Singled out for 'the depth of technical and practical knowledge' of its team, Cascione Pulino Boulos Advogados is home to 'lawyers who are well versed in M&A and corporate matters', as well as private equity investments, distressed deals and transactions involving start-ups and fintechs. The group is a key choice for well-known Brazilian companies and foreign players present in a variety of sectors, including technology, energy, media, telecoms, logistics, and sports, to name a few. Eduardo Taleb Boulos, whose expertise in M&A involving publicly traded companies is noteworthy, heads up the team with Milana Antoniolli Martins, a reference for advice on M&A, joint ventures, reorganisations and corporate disputes, with a special focus on the telecoms, energy, financial and infrastructure industries. Guilherme Bertolini is proficient in distressed M&A and private equity matters, while Luiz Eduardo Malta Corradini comes highly recommended for his 'practical and theoretical knowledge of M&A'.

Home to ‘attentive, qualified, available and competent‘ professionals, Felsberg Advogados‘ corporate and M&A practice is skilled in the gamut of transactional, commercial and corporate matters. Domestic and international heavyweights operating in the retail, TMT, mining, infrastructure and energy sectors as well as emerging growth companies routinely seek the team’s advice on mergers, sales, acquisitions, and incorporations. Deals involving distressed assets and start-ups are key areas of strength for the firm, a prominent player in the restructuring, insolvency, and technology spaces. A reference for private equity funds, and public and privately held companies, Claudia Maniaci handles corporate reorganisations, M&A and debt restructuring, with a particular focus on pharmaceuticals. Noted for her ‘business-oriented approach‘, Evy Marques oversees the start-ups and venture capital arm, while João Carlos Mendonça is singled out for his knowledge of corporate and regulatory issues pertaining to cryptocurrency, blockchain and technology. Instructed by both buyers and sellers, Maria Carolina Guazzelli shines in distressed M&A, and Anneliese Eger is the counsel of choice for German and French clients doing business in Brazil. From the associate ranks, Bárbara Nátali Santos stands out for her regular involvement in M&A and contractual matters

Focused on advising both buyers and sellers on the full spectrum of corporate and M&A matters, KLA Advogados is ‘well respected in the local market‘ and receives praise for understanding ‘the client’s needs and its business, anticipating problems and proposing solutions‘. Present in a variety of sectors, from technology to energy and education, the practice is adept in middle-market strategic M&A, private equity deals, and joint ventures. Leadership of the group is shared between Karin Alvo, a key contact for TMT and life sciences clients, Mariana Cortez, who in turn is noted for her experience in transactions involving the real estate sector, and Melissa Kanô, whose ‘engaging and highly intelligent manner when dealing with clients and opposing counsel makes her an invaluable asset to any deal team‘. Other names to note in the practice include Mário Fioratti, who possesses extensive experience in the venture capital space, and Patrícia Braga, a key contact for cross-border mandates.

With ‘a unique talent for understanding global complexities, adeptly bridging cultural gaps‘, Vella Pugliese Buosi e Guidoni Advogados‘ corporate and M&A team is seen with great regularity handling transactions – including private equity and venture capital deals – in a multitude of sectors, from healthcare to energy and media. Benefitting from a strategic alliance with global firm Dentons, the group excels in cross-border mandates. These are a key area of focus for department head Rodrigo Vilardo Vella and Bruna Gobbi, who have recently led several PE-driven acquisitions involving multiple jurisdictions across Latin America, North America and Europe. With over two decades of experience in the corporate and M&A space, including joint ventures, strategic alliances and governance issues involving publicly held companies, Denise Chachamovitz Leão de Salles and Gabriella Maranesi Najjar are other noteworthy practitioners. Anne Chang is a reference for corporate matters involving the technology sector and start-ups.

‘Medium-sized firm‘ Vieira Rezende possesses a broad corporate and M&A offering which encompasses advice on mergers, acquisitions, exits, business combinations, corporate restructurings and governance issues. Singled out for its proficiency in mandates concerning regulated sectors, the group attracts instructions from a diverse client base made up of investment and pension funds as well as companies from the worlds of energy, mining, insurance, education, and technology. Founding partner Paulo Albert Weyland Vieira handles both buy and sell-side transactions, and is often sought after by major Brazilian pension funds. Co-founder Cláudio Guerreiro takes the lead on corporate law matters, with a particular focus on issues related to the use of natural resources. Ricardo Ariani Filho is singled out for his experience in M&A and PE deals in the education space, while Camila Borba Lefèvre, a name to note for the technology sector, specialises in joint ventures and corporate restructurings. Energy-related transactions, including M&A in the oil and gas segment, are among Alberto Weyland Vieira‘s core areas of activity. Ricardo Villela Mafra Alves Da Silva blends a strong track record in M&A deals with in-depth knowledge of CVM regulations. Maria Ramos Dias, who handles an array of transactional work and contractual negotiations, stands out at the associate level.

Regularly engaged by both domestic and international companies from a host of industries, including technology, energy, food and beverage, healthcare, agribusiness and real estate, the corporate and M&A practice at ASBZ Advogados is recommended for its ‘pro-deal stance, always aiming to complete the transaction despite the challenges in negotiation‘. A key contact for corporations, investment funds, financial advisors and family offices, Gabriela Claro ‘has an excellent view on M&A and related topics‘, including corporate governance, reorganisations and joint ventures. She jointly oversees the practice with Ricardo Melaré, who also heads up the social responsibility and pro bono committee, and Rodrigo Casarotti, who advises on the entire range of corporate and M&A mandates. Gustavo Rached Taiar left the firm in May 2024.

Azevedo Sette Advogados fields a ‘highly qualified team‘ that is split between São Paulo and Belo Horizonte, and recognised for assisting domestic and international companies, family offices, and individuals with corporate and M&A matters across a variety of sectors, including banking, agribusiness, retail, energy, telecoms and technology, among others. Belo Horizonte-based Fernando Azevedo Sette boasts over 25 years of experience in complex commercial agreements, M&A, foreign investments and succession planning, with a special emphasis on the mining, construction and engineering industries. He heads the department with Luiz Augusto Azevedo Sette in São Paulo. André de Godoy Fernandes is another name to note in the São Paulo office, who is particularly active in the agribusiness, healthcare and technology segments.

Best known for its strong presence in technology-driven business transactions, B/Luz is a popular destination for venture capital and private equity funds engaged in M&A deals. Its expertise also extends to joint ventures, operational agreements and exit transactions in a variety of sectors, including education, media, entertainment, healthcare, and energy. The firm’s offering was recently strengthened by the incorporation of Leite, Roston, Chaves e Saciotto Advogados‘ corporate and M&A team, including Lia Esposito Roston, who often advises tech companies, and fund and wealth managers. Jessica Ann Bernstein Heumann has a wealth of experience in M&A, capital markets and debt deals. Juliana Calçada Monteiro stands out for her track record in commercial contracts and strategic transactions involving regulated sectors.

Singled out for its experience in transactional work in the healthcare sector, BRZ - Barbosa, Raimundo, Gontijo, Câmara e Zanotta Advogados is also well placed to advise clients from the hospitality, technology, telecoms, infrastructure and pharmaceutical industries on a host of corporate and M&A matters. Inbound investments, fundraisings, and corporate restructurings are all key areas of activity for the group, which works in close proximity with the tax, real estate, litigation and labour practices. The team is under the joint leadership of a capable trio: Pedro Raimundo handles a mix of M&A deals, contractual negotiations and corporate issues, while Rodrigo Câmara and Julio Barbosa are experienced in M&A, corporate reorganisations and capital markets matters.

Candido Martins Advogados 'is a specialised firm that is a reference in the M&A area, especially in the middle market', though it is also occasionally engaged in big-ticket M&A and smaller deals involving start-ups. The group attracts instructions from buyers and sellers - including private equity firms and family-owned businesses - with operations in a variety of sectors, most notably healthcare, agribusiness, energy, education and technology. The team continues to grow and be involved in a multitude of M&A deals and exits, which has recently culminated in the opening of a desk in Madrid to explore inbound and outbound investment opportunities with ties to Europe. 'Recognised for his deep analytical capabilities and strategic acumen', practice head Henrique Martins is 'a valuable asset in complex M&A transactions'. Devoted to PE, M&A, corporate and contractual matters, Daniel Rodrigues Alves demonstrates 'a deep understanding of the laws and regulations that govern companies', while Mateus Lopes da Silva Leite is noted for his experience in venture capital mandates.

Brazilian and foreign companies from the worlds of healthcare, retail, technology, real estate, and life sciences, among other sectors, regularly turn to CGM Advogados for assistance with M&A deals, corporate reorganisations and governance issues. With a keen focus on acting for technology, automotive, chemical and defence clients, co-head Adriano Chaves continues to advise on an array of acquisitions, sales, restructurings, joint ventures and partnerships. These are also key areas of expertise for fellow co-leader René Gelman and Martim Machado, the latter of whom draws on over three decades’ experience in buy and sell-side mandates. In addition to transactional work, Marcia Mandelbaum also handles day-to-day corporate law and data protection issues. Camila Cardinale is another name to note for domestic and international businesses seeking advice on their investments and operations in Brazil.

With the ability to advise on the life cycle of a company, from the initial stages of M&A to divestitures, Huck, Otranto, Camargo Advogados attracts instructions from family-owned businesses, start-ups, hedge funds, Brazilian middle-market companies and shareholders. The team is also sought out for its expertise in a myriad of corporate matters, most notably joint ventures, commercial partnerships, corporate restructuring, stock option plans and day-to-day advice. Department leader Diego Billi Falcão handles the full array of corporate and M&A mandates, with a special focus on the banking and pharmaceutical sectors. Amanda Salis Guazzelli is noted for her experience in the negotiation of strategic investments, and issues related to the agribusiness and real estate segments. Also part of the core team, Fernando Henrique Saboia Silva is engaged in corporate governance, contracts and related disputes.

Praised for its ‘expertise in all matters involving M&A‘, Mello Torres is well positioned to advise a multitude of clients, from private equity funds and asset managers to international companies, on strategic acquisitions, divestitures, mergers, spin-offs and joint ventures. The team possesses a strong presence in the life sciences, healthcare, technology, telecoms, mining, energy and infrastructure sectors, where it handles big-ticket and mid-market transactions, including cross-border deals. Carlos Jose Rolim De Mello is ‘a skilled negotiator‘ whose notable areas of practice include M&A, corporate governance and private equity matters. Alexandre Simões Pinto and Natália Teixeira Rabaça are active in domestic and multijurisdictional transactions in an array of sectors, while Vinícius Alvarez is singled out for his experience in mandates involving start-ups and venture capital.

Covering both domestic and multijurisdictional transactions, Abe Advogados’ broad service offering encompasses the full range of corporate and M&A matters, from consolidations to corporate restructurings and asset acquisitions. Noted for its ‘strategic vision and a perfect balance between theoretical knowledge and its practical application’, the practice acts for Brazilian and international clients operating in a variety of sectors, including technology, retail, agribusiness and financial services. Founder Marcos Seiiti Abe is a key contact for cross-border deals involving Japan and distressed transactions. Fellow co-head Fernando Zanotti Schneider manages a diverse workload covering M&A, joint ventures and foreign investments.

With over six decades’ experience in the market, Araújo e Policastro Advogados is home to a sizeable corporate and M&A practice dedicated to servicing clients operating in an array of industries – including insurance, healthcare, agribusiness, energy, education and telecoms, among others – in the context of domestic and cross-border transactions, joint ventures, restructuring of family-owned businesses and corporate disputes. The team’s leadership is shared between Theodoro Araújo, who handles M&A, corporate disputes and infrastructure-related matters, and Camila Araújo, a key contact for foreign entities doing business in Brazil. Isabela Xavier, noted for her ‘availability, knowledge, commitment to meeting deadlines, smoothness and transparency in all processes involved‘, is also part of the core team.

Benetti & Giammarino Advogados is well versed in M&A and non-transactional corporate matters across a multitude of sectors, including technology, education, real estate, healthcare, and food and beverage, to name a few. Recommended for its ‘professionalism and competence in conducting deals’, the group has recently been particularly active in joint ventures and corporate reorganisations but continues to be sought out for its proven track record in the acquisition and sale of equity interests and assets. Eduardo Benetti acts for domestic and international clients in M&A and corporate disputes. Pedro Giammarino ‘complements Benetti’s skills well‘, advising on private equity transactions, foreign investment and corporate restructurings.

‘A major national reference in venture capital‘, Bronstein, Zilberberg, Chueiri & Potenza Advogados stands out for its strong track record in technology-related deals, but is also active in M&A transactions involving other sectors, most notably healthcare, retail, logistics, energy, and financial services. With over 25 years’ experience in the M&A space, Sergio Bronstein is a key contact for companies operating in an array of industries, as well as private equity firms, and VC funds. Pedro Chueiri ‘is a rising talent in Brazilian M&A‘, who handles domestic and cross-border transactions with great aptitude. Bronstein and Chueiri jointly lead the department with Eduardo Zilberberg, who focuses on VC deals, and Guilherme Potenza, a name to note for matters in the technology and innovation segments. M&A and corporate governance are core areas of activity for Alfredo Neri, who ‘stands out for his availability, technical quality and excellent relationship with clients‘.

Dias Carneiro Advogados houses a team focused on corporate and M&A matters, whose ‘technical knowledge and objectivity‘ are seen by clients as great facilitators in the decision-making process. With a particular focus on the renewable energy and technology sectors, the team is often sought out by key players in these segments for its proficiency in cross-border M&A deals, joint ventures, corporate reorganisations and venture capital transactions. Admitted to practice in both Brazil and New York, Artur Fernandes Andrezo is the counsel of choice for several financial players, investors and start-ups in tech-related transactions. He jointly leads the department with Paula Seabra Carvalho Reis, a key name for energy, pulp and paper, real estate and VC clients. She and counsel Débora Trovões Cabral form ‘a perfect duo‘ ‘capable of transforming complex situations into opportunities for clients‘.

A varied client base, comprised of local and foreign names from the worlds of manufacturing, agribusiness, retail, education, and IT, among other sectors, routinely engage Gasparini, Nogueira de Lima, Barbosa e Freire Advogados in a range of M&A deals and non-transactional corporate matters. Demonstrating 'in-depth knowledge of the legal and regulatory nuances of the Brazilian environment', the team's 'solutions-oriented approach offers comprehensive support at every stage of the process, from due diligence to deal completion'. Co-head Marcus Phelipe Barbosa de Souza is active in M&A, joint ventures, inbound and outbound investments, as well as contractual matters. Also at the helm of the practice, Felipe Mavignier is sought after by clients from the technology, entertainment, education, healthcare and transport sectors, while Paula Taira Horiuti focuses on the real estate segment.

Buyers and sellers, shareholders and other stakeholders regularly turn to GVBG - Gentil Monteiro, Vicentini, Beringhs e Gil Advogados for advice on stock and asset deals, and corporate matters across a variety of industries, including technology, insurance, media, telecoms, healthcare and agribusiness. Focused on M&A, corporate governance and investment fund-related mandates, Fernando Gentil Monteiro ‘is always available, straight to the point, and understanding of commercial operations‘. He leads the group with Terence Beringhs, who has a wealth of experience in M&A, restructurings, joint ventures and foreign investments.

IW Melcheds offers comprehensive services to family-owned businesses, middle-market companies and its founders in relation to the acquisition and sale of minority and majority stakes, the incorporation of joint ventures and corporate reorganisations. Key sectors of focus for the group include retail, technology, insurance, agribusiness, healthcare, and more recently, renewable energy. Rodrigo Mello handles corporate and M&A matters for domestic companies, multinational corporations, directors and private investors. He jointly leads the practice with Fernanda Passos, who further assists with day-to-day corporate issues and contracts.

Combining 'unparalleled legal expertise with a genuine commitment to client satisfaction', Peixoto e Cury Advogados offers legal support to multinationals and domestic companies, most notably family-owned businesses and mid-size enterprises, in corporate restructurings, acquisitions, sales and debt transactions. With a strong presence across a variety of sectors, including manufacturing, healthcare, technology, and chemicals, the team is also often engaged by shareholders in transactional work. Founding partner Pedro Cury focuses on contractual risk analysis, while Claudia Soares Garcia brings together experience in corporate law, M&A, regulatory issues and compliance.

Adept at handling M&A transactions, corporate reorganisations, and due diligence reviews, Rayes & Fagundes Advogados Associados is also well placed to assist with the drafting and negotiation of shareholder agreements. The team is routinely engaged by clients operating in a variety of industries, including but not limited to IT, education, energy, financial services, and pharmaceuticals, with the latter being a particular area of strength. Department head Fabiana Rodrigues da Fonseca focuses on M&A, corporate law and international contracts. Senior associate Tiago Cunha coordinates the corporate practice.

Companies and shareholders regularly turn to Souto Correa Advogados for advice on M&A, corporate restructuring, and joint ventures. Transactional work in the energy, agribusiness, technology, infrastructure and manufacturing sectors is a key focus for the team, which is headquartered in Porto Alegre. The group is under the joint leadership of founder Carlos Souto and Rodrigo Tellechea, the latter of whom handles contentious and non-contentious matters for domestic and foreign clients. Names to note in São Paulo include Martha Termignoni, who ‘demonstrates a remarkable command of corporate law and M&A transactions‘, and Silvia Pupo, noted for being ‘extremely dedicated and tireless in her demands‘. João Gustavo Santiago joined the firm in February 2024 from Graça Couto, Sequerra, Levitinas, Bicudo, Leal & Abby Advogados.

BVA – Barreto Veiga Advogados 'is skilled at navigating corporate and transactional complexities, providing innovative solutions that effectively address the challenges faced' by buyers and sellers alike. M&A involving small to medium-sized companies based in Brazil and abroad, as well as transactions driven by private equity and venture capital funds are key areas of expertise for the firm, which is active in the technology, entertainment, energy, automotive, logistics, real estate and consumer goods sectors. Singled out for his 'unique combination of deep technical knowledge, commercial sensitivity and ability to offer creative and personalised solutions to client challenges', Felipe Barreto Veiga is a strong performer in M&A, PE and VC mandates. He leads the practice with Rafael Ferrão Teixeira, another transactional specialist who advises on domestic and cross-border deals.

Especially active in buy-side mandates, the team at Castro Barros Advogados is also often engaged by sellers in a range of corporate transactions and general corporate law matters, including mergers, acquisitions, sales, distressed deals, and corporate reorganisations. The firm is a popular destination for agribusiness, hospitality and real estate players, but is also active in the retail, insurance, financial services and defence sectors. Helen Gaudio Valente Figurelli handles a mix of M&A, international contracts and private equity matters, while Guilherme Tepedino Hernandez also acts for clients in the drafting and negotiation of commercial contracts. Former co-head Anna Cecilia Rostworowski Da Costa Buff is no longer at the practice.

Showcasing extensive experience in both buy and sell-side instructions, the corporate and M&A practice at FAS Advogados, in cooperation with CMS has a strong presence in the education, healthcare and technology sectors. The team, which is rated for its 'technical competence' and 'commitment to results', is well positioned to assist investors and targets in transactions involving emerging-growth companies. Renata Homem de Melo acts for a varied client roster of public and privately held companies, private equity and venture capital funds in M&A and corporate matters. Carla Anastácio is a reference for clients from the education and healthcare sectors.

The corporate and M&A team at FreitasLeite Advogados is rated for 'always looking for practical solutions' on behalf of its varied client roster, which includes listed companies, family offices, asset management firms, private equity funds, financial institutions and fintechs. Financial services and technology are key sectors of focus for the firm, which, in addition to transactional work, also addresses clients' day-to-day corporate concerns. In Rio, Pedro Afonso Gutierrez Avvad leverages his tax and accounting background in the structuring of private equity investments and M&A deals. São Paulo-based Claudio Fabricio Lima brings to the team a wealth of experience in corporate restructuring and governance issues.

Gaia Silva Gaede Advogados possesses ‘extensive practical experience in understanding the needs and challenges faced by companies, combined with solid legal knowledge‘. The team is sought out for its experience in equity and asset deals, corporate reorganisations, and strategic alliances. Non-transactional corporate law matters are also handled by the group, which is active in the technology, financial services, manufacturing, energy and insurance spaces. M&A and corporate law specialist Alberto Mori, who is based in São Paulo, advises domestic and international clients on multijurisdictional deals, corporate restructuring and contracts. He oversees the department with Gerson Stocco de Siqueira in Rio and Antonio Carlos Pacheco in Curitiba; both co-heads boast expertise in tax law and corporate matters.

‘Demonstrating knowledge and efficiency in their responses’, the corporate and M&A specialists at HRSA Sociedade de Advogados offer legal support to a myriad of Brazilian companies in M&A, joint ventures, governance matters, private equity deals and corporate restructuring. The group is active in a variety of sectors, including pharmaceuticals, real estate, transport, food and beverage, and increasingly engaged by clients – such as family-owned businesses and start-ups – from the healthcare, technology, gaming and chemical segments. Leadership is shared between Luis Gustavo Haddad, a corporate specialist with a wealth of experience in M&A transactions, stock option plans and post-closing issues, and Bruno Robert, who has recently led on venture capital investments, private equity deals and M&A in the insurance, healthcare, energy and agribusiness spaces. Other noteworthy practitioners include Ana Carolina Barbuio Affonso, who further showcases expertise in corporate and succession planning mandates, and Lucas Carneiro Gorgulho Mendes Barros, who excels in cross-border transactions and investment fund-related matters.

L.O. Baptista Advogados is adept at handling a combination of M&A transactions, contractual matters and day-to-day corporate issues, with special emphasis on the energy, natural resources, infrastructure, real estate and technology sectors. Daniela Zaitz concentrates on M&A deals, corporate restructuring and governance mandates, while Cássia Monteiro, in addition to transactional work, is noted for her experience in the drafting of corporate acts and shareholder agreements. M&A, private equity and venture capital deals are key specialisms for Maria Beatriz Grella Vieira, who is skilled at advising shareholders, directors and officers from closed and publicly held companies on corporate law matters.

Mid-market M&A is a sweet spot for VBSO Advogados, which is particularly skilled at handling domestic and cross-border deals in the financial services, asset management, banking and technology sectors. With extensive in corporate law and governance issues, Erik Frederico Oioli is a reference for cooperation agreements, business combinations, M&A and fundraisings. Amanda Visentini Rodrigues is also active in M&A deals, joint ventures and other corporate transactions. Renata Simon, who 'has deep knowledge and a vast repertoire' in M&A, joined from Candido Martins Advogados in January 2023.

Praised for ‘always [being] very quick and efficient in its responses‘, Almeida Advogados is recommended for its in-depth knowledge of corporate law matters, covering both transactional and contractual issues. The firm has been particularly active advising on equity sales and the acquisition of minority stakes, but is also well versed in corporate restructuring mandates, with a special focus on the energy, mining, technology and agribusiness segments. Managing partner André de Almeida brings together experience in joint ventures, commercial matters and compliance. He leads the group from São Paulo, which also features Guilherme Doval, a versatile adviser in Belo Horizonte.

Best known for its credentials in mandates involving publicly held corporations, Bocater, Camargo, Costa e Silva, Rodrigues Advogados acts for clients from the worlds of energy, oil and gas, financial services, mining and technology. The team is well positioned to advise shareholders on routine corporate matters, as well as joint ventures, incorporations, reorganisations and transfers of control. Drawing on his previous in-house experience at major financial institutions and as CVM’s former Commissioner and Chairman, co-head Francisco Costa e Silva is the counsel of choice for several Brazilian listed companies. Fellow co-leaders João Laudo de Camargo and Maria Isabel do Prado Bocater are active in corporate and capital markets matters.

Carvalho, Sica, Muszkat, Vidigal e Carneiro Advogados - CSMV Advogados is well placed to assist with the structuring and negotiation of equity and asset deals, acting on the buyer and seller side, as well as joint ventures and corporate restructurings. The firm is best known for its presence in the football industry – where it advises investors and football clubs on debt and equity transactions – but also showcases notable strength in mandates concerning the financial services, mining, food and beverage, and entertainment sectors. Graciema Almeida, whose areas of expertise include domestic and cross-border transactions involving mining and sports assets, oversees the department with Octavio Souto Vidigal Filho, who takes the lead on private equity and venture capital investments. Founder André Sica heads up the sports and entertainment practice.

With a wealth of experience in M&A and day-to-day corporate matters, De Luca, Derenusson, Schuttoff Sociedade de Advogados is a solid choice for mid-sized enterprises – including domestic and international entities – seeking assistance with mergers, spin-offs, consolidations, corporate reorganisations and joint ventures. The team is jointly led by João Claudio De Luca Junior, who handles M&A deals, corporate issues and contracts for financial institutions and corporations, and Guilherme Filardi, who is active in corporate law, commercial agreements and contentious matters.

Adept at acting for both buyers and sellers, Farroco Abreu Advogados ‘has a highly specialised, insightful and resolute team‘ focused on M&A, corporate restructuring, investments, asset deals and joint ventures. Clients operating in the manufacturing, retail, technology and energy sectors regularly turn to the team for advice on compliance and corporate governance issues. Practice head Bruno Guarnieri excels in M&A and private equity deals, including domestic and cross-border transactions involving well-established companies of all sizes and start-ups. Bruna Pelegrini and Priscila Guidi stand out at the associate level for their involvement in M&A, asset sales and spin-offs.

Fleury, Coimbra & Rhomberg Advogados is home to ‘a very well-prepared team that anticipates relevant topics‘ for a variety of clients, from start-ups to financial institutions, ‘in an extremely professional and assertive manner‘. With notable strength in cross-border matters, the firm ‘provides practical advice‘ on the sale and acquisition of companies and other assets, structuring of joint ventures, private equity deals, and foreign direct investments. Lukas Matthias Rhomberg regularly acts for Brazilian and international companies and entrepreneurs in multijurisdictional transactions. Marcelo Coimbra marries tax law and ESG expertise with extensive experience in corporate mandates. Renata Camilo de Oliveira is a key contact for foreign investors.

Focused on corporate and M&A, private equity and venture capital matters, Graça Couto, Sequerra, Levitinas, Bicudo, Leal & Abby Advogados advises clients of all sizes on the life cycle of investments, from seed to exit. Core areas of activity for the team, which acts for buyers and sellers from the retail, pharmaceutical, healthcare, and food and beverage sectors, include share and asset deals, corporate reorganisations, and joint venture agreements. ‘Combining a deep and nuanced understanding of the law with a practical, problem-solving mindset‘, practice head Natalie Sequerra guides clients ‘through complex negotiations and strategic decisions with confidence and clarity‘.

Predominantly engaged by real estate clients, i2a Advogados advises financial institutions, asset managers, private equity players and real estate funds, as well as timberland and agribusiness companies on an array of sector-related transactions. M&A involving start-ups and fintechs is another area of focus for the group, which handles a mix of asset and stake deals, hostile takeovers and joint ventures. Marcos Sader, a ‘technical, available and business-oriented lawyer‘, is the main point of contact in the team.

Loeser e Hadad Advogados is skilled at advising buyers and sellers on M&A transactions in a multitude of sectors, but has been particularly active in assisting companies, including players from the banking, automotive, life sciences, energy, real estate and retail sectors, with non-transactional corporate law mandates. Corporate governance, compliance, and corporate restructurings are all areas of activity for the team made up of ‘highly qualified and committed professionals‘, who ‘not only have a thorough grasp of the legal aspects, but also demonstrate an unrivalled understanding of the specific needs of each client‘. The ‘reliable, knowledgeable and always available‘ Enrique Tello Hadad leads the practice which also features Daniel Domenech Varga and Raphael Valentim, all of whom have a wealth of experience in corporate law matters.

LRI Advogados ‘is made up of highly qualified and experienced professionals, committed to providing efficient and personalised legal solutions‘ to a variety of clients, including multinationals operating in a range of industries, most notably retail, manufacturing and technology. ‘The team’s core capabilities include M&A, corporate, contracts and tax‘; joint ventures, corporate restructurings, asset and equity deals also feature on the group’s workload, which is populated by cross-border transactions. Nilson Lautenschlager Jr. brings together expertise in contractual matters, M&A, banking and insurance law, while Victor Costa Toledo is active in foreign investment, compliance and public procurement issues. Vinicius Fonseca Soares focuses on infrastructure projects and M&A, and Leonardo Bianco concentrates on corporate and contractual mandates.

The ‘highly qualified and always up-to-date professionals‘ at Machado Associados acts for domestic and international clients from the infrastructure, cosmetics, real estate and education sectors in a range of corporate and M&A matters, including cross-border business transactions, joint ventures, issues pertaining to corporate re-domiciliation and restructurings. Department head Mauro Takahashi Mori assists large companies and family-owned businesses operating in a multitude of sectors, notably technology, education, agribusiness and retail. Contracts, infrastructure and M&A specialist Caio Fink Fernandes and Mirella da Costa Andreola de Almeida, who focuses on corporate and contractual matters, are other key contacts in the team.

Praised for the ‘direct participation of partners at every stage of all cases’, Moreau Advogados‘ corporate and M&A team is particularly skilled at advising domestic and international clients on the restructuring of their operations in Brazil. M&A in the banking sector is a notable strength for the practice, which is also proficient in contractual matters, shareholders’ agreements and succession planning across the agribusiness, technology, healthcare and retail segments. Mariana Valverde and Jean Pierre Moreau oversee the department, which counts on founding partner Pierre Moreau‘s wealth of experience in corporate law.

Mundie e Advogados is home to a corporate and M&A team which is ‘highly qualified, always attentive and available to meet demands‘ of clients operating in a variety of industries, with a special focus on regulated sectors. The group’s workload is populated by middle-market M&A, private equity deals and corporate restructurings in the mining, energy, financial services, infrastructure and telecoms spaces. Rodolpho Protasio, who leads the M&A department, has a strong track record in mergers, equity sales and acquisitions. Protasio jointly heads the corporate arm of the practice with Eduardo Zobaran, who is ‘precise and skilful in legal and technical discussions‘.

The 'technically impeccable' team at Orizzo Marques Advogados provides clients from an array of sectors, including retail, food and beverage, chemical, pharmaceutical, consumer goods and construction, ‘solutions with a view to business and legal security‘. The group’s portfolio is populated by mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures and contractual matters, as well as corporate governance and compliance issues. Alessandro Orizzo handles small and mid-cap transactions on behalf of domestic and international clients, while tech-related mandates are a key specialism for Fábio Marques. Both practitioners lead the department with Guilherme Coltro and Débora Torres Paulo Ribeiro.

The ‘highly qualified and very attentive‘ corporate and M&A group at PGLaw is noted for being ‘agile and precise in meeting demands‘ of companies of all sizes operating in the financial services, telecoms, technology, education, and manufacturing sectors. M&A deals, including post-closing issues, corporate restructuring, daily contracts, compliance and governance matters are all core areas of activity for the practice. Founder Carlos Portugal Gouvêa handles a mix of mergers, governance issues and contractual mandates; these are also notable areas of practice for Caio Henrique Yoshikawa, who further brings a wealth of experience in capital markets transactions, banking and securities regulations. Rodrigo Fialho Borges is singled out for his background in advising start-ups and technology companies.

A popular choice for mid-size companies with operations in Brazil, Sperling Advogados provides legal support in the fields of corporate law, commercial agreements, contracts and M&A. Bringing together experience in corporate and commercial law, tax and disputes, Marcio Sperling is a key contact for international clients. Felipe Garcia De Souza boasts over two decades’ experience in M&A, contractual issues, corporate restructuring and joint ventures. These are also key areas of experience for Thomas Brink, who is described as ‘a proactive, client-oriented and practical legal adviser‘. Viviana Chahda Mendes is skilled in contractual matters and commercial agreements.

Boutique firm Themudo Lessa Advogados fields a team of 'experienced and qualified professionals', who are well placed to advise family businesses, listed companies, individuals and private equity funds on M&A, joint ventures, corporate restructurings and non-transactional corporate law matters. Founding partner Rogério Themudo Lessa handles corporate transactions for family groups, companies, investment funds and individuals. He spearheads the practice with Marcos Themudo Lessa, who is skilled in transactions and contentious issues, and Fernanda Mattar Mesquita, a name to note for minority activism, joint ventures and corporate governance.

Elias, Matias Advogados offers legal support to domestic and international clients in relation to M&A deals, corporate restructurings and commercial contracts. Non-transactional corporate law matters are a particular area of focus for the team, which is led by Eduardo Felipe Matias, a key contact for well-established companies, start-ups and individual investors active in an array of sectors.

Ferraz de Camargo e Matsunaga Advogados is well versed in a wide range of corporate issues and transactions, including M&A, joint ventures and corporate reorganisations. The firm attracts instructions from a varied client base comprised of local and international names from the worlds of private equity, venture capital, financial services, healthcare, agribusiness, insurance, real estate and technology, among others. Focused on incorporations and foreign investments, Luciana Godoi Lorenti heads the department with Rodrigo De Mello Motta, ‘a great expert and negotiator in company purchase and sale contracts‘.

Franco Leutewiler Henriques Advogados (FLH Advogados) fields a team of ‘professionals who are highly qualified and prepared to meet the demands of highly technical actions‘, such as middle-market M&A involving listed companies and privately held entities. The team acts for a diverse client roster, which features well-known names from the worlds of healthcare, agribusiness, real estate and financial services. The group is led by Vitor Henriques, who ‘has an excellent business vision and is extremely proactive‘, and Gabriela Sella, a name to note for contracts and regulatory issues in the context of M&A transactions.

Rio-based Moreira Menezes Martins Advogados ‘delivers services with excellence, providing innovative, efficient and highly strategic solutions‘ to private and publicly held companies, private equity funds and shareholders active in a variety of sectors, including energy, healthcare and education. The team is adept at handling a mix of M&A deals, corporate restructurings, liquidations, foreign investments and divestments. Carlos Martins Neto is a key contact for PE funds and companies from the energy, education and healthcare segments, while Mauricio Moreira Menezes is singled out for his experience in cross-border M&A and PE deals.

Novotny Advogados ‘brings together highly qualified professionals, with extremely high technical knowledge and experience‘ in M&A and private equity deals, chiefly mid-market transactions. Noted for being ‘absolutely proactive and extremely quick in responding to client demands’, the team is under the joint leadership of Paulo Eduardo Penna, a trusted M&A adviser to real estate, mining, education, healthcare and technology clients, and Gabriel Rios Corrêa, who routinely advises on corporate law matters and business contracts.

Siqueira Castro – Advogados is well positioned to handle a multitude of transactional matters and day-to-day corporate issues for a varied client base. In addition to M&A deals, the group is also skilled in corporate restructuring and commercial contracts. Heitor Faro De Castro and Sérgio Ricardo Fogolin jointly oversee the corporate and M&A practice.

Standing out for its strong presence in the real estate space, VBD Advogados is seen with great regularity advising on equity, share and asset deals in this sector. M&A involving medium-sized enterprises and emerging growth companies in the technology sector is another key area of activity for the team, whose workload also features joint ventures, strategic alliances and corporate restructurings. Co-head Rafael Bicalho possesses ‘in-depth knowledge of corporate issues and business law‘, and ‘stands out for his ability to negotiate contracts and complex situations‘. Fellow co-leader Thalita De Marco Vani excels in corporate governance, as well as matters concerning shareholder relations and management liability.