With expertise in the gamut of corporate and M&A matters – including privatisations, joint ventures, and public auctions – Cescon Barrieu remains a key player in the Brazilian market. The group has experience handling both domestic and cross-border transactions across a range of sectors, including agribusiness, aviation, education and energy, to name a few. Maria Cristina Cescon co-heads the practice alongside Marcos Flesch and Ronald Herscovici, and stands out for her aptitude in handling M&A, tender offers, and equity investments on behalf of financial institutions, private equity funds, and publicly and privately held businesses. Flesch’s key areas of activity cover restructuring, corporate governance, and acquisitions. Cross-border transaction specialist Herscovici is recognised for his deep knowledge of leveraged acquisitions, divestitures, and M&A. Matheus Bittencourt Fernandes concentrates on transactions in the healthcare, technology, and energy sectors. Lior Pinsky joined from Veirano Advogados in February 2025, while Ana Carolina Botto Audi arrived from Demarest Advogados in April 2025. Most recently, Fernanda Montorfano left the firm in June 2025. Luciana Mares is also no longer at the firm.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘The practice produces customised legal solutions, tailored to the specific needs of the client. They have a proactive and results-oriented approach, ensuring that the client's interests are always protected and promoted.’
- ‘The Cescon team is excellent. They have extensive knowledge of corporate and M&A law. They are extremely committed to the client and have a deep understanding of its business, which is incredibly important.’
Key clients
- AES Brasil Energia S.A. Ambev S.A. Air Products Brasil ArcelorMittal Brasil S.A. Atena Fundo De Investimento Em Participações Multiestratégia Appian Capital Advisory LLP Azul B3 S.A. Banco BTG Pactual S.A. BP Biocombustíveis S.A. Brookfield Asset Management Camil Alimentos S.A. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board Centrais Elétricas Brasileiras S.A. Copa Energia CTG Energia CVC Capital Partners Energias do Brasil S.A. Encora Holdings Limited GDM Genética do Brasil S.A. Hospital Mater Dei S.A. ICL América do Sul S.A. Investimentos e Participações em Infraestrutura Laticínios Porto Alegre Lesaffre et Compagnie SA Smartfit Solví Essencis Ambiental S.A. Enel Brasil Equatorial Energia Grupo Edenred Hypera S.A. Inspired Education JBS Natura Cosméticos S.A. Petro Rio Suzano S.A. Gafisa S.A. Marfood Comércio e Serviços de Hotelaria LTDA. Megalabs Farmacêutica S.A. Megatelecom Telecomunicações S.A. Neoenergia S.A. Nexa Recursos Minerais S.A. O Varejão Auto Peças Ltda. Phoenix Fundo de Investimento em Participação Multiestratégia Trustee Distribuidora de Títulos e Valores Imobiliários Ltda. Splice do Brasil – Telecomunicações e Eletrônica S.A. Squadra Sports Ltda. Valmet O.J. Videolar-Innova S.A. White Martins
Work highlights
Advised BP on the acquisition of 50% of the share capital of BP Bunge Bioenergia S.A. held by Bunge Global.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
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.
Practice head
Maria Cristina Cescon; Marcos Flesch; Ronald Herscovici
Other key lawyers
Matheus Bittencourt Fernandes; Darkson Delmondes Galvão; Eduardo Lanna; Andrea Campos; Marina Carvalho Faro; Lior Pinsky; Ana Carolina Botto Audi