Sought after for its capability to handle high-value transactions – both domestic and cross-border – across a range of sectors such as telecoms, mining, and private equity, the corporate and M&A group at Demarest Advogados remains a market leader in Brazil. The practice has extensive experience advising on public and private M&A, divestitures, and investments, and its expertise is reflected in its impressive and growing client roster, comprised of household names. On the alternative investment front, João Busin specialises in advising private equity firms as well as local and foreign investors, while José Setti Diaz is an expert in corporate conflicts and reorganisations. Another notable name in the group is Luciana Cossermelli Tornovsky, who focuses on cross-border M&A and joint ventures. Marcelo Peloso advises multinational construction, healthcare, and retail businesses on an array of mandates, ranging from M&A to corporate reorganisations. Former practice head Ana Carolina Botto Audi left the firm in April 2026.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Demarest's corporate M&A team is a clear market leader and stands out for being extremely pragmatic, as well as agile, proactive, and technically strong.’
‘Marcelo Peloso is agile, pragmatic and our trusted adviser in the M&A area.’
‘The service provided is impeccable: prompt, friendly, and objective. The quality of the work is excellent. The ability to direct demands and offer solutions focused on the client's interests is incredible.’
‘With close service, in-depth technical knowledge, and skill, they are able to find creative and legally sound solutions to accommodate the client's interests.’
‘Demarest stands out in terms of business vision, supporting its clients in negotiations and seeking to build solutions that lead to the closing of the transaction.’
- 'Paulo Coelho da Rocha and Marcelo Peloso are agile, pragmatic and our trusted advisors in the M&A area.'
Key clients
- GIC
- CyrusOne
- Vale
- Oaktree Capital Management
- Conedi Participações
- Bayer
- Softbank
- Agrofundo Brasil III Fundo de Investimento em Participações Multiestratégia
- Unimed Participações
- CJ Cheiljedang Corporation
- DaVita International
- Raízen
Work highlights
Assisted Vale with the acquisition of 45% of the issued shares of Aliança from CEMIG Geração e Transmissão.
Advised Flutter with the acquisition of an initial 56% stake in NSX Group.
Advised the Kinea funds on the sale of a relevant stake in Rotas do Brasil to 4Road.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Other key lawyers
João Busin; José Setti Diaz; Luciana Cossermelli Tornovsky; Marcelo Peloso; Thiago Sandim; Paulo Rocha; Thiago Maia; Maria Beatriz Grella Vieira