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

In the last two years, BTG Pactual’s legal team was involved in many cases and transactions. We concluded about 100 M&A transactions, supporting the expansion process of BTG Pactual, in the acquisition of brokers, investment managers, investment funds, in the estate sector, technology companies and digital services, among which the acquisitions of shares in V.Tal in the amount of R$13bn and of shares to consolidate the control of Banco Pan, in the amount of R$3.6bn and the sale of shares in Credpago to Loft for R$1.4bn.

Additionally, we participated in the Eletrobras share offering in the total amount of R$33.7bn, the largest privatisation in Brazil since Telebras in 1998, and the largest share offering in the western hemisphere in 2022, and in the acquisition, for R$2.5bn, of a controlling interest in Ômega Energia by Actis. Also, we took part in the issuance of R$1.8bn in debentures by Gás Natural Açu, in the structuring of tactical bonds funds that raised R$1.1bn in resources, and in the structuring of five ETFs of asset management of the only equity investment funds listed in 2021 and of the infrastructure investment funds that are market precursors. Our legal department played a role in the DIP financing of Oi Móvel in the amount of R$2bn, as well as in the structuring of financing for 3R Petroleum, in the amount of US$500m, and in the guarantee of R$1.8bn for the acquisition of Pampa Sul.

I led the activities in three national and international arbitrations with an economic impact of more than R$3bn, in legal and administrative proceedings with an economic impact of approximately R$9.5bn, and led an agreement with Banco Bradesco to regulate the allocation of liabilities linked to inflationary purges of economic plans of the former Banco Bamerindus, which represented a legal innovation and received praise from supreme court members. Additionally, I led the regulatory process of corporate reorganisation of the controlling group of BTG Pactual before more than 20 regulators around the world, including regulators in Brazil, Switzerland, the EU, the UK and other jurisdictions involved.

As we live in a fast-paced world today, what skills will a corporate legal team need to succeed in the modern in-house industry?

The speed of today’s world requires that, in order to be successful, a company’s legal team must be effectively integrated, composed of versatile members, with technical depth and creativity. Professionals must know how to ask, listen and feel comfortable to change their opinion, avoiding being restricted by pre-judgments or preconceptions.

The team must be able to make quick decisions and inserted in the business and commercial context of the various areas, leaving the stereotype of an expendable or consultative area for an active and capable area assisting in the growth of the company’s operations and results, including identifying opportunities and acting in an entrepreneurial way. Engagement with the employer’s culture, in a way that complements the skills already covered, will be another key aspect for the success of the legal team within the company.