Firm Profile > Demarest Advogados > Sao Paulo, Brazil

Corporate and M&A Tier 1

The busy and buoyant M&A department at Demarest Advogados has seen significant growth. In 2018, the firm hired Joyl Gondim from Azevedo Sette Advogados and Guilherme Vieira da Silva from Tauil & Chequer Advogados in association with Mayer Brown, as well as promoting Glaucia Ferreira and Thereza Maria Sarfert Franco Montoro to the partnership in 2018 and 2019, respectively. It has also expanded its private equity practice and counts major private equity firms among its clients, many of which are new clients for the firm. The practice group's cross-border capabilities are also of note; highly regarded international firms have referred work to the M&A team in multi-jurisdictional matters, and the firm also runs a number of foreign desks. In recent examples, Thiago Barbosa Sandim acted for Deere & Company on its acquisition of Wirtgen Group, and Gabriel Ricardo Kuznietz advised General Electric on the sale of its global electrification solutions business to ABB. In a significant matter in the transport and logistics sector, André Luiz Freire advised Azul Linhas Aéreas on the establishment of an integrated logistics solutions company with Correios do Brasil; the company will have 50.01% of its capital owned by the former and 49.99% owned by the latter. Luciana Cossermelli Tornovsky has vast experience in M&A and joint ventures, and also heads the firm's pro bono practice and corporate responsibility groups. Lucas Tavares Bueno, Thiago Rodrigues Maia and José Setti Diaz are additional contacts. Paulo Coelho da Rocha is highly recommended.

Environment Tier 1

The 'very experienced' environment team at Demarest Advogados is one of the best in Brazil. It is particularly recommended for advising on contaminated sites, but has a broad take on environmental matters. Recent work included acting for Rural Brasil, on whose behalf the group handled the administrative defence, civil investigation and negotiations with the public authorities concerning the acquisition of soybeans that allegedly came from embargoed areas. New client wins include Copart do Brasil, RMS do Brasil Administração de Florestas and Mohawk Industries. 'Dedicated' and 'competent' practice head Luiz Sant’Anna is 'very accessible'. Senior associates Marise Hosomi Spitzeck and Lourdes de Alcântara Machado also stand out.

International trade and customs Tier 1

The 'practical, fast and knowledgeable' international trade team at Demarest Advogados maintains a large market share in trade remedy investigations - those initiated abroad as well as those originating in Brazil. The firm has likewise established a strong customs practice, under the leadership of Oswaldo Leite de Moraes. Also notable is the firm's track record in representing Brazil in WTO cases. In WTO cases DS472 and DS497 -initiated by the EU and Japan and challenging Brazilian industrial policies- a team led by José Setti Diaz acted for the National Industry Confederation (CNI) to defend the interests of the exporting sector. Other key members of the team include senior associate Fernando Benjamin Bueno and litigation specialist Camila Biral, who is well versed in anti-dumping investigations. Trade, customs and tax expert Victor Bovarotti Lopes made partner in 2019.

Banking and finance Tier 2

Demarest Advogados' practice routinely handles syndicated loans, debt restructurings and trade finance, with a strong presence in the automotive and agribusiness sectors. In a recent example, key partner Fabio de Almeida Braga advised Banco do Brasil and Banco Bradesco, as lenders, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, as administrative agent, on the Brazilian leg of a $14.5bn global syndicated loan to General Motors, including General Motors do Brasil. Among borrower-side highlights, Braga advised Goodyear Tire & Rubber on the local aspects of a $400m refinancing. António Manuel França Aires is a 'reference in the market for banking matters' and advised new client China Development Bank on the extension of unsecured working-capital loans totaling $22m to XCMG Brasil. Antonio Giglio Neto is also a senior name and acted as Brazilian counsel to CCB Financial Leasing on the $235.5m sale and leaseback of a floating storage and regasification unit. The practice has also recently undertaken work for Banco Hyundai Capital Brasil and Paschoalotto Serviços Financeiros. Senior associate Marcelo Simon Ikeziri is also recommended for his ability to 'simplify complex matters'. Since publication the team has been further strengthened with the February 2020 hire of Helen Naves, formerly at Trench Rossi Watanabe.

Bankruptcy and restructuring Tier 2

The ‘very responsive’ lawyers at Demarest Advogados illustrate ‘great business acumen’. The restructuring team remains busy, continuing to assist clients in all types of restructuring proceedings and in distressed M&As. In recent work, Celso Xavier acted for Macquarie Bank as creditor in the judicial reorganization of Seara Indústria e Comércio de Produtos Agropecuários. Guilherme Fontes Bechara, who was promoted to partner in January 2019, receives strong praise for his ‘very practical approach to problems and legal solutions’. Associate Matheus Azevedo Bastos de Oliveira is also recommended. Fabio de Almeida Braga has broad experience in banking, finance and restructuring, and is another key member of the team.

Capital markets Tier 2

The ‘very strong and dedicated team’ at Demarest Advogados is valued for its ‘deep business understanding’ and ability to provide ‘tailor-made solutions adapted to the client’s needs’. The practice has experience across a broad mix of capital markets matters but is best known for its strength in debt offerings and structured-finance transactions. Group head Thiago Giantomassi, who ‘provides solid results’, recently led the firm’s advice to the banks on CIBRASEC – Companhia Brasileira de Securitização’s R$961.7m issuance of agribusiness receivables certificates. Over the past year, the firm also advised on several issuances of agribusiness credit rights certificates - for both banks and issuers. Impressive senior associate Denise Okimura relocated to the firm’s New York office.

Competition and antitrust Tier 2

The 'very seasoned partners' at Demarest Advogados have 'both consultive and litigation abilities' and receive plaudits for their 'deep technical skills'. The antitrust team has expanded its cross-border work and also picked up a number of significant new clients. Meanwhile, it has expanded its market share in merger filings, thanks to both the strength of its M&A department and the reputation of its standalone competition practice. Paola Pugliese and senior associate Milena Fernandes Mundim successfully represented several companies, including leading financial institutions, to obtain approval from CADE for a greenfield joint venture. (Since publication -in January 2020- Ms Mundim has been appointed partner). Other key figures include Bruno Drago. In internal developments, the team was further bolstered by the arrival of Daniel Oliveira Andreoli from TozziniFreire Advogados.

Dispute resolution (including White-collar crime) Tier 2

Demarest Advogados 'understands the client's needs and acts and thinks like the client's shareholder'. The disputes team is also noted for its 'great leadership' and 'exceptional communication in Portuguese and English'. A recent highlight from Celso Xavier's caseload was his representation of Comgás in a lawsuit seeking a rebalance of its concession agreement; in December 2018, the client was awarded R$500m. Rafael Gagliardi has 'deep technical and legal knowledge'; criminal and compliance expert Fabyola En Rodrigues is an 'exceptional' lawyer; and Carlo Verona is 'very meticulous' and 'gives sound legal and commercially viable advice'. Marcelo Inglez de Souza also recommended.

Insurance Tier 2

Demarest Advogados is highlighted for its 'expertise and experience in handling complex, high-value disputes on behalf of the international insurance markets'. Highlights included representing Chubb Seguros Brasil in a lawsuit against a public bank concerning a D&O policy. On the non-contentious side, the team is equipped to handle regulatory and consultancy issues and corporate M&A. Marcia Cicarelli Barbosa de Oliveira 'has a market-leading profile and is a go-to individual for major insurance issues'. Senior associates Camila Affonso Prado and Laura Pellegrini are also highly recommended.

Labour and employment Tier 2

Demarest Advogados is particularly strong in collective bargaining agreements and is noted for its 'practical advice' and 'availability'; the team is also active in administrative proceedings and compliance investigations, among other employment-related areas. 2018 matters saw Marcello Della Monica Silva represent an industrial company in a union action seeking a hazardous-work bonus for former employees. Cássia Fernanda Pizzotti heads the department, which also includes Renato Canizares and Mónica Cristina Matarazzo, who was made partner in late 2019.

Real estate Tier 2

Demarest Advogados's team 'navigates the complexity of real estate transactions in Brazil and provides creative solutions'. Its ability to work alongside colleagues in the firm's well-renowned M&A and capital markets teams is regarded as a differentiator. In one example, a multi-disciplinary team led by Thiago Giantomassi advised XP Investimentos on the structuring, and incorporation of a Real Estate Investment Fund and subsequent public offering of quotas. Other projects keeping the team busy in 2018 included real estate acquisitions and built-to-suit lease agreements. Lucas Tavares Bueno is practice head and Henrique Anders a key contact at the senior associate level; moreover, the team was strengthened further in December 2020 with the hire of Marc Stalder, formerly at KLA Advogados.

Tax Tier 2

The tax team at Demarest Advogados is highlighted for its 'hands-on' approach and 'diversity'. The sizeable team includes a number of lawyers who have previously worked at the Big Four accounting firms. Areas of specialism include direct and indirect tax, customs, transfer pricing and social security contributions. In a multi-jurisdictional matter, Carlos Eduardo Orsolon and Douglas Mota advised General Electric on the sale of its water business to SUEZ and Canadian fund CDPQ, the Brazilian tax aspects of which were particularly complex. Elsewhere, Marcello Pedroso and Rodrigo Campos have been advising numerous clients on the payroll tax exemption system. Catarina Rosa Rodrigues is highly recommended. Eloisa de Almeida Rego Barros Curi and Christiano Chagas Monteiro de Melo co-head the corporate and direct tax practice with Rodrigues; Marcelo Salles Annunziata leads the tax litigation department.

Compliance Tier 3

The highly recommended compliance practice at Demarest Advogados combines knowledge of anti-corruption, criminal, competition and public law. Sector specialisms include infrastructure, oil and gas, banking and sports. Practice head Carlo Verona 'delivers work with superior quality and sharpness' and 'builds strong relationships with his clients', while Paola Pugliese  focuses her practice on competition and compliance. Significant mandates saw Fabyola En Rodrigues and a team assist an international construction company with an internal investigation as well as with matters related to Operação Lava Jato. Post publication -in December 2019- the firm has announced the highly notable incorporation of Eloy Rizzo; formerly at KLA Advogados, he is regarded as a leading figure in the sector and will co-head the firm's compliance practice in conjunction with Verona.

Electricity Tier 3

Demarest Advogados’ group ‘differentiates itself through its knowledge of electricity commercialisation rules and industry regulation’, according to clients. In addition to its regulatory strength, the ‘business-oriented, responsive and technical group’ also deals with project development and corporate finance matters. Power lead Rafael Gagliardi and newly promoted partner Raphael Gomes are both noted as ‘great leaders, who steer and engage their teams brilliantly’; together they represented Engie Brasil Energia in a lawsuit brought by Eletrobras concerning the devolution of UTE Alegrete, one of the biggest thermal power plants in Brazil.

Intellectual property Tier 3

When providing IP advice, the team at full-service firm Demarest Advogados 'always looks for out-of-the-box solutions'. Pirelli relied on the team for the drafting and registration of technology licensing agreements. On the trade mark side, it acts for clients such as video game developer King.com, while banknote-sensor joint venture CI Tech Sensors is a client for patent advice. 'Incredible lawyer' Tatiana Campello has a 'great ability and serenity to negotiate' and 'makes things happen by turning thoughts into action'. Marcelo Inglez de Souza is 'very committed' and Camila Garcindo Dayrell Garrote is an up-and-coming senior associate.

Projects and infrastructure Tier 3

Demarest Advogados recently advised Grupo Cobra on the sale of five photovoltaic power plants to AES Tietê. On the concessions-side, EcoRodovias is a client. André Luiz Freire is a stand-out professional; moreover the firm has moved to further strengthen the practice hiring Paloma Valéria Lima (July 2018) and Bruno Aurélio (October 2019) from Machado Meyer Sendacz e Opice Advogados and Tauil & Chequer Advogados in association with Mayer Brown, respectively.

Public law Tier 3

André Luiz Freire and Renato Poltronieri lead the public law team at Demarest Advogados, which is active in public bids, corporate transactions and proceedings before regulatory agencies and public bodies. Moreover, the practice group was significantly strengthened in October 2019 with the hire of the is 'highly knowledgeable' Bruno Aurélio, formerly practice head at Tauil & Chequer Advogados in association with Mayer Brown. Clients include EcoRodovias, Imerys and CMA CGM.

Hydrocarbons Tier 4

The oil-and-gas team at Demarest Advogados is composed of ‘exceptionally high-quality and professional lawyers’, according to sources. The multidisciplinary practice continues to raise its profile in the sector and was engaged on a series of headline transactions over the past year. Most notably, it advised QPI Brasil Petróleo, as part of a consortium with ExxonMobil Brasil, on its successful R$3.1bn bid for the Titã oil block. João Luis Ribeiro de Almeida, who provides ‘great legal guidance in a very commercial manner’, is the name to note.

Mining Tier 4

Demarest Advogados’ growing profile for mining work received a further boost in 2018 with the hire of M&A partner Guilherme Vieira da Silva from Tauil & Chequer Advogados in association with Mayer Brown; he is noted for his strong record in transactions involving regulated industries, including mining. Department co-head Thiago Maia recently advised Imerys do Brasil Comércio de Extração de Minérios on the R$127m sale of L-Imerys Indústria e Comércio de Cal to Mineração Belocal. Gonçalo Godinho co-leads the group - which also acts for Vale, ArcelorMittal and Carmeuse Lime & Stone.

TMT

Demarest Advogados' Tatiana Campello advised clients on the operation of news media companies and mail-marketing campaigns in Brazil under the new data privacy regulation.

Transport and shipping

Typical work for Demarest Advogados' 'practical and thorough' aviation and shipping teams includes corporate and financing matters as well as disputes. Recent matters saw the practice group assist Brasil Terminal Portuário, Mitsubishi and Sumitomo with the negotiation of agreements for the implementation of port developments. Gabriel Ricardo Kuznietz 'adapts to client's requirements' and is a 'pleasure to work with'.