Operating across São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Belo Horizonte, Cescon Barrieu‘s team handles a significant volume of local debt capital markets transactions for major issuers, as well as securitisation deals for underwriters. Recent highlights include advising on the first-ever exchangeable cross-border note issuance and several high-value issuances of real estate (CRI) and agribusiness (CRA) receivables certificates. Alexandre Barreto regularly acts for financial institutions, multinationals, private and publicly held corporations, and investment funds in deals involving the domestic and international debt capital markets. Mariana Borges, a trusted adviser for issuers, selling shareholders, and underwriters, has a strong track record in public offerings and private placements of equity, debt securities, CRIs, and CRAs. Daniel Laudisio, former head of the capital markets practice, departed in April 2025, and Joaquim Oliveira returned to the firm in July 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Cescon is a leading firm in capital markets, with a qualified team to deal with complex structures, always delivering work with great agility and high-quality content.'
‘Lucas Padilha and Breno Carvalheiro are above-average professionals, with immense experience and the confidence to deal with complex transactions. They are also always available to answer questions.'
‘Team with a lot of practical experience executing deals.'
- 'The team is extremely well structured and led by experienced and accessible partners. The partners are consistently present at meetings and discussions, which, combined with the high technical capacity and attention to detail of the associates, yield efficient and high-quality deliveries. The team is always up to date and attentive to industry trends, delivering differentiated solutions.'
- 'Mariana Borges stands out for her extensive experience, technical skills, and pragmatism. She is very approachable. She has a deep understanding of the dynamics of capital market players and is very skilled at reconciling interests.'
- 'Vitor Arantes is known in the market for his critical thinking and understanding of the client's business. He also stands out for his clarity and objectivity in presenting ideas.'
Key clients
- Goldman Sachs
- Centrais Elétricas Brasileiras S.A. - Eletrobras.
- Localiza Rent a Car S.A.
- JP Morgan
- Companhia de Saneamento Básico do Estado de São Paulo - SABESP.
- Algar Telecom S.A.
- Nubank
- XP Investimentos Corretora de Câmbio, Títulos e Valores Mobiliários S.A.
- Banco BTG Pactual S.A.
- CPFL Group
- CEMIG Group
- Unidas Locações S.A.
Work highlights
Advised Nova Transportadora do Sudeste S.A. – NTS on its 6th issuance of debentures, in the total amount of R$8bn.
Advised Companhia de Saneamento Básico do Estado de São Paulo - SABESP (SABESP) on its privatisation process.
Advised Yinson Boronia Production B.V. on its issuance and sale of $1.035bn, 8,947% senior secured notes due 2042, in the international market.
Lawyers
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Other key lawyers
Alexandre Barreto; Eduardo Abrantes; Mariana Borges; Joaquim Oliveira; Vitor Arantes; Dimitrios Constantelos; Lucas Padilha; Breno Carvalheiro