Cescon Barrieu ‘has specialised and qualified professionals to deal with diverse and complex legal issues’ in the context of high-value M&A transactions at the national and international level. Its impressive workload features takeovers, mergers, corporate restructurings and high-value acquisitions and sales in a wide range of industry sectors, such as education, energy, food and beverages, and sports. A leading authority in this market, founding partner Maria Cristina Cescon has a strong track record in industry-first transactions on behalf of major financial investors, public listed companies, privately held corporates and PE funds. She leads the practice alongside Marcos Flesch and Ronald Herscovici, who in addition to their strong M&A background advise on corporate governance issues. M&A, joint ventures and corporate reorganisation are among Darkson Delmondes Galvão‘s key areas of focus. Eduardo Lanna is a name to note for deals in the power sector, while Luciana De Castro Mares Torres is particularly active in the energy, retail and agribusiness spaces. Senior associate Maria Julia Argollo shines on matters concerning public companies, often advising on governance issues, M&A and corporate restructuring. Lior Pinsky arrived from Veirano Advogados in February 2025, while Ana Carolina Botto Audi joined from Demarest Advogados.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
- Profile
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Highly qualified team, eager to support the client with quality and at the speed required by the process.'
- 'Marina Carvalho Faro: great ability to create intelligent solutions in an agile timeframe. Good communication with the client about the risks and points of attention in transactions and processes.'
- 'The level of multidisciplinary expertise, seniority and availability of service is impressive!'
- ‘Expertise in relation to the object of the contract. In this case, a great deal of knowledge of corporate law / M&A in order to structure, negotiate and implement the interests of the parties involved. Ability to structure teams appropriate to the complexity of the case to give speed and quality to the project.'
- 'Maria Cristina Cescon, Luciana Mares and Maria Julia Argollo: they are technically highly qualified, with not only legal knowledge but also interpersonal skills, allowing for an ever-softening negotiating climate.'
- 'Cescon Barrieu has specialised and qualified professionals to deal with diverse and complex legal issues.'
- 'Darkson Galvão - professional of excellence, with great technical ability and the necessary skills for conflict resolution, negotiation and safe and intelligent legal solutions.'
- 'Maria Cristina Cescon - a skilful negotiator, knows a lot about corporate law and M&A and leads the team efficiently.'
Key clients
- AES Brasil Energia S.A.
- Ambev
- Appian Capital Advisory LLP
- B3 S.A. – Brasil, Bolsa, Balcão
- Banco BTG Pactual S.A.
- Brookfield Asset Management
- Camil Alimentos S.A.
- Canada Pension Plan Investment Board -CPPIB
- Centrais Elétricas Brasileiras S.A. –Eletrobras
- Copa Energia
Work highlights
- Advised EDP - Energias do Brasil S.A. on the transaction by means of which EDP - Energias de Portugal completed the public tender offer over EDP Brasil’s shares.
- Advised Dori Alimentos S.A. on its sale to Ferrara Candy Company.
- Advised CVC Capital Partners on the acquisition of 44.47% of the share capital of DFS Holding S.A.
Lawyers
Hall of fame
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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.
Maria Julia Argollo
Practice head
Maria Cristina Cescon; Marcos Flesch; Ronald Herscovici
Other key lawyers
Darkson Delmondes Galvão; Eduardo Lanna; Luciana De Castro Mares Torres; Fernanda Montorfano; Marina Carvalho Faro; Maria Julia Argollo; Gabriel Mariano; Lior Pinsky; Ana Carolina Botto Audi