White & Case LLP > Sao Paulo, Brazil > Firm Profile

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Latin America: International firms > Capital markets

White & Case LLP has a diverse practice across jurisdictions and transaction types. It consistently operates at the top of the market, particularly in Brazil, where it is long-established and has one of the leading São Paulo teams. It has advised on a series of recent equity offerings in Brazil, including a sizeable market share of secondary and follow-on offerings, and has experienced further growth in liability management engagements. It remains active in M&A-driven transactions and restructuring-related matters; the firm is debtor counsel to a large number of Brazilian corporates. Donald Baker is the market leader in São Paulo amongst international firms, having opened the office there in 1997 and developed outstanding links to Brazilian corporates and financial institutions. John Vetterli is global head of capital markets and has a long track record in Latin America offerings, having been located in Sao Paulo earlier in his career. John Guzman is another prominent figure in São Paulo, having led teams on a multitude of headline deals, while Rafael Roberti is an up-and-coming name and 'a leader in transactions', along with Bibiana Jaimes. In Miami, Karen Katri was elected to the partnership in 2023; and in Sao Paulo Beatriz Barros is an up-and-coming associate of note. All named individuals are based in New York unless stated otherwise.

Latin America: International firms > Banking and finance

White & Case LLP's strong commitment to Latin America has led it to advise on a major pipeline of financings in countries across the region. Unusually, much of its Latin America financing capability is based in Miami, along with New York and Houston. It continues to lead the field in loans to financial institutions, airline restructurings and financings in the energy, power and infrastructure sectors. It has close links to multiple international banks, along with DFIs and agency lenders, though is also known for its extensive borrower client base. The firm has formidable banking and finance teams in New York, Miami, Houston, Mexico City and São Paulo; and the practice continues to advise on large financings in Brazil, Mexico and Central America, while enjoying further growth in Peru transactions. New York partner Sabrena Silver has vast experience in Latin America financings, including structured financings, acquisition financings, bridge loans, private equity financings and restructurings. John Anderson is a pivotal figure in São Paulo, where he has an extensive record in acquisition financings, bilateral and syndicated loans, trade finance and restructurings. Anna Andreeva is making a further impression in corporate loans, acquisition financings and restructurings, leading on many of the firm’s top deals. Carlos Viana has an outstanding record in energy, power and infrastructure financings, along with Sean Goldstein, who combines project finance expertise with extensive project development acumen. Houston based Adrian Leal impresses at associate level. Named individuals are based in Miami unless stated otherwise.

Latin America: International firms > Corporate and M&A

White & Case LLP has a dedicated Latin America M&A practice, which has achieved considerable growth over the past five years. The team is primarily centred in Houston and has a major focus on energy and power transactions. Financial services and an increasing number of technology deals are also core to the practice, with the team working on a series of growth capital transactions, particularly in fintech. Real estate transactions connected to the nearshoring arena in Mexico are also fortifying the practice. The team has a fine record in Brazil, Mexico and Chile, along with a growing presence in Peru, Costa Rica and other smaller economies. William Parish is a leading Latin America M&A practitioner in energy and power, as is Rodrigo Dominguez, who is also building the group’s presence in growth capital and technology transactions. Emilio Grandío is another key member of the team, both in Latin America M&A and private equity, as is associate Luisa Muskus. In São Paulo, Donald Baker is at the pinnacle of the profession among international practitioners, bringing his reputation and expertise to a range of deals, notably in the technology and growth capital fields. All named individuals are based in Houston unless stated otherwise.

Latin America: International firms > Projects and energy

White & Case LLP is outstanding in Latin America energy and infrastructure transactions. The firm’s extensive team, which is spread across its New York, Miami, Washington DC, Houston, Mexico City and São Paulo offices, has a huge market share of the top deals in the region. It houses some of the leading practitioners in the market and is consistently developing new generations of talent. With a client base that ranges from sponsors and investors to banks and DFIs, the Latin America team 'distinguishes itself through a combination of specialised expertise, innovative problem-solving, and a client-centric approach'. The energy and infrastructure group frequently works alongside colleagues from the wider regional practice, including M&A, capital markets and restructuring; this includes a number of recent restructurings of longer-term projects. The department has a hugely impressive record in Mexico, Brazil and Chile, and has successfully targeted smaller economies such as the Dominican Republic, Ecuador and Paraguay. The firm also stands out for its abilities in construction and project development, with leading figure Sean Goldstein to the fore. Carlos Viana remains highly-rated among clients and peers alike, while New York’s Thomas Pate has impressed in a series of renewable energy deals in Chile and elsewhere. São Paulo’s John Anderson is a native Portuguese speaker and a key name on Brazil deals; and Washington DC-based partner, Martin Menski, leads on many of the agency-related financings in the region. New York-based Raffaele Turco was elevated to the partnership in January 2024. Named individuals are based in Miami unless stated otherwise. Since publication, Ana Maria Arias and Grétel Martínez - both of whom handle project finance and development matters - have been promoted to counsel - effective as of January 2025.