Latin America - Latin America: International firms
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Corporate and M&A

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Debevoise & Plimpton LLP

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Debevoise & Plimpton LLP has a longstanding presence in Latin America M&A where it continues to be particularly noted for financial services and insurance deals. More broadly, the practice has developed a further reputation for energy and infrastructure transactions and is at the forefront of private equity and financial sponsor-related deals in the region; one recent headline mandate involved advising Southern Cross Group on its sale of Esmax Distribución to Aramco. The Latin America team is also noted for its work in emerging technologies. 'Outstanding' David Grosgold is a Colombia native with an increasing focus on Latin America, particularly Colombia and Chile, and is widely recognised for his financial services and insurance expertise. Counsel Sergio Torres is from Brazil but his practice is primarily centred on Latin America as a whole and he plays a pivotal role in many of the firm’s M&A and private equity deals in the region. The core Latin America corporate and M&A team frequently works alongside colleagues in its leading white-collar and regulatory defence practice, including Latin America-focused Andrew Levine, in relation to anti-corruption due diligence. Co-head of the Latin America group and ‘excellent M&A lawyer’, Maurizio Levi-Minzi is to retire in 2024. All named individuals are based in New York.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Senior associates/counsels as experienced and technical as partners. Excellent legal/business partners.’

  • ‘They understand the business deeply. Very reasonable/business driven. Really easy to work with. Long term partners with clients.’

  • ‘Maurizio Levi-Minzi is an excellent M&A lawyer and advisor in general, with spectacular business instincts and unmatched ability to zoom in on material issues. Counsel Sergio Torres provides great support to the team.’

  • ‘It is a very solid and excellent practice. They have great management of industries and different practice areas. Great expertise. They are always updated with the latest news and trends. Additionally, they are very easy to relate to and work with as part of a team. They stand out for their work in emerging technologies, such as AI and cybersecurity issues.'

  • ‘The team has the ideal combination of experience, knowledge and practical approach for any type of M&A transaction in the region. They have recently promoted Sergio Torres to the position of counsel, which seems like a success to me.’

  • ‘Debevoise & Plimpton has an outstanding global (cross-border) M&A practice, including in Latin America. In particular, their insurance practice is top tier with an incredibly deep bench. They are my go-to firm for any complicated insurance or reinsurance matter.’

  • ‘David Grosgold is outstanding. He understands the insurance sector and all its complexities. He also understands our company's risk tolerance and business concerns, providing advice and guidance that meets our particular needs. Also, being from Latin America, he fully understands the nuances of working in this geography.’

  • ‘A very diverse and complete team. The level of specialty, attention to detail and devotion to customer service are its main characteristics.'

Key clients

  • AIMCO
  • Ambev
  • Antofagasta
  • Brookfield Asset Management
  • BTG Pactual
  • Carlyle Group
  • Chubb Limited
  • CPPIB
  • Gympass
  • HIG Capital Management
  • Johnson & Johnson
  • Naviera Ultranav Limitada
  • Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan Board
  • Pernod Ricard
  • Prudential Financial
  • Southern Cross Group
  • Temasek
  • Verizon Communications

Work highlights

  • Advised Southern Cross Group on its sale of Esmax Distribución to Aramco.
  • Advised Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan and Alberta Investment Management Corporation on the $1.5bn sale of a 99.09% interest in Enel Transmisión Chile by its affiliate, Grupo Saesa.
  • Advised Pernod Ricard on its acquisition of a majority stake in Código 1530, a range of Ultra-Premium and Prestige tequila.

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.
Maurizio Levi-Minzi
Hall of fameDebevoise & Plimpton LLP
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Sergio Torres
Debevoise & Plimpton LLP

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

David Grosgold, Maurizio Levi-Minzi