Debevoise & Plimpton LLP has an excellent record in strategic M&A and private equity transactions in Latin America. It is particularly known for financial services and insurance transactions, along with deals in the mining, telecoms, infrastructure, healthcare and life sciences sectors. Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru and Venezuela are key markets for the New York-based team, which has landed a number of new multinational and financial investor clients. The Latin America group has many cultural links to the region with team members hailing from Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Peru and Venezuela, among other nations. The team represents a multitude of Latin American businesses and family groups, along with portfolio companies of private equity houses; it has experienced a significant uptick in engagements linked to investments and acquisitions into the US by Latin American entities. The Latin America-focused M&A and private equity teams also frequently work alongside the firm’s leading white-collar defence and investigations group in relation to investments into the region. A partner in the financial institutions and insurance practice groups, Colombia native David Grosgold has led many deals in the Latin America region. Counsel Sergio Torres has a primary focus on Latin America deals, including strategic M&A and private equity transactions. Senior figure Maurizio Levi-Minzi retired from the partnership in December 2024 and is now of counsel. All named individuals are based in New York.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Debevoise's M&A team is extremely strong and responds to client enquiries quickly and accurately. They have a strong grasp of the Latin American region, making them highly efficient in dealings in the region. They are always at the forefront of trends and prepare reports on relevant topics, keeping clients and firms in other countries up-to-date on trends in the US and the region.’
‘Maurizio Levi-Minzi is an excellent lawyer. Sergio Torres is also an excellent lawyer, and the most notable characteristic is their quick response time and timely response to clients. They have extensive experience in the region and interact very well with local law firms.'
‘I have worked with Debevoise & Plimpton as outside counsel for more than 20 years, primarily in the M&A space and, especially, in the financial services and insurance sector. They are my go-to firm with both deep substantive knowledge, and an incredibly talented bench. Moreover, they are easy to work with, and have a keen understanding of their client's needs - from both a legal and business perspective.’
‘David Grosgold is outstanding in the insurance M&A space. He is deeply knowledgeable and is a pleasure to work with.'
Key clients
- Ambev
- AXA
- Brookfield Asset Management
- BTG Pactual
- Carlyle Group
- Chubb Limited
- CPP Investments
- Globo
- Gramercy Funds Management
- Gympass
- H.I.G. Capital Management
- Johnson & Johnson
Work highlights
Advised Southern Cross Group in its sale of Esmax Distribución to Aramco, an integrated energy and chemicals company.
Lawyers
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
David Grosgold; Maurizio Levi-Minzi
Other key lawyers
Sergio Torres