Praised for its ‘great negotiation skills’, Lefosse Advogados fields a large team that is fully dedicated to corporate law and M&A transactions. The group works with a broad range of corporate clients on a wealth of headline-grabbing transactions, demonstrating particular strength in the education, technology and energy sectors. The firm – which has been experiencing considerable growth in both headcount and market share – is a prime destination for Brazilian and foreign companies, as well as private equity funds and venture capital players engaged in ’critical transactions’, including cross-border deals. Luiz Octavio Lopes, whose ‘broad legal vision’ is highlighted by clients, has steered the team in an array of M&A transactions of national and international significance. Carlos Mello – one of ’the best M&A legal advisers in the market’ – is often retained by large Brazilian conglomerates in relation to M&A deals and corporate restructuring matters. André Calumby is turned to by several public companies, private equity firms and venture capital funds seeking advice on the entire spectrum of corporate matters, such as M&A and joint ventures, while recently promoted partner Lígia Padovani is also recommended for corporate restructurings, strategic M&A and private equity investments. Fernando Silveira Carvalho joined from TozziniFreire Advogados in April 2024.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘Lefosse is one of the leading law firms in Brazil. It has unique experience in M&A and the financial sector. We have used Lefosse in critical transactions. They have high technical expertise and an excellent track record. Great negotiation skills and full availability of senior members of the team.’
‘Luiz Octávio Lopes and Carlos Mello are some of the best M&A legal advisers in the market, in my opinion. They have above average technical quality and unique expertise in negotiating difficult matters, in addition to one of the best track records in transactions in the market. Luiz Octávio perfectly combines legal expertise with business aspects.’
‘We have been working with Lefosse for many years. They understand our demands, they know our governance and control group well. They are business oriented, they understand our day-to-day reality.’
‘Carlos Mello is an excellent professional. He is extremely proactive and has a sense of urgency. Renata Cardoso, André Ziccardi and Joao Paulo Pizarro also serve us with excellence.’
‘The firm's most prominent partner is Luiz Otávio Lopes. His market experience, good relationship with the various stakeholders (including banks and other law firms) and his broad legal vision are relevant differentials.’

Key clients

Notredame Intermédica
Pátria
Gol Linhas Aéreas
Vale
Bradesco
Credit Suisse
Magazine Luiza
Emergent Cold Latam
TOTVS
DASA
Marfrig
Klabin

Work highlights

Assisted NotreDame in its merger with Hapvida.
Advised GOL Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes in connection with the investment agreement with American Airlines (AA) for the expansion of GOL’s commercial cooperation with the US airline and a $200m equity investment by AA in 22.2m newly issued preferred shares of GOL (through a capital increase) for a 5.2% participation in GOL’s economic interest.
Advised J&F Mineração on the $150m acquisition of Mineração Corumbaense Reunida, International Iron Company and Transbarge Navegación.