'With developed expertise in all segments of the sector', Mattos Filho advises E&P companies, natural gas distributors, service providers, private equity firms, and banks across the entire oil and gas chain - upstream, midstream and downstream – combining transactional and regulatory expertise. On the transactional side, the team delivers ‘business-oriented solutions’ in cross-border M&A, divestitures, joint ventures, financing and debenture issuances. The department also handles daily operational and regulatory matters, including bidding rounds, contractual and regulatory structuring, and litigation. Giovani Loss advises on M&A, financing and regulatory issues in the oil and gas segment, while seasoned adviser Felipe Feres handles M&A transactions and projects involving petroleum, natural gas and biofuels. Nilton Mattos and Bruno Chedid, both transactional and regulatory experts, further strengthen the practice; Mattos focuses on dispute resolution, while Chedid is well-versed in financings and sector-specific contract negotiations. At the associate level, Arthur Barbosa Maranhão Pinto is experienced in gas sales agreements, gas reserves monetisation, and regulatory aspects of gas storage projects.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Mattos Filho's hydrocarbons practice is a unique team, with developed expertise in all segments of the sector. The team participated in key transactions which were game-changing for the Brazilian industry, such as the divestment of Petrobras assets and the first agreements between private partners.'
- 'Their knowledge of the industry and business-oriented solutions is key to achieving good leverage during negotiations.'
- 'Very responsive and experienced team. The combination of their robust legal expertise in all areas and their deep knowledge of the technical and commercial aspects of the industry makes them unique and best positioned to advise on complex matters.'
- 'I believe that is the best service available in the oil & gas industry. Giovani and his team are always available 24/7. They have a deep knowledge of the law, both domestic and international.'
- 'Mattos Filho is the number one oil and gas and energy firm in the country, by far. They have two fully dedicated senior partners (Giovani Loss and Felipe Feres), and other more junior partners, but all deliver a great service.'
- 'The Mattos Filho legal team is uniquely positioned at the intersection of international business, regulatory complexity, and the fast-evolving global energy landscape. What makes their practice stand out is the deep industry knowledge and combination of deep legal expertise, client-centric approach, and strong business understanding.'
Key clients
- LX
- Foresea
- Nyk
- Seacrest
- Exxon
- Brava Energia
- Chevron
- Acelen / Refinaria de Mataripe
- Total energies
- CNPC
- Suzano
- Shell
Work highlights
Advised Sinochem on the sale of 40% stake in the Peregrino oil field to Brazilian oil company PRIO for $1.9bn.
Advised 3R Petroleum on its merger with Brazilian counterpart Enauta, creating a combined company with an estimated market value of R$16bn.
Assisting Acelen with the implementation of a new biorefinery to produce renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel in the Mataripe refinery in the State of Bahia.
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.
Other key lawyers
Giovani Loss; Felipe Feres; Nilton Mattos; Bruno Chedid; Arthur Barbosa Maranhão Pinto; Natalia de Santis