Castellan Abogados | View firm profile
Castellán acted as legal counsel to Brazilian conglomerate Grupo SADA in its strategic acquisition of Manatil Group, a leading Uruguayan group specialized in vehicle, container and special cargo transportation. The transaction marks Grupo SADA’s official entry into the Uruguayan market, as part of its broader regional expansion strategy within the Mercosur bloc.
Founded in 1976 and headquartered in Betim (Minas Gerais, Brazil), Grupo SADA is the largest automotive logistics operator in Latin America, moving over 2.5 million vehicles in 2024 alone. Its operations span Brazil and Argentina — with presence through Elta Transportes — and now, with the acquisition of Manatil Group, the company strengthens its footprint in Uruguay, a key corridor for regional vehicle flow and a growing hub for electric and heavy vehicle logistics.
Castellán provided full legal support throughout the transaction, including cross-border corporate structuring, due diligence, negotiation and execution of the share purchase agreement, coordination with regulatory bodies, and handling of complex stakeholder relationships. The firm worked closely with the Brazilian and Argentine legal and financial teams of Grupo SADA to ensure a smooth and successful closing.
The acquisition aligns with Grupo SADA’s sustainable growth vision and reinforces Uruguay’s strategic position as a regional logistics platform. Uruguay moves approximately 60,000 new vehicles annually, most imported from Brazil, and is a leader in Latin America in the adoption of electric vehicles.
Key contacts at Castellán included partners Santiago Castellán and María Lucía Acosta.