Stocche Forbes Advogados draws on its ‘in-depth knowledge of transactions and applicable Brazilian legislation’ to advise on major project financing in the energy and, increasingly, sanitation sectors. The team also handles project development, especially in the transport sector. The department is led by Frederico Moura, based in Rio de Janeiro, and Bruno Gandolfo, in São Paulo, both of whom act for financial institutions and sponsors in complex infrastructure deals. Project finance specialists Guilherme Forbes, Marco Saliba and Laercio Munechika are other key figures in the department. Ana Clara Viola, who is experienced in the structuring and implementation of energy, mining, transport and sanitation projects, was promoted to partner in January 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Extremely attentive to the client's needs and in understanding the business and the way executives operate.’
'It is always a pleasure to work with Stocche Forbes. We have worked with them on banking, finance and capital markets transactions. In addition to having in-depth knowledge of the type of transaction and the applicable Brazilian legislation, the partners are very receptive and engaged throughout the negotiation.'
‘The Stocche Forbes team is always available to provide prompt, accurate service with excellent technical skills. Compared to other teams, I believe that their biggest difference is their ease of dealing with the client and their availability. In terms of innovations, the team suggested improvements to the documents, which were essential.’
'The firm stands out for its technical excellence combined with a strategic and personalised approach.'
'Partner Bruno Gandolfo, known for his strong business acumen and leadership, leads the team with a focus on sophisticated solutions tailored to client needs. Yves Dutra complements this with precise, agile, and committed performance, enhancing delivery through consistency and close client engagement. The team is distinguished by its collaborative culture, smart use of technology, and data-driven management.'
‘Partner Marco Saliba is extremely technically competent and easy to deal with, always available and with a holistic vision that greatly helps the company.'
Key clients
- Equatorial Energia S.A.
- New Fortress Energy Inc
- Eletrobras S.A.
- Engie Brasil Energia S.A.
- Energisa S.A.
- PetroRio S.A.
- Origem Energia S.A.
- Enauta Participações S.A.
- Qair Brasil
- Auren Energia S.A.
- Echoenergia S.A.
- Elera Renováveis S.A.
Work highlights
Advised Centrais Elétricas Brasileiras – Eletrobras on the first transaction issued under Brazil’s Law 14,801/24, which provides certain tax incentives designed to attract foreign investment in Brazilian infrastructure projects in the total amount of $750m.
Advised Inter-American Development Bank and BNDES on Manaus Ambiental's R$2.25bn project finance, composed of BNDES financing, issuance of debentures and IDB loan.
Advised Raízen Fuels Finance, Raízen and Raízen Energia on the issuance and public offering of 5.700% green notes due 2035 in the total amount of $1bn issued by the Raízen Fuels Finance, with listing on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Frederico Moura; Bruno Gandolfo
Other key lawyers
Guilherme Forbes; Marco Saliba; Laercio Munechika; Ana Clara Viola; Yves Dutra