Taking a multidisciplinary approach, Souto Correa Advogados’ commercial, corporate, and M&A practice works alongside the firm’s bankruptcy, tax, labour, real estate, and competition departments to ensure well-rounded solutions for clients. The group specialises in M&A, corporate restructuring, and joint venture agreements, though it is also well versed in public bids and privatisations. Noted for his experience in corporate law and dispute resolution, co-head Carlos Fernando Souto predominantly acts for clients from the technology, finance, energy, consumer products, and manufacturing sectors. Fellow co-leader Rodrigo Tellechea has extensive expertise in corporate law, and restructuring and insolvency matters. Other notable names include Raquel Stein and Fernanda Girardi Tavares – Stein concentrates on commercial contracts, while Tavares focuses on commercial, infrastructure, and real estate-related mandates.
Commercial, corporate and M&A in Brazil
Souto Correa Advogados
Practice head(s):
Carlos Fernando Souto; Rodrigo Tellechea
Other key lawyers:
Raquel Stein; Fernanda Girardi Tavares
Testimonials
‘Their work is exceptional, both professionally and in terms of relationships. Always available, assertive, agile in responding to demands and proactive on new issues.’
Key clients
Fibrasil Infraestrutura e Fibra Ótica
Telefonica Brasil
Diagnósticos da América
Oncoclínicas do Brasil Serviços Médicos
Log Commercial Properties
Vitru Educação
Brookfield
BRK Ambiental
Ernst & Young
Omega Energia
AEGEA Saneamento
99 Tecnologia
Work highlights
- Advised SLC Máquinas Agrícolas on the joint acquisition of Soluções IntegradasVerdes Vales Ltda., ensuring compliance and facilitating regulatory approval from CADE.
- Advised AEGEA Saneamento on its privatisation.
- Advising GD – Geração DistribuídaParticipações S.A. (GDSun) on several contracts and documents with energy distributors, developers, and customers.
TozziniFreire Advogados
With extensive experience handling cross-border deals, TozziniFreire Advogados is capable of leading on complex transactional matters for clients - including venture capital funds and start-ups - from a wide range of industries. The commercial, corporate, and M&A practice has particular expertise in corporate restructuring and M&A deals, though it also offers advice on joint venture agreements, venture capital investments, and wealth planning. Maria Bofill heads up the practice and is recognised for her prowess in M&A, corporate restructuring, and private equity, as well as foreign investments. Another notable name in the team is Fernanda Fossati, who is well regarded for her experience in M&A negotiations, wealth planning issues and commercial agreements. Associates Daniel Born Roman and Bruna Braga Luz De Oliveira are both highly active in the group and concentrate on M&A, corporate restructuring, and commercial contracts.
Practice head(s):
Maria Bofill
Other key lawyers:
Fernanda Fossati; Daniel Born Roman; Bruna Braga Luz de Oliveira
Testimonials
‘A firm with experience, agility and proximity to the client.’
‘A firm made up of excellent professionals of the highest calibre and quality. The firm is also concerned with diversity and inclusion.’
‘Maria Bofill – Excellence in corporate M&A.’
Key clients
Magazine Luiza
Lojas Renner
Vento Pampeiro Empreendimentos de Energia Renovável
PROC Participações
Sodexo do Brasil Comercial
Timac Agro
Splenda Parus Refeições
Aegro Holding
Instituto de Responsabilidade Social Sírio-Libanês
Work highlights
- Assisted Magazine Luiza with the merger of different subsidiaries in the financial market.
- Advising Lojas Renner on a corporate reorganisation.
- Advising Vento Pampeiro Empreendimentos de Energia Renovável on the implementation of its wind farm projects ,which includes assisting in investment rounds and implementing a new joint venture agreement.
CMT – Carvalho, Machado e Timm Advogados
The ‘highly technical’ corporate, M&A, and investment fund practice at CMT – Carvalho, Machado e Timm Advogados has extensive experience assisting both domestic and multinational companies in matters such as joint ventures, corporate restructuring, and equity sales. The locally established group is equipped to handle complex transactions involving foreign jurisdictions as well as day-to-day consultancy work. Leading the team are Rafael Bicca Machado and Giordano Andrei Dos Santos, who have expertise in M&A, commercial transactions, and joint ventures. Victoria Duarte is another notable name in the practice for her aptitude in commercial contracts.
Practice head(s):
Rafael Bicca Machado; Giordano Andrei dos Santos
Other key lawyers:
Victoria Duarte
Testimonials
‘Ability to offer personalised and dedicated service to clients with greater attention to the details of each case.’
‘Agile and flexible responses to client needs.’
‘They have the ability to deal with a variety of cases and situations, demonstrating versatility and a multidisciplinary approach.’
Key clients
Grupo Ludfor
Grupo Fida
Brivia
Empresas Randon
CMPC – Celulose Rio Grandense
Denso
Philip Morris
Serra Diesel
Quiq
Grupo Panvel
Merck
Banco de Lage Landen
Work highlights
- Advised Grupo Ludfor on forging a strategic partnership with Enerbrax Energia.
- Advised Grupo Fida on negotiations with Companhia Brasileira do Cobre and Mineração Carmec for the acquisition of assets related to a limestone deposit.
- Advised Grupo Brivia on the acquisition of Peppery.
Silveiro Advogados
Specialising in transactions, the corporate and M&A practice at Silveiro Advogados is adept in acquisitions, joint ventures, investments, and stake sales. Co-leading the practice are Pedro Chagas and Bia Kowalewski – Chagas is recognised for his expertise in private equity, venture capital, and M&A transactions; domestic and international investments, joint ventures, and corporate restructuring are other key areas of activity for the practice head. Other notable practitioners in the team include associates Julie Griebler, who concentrates on commercial contracts and M&A deals, Rodrigo Candia, who focuses on corporate and commercial litigation, and Guilherme Abreu, who handles corporate contracts and corporate governance matters.
Practice head(s):
Pedro Chagas; Bia Kowalewski
Other key lawyers:
Julie Griebler; Rodrigo Candia; Guilherme Abreu
Testimonials
‘Very close client service, creativity for solutions, in-depth technical knowledge, solid experience. The main difference is the level of service. They are always very close, available and agile.’
‘They have very deep technical knowledge and a lot of experience.’
‘Julie Griebler has lots of technical knowledge and provides very personal and agile service.’
Key clients
Brozauto Veículos e Peças
Pandrol Iberica SAU
Companhia Zaffari Comércio e Indústria
Sim Rede de Postos
Intecnial S.A. – Em Recuperação Judicial
Tecnologia em Movimentação
Hotel Casa da Montanha
Lojas Colombo S.A – Comércio de Utilidades Domésticas
Fleming Serviços Educacionais
Serviço Brasileiro de Apoio às Micro e Pequenas Empresas do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul
Banco Cooperativo Sicredi
Multiplan Empreendimentos Imobiliários
Work highlights
- Advised Brozauto Veículos e Peças on selling a spin-off company involving the separation of the client’s operations in a R$25m transaction to Sinoscar.
- Advised Pandrol Iberica SAU on the negotiation and review of a contract valued at approximately R$8m with Acciona Construcción, pertaining the construction of the Metro Orange Line in São Paulo.
- Advised Multiplan Empreendimentos Imobiliários on a multilateral negotiation involving Grêmio Football Club and the State of Rio Grande do Sul, regarding the development of key areas of interest in Porto Alegre, culminating in an aggregate of R$35m worth in investments.
Veirano Advogados
Recognised in the Porto Alegre market for its expertise in M&A transactions, Veirano Advogados acts for a varied client roster made up of domestic and multinational clients from a host of industries, most notably oil and gas, agribusiness, and construction. The team also has experience in commercial agreements, corporate governance, and contract drafting. Co-leading the practice are M&A specialists Fernando Verzoni, who has a strong track record in acquisitions, divestitures, and joint ventures, and Diego Fraga Lerner, noted for his aptitude in infrastructure projects, commercial agreements, and real estate transactions. Other central members of the group include associates Bernardo Haas and Eduarda Machado, both of whom concentrate on M&A transactions.
Practice head(s):
Fernando Verzoni; Diego Fraga Lerner
Other key lawyers:
Bernardo Haas; Eduarda Machado
Testimonials
‘The team stands out for their technical knowledge and availability.’
‘The availability of partners and associates, as well as knowledge in the areas of activity differentiates the practice.’
‘Veirano Advogados is characterised by timely and active involvement in the client’s interests and going beyond mere advice on cases. They constantly identify risks that may arise for clients and suggest alternative solutions.’
Key clients
Borrachas Vipal
Be8
Omega Green
ECB Holding
Associação dos Produtores de Biocombustível do Brasil
Yara Brasil Fertilizantes
Arauco Forest Brasil
S.Oleum Brasil Agro Industrial
Philip Morris do Brasil
Ignite Ops Holding
Goglio
Work highlights
- Advising Arauco Forest Brasil on the sale of its properties and forest assets in the States of Paraná, São Paulo, and Santa Catarina to Klabin for a total amount of R$ 5.7bn.
- Advised Goglio on the acquisition of a 51% stake in Mega Embalagens.
- Advised Refinaria de Petróleo Riograndense on a project involving live tests with renewable feedstock in traditional refinery, including licensing and a cooperation agreement with Petrobras involving the technology.
Gerson Branco Advogados
Primarily focused on providing day-to-day corporate advice, the team at Gerson Branco Advogados has extensive experience assisting clients in corporate disputes, liquidations, acquisitions, and demergers. The practice is a popular destination for domestic clients operating in a multitude of sectors, most notably real estate, agribusiness, and financial services. The group is under the joint leadership of Gerson Luiz Carlos Branco, Diogo Merten Cruz, and Flaviana Rampazzo Soares, all of whom are adept in corporate law. Another notable name is Lenine Munari Mariano da Rocha, who concentrates on M&A.
Practice head(s):
Gerson Luiz Carlos Branco; Diogo Merten Cruz; Flaviana Rampazzo Soares
Other key lawyers:
Lenine Munari Mariano da Rocha
Testimonials
‘The team is made up of the most qualified, attentive, and professional lawyers in the corporate, tax, and civil areas that we have ever hired.’
‘The entire team is extremely committed to solving tasks and is extremely competent and professional. They are agile in evaluating options, recommending the best path to their clients.’
‘The group stands out for their legal knowledge, expertise, and the results achieved.’
Key clients
Dakota Group
Tornak Holding
TKPAR Participações
RBS Ventures
051 Capital Gestão de Recursos
Grupo Soma
Cerealle Tecnologia em Alimentos
Granjas 4 Irmãos
Encorp Engenharia e Construções
Agropecuária Maragogipe
Raiz Educação
MDM Participações e Empreendimentos
Work highlights
- Advised RBS Ventures on the legal framework for its business model.
- Assisted Agropecuária Maragogipe with a corporate restructuring.
- Acted for Portocred in a liquidation proceeding.
Ilarraz Advogados
The corporate, commercial, and M&A team at Ilarraz Advogados was strengthened by the 2021 merger with LM Dias Advocacia Empresarial, a boutique firm specialising in corporate law. The practice is capable of handling succession planning, corporate restructuring, private investments, and M&A transactions, among other mandates, and its client base continues to grow. Leading the group is Lucas Martins Dias, who is noted for his expertise in corporate and commercial matters. Gabriela Caroline Debarba, who was promoted to partner in May 2023, is another key name in the team dedicated to commercial, corporate, and M&A issues.
Practice head(s):
Lucas Martins Dias
Other key lawyers:
Gabriela Caroline Debarba
Testimonials
‘The fir stands out for its boutique profile, providing personalised services, and keeping close to the client.’
‘I highlight Lucas Martins Dias for his constructive attitude, technical excellence, and security transmitted to the client.’
‘The team differentiates itself through its technical qualifications, client prioritisation, and always showing a sense of urgency.’