS Partners
Acon Investments
HIS Hemisfério Sul Investimentos
XP Investimentos
Mubadala
Tarpon Investimentos
Darby Franklin Templeton
Grupo Verzani & Sandrini
Banco Bradesco
CVS
Omega Energia
Energisa
Vale
Raizen
CCCC – China Communications Construction Company
Baidu
Dow Dupont
News Corp
Minerva
Cyrela
Votorantim Cimentos
Votorantim Energia
Nexa Resources
CPPIB
Work highlights
- Advised Arezzo&Co in the acquisition of Reserva (Vamoquevamo Empreendimentos e Participações), a well-known Brazilian clothing related company.
- Advised an investment vehicle of Farallon Latin American in a transaction through which, subject to certain conditions, Farallon will acquire, directly and indirectly, 100% of the equity stake of Elizabeth Cimentos and Elizabeth Mineração.
- Advised Engie, GDFI and CDPQ in the aquisition of the remainning 10% stake in Transportadora Associada de Gás – TAG.
Tauil & Chequer Advogados
A 'first-rate team in diverse areas', Tauil & Chequer Advogados has cemented a strong reputation for M&A in the Brazilian market. Its extensive office network makes it well suited to handling cross-border transactions, and the firm is acknowledged as one of the best in Brazil for oil and gas-related deals. Its client base extends to include a broad range of corporations and funds operating in the IT, agribusiness, power and transport sectors, among others. The firm has adopted a number of structures and initiatives aimed at enhancing diversity and inclusion, including joining the Mansfield Rule Certification programme, which measures whether law firms have considered a minimum of 30% diverse candidates for senior roles. In terms of technology and innovation, in 2020, the firm adopted Luminance AI technology, a platform for the legal sector focusing on due diligence and document revision. Split between Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, the corporate and M&A team is jointly led by Carlos Motta, Victor Galante and 'brilliant' name partner and oil and gas expert Alexandre Chequer. Active members of the department include Débora Yanasse, who receives strong praise for her extensive energy law expertise, 'great professional' Guilherme Tranquillini, cross-border M&A and restructuring expert Bruno Salzano and Daniella Raigorodsky Monteiro, whose broad practice sees her advising on M&A, corporate governance and contracts.
Practice head(s):
Alexandre Chequer; Carlos Motta; Victor Galante
Testimonials
‘Agility and precision in opinions/advice; first-rate team in diverse areas (M&A, energy, litigation, tax, environmental); networking network (Alex Chequer allows clients to communicate / open a channel with any key stakeholder very quickly).’
‘Alexandre Chequer is brilliant and, when he has an objective, he manages to achieve it in a confident and efficient way. Débora Yanasse is possibly the most brilliant energy lawyer in the market. Her knowledge acquired over the years transcends the field of Energy, and is extremely useful in other fronts, such as M&A, financing and regulatory issues in the electrical sector. Bruno Salzano: a “rising star”. He has a lot of knowledge and is very skilled in corporate / M&A.’
‘The main point is the team’s expertise. Highly qualified professionals.’
‘Guilherme Tranquillini is a great professional and always attentive to the demands of the group. Tiago has always followed the processes until the final solution.’
Key clients
Primav Construções e Comércio
Carlos Roberto Wizard Martins
Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec – CDPQ
Karoon Petróleo e Gás
Monte Equity Partners Consultoria e Desenvolvimento
Eurofarma Laboratórios
Petroil Óleo e Gás
Agrifirma Brasil Agropecuária S.A. and BRZ Investimentos
Perfin Asset Management and Perfin Apollo Energia (PFIN11) Fundo de Investimento
Vinci Partners Investimentos
Eneva
Locaweb Serviços de Internet
Hub Prepaid Participações
Work highlights
- Advised Primav Construções, a vehicle of the CR Almeida Group, in the execution of a complex Dissociation Agreement with Igli.
- Represented Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CPDQ) in the acquisition the remaining 10% stake in Transportadora Associada de Gás (TAG) from Petrobras, jointly with Engie.
- Advised Eurofarma Laboratórios as buyer on the M&A transaction with HYPERA, for the acquisition of the portfolio of pharmaceutical products in Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, Ecuador and Peru.
Trench Rossi Watanabe
Trench Rossi Watanabe maintains an active M&A practice, advising a range of local and international clients on inbound and outbound transactions, with one client highlighting its ability to ‘propose innovative and balanced solutions in a safe and appropriate way‘. The firm’s impressive track record in high-value deals stands out. Its advice to Grupo Albea on the sale of its dispensing business to sustainable packaging solutions company Silgan Holdings for $900m – a deal which involved Brazil, Mexico and the US – is a case in point; Marcia Calafate and associate Silvia Bernardino de Gouveia led the Brazil-based team. The firm dates its commitment to corporate social responsibility back to 1980, and more recently – in the context of the Covid-19 crisis – has focused on its All Fronts Combat Campaign through legal information sharing, partnerships with NGOs and internal donation drives. In 2016, the firm launched five affinity groups focusing on ethnicities, differently abled people, LGBTIQA+, gender equality and religious tolerance, through which it is involved in a number of social causes and projects. Anna Tavares de Mello in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo-based Daniel Facó, whose ‘multidisciplinary and extensive experience allows him to contribute quickly and efficiently to highly complex issues’ jointly lead the team, which benefits from the input of experienced partners including Lara Schwartzmann and Monica Cavalcanti. The team’s dedicated group of associates is also of note; key names include Paula Alonso, Munique Stragliotto Isoppo and Evaristo Lucena. Marcelo Moura left the firm in December 2021.
Practice head(s):
Anna Tavares de Mello; Daniel Facó
Testimonials
‘The TRW office has provided excellent services in the area of M&A, with a dedicated team, with a lot of expertise.’
‘Lara Schwartzmann and associate Munich Isoppo are two talents from the office. In addition to the knowledge and ability to adapt to various needs, they are very accessible.’
‘Trench Rossi started to stand out enormously after the hiring of Daniel Facó and his team in January 2019 and, in my opinion, it is currently the office that has the best team and is better equipped technically to conduct M&A transactions, with a focus on serving companies listed on stock exchanges. Trench Rossi Watanabe stands out not only for its technical capacity, but also for its full time dedication and commitment to the high quality of the service offered to the customer.’
‘Daniel Facó stands out due to his more than 20 years of experience, having conducted a few dozen M&As as a legal advisor to companies listed on stock exchanges in Brazil and the United States. His extensive experience in equity capital markets, working for numerous companies listed on stock exchanges in Brazil and the United States, distinguishes him among other excellent lawyers working in M &As due to his unequivocally differentiated ability to find creative solutions to make transactions that involve public held corporations feasible. In addition, his multidisciplinary and extensive experience allows him to contribute quickly and efficiently whenever we are facing highly complex issues in an M&A transaction.’
‘Evaristo Lucena is a rising star who, despite occupying the position of senior associate, has become a reference in M&A transactions involving Brazilian and foreign companies and, due to the combination of his knowledge, technical, business skill and impeccable dedication, Evaristo quickly won my admiration. In addition to being a brilliant lawyer, Evaristo has complementary intellectual and technical resources, due to his knowledge of accounting & finance.’
‘Marcelo Moura is undoubtedly another rising star, extremely differentiated in the conduct of M&A transactions! In view of his remarkable knowledge of corporate and regulatory matters involving the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, he stands out from his peers in M&A transactions, especially when the transaction involves assets from publicly held corporations.’
‘Technical knowledge, availability and ability to understand the practical situation and proposing innovative and balanced solutions in a safe and appropriate way.’
Key clients
Petrobras
Bunge
Bemis
Procter & Gamble
Merck
PepsiCo
Yara
Abbott
Siemens
FedEx
Froneri
LiveStyle
Transamerica Aegon Group
Grupo SBF
Hotmart
WIZ Soluções e Corretagem de Seguros
Petrobras Logística de Gás
Afya
Work highlights
- Advised Hitachi in connection with the establishment of the joint venture between Hitachi and ABB Limited in respect of the ABB Network Grids Division.
- Assisted Enterprise Holdings – one of the largest investors of Companhia de Locação das Américas (Unidas) – in M&A, capital market, IP, antitrust, tax and compliance matters in the context of the combination of Localiza Rent a Car and Unidas.
- Assisted Nielsen in a corporate reorganisation to separate its consumer data and analytics business, which was then sold to Advent International for $2.7bn.
Veirano Advogados
‘Fast, efficient and providing services with robust legal and business knowledge‘, Veirano Advogados‘ highly experienced corporate and M&A team is noted for its ‘pro-deal approach‘. A significant highlight in 2020 was its representation of Australia-based company Nufarm in the sale of all shares of its subsidiary in Brazil, Nufarm Indústria Química e Farmacêutica, to Sumitomo Chemical. The firm saw some personnel changes during 2021, with the departures of Carlos Lobo in January and Sergio Bronstein in April. However, its sizeable team – which is split between the São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Porto Alegre offices – remains busy, acting for major corporations and private equity clients in their operations and investments in Brazil. Names to note include Augusto Cesar Barbosa de Souza, Paula Surerus, Fernando Verzoni, Lior Pinsky, Alberto Bragança and Vanessa Felício (who made partner in January 2022), with key associates including Diego Yago Rodrigues. Another relevant feature of the firm is its social responsibility and pro bono programme, Veirano Transforma, launched in 2020, with social impact and diversity and inclusion initiatives considered key criteria in the selection of new projects. The firm’s D&I Committee, established in 2015, promotes internal and external actions, with an emphasis on gender, race and ethnicity (including its involvement in the Aliança Jurídica pela Equidade Racial and Incluir Direito projects), sexual orientation and LGBTQI+ (with recent highlights including its partnership with TransEmpregos), digital inclusion, social mobility and age. Since publication, Surerus has been appointed managing partner (effective January 2022), the first woman to hold the position in the firm's 50-year history.
Practice head(s):
Augusto Cesar Barbosa de Souza; Paula Surerus; Fernando Verzoni; Lior Pinsky
Testimonials
‘Very approachable and hands-on assistance. Very good coordination.’
‘Good negotiations skills. Understands what is important for us as client and points out the right issues.’
‘Fast, efficient, and providing services with robust legal and business knowledge. All areas work closely together, for example, to ensure that an acquisition or divestment takes place in the best possible way, without any setbacks. They understand the risk matrix of foreign and multinational investors very well, looking for the best solutions. Excellent experiences in the area of M&A and Regulatory / Energy.’
‘Alberto Bragança, Paula Surerus, Tiago Figueiró and Thaís Limani are recommended.’
‘Veirano Advogados has a team of partners and lawyers from Corporate and M&A with skills and competencies to assist clients in transactions of any complexity. The attorneys demonstrate a deep knowledge of the details of the laws, the impact of business clauses, and the importance of each part of the Due Diligence process. In addition, the members of this team interact with clients acting as a single focal point of the office, mobilising other partners in specific areas when necessary and consolidating understandings, facilitating the decision-making of the client.’
‘Great expertise on the subject, flexibility and agility in service and pro-deal approach.’
Key clients
TIM Participações
Lundin
State Grid International Development
Nufarm
Shell
Light Street Capital
CEMIG
Uralkali
Kinea
Banco Bradesco
Laureate
Tubex
Work highlights
- Acted as counsel to Nufarm on the sale of all shares of Nufarm’s subsidiary in Brazil, Nufarm Indústria Química e Farmacêutica, to Sumitomo Chemical.
- Advised Laureate Group on the sale of all its Brazilian assets to Anima Educação, one of the largest education companies in South America.
- Advised Claro on the R$16.5bn joint bid (made together with Telefonica Brasil and TIM) to acquire all the mobile assets of Oi Móvel.
Campos Mello Advogados in cooperation with DLA Piper
Highlighted for its ‘excellent availability, innovative ideas, punctual delivery and prompt help‘, Campos Mello Advogados in cooperation with DLA Piper balances an active corporate practice, regularly providing advice to clients on mergers, acquisitions, reorganisations and joint ventures, with an emphasis on buy-side, mid-market M&A. Energy and oil and gas-related deals often feature in the team’s workload, though its expertise spans multiple sectors. The firm’s cooperation with DLA Piper and its extensive office network provides several benefits, including in the field of technology and efficiency, where the firm makes use of a number of programmes – including Kira Systems – to improve efficiency. In the area of diversity, the firm hired D&I company Tree Consultoria in 2020, and participates in a women mentoring programme. Senior partners Fabiano Gallo and Marcus Vinicius Bitencourt lead the team, which includes M&A, real estate and securities expert Fabio Perrone Campos Mello, Carolina Marcondes Sant’Angelo, who acts for household name companies on corporate and commercial matters, and associate Rodrigo Pires Mattos. The team expanded further in July 2021 with the hire of Oduvaldo Lara Júnior from Rolim, Viotti, Goulart, Cardoso Advogados. Since publication, Renata Amorim and Camila Caetano Cardoso were promoted to partner, announced December 2021.
Practice head(s):
Fabiano Gallo; Marcus Vinicius Bitencourt
Testimonials
‘The treatment we have from the office, and all the solutions presented are classified by us as innovative, which allows us to always evolve.’
‘Marcus Bitencourt (one of the best in the field in this area) and Camila Caetano Cardoso and Rodrigo Pires Mattos are excellent, attentive, studious, who give us great comfort in keeping them in all our projects and discussions.’
‘Attention to the customer, care for details, knowledge of the Company’s activities.’
‘The quality of the service provided is well above what we see in the market as a whole, the team is of extremely high quality, with excellent availability, innovative ideas, punctual delivery and prompt help whenever we need.’
‘Renata Amorim is recommended.’
Key clients
Nissan
Statkraft
Compass/GRSA
Basf
Eneva
Solar Coca-Cola
GE
CVC
Banco Votorantim
BlackHawk Network
Blizzard Entertainment
3R Petróleo
Máquina de Vendas
Wipro Tecnologies
Finhealth
Lifemed
Brasil Plural
SITA
Lanxess
Starboard
Nestle
Fleury
Crescera Investimentos
Sequoia
Printi
Work highlights
- Advised Total Log Planejamento e Participações on the acquisition from certain individuals and from Itaú Unibanco of ordinary shares representing 44.63% of real estate company CR2 Empreendimentos Imobiliários.
- Assisted 3R Petroleum and its affiliate OP Energia Onshore on the negotiation of the sale and purchase agreement executed with Petrobras for the acquisition of Recôncavo Cluster.
- Advised Crescera Investimentos – Fundo de Investimento Capital Semente Criatec 2 on the divestment of Vindi Tecnologia to Locaweb.
Cascione Pulino Boulos Advogados
With professionals who are ‘available and committed to obtaining the best transaction for the client‘, Cascione Pulino Boulos Advogados quickly established itself as a serious firm for M&A in Brazil. The firm stands out for the breadth of its expertise, which makes it a popular choice for clients – including major players in their respective sectors – in large deals, including in complex distressed M&A. Its sector specialisms are equally broad, with the team’s recent transactions involving companies in the financial services, healthcare, education and infrastructure industries, to name a few. Also of note is the firm’s activity in the start-ups space, particularly in deals involving fintech companies. The corporate and M&A group is jointly led by Eduardo Taleb Boulos and Milana Antoniolli Martins, each of whom have strong experience in M&A, joint ventures and reorganisations, as well as corporate disputes. Luiz Eduardo Malta Corradini and Guilherme Bertolini – who was promoted to partner in 2020 – are also noted. The team was further strengthened in September 2021 with the hire of company law and M&A specialist Brunno Morette from NBF|A - Neiva Barros & Figueiró, Sociedade de Advogados.
Practice head(s):
Eduardo Boulos; Milana Martins
Testimonials
‘Technical capacity combined with commitment, which conveys confidence to customers. Experience in structuring complex transactions which allows us to overcome business impasses. Interpersonal skills of the senior team to conduct conflicting negotiations and difficult clients.‘
‘Agility in performance, expertise in asset license / acquisition operations and negotiations with other parties. Eduardo Boulos Guilherme Bertolini.’
‘Experienced staff, available and committed to obtaining the best transaction for the client. Luiz Eduardo Corradini had an outstanding performance in our M&A project. An agile lawyer who understands the client’s needs and works to implement them in a creative way and with legal certainty.’
‘Technical knowledge, response speed and price. Milana and Luiz are recommended.’
‘Multidisciplinary team, above-average commitment, support and availability to discuss aspects that are not strictly legal. Guilherme Bertolini – extremely available, kind, ultra committed, knows how to conduct meetings with several stakeholders, multidisciplinary, good synthesis capacity and ease of explaining complex legal issues to a more lay audience.’
Key clients
Raízen
Carrefour
Korber
IG4 Capital
Swiss Re
Neon Pagamentos
Cosan Lubrificantes
Gerdau Group
Banco Montepio
Instituto Mantenedor de Ensino Superior
Chiesi Farmacêutica
Hyva Holding
Lime
QuintoAndar
Dafiti
JTB Group
Work highlights
- Represented funds managed by IG4 Capital Investimentos in the acquisition of 100% of Corredor Logística e Infraestrutura in a deal worth R$1.3bn.
- Assisting Neon Pagamentos in the acquisition of 100% of the equity interest of Magliano Corretora de Câmbio e Valores Mobiliários.
- Advised Beckon on the sale of 100% of the equity interests of Escola Viva to Bahema Educação.
Huck, Otranto, Camargo Advogados
Huck, Otranto, Camargo Advogados stands out for its vast knowledge of technology and venture capital deals, areas in which the team remained busy during 2020. Elsewhere, the firm also maintains a broad practice, equipped to assist domestic and international companies in all phases of their life cycles, providing advice on sales, acquisitions, mergers and day-to-day corporate matters. Highly regarded senior partner Luis Gustavo Haddad and corporate, M&A, investment funds and securities law expert Bruno Robert lead the team, which includes M&A, corporate planning and succession expert Ana Carolina Barbuio Affonso, Carol Saposnic, Diego Billi Falcão and Fernanda Annenberg. The firm’s recently founded diversity committee is responsible for training staff and identifying measures to improve D&I; among its well-established initiatives is the firm’s mentoring and sponsorship of students from disadvantaged backgrounds at São Paulo universities. During the Covid-19 crisis, the team assisted Porto Seguro with a social programme that trains people who have lost their jobs or are struggling economically during the pandemic. Since publication: the firm endured a significant split in February 2022, with the departure of 24 lawyers to found HRSA; while the firm retains 47 attorneys, Haddad, Robert and Affonso have left the firm.
Testimonials
‘Highly qualified, multispecialized team, available whenever necessary and guiding the client in the best way in each situation, always listening to the client’s thoughts and possible restrictions.’
‘Luis Gustavo Haddad leads the team, that assists us with safety and knowledge. Experienced and balanced.’
‘The attention and dedication of the team is great. Technically very competent, they take care of our interests.’
‘Luis Haddad: Competence, seriousness, availability are his main characteristics. Another highlight is Diego Falcao.’
Key clients
Acerto Cobrança e Informações Cadastrais
Assupero (Grupo Unip)
Blau Farmacêutica
Ciatc Participações
Grupo Brasil Norte
Holding Clube
Joa Investimentos
Laboratório Cristália
Mercado Bitcoin
Porto Seguro
Sengés Papel e Celulose
Valgroup
Work highlights
- Advised Joá Investimentos on the sale of its shares issued by Madero Indústria e Comércio to the controlling shareholder of such company.
- Advised Joa Investimentos on the combination of the business operation of its investee Vamoquevamo Empreendimentos e Participações with Arezzo Indústria e Comércio.
- Assisted Acerto Cobrança e Informações Cadastrais with the process of selling 60% of the founding members’ corporate equity to Banco Inter.
KLA Advogados
KLA Advogados is equally adept in M&A, corporate restructurings and non-transactional corporate matters, and the broad scope of its expertise ensures a constant flow of work. Recently, the firm has been particularly active in significant deals in the technology, telecoms, healthcare, food and beverage, retail and education sectors, where it acts for a large portfolio of clients, many of which have been working with the firm for more than a decade. With a strong commitment to pro bono work, the firm has had pro bono initiatives since its founding in 2002; this practice is coordinated by compliance expert Catarina Rattes. 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 50% of the firm’s total. Corporate and M&A specialist Karin Alvo has notable experience in the technology, telecoms and life sciences sectors; Melissa Kanô leads the firm’s Asia desk and has a particularly strong following in the advertising, food and clean energy sectors; Luiz Filipe Aranha‘s broad practice takes in M&A, private equity and venture capital investments and commercial contracts; and Mariana Cortez is particularly prominent in real estate and education-sector deals. Other names to note include Alessandra Höhne and Fernanda Levy. In significant developments in October 2021, key practitioners Patrícia Braga, Mário Fioratti and Laura Cossi were promoted to partner, while Tania Liberman left the firm.
Practice head(s):
Karin Alvo; Mariana Cortez; Melissa Kanô; Alessandra Hohne; Fernanda Levy; Luiz Filipe Aranha
Testimonials
‘Responsive, reachable, understand our business and great cost benefit ratio.’
‘Both Mario Fioratti and Karin Alvo are outstanding professionals, understand our business, always accessible and amazing negotiators.’
Key clients
Suzano
Boston Scientific Corporation
QMC Towers Infrastructure
General Mills
Yoplait
Hughes
EchoStar satellite
Lear Corporation
Ecogen Brasil Soluções Energéticas
Bain Company
Omnicom Group
Mars
Publicis Group
Deutsche Bahn
GPA
Ânima Educação
Bresco
Nordic Power Partners
Kaszek Ventures
Monashees Investments
Orange Business Telecom
Brink’s
Work highlights
- Assisted Ânima Educação in the acquisition process of Laureate Group for R$4.4bn.
- Advised Suzano, which entered into an agreement for the sale of real properties and forest assets with Bracell.
- Assisted Murchison Group with the acquisition of Cotia Trading’s equity interest in Terminal Zarate, an Argentinean port complex owned by both companies (Murchison and Cotia).
Lobo de Rizzo Advogados
Lobo de Rizzo Advogados has established itself as a prominent law firm in Brazil for education-sector M&A, and it is also highly active in significant deals involving companies in the media, technology, chemicals and energy sectors, among others. 2020 saw the firm’s experienced corporate and M&A team acting on the buy and sell side of significant transactions, with Rodrigo Millar de Castro Guerra, Daniella Tavares, Paula Magalhães, and Otávio Lucas Solano Valério among those taking leading roles on some of the department’s key deals. Ana Paula Miguel, Guilherme Henke Menegassi and José Orlando Lobo are also key contacts. José Eduardo Marretti (who was promoted to partner in June 2021) and associate Juliana Campos Santana also receive praise. In the field of corporate social responsibility, the firm’s particular focus on accessible education is a natural fit; through the Education Partners Association, it sponsors a public primary school, and it also supports the Constitution at School Project, which promotes classes on human rights and the Brazilian Constitution.
Practice head(s):
Ana Paula Miguel; Daniella Tavares; Guilherme Henke Menegassi; In Hee Cho; José Orlando Lobo; Marco La Rosa de Almeida; Otávio Lucas Solano Valério; Marcelo Droghetti; Paula Magalhães; Regina Gasulla Bouza; Rodrigo Delboni Teixeira; Rodrigo M. de Castro Guerra; Rodrigo Roso; Valdo Cestari de Rizzo
Testimonials
‘There are several factors that made me satisfied with Lobo de Rizzo. The first is that they do get involved in the discussions and defend our interest. The team is concerned with making the deal happen, but always striving to get the best conditions. The partners are always present and accessible and the staff very qualified.’
‘Jose Eduardo Marretti and Juliana Campos are excellent. They are accessible, they study hard all situations, they are concerned with explaining all the points to the members, they always strive for the best conditions. I also believe that they have a lot of skill in dealing with everyone involved.’
‘José Eduardo Marretti. Deep knowledge in the area of M&A, very detailed in the preparation of documents, in addition to excellence in conducting negotiations.’
Key clients
Afya
Crescera Investimentos
Elemidia
Americold Realty Trust
ThyssenKrupp
YDUQS
quantiQ
Arco Educação
Via Varejo
Takeda
Aviation, Power & Marine
AES Tietê Energia
Vinci Partners
Nestle
Work highlights
- Provided assistance to Afya Participações in a roll-up acquisition of two education institutions and two digital health platforms during 2020.
- Advised Takeda on the sale of a portfolio of 18 selected over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription pharmaceutical products in Latin America to Hypera for a total value of $825m.
- Provided assistance to ThyssenKrupp in the purchase of a shipyard in Itajaí/SC (Oceana Estaleiro) from Aliança.
Pinheiro Guimarães
'Highly specialised in corporate, capital markets and international transactions', Pinheiro Guimarães has a longstanding reputation in the Brazilian market, cemented through its involvement in high-end transactions, particularly those involving major private equity funds or financial services companies. M&A, finance and capital markets expert Plinio Pinheiro Guimarães Neto heads the Rio de Janeiro office, while Francisco José Pinheiro Guimarães, whose expertise is equally broad, leads the São Paulo office. 'Excellent negotiator and strategist' Marcelo Lamy Rego and Mariana Jost, who is highlighted for her 'knowledge of CVM rules and extensive experience in capital market operations', are key practitioners, as are René Mostardeiro Brunet, Maria Amélia Lisbão Senra and Ana Carolina Cassins Galdino. The firm has several internal committees, including committees focusing on diversity and social responsibility, and continuing development. The firm's pro bono work falls within the remit of the former committee; a particular focus is its support of Instituto da Criança, which manages private sector investment in several projects in Brazil, with an emphasis on education. Following its partner promotion round in January 2021, the firm counts 40 partners, of which 18 are women.
Practice head(s):
Plinio Pinheiro Guimarães Neto; Francisco José Pinheiro Guimarães; Marcelo Lamy
Testimonials
‘Highly specialized in corporate, capital markets and international transactions. Excellent team, very available, hands on and flexible to propose solutions. They are distinguished in international M&A or capital markets due to their proximity to the client and their work as a unique team.‘
‘Marcelo Lamy is very experienced, with deep corporate knowledge of Brazilian law and a comprehensive view of challenges and legal issues of all kinds. Excellent negotiator and strategist. Mariana Jost has a lot of depth and knowledge of CVM rules and extensive experience in capital market operations. Quite technical, structured, objective. Rafael Vianello has solid tax knowledge applicable to transnational corporate transactions. Experienced lawyer.’
‘Marcelo Lamy, Maria Amélia Serra and Ana Carolina Galdino are recommended.’
Key clients
BTG Pactual
Brookfield
Citibank
HSBC
GP Investments
Itau Unibanco
Gávea Investimentos
International Finance Corporation – IFC
Organizações Globo
BHG – Brazil Hospitality Group
RHI
RHI Magnesita
Credit Suisse
Enel
Principia Capital Partners
Goldman Sachs
EB Capital
Cicerone Advisers
DNA Capital
EDF
GTIS Partners
Graal Participações
BIONEXO
Participações Industriais do Nordeste
Cellera Farma
Air Bus
Helibrás
Arla Foods
Wilson Sons
Cremer
Mafra Group
Consigaz
Partners Group
Grupo Soma
Macquarie Capital
Klabin
Rede D’Or
Rock World S.A. (Rock in Rio)
B3 – Brasil, Bolsa, Balcão
CBSM – Companhia de Soluções de Marketing
Work highlights
- Advised the seller in the acquisition and merger of shares of Vamoquevamo Empreendimentos e Participações (RESERVA), in the amount of R$720m, by Arezzo Indústria e Comércio.
- Acted as counsel to Zap Viva Real Group in connection with the sale of the totality of the capital stock of Zap Viva Real Group and its subsidiaries to Bom Negócio Atividades de Internet (OLX) involving approximately R$2.9bn.
- Acted for the controlling shareholders of Perinatal in the sale of maternity units and neonatal intensive care unities to Rede D’Or São Luiz, the largest privately owned hospital operator group in Brazil.
Vella Pugliese Buosi e Guidoni Advogados
Vella Pugliese Buosi e Guidoni Advogados combines ‘solid legal knowledge‘ with ‘an excellent understanding of the business context‘. A distinguishing feature of the practice is its track record in private equity deals; in this field, the firm counts leading Brazilian and international private equity funds among its clients. Its varied client base also includes significant names in the energy, healthcare and financial services sectors, among others. Through its strategic alliance with Dentons, the firm has access to an extensive office network that makes it well placed to advise on cross-border transactions. Its association also gives the firm access to NextLaw Labs, a collaborative innovation platform focused on developing and implementing new legal tech. Its Brazil-based lawyers are also involved in a number of D&I initiatives at a global level; Bruna Gobbi and Gabriella Maranesi Najjar‘s involvement in the broader firm’s networking and mentoring programme, WomenLead, is one example. In addition to gender, other key pillars for the firm’s extensive D&I Committee include LGBTQIA+, race and persons with disabilities. Founding partners Rodrigo Vella and Frederico Buosi lead the team; Denise Chachamovitz Leão de Salles and associate Natália Brassaloti is another key contact. Associate Jorge Kou left the firm in May 2021.
Practice head(s):
Rodrigo Vella; Frederico Buosi
Testimonials
‘VPBG provides, in addition to the solid legal knowledge in its team, an excellent understanding of the business context combined with a joint work stance. With this, we have much less rework throughout our projects. This culture and approach of partnership exists not only in the members but in all the associates who were part of our projects.’
‘Frederico Buosi navigates with exceptional clarity and capacity with the different hierarchical levels of the projects, both internally and with the teams on the other side. He manages to adapt and clarify themes and, given this capacity, quickly manages to converge on consensus in his recommendations. Associate Natalia Brassaloti has been instrumental in the progress of the projects and offers proposals and alternatives, often bringing examples and contexts from other industries.’
‘Proximity, accessibility, understanding of the business, proposal of creative and feasible solutions.’
Key clients
Notredame Intermédica
Bain Capital
Total Group
Fresenius Medical Care
Pátria Investimentos
Blackstone Capital
Grupo Pão de Açucar – GPA
TPG Capital
Alelo
Terna
Elopar
Via Varejo
CGG Veritas Group
Naturgy Group
Biomedical Distribution Mercosur
Archimed
EuroChem Group
KKR
Companhia Energética de São Paulo
Lassalle College International
Rumo
Roku
Tatra Trucks
Canopy Growth Corporation
Hi Technology Corp
Metro Storage Brazil
MF Founders FIP Multiestratégia
Work highlights
- Advised NotreDame Intermédica on the acquisition of Laboratórios de Análises Clínicas Lab-Clin, Medisanitas Brasil and Hospital e Maternidade Santa Brígida, involving over R$1bn.
- Assisted GNDI in highly complex roll-up acquisitions of hospitals, clinical centres and health insurance operators.
- Advised Terna, an Italian listed state-owned energy company, on the acquisition, by its subsidiary Terna Plus, of the controlling stake in two concessionaires to 30-year term concessions to construct and operate around 350km of transmission lines in Brazil.
Araújo e Policastro Advogados
The highly experienced corporate and M&A lawyers at Araújo e Policastro Advogados ‘go beyond what is asked of them, explore all ideas and seek the most appropriate solution for the business‘. The firm has an impressive track record in significant mergers and acquisitions, regularly receiving instructions from its well-established client base, and it complements its M&A offering with additional knowledge of tax, wealth and succession planning and labour law, among other areas. Several of its corporate lawyers are also involved in pro bono work, providing support to Associação Cairuçu, Instituto Saúde e Sustentabilidade and Instituto Mahle, in addition to GRAAC – Grupo de Apoio ao Adolescente e à Criança com Câncer and other charitable causes. Among its diversity initiatives is its participation in Movimento Mulher 360, which promotes gender equality and women empowerment in the corporate environment. Clients highlight the ‘personal involvement and understanding‘ of founding partner Theodoro Araújo in relevant deals. The highly regarded Camila Araújo and José Paulo Bueno also jointly lead the team, which includes Tania Mara Ferreira and Fernanda Pereira Leite.
Practice head(s):
Theodoro Araújo; José Paulo Bueno; Camila Araújo
Testimonials
‘Araujo and Poliscastro go beyond what is asked of them, explore all ideas and seek the most appropriate solution for the business.’
‘What I found unique is that the founder, Theodoro Araujo and his team were willing to make investigations into a quite complicated matter where the outcome was completely open. Also unique was the healthy balance they found between wanting to serve their client and their own integrity. Our relationship became more of a partnership than that of being just a client.’
‘Camila Araujo is recommended.’
‘The personal involvement and understanding of Theodoro Araujo. Also the way the team worked together, and the competence of the younger associates.’
Key clients
Alcoa Corporation
Alcoa Alumínio
Amphenol Corporation
Cabot Corporation
Dover
Hospital Ana Costa
Lindsay Corporation
Meritor
Metalsa
Rentokil Initial España
Telefonica on the Spot Soluções Digitais do Brasil
ASBZ Advogados
Combining ‘high technical quality with concern for innovative solutions‘, ASBZ Advogados is noted for its ‘focused and pragmatic service’. The firm quickly established itself as an important player in the Brazilian legal market, with a particularly strong following in the financial services, aviation, food and beverage, technology and energy sectors. Innovation has been at the core of the firm’s offering since its inception in 2011; its strategic partnership with a big data company and the creation of ASBZLab, for the research, development and implementation of internal tools using machine learning and AI, are just two examples. D&I is also important for the firm, which offers 100% paid maternity or paternity leave to employees for six months. Corporate and M&A expert Ricardo Melaré heads the Social Responsibility Committee, of which associates Thiago Takuno and Ilanna Mendonça are also members. The ‘incredible‘ Gabriela Claro receives praise for her ‘macro and financial vision that adds value to operations‘, and Gustavo Rached Taiar -who has particular knowledge of fund formation, is another key member of the team. However, Felipe Gruber moved in house at Clash in September 2021.
Practice head(s):
Felipe Gruber; Gabriela Claro; Gustavo Taiar; Ricardo Melaré
Testimonials
‘ASBZ combines high technical quality with concern for innovative solutions. The team led by Gabriela Claro is young and dedicated to understanding the business itself beyond just the legal side, adding with creative ideas and with rich and vast experience.’
‘The partner Gabriela Claro has exemplary dedication, she knew how to listen carefully to our demands, answered and positively surprised us with the tight deadlines we had to conclude the M&A operation. She knew how to negotiate with the other party in a respectful and incisive way, getting all the points that were most relevant to us. Her leadership ability is perceived in the small details, the team extremely engaged and aligned with Gabriela in all email exchanges and meetings conducted.’
‘Absolutely focused and pragmatic service, presenting creative solutions in the pro-deal sense.’
‘Office formed by new, but very experienced lawyers. Highly qualified and with an innovative eye on the law. Innovative legal theses. Respond to the customer quickly and assertively.’
‘My experience with ASBZ was excellent. The M&A team led by Gabriela Claro is incredible: very good technically, fast and with knowledge of the industry. Instead of boxed products and opinions, I felt that Gabriela and her team dedicated themselves to understanding our pains in depth and suggesting smart solutions.’
‘Gabriela Claro is today who I would trust to do M&A or corporate transactions of greater complexity. She understands a lot about M&A and the industry, is excellent in business and has a macro and financial vision that add value to operations. Her team follows the same profile. We were very well attended and we felt unique. It was worth every penny of the money contracted.’
‘ASBZ has been our business partner since 2016. The team’s dedication, especially the partner Felipe Gruber, as well as the legal and market know-how are certainly the highlights. The whole team is very hands on and always interested in discussing the most varied topics.’
‘Felipe Gruber is an excellent lawyer, with an impeccable business vision, always available and very fast and detailed in the negotiations. Thiago Takuno is also a highlight.’
Key clients
United Airlines
Mutant
BTG Pactual
Ambev
Braskem
ISA CTEEP
Arteon Z
Caixa Econômica Federal
Hines
MEZ
Carteira Online
J. Macedo
Habibs
Tarpon Investimentos
Terra Santa Agro
Work highlights
- Advised the selling shareholders of Carteira Online/Fliper on the sale to XP Investimentos.
- Advised J Macedo on the sale process of Tintas Hidracor to Iquine.
- Advised Tarpon Investments in a major investment in the agribusiness industry.
Azevedo Sette Advogados
With broad geographic coverage and a strong presence in both São Paulo and Belo Horizonte, Azevedo Sette Advogados has a varied and active corporate and M&A practice. Major blue-chip companies operating in the region turn to the team, which has recently been especially active in deals in the healthcare, energy, infrastructure and natural resources industries, acting on both the buy and sell side. Corporate reorganisations, commercial agreements and regulatory matters are also areas of strength for the department. Senior partner Fernando Azevedo Sette and Luiz Augusto Azevedo Sette, who draws on his former experience as general counsel for Microsoft, jointly lead the team. Ana Paula Terra Caldeira, Frederico Bopp Dieterich, M&A and capital markets expert Alessandra Martins de Souza, who made partner in 2020, and Luís Ricardo Miraglia, who is particularly active in the energy and mining sectors, are also names to note. Eleonora Santiago Carneiro Quadro joined the firm from Portela, Lima, Lobato & Colen Advogados in August 2021.
Practice head(s):
Fernando Azevedo Sette; Luiz Augusto Azevedo Sette
Key clients
Vale
Amazon
Andrade Gutierrez Group
Opy Healthcare
Grupo Habib’s
Grupo Flytour
BMPI Infra
Alipay (Aliexpress)
Johnson Controls
Grupo Promed
Vita Participações
Gucci Brasil
Concessionária Do Aeroporto Internacional De Confins
Rhi Magnesita
Zambon Laboratório Farmacêutico
Carmeuse Brasil Soluções Químicas
Ibitu Energia
Work highlights
- Advised Grupo Promed on the sale of 100% of its capital stock and 96.5% of the capital stock of Hospital Vera Cruz.
- Acted as legal advisor to Carmeuse in the acquisition of Oxidos Brasil Participações and Carmeuse Brasil Participações.
- Assisted the quotaholders of SDFLC Brasil Indústria e Comércio to sell a 20% participation in the company to Frutarom do Brasil Indústria e Comércio.
Felsberg Advogados
‘Commitment, respect, determination, firmness and agility‘ characterise the corporate and M&A team at Felsberg Advogados, which balances a broad and active practice, with recent work spanning complex M&A, corporate restructurings and other corporate and commercial matters. The broader firm’s prominence in restructuring and insolvency means that its corporate department is particularly well placed to advise on distressed M&A. Also of note is the department’s innovation, start-ups and venture capital sub-group, which had a busy year in 2020, advising investors and start-up companies on investment rounds and other matters. Gender diversity is another important feature of the firm, which has a high proportion of female partners. Its DiversiFeA committee focuses on equality, diversity and inclusion at the firm, which also participates in the Aliança Jurídica para Equidade Racial. On the pro bono side, partners and associates at the firm support a number of organisations, including Associação Vaga Lume (which empowers children in rural areas in the Amazon through promoting reading and community libraries), Instituto Fashion Revolution Brasil and autism and learning difficulties organisation Projeto Amplitude. Highly regarded partners in the sizeable team include Claudia Maniaci, Miriam Machado, João Carlos Mendonça, Evy Marques and Maria Carolina Guazzelli. Names to note at the associate level include Matheus Cestari Mota, Bárbara Nátali Santos, Lucas von Wieser Ruggeri and Gleycon Jonathan Queiróz. Since publication, Mirella Kaufmann was promoted to partner, in January 2022.
Practice head(s):
Claudia Maniaci; Miriam Machado; Evy Marques; João Carlos Mendonça; Maria Carolina Guazzelli; Renato Brandão
Testimonials
‘Felsberg Advogados is an excellent partner for us, we feel secure in relation to our operations in Brazil. It facilitates communication and alignment with our headquarters. I recommend Felsberg to all companies that seek quality legal advice, knowledge and efficiency with the agencies!‘
‘Dr. Carolina and Dr. Cláudia have always been very attentive and available to us. Excellent professionals and great people!‘
‘Commitment, respect, determination, firmness and agility added to the vast experience are the strengths that differentiate Felsberg Advogados from other players in the market. Evy Marques stands out for her knowledge in the corporate field as well as for the voracious interest in the technology and innovation market, always being ahead of our demands and bringing a lot of security.’
‘Deep knowledge of the laws and jurisprudence in several countries of the world. Experience and good practices in business management. Pro activity promoting lectures on the most relevant topics in the market. I would highlight Mauricio Pepe De Lion; Gabriel Paranaguá and Maria Carolina de Guazzelli.’
‘They have a complete team in all areas, so when we have a topic to be discussed I am sure that we will have an answer that has already been discussed with all members and thus bringing us much more security. João Carlos Mendonça and Matheus Cestari Mota and Gleycon Jonathan Queiroz stand out.’
‘The firm works well, from smaller operations that involve investments in start-ups to structured investments in large companies. This flexibility and multiple knowledge adds a lot to talk about when structuring different investments. Evy Marques is creative, fast, with in-depth knowledge of the sector.’
‘Evy Marques pays attention to the client and understands everything they are going through. Giving not only legal guidance, but giving support to the way the negotiations are going on. Bárbara Nátali is always attentive to details. It can be seen that she is concerned with helping in the best possible way.’
‘The firm presents an excellent rendering of service in corporate, tax and labour. The team led by Claudia Maniaci always has a proactive management in the relationship and conducting business. Also noteworthy are Lucas von Wieser Ruggeri and Gabriel Paranagua in the tax area.’
Key clients
ABREE – Associação Brasileira de Reciclagem de Eletroeletrônicos e Eletrodomésticos
ARRIS Group
CCCC South America Regional Company
Essity
BSN Medical
Grupo Guanabara
Grupo JCA
Intocast AG
IPS Worldwide
Rappi Brasil
Smollan Group
WPP Group
GoGipsy
ClickBus
Hands Market Brasil
Coltene
Work highlights
- Advising two different transportation companies on the structuring of new digital business platforms.
- Assisted the shareholders of SmartSmile in the disposal of 100% of the equity to private investors.
- Advised the Desempar Group, one of the main players in the agricultural inputs distribution market in the south of Brazil, in the sale of the group companies to Lavoro Agro, held by Pátria Investimentos.
FM/Derraik
FM/Derraik has successfully established one of the country's leading practices for venture capital and start-ups. With 'super expertise in the technology sector', the firm is regularly sought for its expertise in start-ups and venture capital, and can often be found advising on investments and partnerships with promising companies. Its focus on entrepreneurship is also illustrated through its pro bono support to Endeavor Brazil, the Brazilian branch of Endeavor Global, a non-for-profit organisation that promotes entrepreneurship. In a significant development, the firm hired digital law, M&A, private equity and venture capital specialist Fabiana Fagundes from BMA - Barbosa, Müssnich, Aragão in October 2020. The arrival of tax partner Aline Bauermeister, who joined from BT Law in November 2020, provided a further boost to the firm. Rodrigo Menezes, Juliene Piniano and associate Marcela Rosolen are highlighted for their 'impeccable quality of customer service and in-depth knowledge of the legal and business aspects of the venture capital market'. Pedro Ferreira and associate Gustavo Dalcolmo are also noted.
Practice head(s):
Fabiana Fagundes; Rodrigo Menezes
Testimonials
‘FM / Derraik has a deep knowledge of the Venture Capital business. In addition to technical / legal knowledge, its professionals are inserted in the main networks of entrepreneurship, technology and investments, which allows them to add value to transactions in addition to legal advice.’
‘Super expertise in the technology sector (startups). Impeccable speed and availability.’
‘The technical quality and the know-how of the partners and associates added to the engagement and dedication in each job gives us the peace of mind of choosing FM / Derraik in the vast majority of our deals.’
‘FM / Derraik is specialized in Venture Capital transactions, participating in the main transactions in Brazil – both on the side of investors and startups.’
‘Deep knowledge in the areas of operation, especially in venture capital and M&A. Exceptional quality customer service. They are undoubtedly the leaders in legal advice for venture capital in Brazil, having started their activities in this area long before the other offices in the country. Engagement with innovation hubs, groups of angels and the Brazilian Association of Venture Capital. With this, they remain not only relevant in the market, but also nurture important connections and contacts for the development of business for the office and its clients. In the venture capital market, the name FM Derraik opens many doors.‘
‘I highlight Rodrigo Menezes, Juliene Piniano and Marcela Rosolen for their impeccable quality of customer service and in-depth knowledge of the legal and business aspects of the venture capital market. They have years of experience and performance and with this they pass the customer total security in the conduct of investment processes. Members present and active during the entire length of the projects. They are distinguished for being extremely accessible, creative in solving problems and deep in the knowledge of their area of expertise.’
‘Rodrigo Menezes, Pedro Ferreira, Marcela Rosolen are recommended.’
‘Rodrigo Menezes and Pedro Ferreira: Knowledge of various types and structures of transactions by the number of projects that participated. All the situations that we bring have already been experienced by lawyers in previous transactions.’
Key clients
Abanzai Representações
Ambev
Z tech
Algar
Astella Investimentos, Assessoria, Gestão e Participações
BC2 Construtora e Infraestrutura
Big Bets
Brinks
DNA Capital
Dengo do Brasil
Distrito
Domo Invest
Edge Performance
Fertilid
Fleury
FUNCEF
Gerdau
Gesto Saúde
JCR
Juntos Somos Mais
Hotmart Technology
Lightstone Fund
LGT
Magazine Luiza
Maraé
Nobli Tecnologia e Serviços Financeiros
Onyo do Brasil Desenvolvimento de Software
Qualcomm Ventures
RD Gestão de Sistemas
Solides Tecnologia
SP Ventures
UVC Investimentos
Valor Capital
Vox Capital Consultoria e Assessoria
Wayra
We Ventures
Zup
Work highlights
- Acted as advisors of FIP Avila in connection with the negotiation of the terms and relevant deal documents for the Series E investment in MadeiraMadeira.
- Advised Big Bets on the structuring and preparation of documents and assembly of three structures to raise a Venture Capital Early Stage Investment fund coupled with a Bootcamp programme for entrepreneurs.
- Advised Astella Investimentos on its R$20m investment in Kenoby, a Brazilian SaaS platform for employee recruitment.
Vieira, Rezende, Barbosa e Guerreiro Advogados
With an emphasis on highly regulated sectors, Vieira, Rezende, Barbosa e Guerreiro Advogados has a strong corporate and M&A and capital markets practice, providing advice on transactions and regulatory matters involving the CVM. Its recent workload includes deals in the energy, investment funds, life sciences, media and technology sectors, among others. Camila Borba Lefèvre balances a broad practice, which encompasses M&A, joint ventures, corporate restructuring and compliance, with an emphasis on technology and telecoms clients. She also leads the firm's pro bono support to the LeVila Project, a digital platform which promotes female financial autonomy and provides a digital environment through which individuals and companies can make direct donations to micro-entrepreneurs. Senior partners Paulo Albert Weyland Vieira and Cláudio Guerreiro lead the practice, which also draws on the experience of Helena Guimarães, oil and gas and energy specialist Alberto Weyland Vieira and Felipe Hanszmann, who advises on both corporate transactions and disputes. Associate Ricardo Villela Mafra Alves da Silva is also noted.
Practice head(s):
Paulo Albert Weyland Vieira; Cláudio Guerreiro
Testimonials
‘What I like about working with Vieira Rezende Advogados is the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of this office. Objectivity is shown, not only in the analysis and production of documents, but above all in the communication with the client and their counterparts. This make complex M&A operations faster, to the extent that the focus is maintained on the effectively important issues, without generating unnecessary costs or tensions, which could affect the closing of an operation or the relationship between the parties.’
‘The main partner who works with me at Vieira Rezende Advogados is Alberto Vieira. I also highlight the associate Ricardo Mafra.’
Key clients
Sociedade Michelin de Participações Industriais
Climatempo Participações
Península Participações
San Atanasio Energia
Real Valor
DBO Energia
Vale
Fundação Petrobras de Seguridade Social – Petros
AET Holding
BW Offshore do Brasil
De Heus Indústria e Comércio de Nutrição Animal
TCA Empreendimentos Imobiliários
Linhares Energia
Banco Itaú BBA
Alpargatas
Embraer
Work highlights
- Assisted Michelin in the acquisition of 100% of the capital stock of of ConVeyBelts.
- Supported DBO Energia with the preparation of all documentation required to be presented to the Brazilian Stock Exchange Commission (CVM), for the IPO of 3R Petroleum.
- Assisted WHG and its shareholders in the negotiation of the Investment Agreement and Shareholder Agreement with XP.
Abe Giovanini Advogados
The 'very skilled and creative team' at Abe Giovanini Advogados is highlighted for its 'extensive negotiation skills' and its 'ease in dealing with complex issues and with complex clauses'. The firm has a strong profile in mid-market M&A, and has recently been particularly active in deals in the agribusiness, technology and education sectors. Marcos Seiiti Abe's 'reputation for ethics and strategic vision precedes him'; in addition to his broad corporate and M&A practice, he also leads the firm's D&I awareness programmes. Flavia Cantinho Pinheiro and Daniel Afonso Franzin, key members of the corporate and M&A team, coordinate the firm's pro bono projects, where they work alongside other lawyers in the team to provide corporate, tax and labour law advice to social enterprises and not-for-profit organisations. Other key practitioners include Fernando Zanotti Schneider, 'strategist and innovator' Renato Giovanini Filho, William Joji Nakasone and Marcela Rocha Maroccola.
Practice head(s):
Marcos Seiiti Abe; Fernando Zanotti Schneider; Renato Giovanini Filho
Testimonials
‘Personalised service, always accompanied or executed by a partner! Very skilled and creative team, tailor made solutions for any demand. William Nakasone and Marcos Abe: impeccable lawyers, with ability to understand and deliver all contracted demands, simple and creative solutions! Extremely committed to deadlines and negotiations.’
‘They respond very quickly to requests and are always available not only by email, phone but also whatsapp. They are complete as an office so the point of contact with a person who manages the demands helps a lot. Renato Giovanini stands out in corporate and M&A. He defends the company’s interests a lot and thinks about the long-term consequences not only in the corporate but also tax impacts that a certain action can have. He thinks about the long term.‘
‘Background of the partners, ability to create value, expertise and seniority of the partners, credibility and reputation, principles and values, recognition and continued training. Dr Abe: ability to discern and mitigate risks. Dr Giovanini: strategist and innovator including being the creator of legislation in his area. Dr Taparelli: victorious theses in tax planning. Dr Ricardo Rocha Neto: exceptional negotiator and knowledgeable of the minutiae of legislation.’
‘The firm seeks to understand the client’s needs and offers options for solutions and detailed explanations of its developments, so that the client can take the best option, in a very transparent and didactic way for the layman.’
‘The quality of the work of the firm’s corporate and M&A team, led by Marcos Abe, was noteworthy. I drew my attention to the diligence in analysing the documentation, as well as the strategic view of the situation. Marcos Abe, who I consider to be a great lawyer, differentiated from the others in the market for his technical capacity and tranquility to conduct complex corporate matters.’
‘Leading team, business-oriented and strategic vision: these are traits that distinguish Abe Giovanini from the rest of the market. Marcos Abe is one of the most brilliant and versatile Brazilian lawyers. His reputation for ethics and strategic vision precedes him. Fernando Zanotti and Daniel Franzin complete the team well. Both technical, hands-on and very efficient. They make the job easy.’
‘Their service is very client-oriented and they follow up very well after providing the services. The firm has a Japan Desk and has an attorney who is very fluent in Japanese. In addition, they are very familiar with the culture and internal system of Japanese companies. Therefore, the communication is very smooth.‘
‘I believe that many aspects make Abe Giovanini Advogados very different from others: Very close and very effective service; Extremely in-depth legal understanding, with ease in dealing with complex issues and with complex clauses; Easy access to partners and lawyers with quick response time; Extensive negotiation / communication skills with lawyers from the other party for the quick resolution of conflicts. Fernando Zanotti Schneider quickly understands all the demands that were presented, explains very easily the paths we would follow. Rogério Soler is also quick in understanding and executing the necessary demands, in addition to having a super fast legal understanding.’
Key clients
MC1
Fleming
Ativa
Bradesco
GEF
Liber
Doghero
Top Engenharia
Bahema
Work highlights
- Advised major pet industry player DogHero on the merger with Petlove.
- Advised Liber on the acquisition of corporate control of a fintech company.
- Advised GEF Capital on the acquisition of a majority stake in a high-profile coffee producing company.
B/Luz
With ‘proven experience in the area of digital companies and start-ups‘, B/Luz is a popular choice in technology and venture capital deals. Fielding a sizeable team of ‘great professionals‘, the firm is able to provide a broad service covering corporate, tax, labour, IP and data protection law. The firm itself also invests in technology, and has recently expanded its use of Lexio, a legal tech platform for documents, contracts and business proposals. In addition to its busy corporate and M&A practice, the firm also dedicates a significant amount of time to the publication of freely accessible practical guides and manuals, including articles on diversity in the start-up ecosystem and preventing sexual harassment in the work environment. Managing partner Luis Felipe Baptista Luz, corporate, contracts and capital markets expert Jessica Bernstein Heumann, and Patricia Nakahara, whose practice encompasses corporate, civil and IP law, are among the key contacts. Rafael Peixoto Abal and associate Adriana Gomes dos Santos also receive praise, as does recently promoted partner Érico Lopes Tonussi.
Practice head(s):
Luis Felipe Baptista Luz; Jessica Ann Bernstein Heumann; Patricia Nakahara; Marcelo Hoffmann; Alexandre Santana; Rafael Abal
Testimonials
‘Great professionals with practical vision and technical capacity to serve the client in the M&A process. “Lean staffing” helps with agility and efficiency.’
‘Erico Lopes – very good communication with us and triangulating with client and buyer to make important decisions. Adriana Gomes dos Santos – helped to coordinate the various investors efficiently.’
‘Proven experience in the area of digital companies and startups.’
‘I believe that Rafael Abal has added a lot of practical knowledge of legal issues involving technology companies by acting close to the ecosystem of Santa Catarina.’
Key clients
Medcom
Magliano Invest
Grupo Pão de Açúcar
Estee Lauder
Blue Interactive
TIM
Diageo
Finaxis
Embraer
Tail Target
Samsung
Mercedes-Benz
Fidessa
Havas
Rappi
Ambev
SW Industry
W3 Haus
Financiere MJ
Tetra Pak
Endurance
Fbiz
Blinks
Sotran
Techstars
Vai Tecnologia
Dasa
Stilingue
Work highlights
- Advised Medcom and GB Delivery on their sale to Elfa, a company controlled by Patria Investimentos.
- Advised Social Miner and its founders on entering into a TermSheet with Locaweb, through which Locaweb would buy out Social Miner.
- Advised data engineering company Tail Target on its acquisition by Totvs.
Candido Martins Advogados
Candido Martins Advogados has quickly established itself as an active player in the Brazilian M&A market, with a particular focus on mid-market deals, where it is well versed in acting on both the buyer and seller side. Its clients - which include large corporations and family-owned companies as well as domestic and international private equity firms and their portfolio companies - also benefit from the input of the firm's tax partners in deals. In addition, founding partner and corporate and M&A expert Henrique Martins provides assistance to non-profit organisations Vida Jovem, which focuses on the education of young people, and Nova Escola, which supports teachers in public schools. With him in the corporate team are M&A, banking and capital markets expert Renata Simon and Daniel Rodrigues Alves, who acts in M&A and private equity deals in the agribusiness, energy and healthcare sectors, among others. Mateus Lopes da Silva Leite is a name to note at the associate level.
Practice head(s):
Henrique Martins
Testimonials
‘Good boutique M&A law firm, knowledgeable partners and good attention to clients during transactions.’
‘Daniel Rodrigues Alves is a young and fast maturing partner at the firm. Very hands-on commited and hard-working.‘
Key clients
Saint Gobain
Raízen
Nexa Resources
GEF Capital Partners
Intercement Participações
Confrapar
G5 Partners
BRZ Investments
Carbisa Participações
Eucatex
Crescera Investimentos
ENC Energy
Agro Advance Participações
Comfrio Soluções de Logística
Fundo de Investimento Imobiliário Tourmalet V – Edifício Cidade Nova and VX XVI – Fundo de Investimento Imobiliário
Cataratas do Iguaçu
Agro Total Holding
Mantiqueira Participações
Hospital Care
Arco Educação
Work highlights
- Provided advice to JMW on the merger of Elfa Medicamentos and Nacional, both of which are companies in Patria’s portfolio.
- Provided assistance to BGMC Participações in the acquisition of 89.2% of equity interest in CEDIP (Clínica de Diagnóstico por Imagem do Paraná).
- Advised ENC Energy Brasil Participações, a holding company of power plants in several cities in Brazil, on the acquisition of shares representing 66.66% of the capital stock of ENC Energy Nordeste Participações.
CGM Advogados
With 'quality, clarity, precision, timeliness and availability', CGM Advogados has established a solid corporate and M&A practice which continues to see growth. Its recent work spans M&A, corporate reorganisations and corporate governance projects, where it works for a portfolio of well-known companies operating in a broad range of sectors. The firm also works with a number of non-profit organisations, and provides assistance on a pro bono basis to an organisation that supports microentrepreneurs. The highly regarded Adriano Chaves often works with e-commerce and fintech companies, and complements his corporate and M&A practice with extensive knowledge of data protection and privacy. He jointly leads the practice with co-founding partner René Gelman, whose broad corporate practice sees him working a diverse range of deals. Associates Marcia Mandelbaum and Camila Magami Cardinale are also noted.
Practice head(s):
Adriano Chaves; René Gelman
Testimonials
‘The office has a unique ability to meet demands immediately, without losing the technical quality of its work. The professionals understand the Group’s businesses, which enables a deep and comprehensive analysis.’
‘CGM is a medium-sized office that provides first-rate legal services, at a lower price than the large Brazilian offices. In conducting the work, the partners actively participate in calls and in the review of documents, which consistently guarantees the highest quality of services. CGM is known for its attention to detail. The team is very cohesive and (really) fluent in English.’
‘Adriano Chaves and Marcia Issler Mandelbaum are excellent.’
‘Quality, clarity, precision, timeliness and availability. They are able to understand the operation well and to transform, with a lot of technique and precision, the needs pointed out in good legal content, in addition to, by the quality of their professionals, diagnose, point and shield risks of the operation that had not been initially identified.’
‘Adriano Chaves – dynamism, technical depth and emotional intelligence in the face of conflicts. Camila Cardinale – technical knowledge, flexibility and proactivity. Matheus Sucupira – technical domain, flexibility and didactics. Angélica Santos – technical knowledge, availability.’
Key clients
UOL
Pagseguro
Porsche
ITW – Illinois Tool Works
Boardriders
Marel
Brainvest
Thermo fisher
K B Foods
Novelis
Victory Health
Cloud Kitchens
Work highlights
- Advised Porsche on the purchase of the remaining 25% equity interest in Porsche Brazil, the Brazilian importer of Porsche vehicles and parts.
- Provided assistance in the intra-group mergers of several companies, including Magnite, Cognita and Marel.
- Advised the individual owners of Victory Consulting Corretora de Seguros in the negotiation of a partnership with It’sSeg Corretora de Seguros.
Dias Carneiro Advogados
'A very responsive team with a great understanding of the clients' needs', Dias Carneiro Advogados maintains an active corporate and M&A practice, acting on significant acquisitions, mergers, joint ventures and reorganisations, in addition to assisting clients in day-to-day corporate matters. The team has recently been particularly active in the renewable energy and technology sectors, though its broad practice also sees it working on a range of deals beyond these sectors. The firm's diversity committee organises roundtable talks on relevant D&I issues, and the firm supports a number of projects and organisations, including Incluir Directo and Best Buddies Brasil, a non-profit that promotes the social inclusion of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The department has seen some changes, with the arrival of corporate, M&A and debt restructuring expert Paula Seabra Carvalho Reis in May 2020 and the departure of Eduardo Zilberberg in April 2021. Artur Fernandes Andrezo has notable experience in large M&A and private equity deals; Débora Trovões Cabral is a key contact at the associate level.
Practice head(s):
Artur Fernandes Andrezo; Paula Seabra Carvalho Reis
Testimonials
‘Very technical team in the corporate area, delivering a perfect job without errors.’
‘A very responsive team with a great understanding of the clients’ needs. Thiago Flores and Gustavo Junqueira are both great professionals, with a lot of experience in M&A transactions and great understanding of the clients’ needs.’
‘Experience of working with US based venture capital investors.’
Key clients
Banco Votorantim
Brasil Plural
BTG
CITIC Agri Fund Management
Cura Mérya
Dechra Pharmaceuticals
Dental Cremer Produtos Odontológicos
DOMO Invest
Infracommerce
EDK Mineração
EDP Renováveis Brasil
Gate Gourmet
Gerdau Aços Longos
GTIS Partners
Igah Ventures
Inovabra
Itaú Unibanco
Kaszek Ventures
KSM Realty
Monashees Capital
Oba Hortifruti
Odebrecht
Otinga Investimentos
Parparticipadas
Provence Capital
RAGT Semences
R3 LLC
Ribbit Capital
Robert Bosch
Servizi Italia
Siguler Guff & Company
Single Home
Solairedirect
Stefanini
Vallourec
Vestas
Voltalia Energia do Brasil
Vox Capital
Work highlights
- Advised Stefanini on the acquisition of the fraud and local software business units from Diebold Nixdorf Brasil.
- Advised Full Truck Alliance (FTA) on a second strategic investment in the Brazilian startup TruckPad.
- Advised French company RAGT on its second acquisition of the share capital of Guerragt Melhoramento Genético do Brasil.
FreitasLeite Advogados
Fielding a team of ‘excellent professionals‘, FreitasLeite Advogados acts for banks, investment funds and private equity firms, publicly traded companies and family-owned business in M&A, and also provides assistance in day-to-day corporate matters. The firm’s additional expertise in capital markets is of benefit in deals involving listed companies and those with relevant CVM regulatory aspects. The department is jointly led by Rio de Janeiro-based Pedro Afonso Gutierrez Avvad, who draws on over 20 years of experience in corporate and M&A, corporate governance, restructuring and M&A expert Claudio Fabricio Lima in São Paulo. Associate Joaquim Chacur Mano is a key member of the team. João Pedro Barroso do Nascimento left the firm in November 2020.
Practice head(s):
Pedro Afonso Gutierrez Avvad; Claudio Fabricio Lima
Testimonials
‘They are excellent professionals, with knowledge and understanding always up to date regarding the most recent legal decisions versus the risk in the face of administrative understandings. Always analyzing the whole of the operation.’
‘I would recommend Pedro Afonso Avvad for the techniques of conducting the negotiation and orchestrating the structure of the operation, always thinking about the whole and updated on the legal issues surrounding the business. Joaquim Chacur Mano, for the quality of proposing texts and suggestions in the documents. Diogo Ferraz for always being up to date on tax practices, presenting the most up-to-date position on the subject.’
Key clients
Avenue Securities
BRQ Digital Solutions
Globo Comunicacão
Matera Systems Informatica
Tegma Logística
Vinci Partners
Greenoaks Capital
Igah Ventures
Work highlights
- Advised Even Construtora on the structuring and sale of eight real estate projects in Rio de Janeiro to a real estate fund.
- Advised Globo Comunicações on its corporate restructuring involving more than R$4bn in preferred redeemable shares.
- Assisted Apex Fund Services in the acquisition of the fund administration division from Banco Modal (named MAF)
Gaia Silva Gaede Advogados
Gaia Silva Gaede Advogados‘ corporate and M&A department is highly regarded by clients, with praise going to its ‘personalised service, which is carried out by the partners themselves‘. The practice, which has broad geographic coverage thanks to its presence in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Curitiba and elsewhere, has recently handled a number of deals in the healthcare sector, and is also well versed in technology, retail, energy and oil and gas-sector transactions. Among the firm’s recent social and environmental initiatives is its implementation of a mental health webinar programme for all staff during the pandemic. Also of note is the firm’s certification with LIFE Institute, which promotes sustainability management for biodiversity in the business sector. Key practitioners in the corporate and M&A department include Alberto Mori, Rejane Espósito, Gerson Stocco de Siqueira and Guilherme Faria de Oliveira Roxo, who was promoted to partner in January 2021. Senior associate Robson Augusto da Silva Júnior is also noted.
Practice head(s):
Alberto Mori; Rejane Espósito
Testimonials
‘They are always ready to assist us when we seek assistance.’
‘Pragmatic and commercially minded. Good life sciences expertise.’
‘The quality of services is great. The lawyers are specialized, experienced and professional. The differential is the personalised service, which is carried out by the partners themselves.’
‘Alberto Mori. Very experienced and provides commercially relevant advice.’
‘The firm has been with the company for more than 10 years, advising on all M&A initiatives carried out so far. Knowledge of the business is a differential. Big difference is the availability, attention and specialty of the partners.’
‘Gerson Stocco, Rejane Esposito and Robson Junior are recommended.’
‘In my opinion Enio Zaha stands out, not only for technical knowledge, but for the ability to interact in different areas and types of business.’
‘Enio Zaha and Georgios Anastassiadis also have experience and knowledge and experience in accounting matters.’
Key clients
Guimar Engenharia
Ubook Editora
Haight Clothing Comércio de Roupas
Unimed-Rio Cooperativa de Trabalho Médico do Rio de Janeiro
Mane do Brasil Industria e Comercio
Oncomed Centro de Prevenção e Tratamento de Doenças Neoplasicas
Work highlights
- Advised Unimed-Rio Cooperativa de Trabalho Médico do Rio de Janeiro on the acquisition of 50% equity interest of Pontus Participações, followed by the acquisition by Pontus Participações of 100% equity interest of Hospital Fundação do Câncer.
- Advised Unimed-Rio Cooperativa de Trabalho Médico do Rio de Janeiro on the acquisition from Oncoclínicas do Brasil of 50% equity interest of Centro de Excelencia de Radioderapia do Rio de Janeiro.
Gasparini, Nogueira de Lima e Barbosa Advogados
With an emphasis on mid-market M&A, both domestic and cross-border, Gasparini, Nogueira de Lima e Barbosa Advogados continues to expand its client base, and has particular experience in the technology, manufacturing, agribusiness and retail sectors, among others. The team also advises companies on corporate restructurings, corporate governance and commercial contracts, in addition to acting for individual clients. The department is jointly led by Marcus Phelipe Barbosa de Souza and Felipe Mavignier, who each draw on over 20 years of experience in corporate and M&A, and Paula Taira Horiuti, a corporate and commercial contracts expert who was promoted to partner in January 2020. Associate Débora Cunha Romanov is an active member of the team. Since publication, the firm has expanded in several areas, including with the arrivals of Desire Tamberlini Campiotti Pajola in energy and electricity, and Guilherme Dantas in corporate and competition law.
Practice head(s):
Marcus Phelipe Barbosa de Souza; Felipe Mavignier; Paula Taira Horiuti
Testimonials
‘In addition to extensive experience in M&A and corporate matters, the firm also has a lot of technical knowledge. I am very satisfied with the work done so far.’
‘Felipe Mavignier – excellent technical knowledge, very helpful to explain case, great disposition to think and propose strategies.’
Key clients
MDM Pharma Group
It4you Consultoria em Informática
Giorgio Armani
Farmina Pet Foods
Eucateca Florestal
Ardex Americas
Braseco
Stafford Capital Partners
Mover Participações
Quintess Holding e Participaçoes
Terra dos Vales
Work highlights
- Advised a family on the sale of their 50% stake in Magnesium do Brasil and Refranor Refratários do Nordeste to France-based Groupe Roullier.
- Advised Quintess Group as buyer in the acquisition of 100% of the shares of CSC Brasil Sistemas.
- Advised It4you Consultoria em Informática and its shareholder on the purchase of shares held by two shareholders.
Gentil Monteiro, Vicentini, Beringhs e Gil Advogados
The 'very entrepreneurial and forward-thinking team' at Gentil Monteiro, Vicentini, Beringhs e Gil Advogados is adept in both transactional and non-transactional corporate matters, with notable expertise in a broad range of sectors including technology, insurance, engineering and agribusiness. The experience of the team in large Brazilian and international firms is of benefit in cross-border deals and is reflected in the firm's client base of well-known foreign and domestic companies. Fernando Gentil Monteiro, 'exceptional lawyer' Terence Beringhs and Apoena Joels jointly lead the practice and each receive praise from clients. The firm's formal pro bono policy encourages all partners and associates to participate in pro bono work, where the firm works with a number of education-focused organisations.
Practice head(s):
Fernando Gentil Monteiro; Terence Beringhs; Apoena Joels
Testimonials
‘Great team and commitment with the client. Excellent negotiations skills. 100% availability. Terence Beringhs is a great lawyer, very commited with the client needs and very close to in-house lawyers and executives of the client. Creative solutions to complex problems, reliable.’
‘Terence Beringhs – outstanding lawyer and person. Very practical and with an excellent understanding of client needs.’
‘Quality of service provided excellent, highly experienced. Apoena Joels’ experience in M&A transactions leads us to hire the firm. Exceptional contribution.’
‘The vast experience of the group of partners in this office – regimented in a very structured lean structure – at the same time offering high level services with fee costs lower than those of large offices make GVBG a young and outstanding company with great growth potential for the coming years, especially in middle market transactions. The personal dedication of the partners and the differentiated proximity they maintain with clients in the cases I had the opportunity to observe the modus operandi of this firm is noteworthy.’
‘Very active participation of the partners Fernando Gentil Monteiro, Terence Beringhs and Apoena Joels. I was able to attest to the security and firmness they had in defending their clients’ positions simultaneously to the cordiality and elegance in their dealings with their counterparts during all negotiations.’
‘Agility, technical knowledge and availability. Terence Beringhs is by far the best professional in the corporate area (M&A) with whom we have worked.’
‘What makes the office unique is the great involvement of the partners in the transaction. Terence Beringhs has extensive legal and market knowledge.’
‘GVBG is a very entrepreneurial and forward thinking team. Their legal approach is in the best interest of their client. Terence Beringhs is an exceptional lawyer with a great sense of business development. He always puts his clients’ needs first and is very hands on in his legal approach. He and Fernando Gentil have built a solid team of young, entrepreneurial and forward thinking lawyers.’
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
Work highlights
- Represented Japan-based company Kikkoman Corporation in the acquisition of Azuma Kirin do Brasil from Kirin Holdings.
- Represented Zoly’s founding shareholders in the sale of 100% of the equity to Mutant Group.
- Represented TOR Participações in the acquisition of the tin mining assets of Garimpo Bom Futuro, located in the city of Ariquemes/Rondônia.
L.O. Baptista Advogados
L.O. Baptista Advogados balances a broad corporate and M&A practice, with recent work including assisting in acquisitions, sales, corporate reorganisations, investment rounds and non-transactional corporate and commercial matters. The department counts companies operating in the IT, media, transport, construction and infrastructure sectors among its clients. The firm has also worked with Instituto Pro Bono since November 2019 to provide assistance to individuals and non-profit organisations. Key practitioners include Daniela Zaitz, Cássia Monteiro and Esther Jerussalmy Cunha. In significant internal developments, Maria Beatriz Grella Vieira was promoted to partner in February 2021, when a team including André Staffa Neto also joined the firm from RPSN Advogados. These developments followed the arrival of senior associate Felipe Castro joined from Mattos Filho, Veiga Filho, Marrey Jr. e Quiroga Advogados in December 2020.
Practice head(s):
Daniela Zaitz; Marta Rodrigues; Cássia Monteiro; Esther Jerussalmy Cunha; Renata Castro Veloso; Sueli de Freitas Veríssimo Vieira; Marcelo Trussardi Paolini
Testimonials
‘Marta Rodrigues, Maria Beatriz Grella Vieira: excellent legal knowledge, fast and always punctual completion of tasks, extraordinary commitment also and especially during COVID 19 crisis, pragmatic way of working.’
Key clients
Captalys
Grupo Vallourec
Grupo Orbis
São Martinho
Grupo Usina da Pedra
Usina Batatais
Andritz Group
Companhia Brasileira de Tecnologia para E-Commerce (VTEX)
Grupo Imagina
Guala Closures
SOL
Copart do Brasil
Work highlights
- Advised Rolls-Royce on the share acquisition of Belgium-headquartered company Kinolt Group.
- Provided legal assistance to Captalys Companhia de Crédito in connection with the acquisition of 88.5% of the capital stock of IDtrust.
- Advised Usina Batatais and its shareholders in the transaction to split the industrial units (Batatais and Lins) and assets of the group among the two current shareholders of the company.
Machado Associados
Highlighted for the 'precision and depth of information provided to the client, cordiality and agility', Machado Associados is 'always well aligned with the demands of the client'. The corporate and contracts department has four main pillars, covering: M&A; corporate structuring and restructuring; non-transactional corporate matters; and contracts. The firm, which celebrated its 30th anniversary in December 2020, is also a co-founder and member of the Lataxnet network of corporate and tax firms in Latin America, which is of benefit in the firm's cross-border mandates. In addition to its own Machado Solidário campaign launched during the Covid-19 pandemic to encourage food donations for people in need, the firm also participates in a number of external social initiatives, including supporting Casa 1, a cultural centre and shelter which welcomes LGBTQ+ young people who have been expelled from their homes. Mauro Takahashi Mori is noted for his 'extreme dedication to cases and excellent technical training'; he heads the department, which includes key partners Rochelle Ricci, Mirella da Costa Andreola de Almeida and Caio Fink Fernandes.
Practice head(s):
Mauro Takahashi Mori
Testimonials
‘Multidisciplinary technical knowledge, at the highest level. The profile of the professionals allows the construction of a solid interpersonal relationship.’
‘Caio Fink and Mirella da Costa Andreola, both with exceptional technical knowledge, work done at a very high level. I also highlight the interpersonal skills of these professionals, allowing a very positive relationship.’
‘The team is excellent, extremely qualified to serve customers. Mauro Mori is a lawyer who differs from all his competition with his extreme dedication to cases and excellent technical training.’
‘Mauro Mori is a lawyer who differs from all his competition with his extreme dedication to cases and excellent technical training.’
‘Differentiated service, precision and depth of information provided to the client, cordiality and agility.’
‘The service is personalized as in a smaller office, but given with a lot of qualification. The team is always well aligned with the demands of the client and everyone responds well to the need. Has good staff in corporate law, contract analysis, M&A, among others.’
‘Mirella da Costa Andreolla: Knowledge in corporate, especially financial contracts. Caio Fink Fernandes: Knowledge especially in financial contracts.’
‘Isabel Bertoletti, Stephanie Makin, Caio Fink Fernandes and Mauro Takahashi Mori are recommended.’
Key clients
CCR Group
Bandeirantes Group
Capital Realty
Lider Aviação
DoTerra
AR Mettalizing
Compass Minerals
Marka Prime
SNF Group
CGMP
Wobben
Dialogo Engenharia
JCL
Marubeni
Boticario
Madrona Advogados
Madrona Advogados maintains a busy and buoyant corporate and M&A practice, which is regularly sought by its clients for representation on the buyer and seller side of relevant domestic and cross-border transactions. Recently, this has included a number of acquisitions in the healthcare, agribusiness and technology sectors, though its broad expertise also extends beyond these sectors. In addition to their corporate and M&A practices, Milena Coimbra Mazzini and Nair Veras Saldanha also chair the firm’s diversity committee, which aims to transform the firm’s practices to reduce social inequality regarding gender, age, disabilities and race into policies and actions. Pro bono is another relevant component of the firm’s work; for example, corporate and M&A partner José Luis Camargo and labour law expert Priscilla Caldeira Carbone have provided assistance to Associação Maria Helen Drexel, a non-profit that helps children and adolescents whose rights have been threatened or violated. Other key contacts in the corporate department include Ricardo Madrona, Luciana Renouard and Danilo Mininel. The department was strengthened further in August 2021 with the arrival of Luciana Felisbino from Martinelli Advogados.
Practice head(s):
Ricardo Madrona; José Luis Camargo; Milena Coimbra Mazzini; Danilo Mininel; Nair Saldanha; Luciana Renouard
Testimonials
‘Office with specialized services. Not yet large, but with comparable quality.’
‘Ricardo Madrona is excellent.’
Key clients
Merck Sharp & Dohme Farmacêutica
Americanet
Hapvida
CI&T Software
Vale
Estácio
UOL
Votorantim
Nazca Needish
SouthRock
Work highlights
- Assisted Hapvida Participações e Investimentos in the acquisition of a controlling stake in Grupo São Jose, one of the main players in the supplementary health industry in the Vale do Paraíba region.
- Advised Corpflex on the sale of controlling shares issued by Corpflex to Clarane.
- Advised Embraer on the acquisition and subscription of shares issued by Tempest Serviços de Informática, specialised in cybersecurity.
Mattos Engelberg Advogados
With a 'global business vision', Mattos Engelberg Advogados provides a 'personalised, multidisciplinary, agile and extremely competent service'. The corporate and M&A team handles a mix of transactional and non-transactional work, with experience across a range of sectors, including life sciences, technology and manufacturing. Cristiane Borges da Costa's areas of expertise span corporate, M&A, governance, contracts and data protection; she jointly leads the practice alongside Fernando Engelberg de Moraes , who draws on over 35 years of experience, and André de Godoy Fernandes, an expert in corporate and M&A and foreign investment who receives strong praise from clients.
Practice head(s):
Fernando Engelberg; André de Godoy Fernandes; Cristiane Borges da Costa
Testimonials
‘Fast understanding, easy interaction, ethical, accountability. Pharmaceutical sector understanding, simplified approach and ethical.’
‘The Mattos Engelberg office offers quality care in all areas of law, with the ability to respond in several languages, responsiveness, making clear the options / risks associated with each solution.’
‘Personalised, multidisciplinary, agile and extremely competent service, with specialized professionals but with a global business vision.’
‘André Fernandes is very competent, with technical and up-to-date knowledge, a global business vision, and a performance very close to the client.’
‘Dr André Fernandes – availability, reactivity, loyalty. Dra Paula Pires – technical knowledge in tax materials, availability.’
Key clients
Groupe UP
Ferrero Do Brasil
Dyna Industria e Comercio
State Grid Brazil Power Participações
Specialized Bicycles
Torrent Do Brasil
Knoell Germany Gmbh
Akzo Nobel
Axismed – Gestão Preventiva de Saúde
Annex Consultoria
BIT4B – Soluções Em Tecnologia Da Informação e Consultoria Empresarial
Quiver Soluções
Premier Pet
Wayra Brasil
Kempetro Engenharia
Bunge Do Brasil
Freebalance
Work highlights
- Advised the minority shareholders of Lemasa indústria e Comércio de Equipamentos de Alta Pressão in the sale of its remaining 25% equity participation to Comet do Brasil.
- Assisted the shareholders of Zygo Tecnologia (which operates a platform to boost customer loyalty for restaurants) in the sale of equity participation to PagSeguro.
- Assisted the shareholders of Grupo Austa (which operates a hospital and health plan in the city of São José do Rio Preto) in the sale of equity participation of up to 60% to a private equity fund.
Melcheds - Mello e Rached Advogados
The 'extremely dynamic and business-oriented' corporate and M&A lawyers at Melcheds - Mello e Rached Advogados are highlighted for their 'deep knowledge of complex legal structures'. The firm has a particularly good track record in advising sellers, especially mid-market companies and family-owned business, but has also been steadily expanding its buy-side M&A practice. Another key feature of the team is its strength in renewable energy-sector deals. Fernanda Passos, who leads on medium and large-scale M&A transactions, and founding partner Rodrigo Mello (noted for his 'solid knowledge of the energy sector in Brazil and of local regulation') jointly head the department, which was given a further boost in August 2020 with the arrival of highly regarded senior associate Rafael Teixeira from Stocche Forbes Advogados.
Practice head(s):
Rodrigo Mello; Fernanda Passos
Testimonials
‘The Melcheds team is very good with family owned companies. It has a lot of sensitivity in dealing with entrepreneurs’ issues and a great ability to solve problems and come up with smart solutions.’
‘Highly trained and available team. Always seeks to understand the needs of the client and the market in which it operates before proposing solutions, in order to deliver the best legal solutions for deals. Excellent cost benefit when compared to full service offices.‘
‘Rafael Teixeira is definitely an associate to watch, with a promising future. Educated, technical and with a commercial profile, he makes a difference in customer service. Timely in his comments and with a great sense to negotiate with the counterparties.’
‘The partners are extremely dynamic and business oriented.‘
‘Rodrigo Mello is very proactive, different from other offices, and very business oriented.’
‘Highly trained lawyers, with solid knowledge of the sector and the regulation that impacts business. Deep knowledge of complex legal structures. M&A area prepared to serve the client in a complete way, adding transactional knowledge with solid experience in critical corporate points. They did an excellent job, standing out for the qualified level of services and with very personalised service.’
‘I worked with the main partner Rodrigo Mello. He is a highly qualified lawyer, with solid knowledge of the energy sector in Brazil and of the local regulation. He also has a deep knowledge of complex legal structures.’
Key clients
NEWEN Group
UBS Bank
Sungrow do Brasil Representação comercial, Instalação e Manutenção de Equipamentos
Sungrow Projetos
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
Piquet Sports
Imed Group
Petromais
M3Storage
Lot Engenharia
PowerTree
STC Soluções Tecnologicas
Work highlights
- Advised the seller on the Sales Purchase Agreement between the private investors of Vox Frotas Locadora and Movida Participações, whereby the latter acquired 100% of the capital stock of the former.
- Advised the private investors of Fadel Holding in the sale of 75% of their equity interest in Fadel Holding to JSL.
- Advising New Energies Investimentos e Participações in the sale of 100% of its equity interest in Complex UFV Alex (photovoltaic power projects of 270MW to 310MW) to Brookfield Energia Renovável.
Mundie e Advogados
The 'agile and highly qualified team' at Mundie e Advogados provides 'creative solutions to meet the expectations of the client in an efficient manner'. The firm has established a strong reputation for regulatory matters, and as such its corporate and M&A department is well equipped to advise clients in highly regulated sectors. Rodolpho Protasio has led on a number of major, high-end deals, and complements his M&A practice with additional expertise in private equity, infrastructure and project finance. He jointly heads the corporate department with the 'technically impeccable' Eduardo Zobaran, whose practice spans corporate, finance and civil law, and who coordinates the firm's pro bono work for the IDDD - Institute for the Defense of the Right to Defense. Ana Cristina Moraes and associates Danusa Pereira Fernandes, Cesar Augusto Rodrigues de Carvalho and Paulo Inácio Calandrino are also noted.
Practice head(s):
Rodolpho Protasio; Eduardo Zobaran
Testimonials
‘Mundie e Advogados has a very business-oriented approach, always coming with creative solutions to meet the expectations of the client in an efficient manner. The team is not only very knowledgeable, but also very committed and responsive.’
‘Extensive knowledge of legislation, agile and highly qualified team. The response time to tend to queries or find solutions as a customer makes the difference. Availability of partners on a continuous basis, always willing to assist the client. Very close relationship that conveys trust to the customer.’
‘Ana Cristina Moraes, Eduardo Migliora Zobaran and Rodolpho de Oliveira Franco Protasio. The three of them are very knowledgeable, business oriented and really committed to finding good solutions for the client.’
‘Eduardo Zobaram: a professional who cares not only for the client but also for the client’s business. Technically impeccable, easy to explain the complexity of Brazil to the outside world. His concern for the customer and the business generates an unusual feeling of trust. Paulo Calandrino: always available to solve the company’s needs. I can highlight the facility to structure the legal documentation based on abstract concepts (term and conditions).’
‘The ability to quickly understand the interests of the parties shows the deep knowledge not only legal but also from other disciplines, bringing security to the process.’
‘The office has been serving us for 10 years and is very familiar with the business and its main contracts and corporate structure. Despite the elapsed time, they do not lose the accumulated knowledge. I’d highlighted Eduardo Zobaran and Antenori Trevisan.’
Key clients
Glencore Group
Fleetcor Technologies
Fidelity National Services
Equifax
Kinea Private Equity Investimentos
Cervejarias Kaiser Brasil
Altra Motion
Tim Participações
Multilog
Vitopel
MCAM Brasil Indústria e Comércio de Plásticos
Gruppo Fontana
Banco BTG Pactual
Luxxotica
AEGEA Saneamento e Participações
Sky Serviços de Banda Larga
Heineken International
Tredegar Corporation
Telecom Italia
Gávea Investimentos
Salvatore Ferragamo
Verizon
Viasat
Inmarsat Brasil Eireli
KVH Industries
Iridium Satellite
ABS Global
Work highlights
- Advised Aegea Saneamento e Participações and Saneamento 100% Investimento e Participações on the acquisition from IFC GIF and International Finance Corporation of all of their shares in Aegea.
- Represented Vibra Agroindustrial and its shareholders in the investment made in it by American protein company Tyson Foods.
- Advised Tredegar Corporation on the sale of its personal care films business to affiliates of Fitesa.
Peixoto e Cury Advogados
'Agile, sophisticated and pro-deal', Peixoto e Cury Advogados' corporate and M&A professionals have significant international experience, which is of benefit in the department's cross-border mandates, particularly those involving the US. With an emphasis on mid-market M&A, the team often advises mid-size and family-owned businesses, with recent deals involving cosmetics, advertising and food-sector clients, among others. A signatory to the UN Women’s Empowerment Principles, the firm has launched a number of actions and policies to support women and parents. The firm is also a member of Instituto Pro Bono; Claudia Soares Garcia (who is highlighted for her 'deep knowledge of M&A'), has provided pro bono support for the incorporation of Coletivo Mulheres Jornalistas (Female Journalist Association). Also receiving praise are José Ricardo de Bastos Martins, Rafael Villac Vicente de Carvalho, who is qualified in Brazil and New York, Renato de Oliveira Valença and associate Bernardo Coelho Rezende Vieira.
Practice head(s):
José Ricardo de Bastos Martins; Rafael Villac Vicente de Carvalho; Renato Oliveira Valença; Claudia Soares Garcia
Testimonials
‘The distinction starts from high quality work with engagement and partnership. There is no difficulty in accessing professionals.’
‘I see Peixoto & Cury as an office on the rise and renewal, already positioning itself in a more relevant way in the mergers and acquisitions market. They are agile, sophisticated and pro-deal, with deep knowledge of law. The contribution of partner Rafael Villac de Carvalho was essential for this positioning of Peixoto Cury.‘
‘I would like to highlight Rafael Villac de Carvalho, who is responsible for putting the office on the map of M&A. Although he is young, he already demonstrates an impressive repertoire in operations, team management, has all the necessary skillset to serve clients of any profile (from the simplest to the most sophisticated) and is focused on seeking results for clients rather than focusing on problems/risks.’
‘Claudia Soares has deep knowledge of M&A, with good experience and a partner attitude. Bernardo Vieira, associate of the team, is also an excellent lawyer. I see him as a rising star. He has everything to emerge in his career.’
‘Great creativity, in-depth knowledge of the client and the law, full availability and flexibility.’
‘José Ricardo Bastos Martins leads the team with dynamism and technical competence.’
‘Dr. Jose Ricardo Bastos Martins, Dr. Renato Valença, Dr. Verônica Vilhena and Dr. Andre Polinesio are recommended.’
Key clients
The Interpublic Group of Companies
Owens-Illinois do Brasil Indústria e Comércio
CPM
CPFL – Cia Paulista
Vivante and Vivante Serviços de Facilities
Pilkington
Thyssenkrupp
Lojas Americanas
Saint Gobain Abrasivos
Avon Cosméticos
Caterpillar
Construcap CCPS Engenharia e Comercio
Allfood Importação, Indústria e Comércio
Embraer
Ael Sistemas
Hy Cite
Beyoung
Cservices
Knauf Isopor
Kelly Services
Cecil
Arkema Química
Vorttex Informática
Sol-Millenium
Multicel Pigmentos
Unimetal
Ecu Worldwide
Allegion
Bbrands Holding Participações
MSA Do Brasil Equipamentos E Instrumentos Segurança
Work highlights
- Advised Beyoung and its shareholder on the investment in the company by XP Private Equity I FIP Multiestratégia in the amount of R$140m.
- Advised the Interpublic Group of Companies on the divestment of Momentum Comunicação, one of its subsidiaries in Brazil, through a management buyout transaction.
- Advised Auto Adesivos Paraná on the acquisition of 100% of the shares of Syntpaper Indústria, Comércio e Importação de Papéis Especiais, a company specialised in synthetic papers.
Pereira Neto | Macedo
Pereira Neto | Macedo is a popular choice among investment funds and asset management firms, and also acts for a number of companies in the renewable energy, media, agriculture, technology and engineering sectors as buyers and sellers in M&A. Corporate restructurings also feature in the team's workload. In a significant internal development, corporate and tax law expert Marina Meirelles Sobreira Krepel was promoted to partner in June 2020. Ricardo Ferreira de Macedo leads the corporate and M&A department, which also includes Mônica Figueiredo de Camargo Arruda, who has taken a lead role on many of the department's recent mandates. Vinícius Mancini Guedes, who is active in M&A, investment fund transactions and infrastructure projects, receives praise.
Practice head(s):
Ricardo Ferreira de Macedo
Testimonials
‘High theoretical and practical knowledge.’
‘Vinicius Mancini Guedes – knowledge of the matter and practical applicability.’
Key clients
Usina de Açúcar Santa Terezinha
Pasa – Paraná Operações Portuárias
CPL – Central Paranaense de Logística
Álcool do Paraná Terminal Portuário
CPA Trading
Arcos Dourados Comércio De Alimentos
Jus Capital Gestão de Recursos
Fundação Lemann
Abecs – Associação Brasileira das Empresas de Cartões de Crédito e Serviços
Athena Saúde Espírito Santo Holding
Mover Participações
Fourbac Participações
Rumo
Shevar Participações
AES Tietê Energia
Eletromidia
Iharabrás Indústrias Químicas
Farallon Latin America Investimentos
Work highlights
- Provided legal advice to Farallon Latin America Investimentos in an operation involving the acquisition, through a Farallon’s fund located abroad, of all equity interests of Faculdades Metropolitanas Unidas Educacionais in structured operation with Ânima Holding.
- Assisted CPA Armazens Gerais in the negotiation and execution of the Quota Purchase Agreement in the context of the sale of its subsidiary Batuvy Distribuidora de Combustíveis to Sul Plata Trading do Brasil.
- Advised AES Tietê, which decided to withdraw from the distributed energy generation sector and is selling 100% of its subsidiary AES Tietê Inova Soluções de Energia to EDP Grid Gestão de Redes Inteligentes de Distribuição.
Rayes & Fagundes Advogados Associados
The highly regarded corporate and M&A department at Rayes & Fagundes Advogados Associados fields 'reliable partners' who are noted for their 'dedication' and 'personalised service'. The well-established team has a particularly strong following in the technology and pharmaceutical sectors, and continues to expand its already extensive client base with new clients in these and other industries. The firm hired Olivia Andrade in early 2020 to develop its corporate social responsibility programme, and further expanded its pro bono policy during 2021. Corporate restructurings, M&A and domestic and international contracts expert Fabiana Rodrigues da Fonseca and Paulo Talarico, who advises on domestic and cross-border transactions, lead the team. Carolina Taunay Joop, Ludmila Passos Holtz, Felipe Mutti Monteiro and Suzi Yoshimoto are key contacts at the associate level.
Practice head(s):
Fabiana Rodrigues de Fonseca; Paulo Talarico
Testimonials
‘The team really works together and have a single environment, where you see them all working together.’
‘Reliable partners, with extreme dedication and responsibility in dealing with our affairs. Dr. Fabiana Rodrigues da Fonseca and Dr. Ludmila Passos Holtz are the lawyers responsible for the cases of our companies.’
‘Personalised service, and very close to the customer. Fabiana Fonseca is a highlight of this team.’
‘The best professional from each area was involved in the M&A from day one. The managing director was always available.’
‘Paulo Talarico is a professional who makes the difference.’
Key clients
IBM Brasil – Indústria, Máquinas e Serviços
Nokia Solutions and Networks do Brasil Telecomunicações
Alcatel-Lucent Brasil Telecomunicações
Alphaland Real Estate Administração de Bens
Invaio Sciences
SPIC Brasil Energia Participações
Leão Alimentos e Bebidas
Hendrix Genetics
Banco Indusval & Partners
Boehringer Ingelheim do Brasil Química e Farmacêutica
Boehringer Ingelheim do Brasil Animal Health
MSX International
Loggi Tecnologia
Instituto Eldorado de Pesquisas
RFS (Radio Frequency Systems)
Work highlights
- Represented FG Soluções in the R$14.3m sale of its equity stake in two solar/wind projects located in the state of Ceará.
- Representing Alvenius in the R$17m sale of its distribution business of helical carbon steel tubes, which has been actioned under a judicial recovery process.
- Acts as Sabis Serviços Educacionais’s legal advisor in Brazil, and, as such, has been assisting with structuring the client’s operations in the country.
Sperling Advogados
'A very organised law firm' with 'deep knowledge and experience', Sperling Advogados has a strong focus on mid-market companies, including a large number of international corporations, which it advises on a range of transactional, non-transactional corporate and commercial matters. Recently, the corporate, M&A and contracts team has been particularly busy advising on corporate restructurings. The close collaboration among departments is another key feature, allowing the firm to cover corporate, commercial, tax, dispute resolution and labour law advice. A member of AB2L, the Brazilian Association of Lawtechs and Legaltechs, the firm utilises AI-based research tools and has launched an internal innovation lab for the discussion and implementation of improvements based on visual law and design thinking methodologies. Another notable initiative is the firm's pro bono support to Mães Pela Diversidade, an NGO working with parents of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender children to support and promote the rights of the LGBTIQA+ community. Highly regarded partners Marcio Sperling and Felipe Garcia de Souza lead the team, which also includes associate Sofia Richter.
Practice head(s):
Marcio Sperling; Felipe Garcia
Testimonials
‘The partnership is great, we feel that the members of Sperling Advogados are part of our team. Trust, understanding and speed in handling our needs.’
‘I recommend the entire team of Sperling Advogados Associados, not just its partners but all the members of its team: Marcio Sperling, Felipe Garcia de Souza, Fabio Piovezan, Lidia Alves Lage, Daniela Ribeiro de Andrade, Sofia Richter, Natalia Toledo Galera and Julia Caldeia de Godoy.’
‘Felipe Garcia de Souza anticipates the needs of our business and keeps us up to date on key developments.’
‘They have a great sense of urgency and practical point of view.’
‘The whole team has exceptional performance, but Lidia and Sofia stood out.’
‘It is a team with very good knowledge and experience. In addition, each consultation can be accurately explained to the customer about the advantages and disadvantages. Sperling has a team that consults with customers in a friendly manner, and in addition to corporate and M&A, there are supervisors such as tax, and a relationship of trust has been built.‘
‘The difference is that it is a very organized law firm, although it is a small firm, and has deep knowledge and experience. Mr Felipe Garcia has been a lawyer partner of our company for many years and has been providing support in other fields such as M&A, corporate law and other tax affairs. There is no doubt that he is a very good partner for foreign companies in terms of his insight, knowledge and experience, as well as English and communication skills.’
‘Dr Marcio Sperling – principal partner with knowledge in various areas and uses a lot of clarity in the explanations and discussions of the subjects presented. Dr Glauco Martins – specialist in matters related to issues with defaulting debtors and matters of public administration. Dr Fabio Piovesan – partner with great knowledge in tax credit matters and who has done an excellent job in our company in matters related to tax planning.’
Key clients
American Vanguard Corporation
Henniges Automotive Sealing Systems
Helm AG Group
Vulkan Group
Schenck Process
Osram
Dräger Group
Norgren – IMI Precision
Fundação Voith
BorgWarner
Mitsubishi Chemicals
Rittal – Sistemas Eletromecânicos
Airbnb.
Bequisa Indústria Química
Degesch
Gianni Versace
Döhler
Hitach High-Technology
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
Work highlights
- Provided assistance to BorgWarner in connection with the sale of a facility, including advice on environmental related regulations, drafting of the sale contract, real estate due diligence and negotiations with buyer’s counsel.
- Advised American Vanguard Corporation on the structuring and implementation of the merger of part of its local distribution and supply of crop protection products business.
- Acted for Bequisa Indústria Química do Brasil in connection with its operation in Brazil, including the drafting of relevant contracts and the implementation of a new standard structure for the national distribution and commercial representation agreement.
Wongtschowski Kleiman Advogados
Wongtschowski Kleiman Advogados ‘stands out for its dedication and personalised service‘. The firm is also noted for its ‘commitment to ethics and governance‘, as illustrated by its certification as a B Corporation, as well as its Verified Carbon Standard certification as carbon neutral. In addition to its social, cultural and sustainability initiatives, the firm also has a focus on technology and innovation, and uses the TOTVS lawsuit monitoring system for the provision of managerial reports containing tailored information on lawsuits and risk assessments. Well-regarded partner Domingos Refinetti is a name to note. Since research concluded, however, the firm’s former corporate and M&A experts now practice at other law firms. In April 2021, Alexandre Zanotta and Carolina de Mattos Pacheco left for one firm, Luiza Ozores Igel and Bruno Zampieri Frederico Ottoni left for others, while Tiago Bonatti Peres set up his own firm.
Practice head(s):
Domingos Refinetti
Testimonials
‘In-depth knowledge of governance, with a multidisciplinary team prepared to provide support on all fronts. The professional who serves us has deepened the knowledge of our business and the profile of each partner, which is extremely important for the assertiveness of the service.’
‘Highly specialized firm in the corporate business world, extremely accessible and available, highly qualified technically and with a level of partnership very rare to see in the legal world.’
‘Flexibility and training of the team involved to act in an objective, practical and, obviously, reliable manner in the face of specific, and often non-trivial, demands.’
‘They are a certified B company, which demonstrates a commitment to interdependence, ethics and governance. In addition, they have been very diligent, helpful and competent.‘
‘WZ’s service stands out for its dedication and personalised service.’
‘Very competent office in litigation and M&A. Extremely technically prepared lawyers and partner with great experience and business vision. I’d highlight Domingos Refinetti for his vast experience and deep business vision.’
Key clients
Libra Group
ICTSI Rio Brasil Terminal 1
Libraport Campinas
Cargill Agrícola
T-Grão Cargo Terminal de Graneis
Gerdau
Embu Engenharia e Comércio
Iron Mountain
Odebrecht Realizações Imobiliárias
PB Construções
TAG Investimentos
4Bio Medicamentos
Ifood.com Agência de Restaurantes Online
Libercon Engenharia
Distribuidora de Autopeças Rondobras
Hypera
Sorec – Sociedade Regional de Educação e Cultura
GP Investimentos
RE RGS Empreendimentos Imobiliários
Alper Corretora de Seguros
Work highlights
- Advised Libra Group on the sale of 100% of Libra Terminal Rio to International Container Terminal Services (ICTSI), through its wholly-owned subsidiary ICTSI Americas.
- Acted as legal advisor to Cargill Agrícola in the purchase of Granol Indústria, Comércio e Exportação’s business unit.
- Acted as legal counsel to Rondobras’s shareholders in the sale of up to 100% of the company’s shares to Fortbras, a company invested by Advent Fund.
Almeida Advogados
'Investment in innovation, new ideas and markets has always been the hallmark' of Almeida Advogados, which has a sizeable corporate, M&A and contracts team handling a range of large transactions and non-transactional advisory work. Of particular note is the firm's track record in representing minority shareholders of major Brazilian corporations, and its client base also extends to include domestic and international companies. October 2020 saw the departure of Leonardo Palhares to Kobre & Kim, though the firm has made hires at the associate and senior associate levels. The highly regarded André de Almeida leads the team, with other key practitioners including Guilherme Doval, Pedro Tinoco and Leonardo Barém Leite.
Practice head(s):
André de Almeida
Testimonials
‘Business acumen in understanding each case, and versatility in service.’
‘The team is the differential, but investment in innovation, new ideas and markets has always been the hallmark of this avant-garde office.‘
‘André Almeida is a pioneer in technology companies in the country.’
‘Igor Luna and Guilherme Doval are recommended.’
Key clients
Grupo Ferroeste
ACI Worldwide
Gafisa
Walmart
Proteus
FIS Group
Citeluz Serviços de Iluminação
Harmonia DTVM
Aeroméxico
Skysites Americas
Mahle
Work highlights
- Advised Skysites Americas on the sale of the shares owned by eighteen Skysites shareholders domiciled in four different jurisdictions.
- Assisting Grupo Ferroeste in the acquisition of farms and biological assets for mineral coal production.
- Advised Citeluz on the joint venture with Mitsui Japan to participate in two Niterói municipality lighting services public concession bids.
Andrade, Foz, Hypolito e Medicis Advogados
The well-respected corporate and M&A department at Andrade, Foz, Hypolito e Medicis Advogados is broad in scope, with strength in M&A, restructurings, incorporations, corporate governance and day-to-day corporate and commercial matters. With almost 25 years of experience acting for Brazilian and international companies in a diverse range of sectors, Denise Hypolito Passaro leads the team, with other key practitioners including corporate and real estate specialist Carolina Moura Foz, foreign investments, corporate, commercial and compliance expert Lira Renardini Padovan and associate Camila Machado Assunção.
Practice head(s):
Denise Hypolito Passaro
Testimonials
‘Technical knowledge, availability and speed of response are characteristics of everyone we had contact with at Andrade Foz.’
‘The firm has competent professionals who are attentive to the issues of its clients. They bring together the expertise of various members of the firm necessary to deal with the client matter.‘
‘Carolina Foz: Proactive, available, dedicated and commercially minded.’
‘I have been using the services of Dr Denise Hypolito for over 10 years. Dr Denise excels in competence and commitment. The quality of her service has always been impeccable.’
‘Dr Denise Hypolito is a very high quality corporate and M&A lawyer.’
‘Response time, availability and technical knowledge of the subjects covered.’
‘In addition to their legal expertise, they maintain close communication with you as the client explaining all alternatives relating to the matter and keeping you up to date on its progress. They are proactive in their representation. We work primarily with Lira Renardini Padovan and Camila Machado de Assuncao, who are very attentive to us as clients.’
Work highlights
- Advised Alper Consultoria e Corretora de Seguros on the acquisition of 100% of Transbroker Consultoria e Corretagem de Seguros, an insurance broker with expertise in transport, property and non-life insurances.
- Advised Bahema Educação on the acquisition of 100% of Escola Autonomia.
- Advised JSL on the due diligence for the acquisition of Moreno Holding.
BK&Partners
Demonstrating 'technical excellence in M&A', BK&Partners is also appreciated for the 'direct involvement of the partners, which makes the solution more agile and secure'. The team shows notable expertise in mergers, acquisitions and disposals of equity interests or assets of companies, in addition to non-transactional corporate advisory, and has recently assisted a number of established and new clients in the IT and telecoms sectors, among others. Eduardo Benetti and senior associate Pedro Giammarino are noted for their 'commitment, technical knowledge and outstanding performance'.
Practice head(s):
Eduardo Benetti; Pedro Giammarino
Testimonials
‘The promptness, commitment and service distinguish this office, in addition to technical knowledge.’
‘They are excellent in technical knowledge and in solving problems faced during any M&A process. In addition, they are profoundly knowledgeable about the Brazilian Corporate Law and act strongly in the interests of their clients.‘
‘Dr Eduardo Benetti and Dr Pedro Giammarino – commitment, technical knowledge, outstanding performance.’
‘Direct involvement of the partners, which makes the solution more agile and secure.’
‘In addition to technical excellence in M&A and operations structuring services, it adds knowledge of strategic aspects and business risk.’
‘Eduardo Benetti and Pedro Gianmarino are very responsive, meet deadlines and always seek to serve clients.’
‘Very well trained, customer-oriented team, especially Dr. Benetti, very helpful, fully understands the demands of customers and the current market.’
Key clients
QMS Capital
Traive
Frango Gonzalez Group
Stefanini Group
AlmavivA Group
MEC3 do Brasil
Bonduelle do Brasil
Advanta
Let’s Code
Goalmedia
Blend Coberturas
Noz Group
Habitat Capital Partners
LogBank
N1 IT
Work highlights
- Advised AlmavivA do Brasil on the acquisition of Aquarius Participações and Chain Serviços e Contact Center from Banco Bradesco.
- Advised Stefanini Group on the acquisition of W3Haus Group (Ecossistema Haus).
- Advised Stefanini Group on the acquisition of Brazilian fintech LogBank Soluções em Pagamentos.
Bocater, Camargo, Costa e Silva, Rodrigues Advogados
The corporate and M&A department at Bocater, Camargo, Costa e Silva, Rodrigues Advogados is highlighted for its 'seniority, great experience and great competence'. With broad expertise, the team can often be found advising on large deals and non-transactional corporate matters. Securities regulation is a standout area of expertise for the firm, with much of the team drawing on valuable previous experience working at the Brazilian Securities and Exchange Commission (CVM). For example, Maria Isabel Bocater is a former director of the CVM; she specialises in corporate law and capital markets. Other names to note include Francisco da Costa e Silva, João Laudo de Camargo, Luiza Rangel de Moraes and Bernardo Costa e Silva.
Practice head(s):
Francisco Costa e Silva; Maria Isabel Bocater; João Laudo de Camargo
Testimonials
‘Bocater is a complete office that manages to include in a discussion of M&A all the legal aspects involved in the transaction and in different spheres of law (administrative, civil, criminal, corporate, etc.). In discussions of shareholders’ agreements, for example, Bocater can assist me in making decisions taking into account all the legal risks that could arise in the decisions we would take.’
‘Very pleasant to work with, plus great competence and focus on getting things done!‘
‘The office has taken care of the corporate issues of our companies for more than 5 years and has been very competent and careful with this work. I highlight the ability to mobilise a senior team to meet demands that may be urgently needed. In the M&A area, the team has been very technical, not only in pointing out the risks, but also formulating alternatives.’
‘I would like to highlight Luiza Rangel’s performance in corporate matters. She has been in great demand by our team and has managed to do a very efficient job.’
‘Francisco Costa e Silva and Flavio Rodrigues are recommended.’
‘The seniority, great experience and great competence of the legal team!‘
Key clients
Bombril
Embraer
Impacto Energia
Coperçúcar
Usiminas
Vale
Banco Safra
Petro Rio
Neoenergia
Terra Santa Agro
BTG Pactual
Anumara Capital
Banco Fator
Investimentos e Participações em Infraestrutura
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 Distribuição, Importação E Exportação
Visiona Tecnologia Espacial
Banco Semear
Work highlights
- Provides regular assistance to Petrobras in matters relating to corporate law, corporate governance, securities regulation and public law.
- Advised FIP Aeroespacial on the acquisition of 33% of the shares of Kryptus Segurança da Informática.
- Advised Siner Engenharia on investing in a project involving building a solar power plant (5MW) to be leased by Itaú Bank in a seven-year term contract.
Castro Barros Advogados
With a long history in the Brazilian market, Castro Barros Advogados has developed notable expertise in the corporate area. Recently, it has assisted in a number of corporate restructurings, investments and acquisitions, and it is also equipped to advise on non-transactional corporate and commercial matters. In the context of the Covid-19 pandemic, the firm joined and advised Covid Radar, a group of companies organised to face the challenges brought by the virus in Brazil. Highly regarded corporate partner Helen Valente Figurelli 'always proposes great solutions'. Other standout partners in the team include corporate, competition and regulatory law expert Anna Cecilia Rostworowski da Costa Buff and corporate, M&A and project finance specialist Guilherme Tepedino Hernandez. Fernanda Alves Wolf left the firm in March 2020 to join Abril Comunicações.
Practice head(s):
Anna Cecilia Rostworowski da Costa Buff; Helen Gaudio Valente Figurelli; Guilherme Tepedino Hernandez
Testimonials
‘The CBA corporate and M&A team is agile and efficient, with flexibility to deal with highly complex issues and with the most operational issues, but which can have a relevant impact on a structured operation, always with quality and promptness.’
‘Helen Valente is a partner in the area in the RJ office with comprehensive interdisciplinary knowledge and firm negotiation position. She counts on Guilherme de Oliveira Santos for solid technical support.’
‘The team has vast technical knowledge and has highly qualified lawyers to meet the demands.’
‘Helen Valente Figurelli stands out in the team, always proposing great solutions to our problems.’
Key clients
Seedcorp HO Produção e Comercialização de Sementes
Brasbunker Participações
Marsh Corretora de Seguros
Brasilor Comércio de Produtos Ópticos e Participações
Eurofins do Brasil Análise de Alimentos
O Estado de S. Paulo
Pestana Hotel Group – Brasturinvest Investimentos Turísticos
União de Lojas Leader
Casa & Vídeo Rio de Janeiro
LegionGroup
Abril Comunicações – Em Recuperação Judicial
Reed Exhibitions Alcântara Machado
Work highlights
- Advised Abril Comunicações, part of a traditional print and digital media group in Brazil, on the implementation of a restructuring process of major aspects of its corporate structure.
- Provided advice to both the seller and buyer on the management buyout of União de Lojas Leader (ULL), a Brazilian retail chain.
- Provided legal assistance in the implementation of an indirect investment in Fertimar Mineração e Navegação.
DDSA - De Luca, Derenusson, Schuttoff e Azevedo Advogados
Longstanding clients continue to turn to the sizeable team at DDSA – De Luca, Derenusson, Schuttoff e Azevedo Advogados for assistance in transactional and non-transactional corporate matters, and the team has also recently won a number of new clients. In addition to its active corporate and M&A practice, the team – from interns to partners – is also involved in pro bono work, with the firm devoting around 80 hours to pro bono matters per month. Guilherme Filardi and João Claudio De Luca Junior, who act for national and international companies from a broad range of sectors, jointly lead the team. Associate Yasmin Neves is also a key contact. Since publication, Ettore Botteselli left the firm, in November 2021.
Practice head(s):
João Claudio De Luca Junior; Guilherme Filardi
Testimonials
‘Technical capacity. I would highlight João Claudio de Lucca and Guilherme Filardi.’
Key clients
Cencosud
Granarolo
Idemia do Brasil Soluções de Serviços de Tecnologia
Evertec Group
Roland Berger
FedEx Trade Networks
TGM Indústria e Comércio de Turbinas e Transmissões
DPZ Partners
Trescal Group
G+D Mobile Security
Work highlights
- Advising Plusoft Informática on the acquisition of Ibope DTM Marketing de Relacionamento, a company specialised in data management.
- Advising G+D Mobile Security on the renegotiation of its debt with Brazilian financial institutions, and advising the client on all corporate and contracts matters related to day-to-day activities.
- Advising Trescal Participations on the merger of its seven operational subsidiaries in Brazil (located in five states).
Fialho Salles Advogados
With ‘great technical expertise‘ and ‘dedication and commitment‘, the corporate department at Fialho Salles Advogados is well versed in a range of transactions, where it is able to work alongside other practice groups to cover competition, tax and regulatory matters. Its client base is equally broad, including a diverse mix, from large companies to groups of shareholders. Headquartered in Belo Horizonte, the firm has also established a relevant presence in São Paulo, where names to note include Luciano Fialho and associates Bárbara Monduzzi and Renzo Lima. Key contacts in Minas Gerais include Alice Dourado, Patricia Alvarenga and associate Thiago Vieira. Since publication, the practice has been strehgthened further with the hire of former independent advisor Ricardo Rondino as a partner - effective from March 2022.
Practice head(s):
Alice Dourado; Luciano Fialho; Patricia Alvarenga
Testimonials
‘The services we take from FS have a very high added value, either due to the deep technical knowledge of the team, or the understanding of the market and our business, or the dedication and commitment that they serve us. Agility and responsiveness are highlights.‘
‘The teams communicate in a very fluid way and the result is an integrated and complete legal “product”, covering several areas and aspects of the law in a very harmonious way. I also highlight the availability of lawyers, the personal service “partner level” and the ability/commitment to strictly comply with the challenging schedule for the execution of the deal. In the end, it all boils down to confidence in the result of the work and its adherence to what we need.’
‘All individuals I interacted with at Fialho Salles have a very high educational and communication level, from the most junior to the most senior. Lately I would mention Thiago Vieira, Alice Dourado and Roberto Salles.’
‘Luciano Fialho – technical knowledge and innovation. Renzo Lima – pro activity and creativity.’
‘Office equipped with several partners and associates with great technical expertise to develop excellent jobs. The professionals are extremely dedicated, zealous and accessible. Which means that the works developed have unique technical quality, but also the necessary speed.’
‘Luciano Fialho – Professional reference in the sector and who has a great deal of experience to advise. Alice Dourado – Professional with great wisdom, expertise, technical and accessible. Her experience and great training in the area helped the company to make the best decisions. Thiago Fiuza – Zealous and dedicated professional. All the processes he conducted were exquisite and within the agreed deadlines.’
Key clients
Rio Branco Alimentos
VLI
Patologia Clínica São Marcos
Canopus Holding
Aliança Geração de Energia
BNDES – Banco Nacional de Desenvolvimento Econômico e Social
Embaré Indústrias Alimentícias
RHI Magnesita
CSUL Desenvolvimento Urbano
BH Iluminação Pública
Domingos Costa Indústrias Alimentícias
Terna Plus
Snef Brasil
Mineração Vale Verde
BTG Pactual
Inspira Mudança Participações
Sunew Filmes Fotovoltáicos Impressos
Work highlights
- Acted as legal advisor to UNIFIPMoc’s founding shareholders on the sale of the company to Afya Participações.
Graça Couto, Sequerra, Levitinas, Bicudo, Leal & Abby Advogados
Graça Couto, Sequerra, Levitinas, Bicudo, Leal & Abby Advogados is equally adept in domestic and cross-border M&A, and has recently advised on a number of deals involving IT and fintech companies. The highly regarded Natalie Sequerra leads the team; her broad practice sees her advising on asset and stock transactions, joint ventures, corporate reorganisations and regulatory matters before the CVM, in addition to corporate conflicts. João Gustavo Santiago, who joined from Trench Rossi Watanabe in September 2020, is also noted.
Practice head(s):
Natalie Sequerra
Testimonials
‘Differentiated treatment with a senior team always available and a thoughtful touch in resolving conflicts during the process.’
‘Natalie Sequerra – Empathatic and calm. João Gustavo – Objectivity and firmness.‘
Key clients
Asterion Industrial Partners
Capgemini Brasil
Dorel Industries
Rothschild & Co Brazil
Blanver Farmoquímica e Farmacêutica
Cinemark Brasil
Tencent Holdings
Fitesa
Babcock International
Finpec Agronegócios
MDS Cursos e Concursos
Work highlights
- Assisted Brazilian fintech Balko in its foreign seed round.
- Assisted Brazilian education tech company Jaleko in its acquisition by Grupo A.
- Assisted Finpec’s controllers in the acquisition of a minority stake by an individual investor.
Kestener & Vieira Advogados
Kestener, Granja & Vieira Advogados' corporate, M&A and contracts department counts household name companies among its clients, particularly in the life sciences sector, where the firm has an excellent reputation. Many of these clients are longstanding, and often turn to the team for assistance in restructurings, incorporations, acquisitions, investments, contract reviews and day-to-day corporate consulting. Highly regarded founding partner Fabio Alonso Vieira also has experience in transactions in the automotive, infrastructure and IT sectors; he leads the team, which benefits from the input of a number of associates, including Carolina Barbosa Cunha Costa and Gabriela Tchalian.
Practice head(s):
Fabio Alonso Vieira
Testimonials
‘We were advised by the team of Dr Fabio Vieira. The team was excellent, it gave us a lot of support in the process throughout the negotiation and also aligned the points of disagreement between the parties with mastery. Dr Fabio made a point of clarifying several points before entering into the negotiations. So that when the issues came up we were already oriented about it.’
‘We were extremely well guided in our M&A process by Dr Fabio Vieira and team. In all aspects, pre, during and post.’
Key clients
Glenmark Pharmaceuticals
Glenmark Farmacêutica
Continental
Continental Indústria e Comércio de Peças de Reposição Automotiva
Takeda Pharma
Takeda Distribuidora
Cardinal Health
Cardinal Health Do Brasil
Kellogg Brasil
Graphisoft Group
Intercos
Perrigo Group
Produtos Roche Químicos E Farmacêuticos
Zodiac Produtos Farmacêuticos
Baxter Hospitalar
Ultragenyx Brasil Farmacêutica
Boehringer Ingelheim do Brasil
Work highlights
- Advising Glenmark on a corporate reorganisation to transfer the assets related to its dermo-cosmetic business to an entity to be incorporated as a limited liability company.
- Advising EAA to coordinate as president and secretary of the shareholders’ meetings concerning the approval of the company’s financial statements from 2013 onwards and the reelection of its officers amidst a scenario of corporate disputes among the shareholders.
- Advising Takeda Group on all corporate matters, from day-to-day consulting (e.g. contract review and analysis, regularisation of past corporate transactions) to complex ones.
Loeser e Hadad Advogados
A broad range of leading domestic and international companies turn to the corporate and M&A department at Loeser e Hadad Advogados, which is led by M&A and international business reorganisations expert Enrique Tello Hadad. Despite the Covid-19 crisis, the team has remained active, recently advising both buyers and sellers on a number of relevant transactions. Corporate governance, compliance and commercial agreements are other areas of expertise. Also of note is the firm's pool of talented associates, including Fernanda Nakada and Ligia Pereira, who 'always bring solutions in sensitive matters'. Richard Blanchet left the firm in January 2021.
Practice head(s):
Enrique Tello Hadad
Testimonials
‘Our experience with Loeser e Hadad Advogados is extremely positive and they always surprise us in terms of the work provided. In addition to their day-to-day activities, they assist us in structuring projects, corporate operations, training executives, among others. Always with quality, readiness, knowledge of the topic and addressing internal needs.’
‘We work with Fernanda Nakada and Ligia Pereira. Both are committed, with in-depth knowledge of the field, available and ready to help us with whatever we need. They always bring solutions in sensitive matters, often complex, they know the structure and the way the company works.‘
Key clients
APTIV Manufatura e Servicos de Distribuicao
GfK
Pepsico do Brasil
Delta Electronics Brasil
Grupo GPS
Plastek do Brasil Industria e Comercio
Cosmocel do Brasil Nutricao Vegetal
Tsubaki Brasil Equipamentos Industriais
Liebherr Brasil Indus. e Com. de Maq. e Equipamentos
Apoio/Ecolimp Sistemas de Servicos
Globachem
Work highlights
- Advising Hewlett Packard on the acquisition of Cray Inc in Brazil.
- Assisted Sensata with the simplification of its structure in Brazil by transferring the totality of the shares of Schrader’s Brazilian company to companies of Sensata group.
- Advised Bayer on the sale of its animal healthcare division to Elanco Brasil.
Moreau Valverde Advogados
With over 30 years of history in the market, highly regarded firm Moreau Valverde Advogados has an active corporate department, which 'operates with great agility'. It counts fashion, consumer goods, agribusiness and real estate-sector companies among its clients, which it advises on corporate restructurings, sales, acquisitions, licensing and other commercial matters. A founding partner of the Fashion Business and Law Institute, Mariana Valverde stands out for her knowledge of corporate governance, M&A and fashion law. She co-leads the team alongside the 'diligent, assertive and articulate' Jean Pierre Moreau. Pierre Moreau and Juliana Zanotto are also noted.
Practice head(s):
Mariana Valverde; Jean Pierre Moreau
Testimonials
‘Moreau Valverde operates with great agility and personalisation in line with its mandates. We feel confident in the team’s competence and proactivity.’
‘Partner availability and involvement, competence and reliability.‘
‘Pierre Moreau is diligent, assertive and articulate. He has always brought us a lot of comfort in the way he conducts the processes.’
‘Quick understanding of the problems to be solved. Highly competent team. Highly professional service. Extensive knowledge of everything that I needed.’
‘Pierre Moreau, Juliana Zanotto and Jean Pierre Moreau are recommended.’
Key clients
Ford Models
Art RIO
Work highlights
- Provided assistance to Ford Models Brasil and its main shareholder in the acquisition of Ford Models Inc.
- Advised a client in the agribusiness sector on the corporate restructuring of all its Latin American operations, including in Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay.
- Provided assistance to a consumer goods company in the complete corporate restructuring of its operations, involving more than R$300m, after the death of the family’s matriarch.
PGLaw
PGLaw impresses with its 'high technical level' and 'serious and responsible advice'. The boutique firm was established in 2014 and since then has built a buoyant and varied practice, recently advising on corporate reorganisations, sales, acquisitions, incorporations and matters before the CVM. Its Ethics and Diversity Committee is also well established, with responsibility for diversity training and the development of programmes and policies in addition to socio-cultural activities. Founding partner Carlos Portugal Gouvêa leads the corporate and M&A department and complements his knowledge in this area with expertise in compliance, corporate governance and commercial litigation. Caio Henrique Yoshikawa, Rodrigo Fialho Borges and João Paulo Braune Guerra are key contacts at the associate level.
Practice head(s):
Carlos Portugal Gouvêa
Testimonials
‘The team has an academic background well above the average, and they are extremely diligent in drafting and reviewing contracts.‘
‘High technical level of lawyers, who are not only concerned with pleasing the client with legally innovative solutions, but rather with providing serious and responsible advice.’
‘Carlos Portugal Gouvêa and João Paulo Braune Guerra are the two lawyers who serve us and do an excellent technical job, especially in corporate areas; in addition to maintaining a high level of relationship with all members of our team.‘
‘Senior team dedicated to the client.’
‘Carlos Portugal is an extremely serious and competent professional. He has a thorough knowledge of corporate law and contracts. Rodrigo Fialho is very dedicated, always solicitous and quick to deliver.‘
Key clients
Suzano Papel e Celulose
Louis Dreyfus Brasil
Gympass
Quest Software
Cardpay Holding
Cerdia Brasil Indústria e Comércio
Reserva Serra Bonita
Agroflorestal Camacan Preservação Ambiental
SonicWall Software
Orion Engineered Carbons
Brandileone & Lombardi Participações
Iguá Saneamento
Ormuco
Associação Brasileira dos Importadores de Combustíveis (ABICOM)
AOVS Sistemas de Informática
Letrus
Basement Soluções de Captação e Registro
Abengoa
Neofield Tecnologia e Agricultura de Precisão
Work highlights
- Advised Cerdia Group on the corporate restructuring of its operations in Brazil, and has acted as the company’s Brazilian counsel for corporate day-to-day matters.
- Advised Cardpay Holding on the legal incorporation of two subsidiaries of the company in Brazil.
- Advised a client on the release of a new operational tool that uses AI and algorithms for the trading of shares in the stock exchange.
RZ Advogados
The 'very prepared and experienced' corporate and M&A specialists at RZ Advogados 'stand out for their dynamism and knowledge, which leads to agility and assertiveness in decision making'. Brazilian and international companies operating in a range of sectors - including ports, agribusiness and retail - seek the team's advice in complex corporate matters. The firm also encourages its team to assist in its pro bono support of the Projeto Canelinhas, based in Cidade de Deus, Rio de Janeiro, which provides healthcare, sport and cultural activities. Mauricio Jun Higashino has over 18 years of experience in corporate, M&A, contracts and succession planning; he leads the practice and receives strong praise from clients. Christian de Lima Ramos and associates Fernanda Aires and Clarissa Novaes are also key contacts.
Practice head(s):
Mauricio Jun Higashino
Testimonials
‘Young and dedicated professionals, having already gone through excellent law firms, where they gained substantial experience. Mauricio Higashino has experience in operations involving parties in different countries and demonstrates skill in conducting business and in dealing with clients, who trust him.’
‘They stand out for their dynamism and knowledge, which leads to agility and assertiveness in decision making. Clarissa Novaes is recommended.’
‘RZ is an office of young professionals, but very prepared and experienced. What I can cite as a differential is the proximity to the demands of the client and the client itself. This makes a lot of difference, especially in times of chaos.’
‘Deep knowledge in the legal context of Brazil and versatility in the proposed structures that can be decisive in the conclusion of the operation. Christian Ramos – Deep knowledge and broad vision of the market and business.’
‘The RZ Advogados team has good connections and experiences in the Agribusiness market in Brazil. Mauricio Higashino: I highly value the transparency with which he deals with information and projects, indicating possible risks and committing to seek more information to mitigate some risks and doubts. Honesty and good communication is a very important point and clearly perceived in Mr. Mauricio.’
‘The speed, the quality of the team and the knowledge on the topics. They are always very assertive, updated on the movements in law. Fernanda Aires: very attentive, extremely professional service. Christian Ramos: extremely surgical in his settings, very experienced and professional.’
‘The firm is formed by lawyers with a lot of knowledge in their practice areas, always looking for innovative alternatives to better serve the client’s interests.’
‘The Ramos e Zuanon team is very attentive, enlightening and helpful in all legal demands. They are great partners in the development of our daily projects. They support our inquiries promptly and with great propriety. Caio Bianchi Alvarez de Souza, Vitor Dourado and Clarissa Novaes are excellent professionals in corporate and tax consultancy.’
Key clients
Humberg Agribrasil Comércio E Exportação de Grãos
Novaprint
Kanematsu Corporation
Holiste Psiquiatria
Scania Latin America
Mogiana Mineração Terraplenagem
Agromave Insumos
Mega – Logística Serviços Portuários e Transportes
MAD Produtores Associados
TGB – Terminal da Babitonga
DTA Engenharia
Caiena Agr Comércio de Cereais
Siqueira Castro – Advogados
Siqueira Castro – Advogados is well versed in M&A and non-transactional corporate matters. With an extensive office network, the firm stands out for its geographic coverage, which is of particular benefit in deals that take place outside of São Paulo or Rio de Janeiro. The firm also remains active in pro bono work, where it provides around 80 monthly hours and maintains partnerships with a large number of non-profit entities. Sérgio Ricardo Fogolin has a broad practice taking in M&A, litigation, compliance, contracts, capital markets and real estate and is ‘always looking for the best and fairest solution'. Leonardo Cotta Pereira left the firm in December 2020, and Guilherme Dantas left in January 2022.
Practice head(s):
Sérgio Ricardo Fogolin
Testimonials
‘The structure and commitment of the professionals to the result desired by the client, combined with the multidisciplinary technical capacity, give the assurance that, at any time and anywhere in the national territory, we will be supported with technical excellence. Above all, in my view, the great difference, the real commitment to seek the resolution of the problem, in a flexible and proactive way.’
‘Sergio Fogolin leads the corporate area and deals directly with me, with clarity, promptness and great interest in the various macro issues of our contractor x contractor relationship, in my view, always looking for the best and fairest solution, with cordiality and extreme flexibility.’
‘José Felipe Perroni – Exceptional associate, with owner qualities and vision, punctuates and intervenes with impeccable technical and commercial quality, moving through the different areas of the office, when necessary, as a focal point.’
Key clients
Esmaltec
Prefab Fabricações de Prefabricados
Camargo Correa Comércio e Construções
Camargo Correa Internacional Infraestrutura
Elekeiroz
Eurobras Construções Metálicas Moduladas – Em Recuperação Judicial
Souto Correa Advogados
Souto Correa Advogados balances a busy corporate and M&A practice, which has recently advised on relevant deals involving technology, renewable energy and food sector companies, among others. Often working alongside colleagues in the restructuring, real estate, timberland and agribusiness departments, the team offers a broad service, advising on transactions and commercial agreements. The firm has a strong base in Porto Alegre, where many of its key lawyers are based; names to note in São Paulo include Clarissa Yokomizo and associate Martha Giugno Termignoni, while associate Silvia Pupo is a key contact in Rio de Janeiro. Porto Alegre-based corporate and M&A experts Rodrigo Tellechea and Gilberto Deon Corrêa Júnior lead the department, with Raquel Stein another name to note. The department also expanded in July 2021 with the hire of Mauricio Paschoal from Lefosse Advogados.
Practice head(s):
Rodrigo Tellechea; Gilberto Deon Corrêa Junior
Testimonials
‘The office is distinguished by its qualified professionals, personalised service to meet the client’s needs.’
‘Knowledge of Brazilian, American and UK laws, facilitating our work that involves multiple countries. They offer several areas of activity, a One stop Shop.’
‘I would highlight Clarissa Yokomizo in M&A.’
‘I would recommended Raquel Stein: her knowledge of American law is fundamental, without it the work would be impossible.’
‘Ability to assist us in any subject, area or need. We never had a case where they didn’t have an expert on staff.”The lawyers are well trained and proactive in proposing solutions to the client’s needs.’
Key clients
Oleoplan Oleos Vegetais Planalto
Darby Servtec Energia – Fundo de Investimento em Participações – Multiestratégia
Samsung Eletrônica da Amazonia
The Walt Disney Company (Brasil)
Kaon do Brasil Industria Eletrônica
Honeywell do Brasil
Knauf Isopor
Central Eólica Babilônia
Randon – Implementos e Participações
99 Tecnologia
Grupo Emiliano
Abbott Laboratórios
SLC Participações
Taurus Armas
Bettanin
Work highlights
- Advised Oleoplan – Óleos Vegetais Planalto in an investment of R$475m related to the acquisition of 20% of the shares of FASA América Latina Participações Societárias.
- Advising Darby Servtec Energia – Fundo de Investimento em Participações – Multiestratégia in negotiations to acquire solar energy plants.
- Advised sim;paul in the acquisition of Solidus – Corretora de Câmbio e Valores Mobiliários, a securities and exchange brokerage company.
Souza, Mello e Torres
The ‘agile and creative team‘ at Souza, Mello e Torres is equipped to advise on high-value M&A, where it has a particularly good track record in the healthcare, logistics, telecoms and technology industries. Key practitioners in the team include M&A, private equity and corporate governance experts Carlos José Rolim de Mello and Natália Teixeira Rabaça, whose practice also encompasses capital markets; M&A and project finance partner Clovis Torres, who draws on former experience as chief compliance officer and general counsel at Vale; and Alexandre Simões Pinto, who has impressive experience advising well-known companies in major deals. Associate Pedro Henrique Souza de Oliveira is also an active member of the team. Patricia Eid left the firm in June 2021.
Practice head(s):
Carlos José Rolim de Mello; Clovis Torres; Alexandre Simões Pinto; Natália Teixeira Rabaça
Testimonials
‘It has very senior partners… extremely experienced.’
‘Partners are pragmatic and responsive. They have a lot of experience and are not shy to anticipate and focus on the real issues – and push for a speedy and successful signing and closing.’
‘Clovis Torres and Carlos Mello. Knowledge, experience, responsiveness. Also very pragmatic and well connected within Brazil – they know everyone on a first name basis!‘
‘Agile and creative team, ideal for a Fintech context.’
‘Pedro Henrique Souza de Oliveira: Excellent lawyer for M&A projects. Natália Teixeira: Excellent lawyer for Corporate Law.’
‘Alexandre Simoes and Pedro Henrique Souza de Oliveira are recommended.‘
‘Alexandre Simões Pinto has a lot of experience and availability for transactions often with a high degree of complexity. Carlos J. Rolim de Mello – senior partner, but at the most important times or when his experience was needed, he was always present.’
Key clients
Superfrio Armazéns Gerais
Casino Group
BBM Logística
Klimt Participações
Neurolab Serviços Médicos EPP
Creb Centro de Reumatologia e Ortopedia Botafogo
Clovis Bersot Munhoz Assessoria
BR Partners
Trico Group
Sirius Minerals
Surya
IHS Group
Distrito
Ideal Corretora
Darol Participações
Work highlights
- Acted for Cattleya Fundo de Investimento em Participações Multiestratégia and Orquídea Fundo de Investimento em Participações Multiestratégia in the acquisition of 100% of the share capital of SF Energia Participações.
- Advised BBM Logística on the purchase of a regional logistics company.
- Advised Vale on the acquisition of Biopalma da Amazônia – Reflorestamento Indústria e Comércio, which was a subsidiary of Vale, by Brasil Bio Fuels.
Themudo Lessa Advogados
With 'technical excellence', Themudo Lessa Advogados provides 'versatile solutions for strategic issues'. The transactional boutique was founded in 2009 and expanded significantly in 2016 with the arrival of several lawyers; today, the corporate and M&A department draws on the expertise of four key partners as well as a sizeable pool of associates. In addition to assisting buyers, sellers and investors in significant transactions, the team is also equipped to advise on corporate governance, regulation and corporate conflicts. On the pro bono side, the firm supports Editora MOL, a Brazilian social impact publishing company, and Associação Inspirar-te, a non-profit that promotes access to art and its connection with education. Rogério Themudo Lessa, Marcos Lessa, Maria Fernanda Fondora and Fernanda Mattar Mesquita are names to note.
Practice head(s):
Rogério Themudo Lessa; Marcos Lessa
Testimonials
‘Very capable professionals, including for international demands, with technical excellence, service availability and good value for money.’
‘Marcos Lessa: Deep technical knowledge. Delves into the themes to find efficient solutions. Business and pro business vision.’
‘The team is highly qualified, always available, with versatile solutions for strategic issues.’
‘Marcos Lessa – high technical competence, versatility, diplomacy. Maria Fernanda Fondora – high technical competence and availability.’
Key clients
Via Varejo
Klabin
Totvs
HIG Capital
Geo Energética
Essencis Soluções Ambientais
Solvi
Cosan Indústria e Comércio
Grupo Pão de Açúcar (GPA)
Grupo Tavares de Melo
Corr Plastik Industrial
Work highlights
- Advised Via Varejo on the acquisition of 100% of the shares of CarrierEQ.
- Assisted Cosan’s subsidiary Sinlog Tecnologia em Logística in the acquisition of 100% of the quotas of B3 Consultoria e Assessoria.
- Assisted Grupo Solví on its corporate reorganisation, which involved more than 20 subsidiaries.
Ulhôa Canto, Rezende e Guerra Advogados
Ulhôa Canto, Rezende e Guerra Advogados has a good track record assisting companies and investors in M&A, and also advises clients on corporate reorganisations and corporate governance. Marcelo Maria Santos, Aloysio Meirelles de Miranda Filho and Guilherme Rocha Murgel de Rezende are key contacts. Pedro Chueiri left the firm in April 2021.
VBSO Advogados
VBSO Advogados stands out in the financial services sector, where it has an active practice and advises well-known banks on sales and acquisitions. Agribusiness, infrastructure and retail-sector companies also turn to the corporate and M&A department for assistance. In 2020, the firm's sustainability committee implemented a new pro bono policy; the project reached 136 pro bono hours between April and December 2020. M&A, private equity and corporate governance specialist Amanda Visentini Rodrigues co-leads the practice alongside founding partner Erik Oioli, who also coordinates the firm's banking and capital markets practice. Associates Beatriz Soares Locoselli and Letícia Okuma, who joined from Demarest Advogados in November 2020, are also key contacts.
Practice head(s):
Amanda Visentini Rodrigues; Erik Oioli
Testimonials
‘Business understanding, availability and focus on the most relevant issues.‘
‘Jose Ribeiro and Amanda Vicentini are recommended.’
Key clients
Banco BMG
BMG Participações
BMG Participações em Negócios
Work highlights
- Advising Banco BMG, as current controlling shareholder of BMG Granito Soluções em Pagamento, a company specialised in electronic payment solutions, in a joint venture transaction with Banco Inter.
- Assisted BMG Participações in the sale of interest held by BMG Participações in BMG Seguros to Assicurazioni Generali.
- Advised a controlled company of Banco BMG, CBfácil Corretora de Seguros e Negócios, on the acquisition of quotas issued by Raro Recrutamento em TI (Rarolabs), a technology and innovative software solutions company.
Vidigal Neto Advogados
Clients of Vidigal Neto Advogados appreciate the firm's 'proximity to the client's day-to-day life' and 'cordial treatment'. With a broad client base that includes corporations, banks, M&A boutiques, private equity firms and international law firms, the firm maintains a varied corporate practice that is equipped to advise on sales and acquisitions - including distressed transactions - as well as reorganisations and incorporations. In addition, the firm provides pro bono assistance to a number of organisations, including providing corporate, contractual and tax advice to SanFran Jr., a student-run enterprise at the University of São Paulo which provides legal advice to third sector organisations and other entities. Practice head Claudio Gomez and Vinícius Azambuja de Oliveira are highly regarded.
Practice head(s):
Claudio Gomez
Testimonials
‘The formal and cordial treatment gave me the freedom and security to make the best decisions. Multidisciplinary team allowed me to resolve my issues in one place. I would definitely recommend it to my entire network of contacts.’
‘Both Claudio Gomez and Vinicius Azambuja de Oliveira were exceptional. They worked comprehensively, swiftly and decisively. Throughout the entire process, they made me feel confident about the steps we took.’
‘Proximity to the client’s day-to-day life shortens interactions and makes the solution sought faster and more dynamic. Lean staff facilitates communication and avoids rework.’
‘Availability and quality of work distinguish Claudio Gomez and Vinícius Azambuja.’
Key clients
R2C Gestora de Investimentos
Banco Paulista
XP Inc.
Mover Participações
Construtora Norberto Odebrecht
Buser Brasil Tecnologia
Treecorp Partners Gestora
WNT Gestora de Recursos
Canary Management
Bemol
Sul Brasil Securitizadora
S&P Dow Jones Indices
Integral Investimentos
Work highlights
- Assisted a boutique financial advisor specialised in distressed assets in promoting IMCOPA’s judicial recovery plan, including the sale of its main assets to the local subsidiary of Bunge Limited.
- Advised Treecorp Partners, a private equity firm focused on the middle-market, in the acquisition of a controlling stake in Cabana Burger, a local gourmet fast food chain.
- Assisted Banco Paulista and Socopa in the implementation of a corporate reorganisation involvins sensitive negotiations and complex regulatory issues.
Viseu Advogados
Mid-market transactions, including those with cross-border elements, are the focus of the corporate department at Viseu Advogados. Its varied client base continues to grow, with new clients from the beauty, restaurants and financial services sectors recently instructing the team. The firm puts a strong emphasis on technology and innovation, partnering with a range of software and tech platform companies, including SystemSeven, netLex and Ness Tecnologia. Manoel Ignácio Torres Monteiro leads the corporate, contracts and business practice. Tatiana Ferrari is a name to note at the associate level. Since publication, Paulo Bardella left the firm, effective March 2021, along with associate Luisa Torelly Ruiz.
Practice head(s):
Manoel Ignácio Torres Monteiro
Key clients
Teak Resources Company
Elevate Hong Kong Holding
Awa Minerações
Coty Group
Cyrela
Panasonic do Brasil
Wella
Restaurantes Kitchin
Rede de Restaurantes Pecorino
Lavvi
Loungerie
Wilmar Group
Western Union
Work highlights
- Assisted a client in the negotiation of a turnkey supply agreement with a company in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
- Advised Elevate Hong Kong Holding on the due diligence of BSD Consulting legal entities in Brazil and Colombia as part of a multi-jurisdictional acquisition.
- Provided assistance to Awa Minerações in negotiations among its partners resulting in changes in ownership, as well as in selling a business which consists of mines of niobium and lithium in the northeast of Brazil.
BVA – Barreto Veiga Advogados
BVA – Barreto Veiga Advogados stands out for its strength in venture capital, start-ups and technology-related deals, particularly in the e-commerce and internet services sub-sectors. The firm has seen significant growth since its establishment in 2015, and its transactional practice remained busy during 2020 despite the Covid-19 pandemic. It also places importance on socio-cultural initiatives, with a research and innovation group under the leadership of IP expert Danniel Barbosa Rodrigues that studies social issues related to diversity. Felipe Barreto Veiga leads the corporate and M&A practice; corporate contracts specialist Gustavo Fiuza Quedevez also receives praise. Former practice co-head José Artur Storani Cilurzo left the firm in March 2021.
Practice head(s):
Felipe Barreto Veiga
Testimonials
‘There are multiple factors that make BVA unique, but I emphasise the availability and involvement of its partners, their knowledge (both legal and market, of good practices) and transparency at all times (including billing).’
‘The service provided by the firm is unique in that it is ahead of the needs, bringing together new tools and mechanisms for contractual advocacy.’
‘Deep knowledge of the area where they assisted us, competence to suggest the appropriate actions, and speed in decision making.’
‘Dr Felipe Barreto is very competent, committed to the activity and very attentive.’
‘Gustavo Fiuza Quedevez – highly qualified, extraordinary ability to understand and present solutions.’
Key clients
Domo Invest
Singu
Panasonic
Suno Research
Oakberry Acai
Goldman Sachs
Suzano
Labellamafia
Lifestyles Brasil (Blowtex)
LifeStyles Inc
First Abu Dhabi Bank
Gama Academy
Gestão 4.0
VTex
SSoil
Samsung
Get In
Routeasy
Pegaki
LG
Work highlights
- Advised Singu in a transaction between Singu and Natura in which Singu received an investment of R$65 m from Natura.
- Advised Pegaki on its sale to Intelipost.
- Advised Linkapi, an API management and DevTools platform, in its acquisition by Semantix, a data platform developer with a on big data and IoT.
Elias, Matias Advogados
Clients from a range of sectors turn to Elias, Matias Advogados for assistance in corporate and commercial matters. Practice head Eduardo Felipe Matias stands out for his well-established expertise in the field of social impact and sustainability, and the firm itself has an internal sustainability initiative, NELM Sustentavel, with the aim of improving its business strategy, practices and workplace in terms of sustainability. The firm has also invested in the innovation and start-ups sectors, where it works with a number of clients.
Practice head(s):
Eduardo Felipe Matias
Focaccia, Amaral e Lamonica Advogados (FAS Advogados)
With 'an extremely keen sense of partnership', Focaccia, Amaral e Lamonica Advogados (FAS Advogados) 'obtains efficient and creative solutions for the most diverse situations'. In corporate and M&A, the firm is particularly active in healthcare-sector deals, and also assists its clients in non-transactional corporate matters. Highly regarded corporate law specialists Renata Homem de Melo and Carla Anastácio lead the team. FAS Pra Todos, the firm's diversity and inclusion committee, promotes equality and diversity at the firm, and the firm's pro bono work has recently included assisting Banco Paraisópolis, a financial inclusion initiative which began in the Paraisópolis Favela.
Practice head(s):
Renata Homem de Melo; Carla Anastácio
Testimonials
‘The office offers a team very well prepared to meet the client’s request, bringing reliability to the issues and questions discussed.’
‘I have always been very well assisted by the entire corporate team. Dr Renata Homem de Melo, Carla Anastacio and Artur Martins I recommend for their knowledge and excellent service.’
‘The Office has an extremely keen sense of partnership. It understands the client’s pain and empathetically puts itself in their view. Due to this characteristic, it manages to obtain efficient and creative solutions for the most diverse situations. In addition, it is available to meet unexpected demands and within the negotiated period, demonstrating a commitment above the market.’
‘Renata de Melo, with a lot of experience in M&A, a view far above the market of the post-deal operational impacts of a contract. She can also exemplify for executives in an accessible language.’
‘The FAS firm is an agile office with an exceptional disposition on the part of the partners, especially Renata Homem de Melo. The office is very well connected and does not hesitate to use its network to help us always find the best solution.’
‘Without a doubt, partner Renata Homem de Melo stands out for her tireless dedication. Her ability to manage several issues at the same time and address all issues is unparalleled. Mention also needs to be made of Carla Penna, who, like her mentor, provided us with exceptional services last year.‘
‘Since the beginning of our activities, the company FAS Advogados has been assisting and guiding us in the legal and structural directions that we need with the highest ethics and competence. They are profoundly aware of the laws that govern all areas in which we are involved and this makes us very comfortable so that we can focus our energies at the heart of our businesses and markets.’
‘Paulo Focaccia, his partners and associates deliver ethical and assertive solutions‘
Key clients
Superlógica Tecnologia S.A.
Diagnósticos Médicos Santo André
Ingenious Schools
Kahache
Rwg
Gensolaris
Odontoprev
Fraga, Bekierman & Cristiano Advogados
The Rio de Janeiro-based corporate and M&A department at Fraga, Bekierman & Cristiano Advogados is equipped to handle a range of transactional and non-transactional matters, and is led by Lycia Braz Moreira, Marcelo Leonardo Cristiano and Helena Marques de Souza Fernandes. The team has recently participated in a number of real estate-related deals and has also seen growth in the mining and construction sectors. In other developments, the firm launched a China Desk in 2020 to assist both Chinese clients considering investments in Brazil, and Brazilian companies doing business in China.
Practice head(s):
Marcelo Leonardo Cristiano; Lycia Braz Moreira; Helena Marques de Souza Fernandes
Key clients
FKB Equipamentos
A.N.W. Participações
Karmin Exploration
Calçada Empreendimentos Imobiliários
GTV Brasil Comércio, Importação e Exportação Eireli
CSM iLuka Organização de Eventos
Work highlights
- Advised Calçada Empreendimentos Imobiliários on the sale of 100% of its participation in the capital stock of its subsidiaries to Gafisa.
- Advising FKB Equipamentos, a company controlled by Technogym, on a range of corporate, commercial and corporate governance matters.
- Advised Toronto-headquartered mining company Karmin on a joint venture agreement and its amendments with Mineração Rio Aripuanã.
Montgomery & Associados
Highlighted for its 'very good understanding of the peculiarities of foreign-owned companies', Montgomery & Associados is a popular choice for international companies, which turn to it for assistance both in M&A and non-transactional corporate matters. The highly regarded Neil Montgomery leads the practice, which has experience acting in a number of sectors, including technology, retail and automotive.
Practice head(s):
Neil Montgomery
Testimonials
‘The Montgomery lawyers were familiar with our particular business area and provided fantastic support in terms of Brazilian law advice regarding the particular transaction and in the drafting of relevant documents.’
‘Neil Montgomery and Elisa Tebaldi provided thoughtful, intelligent and extremely valuable support to our business transaction in Brazil.’
‘Montgomery has become a trusted advisor to us. Experience, knowledge, and wisdom are unmatched.’
‘A unique ability to analyse an issue from all angles and offer options for solution. A very good understanding of the peculiarities of foreign owned companies. A genuine caring of people and solutions good for all.’
Key clients
Aston Martin
Wisenbaker
Iris Worldwide
Citrix Systems
WH Smith
Bookwire
Fives Group
Lockton
Arrow
Insider
Novotny Advogados
Novotny Advogados receives praise for its 'deep technical knowledge' and its 'focus on solving problems presented quickly and directly'. With an emphasis on the middle market, the firm advises domestic and international companies on M&A as well as incorporations, joint ventures and corporate restructuring. Founding partners Paulo Eduardo Penna and Gabriel Rios Corrêa are both highly regarded; they lead the corporate and M&A team, which includes key associates Bárbara Gentile de Senna Santos and Luisa Shinzato de Pinho.
Practice head(s):
Paulo Eduardo Penna; Gabriel Rios Corrêa
Testimonials
‘Very competent, accessible, committed and close professionals.’
‘Novotny differs from others in several aspects, the main ones that I can highlight are the quality of the team, knowledge of the client’s demands and the focus on solving problems presented quickly and directly.’
‘Novotny Advogados is a firm different from the others; in addition to the high quality of its professionals and work, the attention and availability they provide for each specific case, as if they were unique, brings more security and confidence.’
‘Gabriel Rios Corrêa: he is a very intelligent lawyer, innovative and attentive. Barbara Gentile: a lawyer who is punctual and attentive to details.’
‘The quality of the services provided is of high performance with deep technical knowledge of the subjects.’
‘Paulo Penna is recommended.’
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 Hoteis e Serviços
Spirax Sarco Brazil
GEFCO Logística do Brasil
MyFinance
Linka Plataforma Eletrônica de Investimento
Novu Participações
Grupo Diletto
Grupo Magus
Aria Capital
Work highlights
- Advised Zee Dog, a company that manufactures and sells pet products, and its shareholders in the R$100m sale of a 49% stake in the company to Treecorp Investimentos.
- Advised Oncologia Clínica Niterói and its shareholders in the formation of a joint venture with healthcare company Rede D’Or to provide oncological services in Niterói and São Gonçalo.
- Assisted Digital Battlegrounds (DBG)’s founders in the company’s incorporation and opening of its first branch.
Schmidt, Valois, Miranda, Ferreira & Agel Advogados
Schmidt, Valois, Miranda, Ferreira & Agel Advogados stands out in the energy and oil and gas sectors, where it has a strong track record in M&A. Within this field, the team has also developed notable expertise advising clients in distressed transactions. Also of note is the MC Valois Miranda Alliance, a network with broad reach in Portugal, Brazil, Angola, Mozambique and other countries which advises clients on natural resources and infrastructure. Highly experienced partners Paulo Valois Pires and Rogério Sobral de Miranda lead the team.
Practice head(s):
Paulo Valois Pires; Rogério Sobral de Miranda
Key clients
Engie
Nova Transportadora do Sudeste (NTS)
Azimuth Group
Enerflex
Seacrest
Ouro Preto
Shell Brasil
Forum Energy Technologies
Petronas
Petrobras BR Distribuidora
Raízen
Exxon Mobil
Total Safety
Work highlights
- Advised Azibras Exploração de Petróleo e Gás on the assignment of part of its participation on blocks POT-M-475 and CE-M-603 to OP Energia, as well as in the acquisition of the total participation of ExxonMobil Exploração Brasil in the same blocks.
- Provided legal assistance to Petrocean Group on its corporate restructuring related to the merger of Petrocean Comércio Internacional by Petrocean Serviços de Consultoria.
- Advised Petroborn, an independent Brazilian oil company, on the acquisition of onshore upstream assets under the Topázio Project divestment programme carried out by Petrobras.