The ‘extremely international and sophisticated’ restructuring and insolvency team at Mattos Filho attracts instructions from debtors, creditors, and investors alike for its extensive expertise in high-value debt restructurings, insolvency disputes, and debt-related transactions, most notably distressed asset sales. The São Paulo-based team is known for its international focus, frequently advising clients on complex multijurisdictional mandates. Key specialists include Marcelo Ricupero, who brings expertise in distressed asset transactions and international debt restructuring, complementing Alex Hatanaka’s broad experience in acting for financial institutions, investment funds and corporations in commercial and civil disputes related to insolvencies and corporate restructurings. Frederico Kerr Bullamah is a key contact for cross-border debt restructuring and finance transactions, while Stefano Motta has a strong track record in restructuring cases and distressed assets acquisitions, with a keen focus on the agribusiness and real estate sectors. Victoria Villela Boacnin joined from Felsberg Advogados in November 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Alex Hatanaka is very knowledgeable and authoritative and commands the room. He also responds very promptly to requests for advice, and his advice is always of the highest quality. Stefano Motta is exceptionally able and extremely personable.'
- ‘They are extremely international and sophisticated. They have lawyers of the highest calibre, who give cerebral, accurate advice. They are extremely responsive and communicate their advice very effectively. ’
Key clients
- The ad hoc group of holders of (a) Azul’s 11.930% senior secured first outnotes due 2028; (b) Azul’s 11.500% senior secured second out notes due. 2029; (c) Azul’s 10.875% senior secured second out notes due 2030; and (d)Azul’s convertible debentures Ekko Group Doctor’s Associates LLC (Subway) Subway Franchise Systems Brazil Ltda. Americanas S.A. – In Judicial Reorganization Banco Citibank S.A. AMBEV Mondelez Brasil Caoa Group General Motors Allianz Brasil Seguros Zurich Seguros Visa do Brasil Empreendimentos Ltda. Itaú Unibanco S.A. Light Energia Morgan Stanley Deutsche Bank COFCO International Brasil S.A. Novonor S.A. – In Judicial Reorganization Banco BTG Pactual S.A. Banco Bradesco S.A. Banco Santander (Brasil) S.A. Swiss Re Corporate Solutions Brasil Seguros SBA Brasil Torres Ltda. Horizonte Minerals PLC Araguaia Niquel Metais Ltda. Clave Capital Holding Cleartech S.A. Banco BMG S.A. Safra Special Situations Pluxee Benefícios Brasil Mobius Capital Novo Banco Administradora Geral de Estacionamentos (Indigo) Prumo Group Prisma Capital Chubb Seguros Brasil Planner Corretora de Valores S.A. Austral Seguradora Tramp Oil Brasil Embraer S.A. Veneziani Auditores Independentes Tristão Companhia de Comércio Exterior Garrett Transportation I Inc. Datadog, Inc. BT Communications do Brasil Ltda. Darling Ingredients International Holding B.V. Virgo Companhia de Securitização
Work highlights
Advises the ad hoc group of holders of (a) Azul’s 11.930% senior secured first out notes due 2028; (b) Azul’s 11.500% senior secured second out notes due 2029; (c) Azul’s 10.875% senior secured second out notes due 2030; and (d) Azul’s convertible debentures (the “Ad Hoc Group”) on Azul’s out-of-court restructuring, providing assistance and advice in connection with all Brazilian matters related to the transaction, including collateral structure, regulatory, corporate and tax aspects.
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.
Victoria Vaccari Villela Boacnin
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Giovanna Campedelli Macedo
Other key lawyers
Marcelo Ricupero; Alex Hatanaka; Frederico Kerr Bullamah; Stefano Motta; Giovanna Campedelli Macedo; Victoria Villela Boacnin