What are the most significant cases or transactions that your legal team has recently been involved in?

In the last year, we actively participated in the expansion of Grupo Equatorial Energia, more specifically in the acquisition of three energy distributors (Rio Grande do Sul/CEED, Amapá/CEA and Goiás/CELG-D) and a big renewables platform, Echoenergia. In addition, I also played a key part in the auction that culminated in the acquisition of the former CAESA/CSA, marking the group’s entry into the sanitary sector. It is also worth highlighting all the support for fundraising operations for the entire Equatorial Group, including a Follow On and several issues of Debêntures. I would also add the strong performance in the management of volume litigation and strategic litigation. Not to mention the implementation of the compliance program, as well as the entire program to adapt to the data protection and privacy act in all companies that are part of the Equatorial group.

How important is choosing to work with external lawyers who align with your company’s values? Are you likely to reconsider what firms you work with based on this?

In our management model, it is essential that there is an allignment with external counsel. Especially because, in our view, there is a need for complementary work, more specialised from the external office, but that meets the expectations of our team, but also availability, flexibility, a productive relationship, that is, not just an external advisor, but who is involved and interested in the strategic objectives of the company and its area of ​​activity. For these reasons, we would always reconsider firms that work with us and that share our values.

What are some of the main legislative or regulatory changes that have impacted you?

There have been already alterations announced by the new government that have an impact on the conformation of the new sanitation framework, generating uncertainties in this segment. Changes that may have an impact on the electricity sector legislation, such as changing the deadline for subsidies for the Distributed Generation segment, in addition to other PLs with a possible interventionist bias.