FAS Advogados, in cooperation with CMS > Sao Paulo, Brazil > Firm Profile

FAS Advogados, in cooperation with CMS > The Legal 500 Rankings

Brazil > Banking and finance

Financial services regulations are a mainstay of the banking and finance practice at FAS Advogados, in cooperation with CMS, which routinely advises well-established players and new market entrants on the structuring of new financial and payment products and application for licenses with the regulator. Virtual assets services providers such as cryptoexchanges and marketplaces also feature on the firm's client base, which routinely engages it in mandates involving banking, foreign exchange, derivatives, securities and payments regulations. Matters concerning credit fintechs and new open finance business models are key areas of growth for the team, which is under the joint leadership of Paulo Mertz Focaccia, a fintech specialist, and Vicente Piccoli Medeiros Braga, a financial and banking regulatory expert.

Brazil > Corporate and M&A: Mid-market Tier 4

Showcasing extensive experience in both buy and sell-side instructions, the corporate and M&A practice at FAS Advogados, in cooperation with CMS has a strong presence in the education, healthcare and technology sectors. The team, which is rated for its 'technical competence' and 'commitment to results', is well positioned to assist investors and targets in transactions involving emerging-growth companies. Renata Homem de Melo acts for a varied client roster of public and privately held companies, private equity and venture capital funds in M&A and corporate matters. Carla Anastácio is a reference for clients from the education and healthcare sectors.

Tax > Tax litigation Tier 5

Tax > Tax advisory Tier 6

The ‘always assertive, concise, confident and technical‘ tax department at FAS Advogados, in cooperation with CMS is adept in tax litigation matters in the judicial and administrative spheres, and tax consulting issues, covering indirect and direct taxes. The team is particularly well placed to handle the tax aspects of M&A and corporate reorganisations at the domestic and cross-border levels and also demonstrates strength in transfer pricing, tax treaties and customs matters. Leo Lopes leads the tax litigation team, which is active in proceedings before federal, state and municipal bodies. Juliana Porchat de Assis focuses on tax planning, as well as transactional and international taxation matters. Former co-head Rafaela Lora Franceschetto is no longer at the practice.

Brazil > Insurance

Latin America: International firms > Projects and energy

CMS deepened its local expertise with the creation of FAS Advogados, in cooperation with CMS in Sao Paulo, adding to its pre-existing presence in Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru. The firm’s international offices outside of the region continue to play an integral role in Latin America, notably with Ted Rhodes leading the Latin America practice and Brazil desk from London; he was previously managing partner of the Rio de Janeiro office for 14 years. The firm has a longstanding record in oil and gas, complemented in more recent years by further activities in the wider energy arena, natural resources, mining and infrastructure. It continues to expand its presence in solar, wind and green hydrogen. Much of the practice involves cross-border deals involving European parties, along with intra-regional transactions. Carlos Hamann is another key partner in Lima, along with Enrique Lorente Ludlow in Mexico City.

Latin America: International firms > Corporate and M&A

CMS has a broad geographic presence in Latin America with offices in Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru, along with its association in Brazil, FAS Advogados, in cooperation with CMS. The firm is frequently involved in significant cross-border deals involving Latin America, including both private equity and strategic M&A transactions. Technology, media and communications continue to be key sectors for the firm, along with automotive, hotels and leisure, consumer goods, insurance, financial services, construction and infrastructure, healthcare and life sciences. Ramón Valdivieso and Jorge Allende Destuet are key partners in Chile, and continue to work on headline transactions for major private equity funds such as KKR. Juan Camilo Rodríguez is managing partner of the Bogota office and a specialist in cross-border M&A transactions, having spent much of his career at US and Europe-based firms. Juan Carlos Escudero is managing partner of the Lima office and has over 20 years of experience in M&A, while Giancarlo Schievenini is a key name in Mexico City. Head of the Brazil desk, Ted Rhodes, has returned to London after spending 14 years in the Rio de Janeiro office; he continues to focus on oil and gas, mining and minerals, and offshore and renewables deals.