Combining regulatory, transactional and multijurisdictional capabilities, Cescon Barrieu houses an ‘extremely agile and committed’ corporate and M&A practice which is well positioned to handle a significant volume of large-cap deals on behalf of major public corporations, privately-held companies and financial institutions. Working in close collaboration with antitrust, tax, labour and securities experts, the team is active in an array of sectors, including telecoms, IT, consumer goods and energy – the latter being an area of particular strength. Maria Cristina Cescon, who is highly regarded for representing financial institutions, corporations and private equity funds in investment matters and high-value M&A, and Marcos Flesch, a name to note for joint ventures, restructurings and corporate governance, co-head the group. Tech companies, PE funds and financial services conglomerates regularly turn to Ronald Herscovici for advice on leveraged acquisitions, tender offers and M&A. Cristina de Freitas Bueno (who has a strong background in investment banking), Darkson Delmondes Galvão and Ana Carolina Castro Reis Passos are all experienced across the full range of corporate transactions; and Luciana De Castro Mares Torres is a key contact for energy, retail and agribusiness clients. Corporate governance and public M&A are among Fernanda Montorfano Gibson’s areas of expertise, while Eduardo Lanna is particularly recommended for his performance in power deals. Other individuals of note include Vitor Stern, Manoela Miranda (who is regularly instructed by clients from the pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, retail, and food and beverages sectors), and senior associate Isabel Trigueros. Matheus Fernandes was raised to the partnership in November 2022.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘The firm is one of the most specialised in M&A transactions in the electricity sector.’
‘A team that understands the client and what the client needs, goes beyond the legal and helps us solve problems from the perspective of the business owner. They are extremely agile, committed and have an incredible technique.’
‘Cescon, Barrieu, Flesch & Barreto Advogados is among the three best M&A firms in the country. They are totally business-oriented, fast and with deep knowledge of the matter.’
‘Extremely committed, agile, and has diverse experience to address strategic and more complex issues.’
‘Partners are very attuned to the market. Team is easily accessible, and responds to demands within the deadlines. All very intelligent and experienced professionals.’
‘Eduardo Lanna is the most talented professional of his generation. He has a vast list of transactions in his curriculum. He does a fantastic job.’
‘Maria Cristina Cescon and Vitor Stern are recommended.’
‘Eduardo Lanna and his team is always available. Each day that passes, the firm surprises me more with the work developed.’

Key clients

AES Brasil Energia
B3 – Brasil, Bolsa, Balcão
Brookfield Asset Management
Camil Alimentos
Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB)
Carta Fabril
Copa Energia
EDP Energias do Brasil
Encora Holdings Limited
Enel Brasil
Equatorial Energia
Fonte Saúde/Alliar
Grupo Cortel
Grupo Edenred
Hypera
ICL Group
Inspired Education
JBS
Mogiana Alimentos
Petro Rio
Smartfit
Suzano
Unimed BH

Work highlights

Advised Brookfield Asset Management on of carve out process and subsequent acquisition by an investment fund managed by affiliates of Brookfield Asset Management of said carved-out assets from the RAC (rent-a-car) and used car sales' operations of Unidas Aluguel de Carros.
Advised Petro Rio on the merger of all shares issued by Dommo Energia into a Petro Rio subsidiary.
Assisted CPPIB in the corporate reorganisation of the joint venture with Votorantim with the purpose of developing renewable energy greenfield projects in the context of the energy transition process in Brazil.

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