Cementing its position as a market leader, Mattos Filho continues to be without peer in structural power transactions, servicing a host of high-value, notable M&A, PPA negotiations, and financing agreements for some of the biggest players across the electricity sector. A conscious focus on the energy transition sees the team participating in a lion’s share of current self-production projects, while on the regulatory front, members are frequently sought out for their aptitude in judicial claims and administrative proceedings before ANEEL. In São Paulo, Fabiano Ricardo Luz de Brito enjoys the confidence of power producers, utility providers, trading companies, and independent agents in matters of regulation and transactions, and Sofia Barbosa assists across the value chain with administrative proceedings, litigation, M&A transactions, and regulatory consulting. Rio de Janeiro’s Giovani Loss is an authority on clean and renewable energy, supporting on both transactions and strategy definition in administrative proceedings. Pablo Sorj takes the lead on multi-sourced financings, and is a key contact for investors engaging in project development and M&A, while Felipe Feres is particularly well versed in thermal plants, gas-to-power and renewable projects. Senior associate Bárbara Mendes Carnevalli, based in São Paulo, specialises in regulatory consulting spanning bidding procedures, PPAs, and M&A.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The Mattos Filho team is highly specialised in the area of M&A, providing high quality legal services at all stages of these transactions. The team is highly qualified, experienced and multidisciplinary, offering strategic advice and a proactive approach to assist with all aspects of the transaction.'

  • ‘The firm stands out in the legal market for acting proactively to resolve impasses that would make it impossible to conclude a transaction satisfactorily.’

  • ‘The firm works very closely with the client, knowing their needs and monitoring the evolution of each matter.’

  • ‘Sofia Barbosa undertakes all issues with the same degree of rigour and depth that she has always had with our company.’

  • ‘Electricity is its excellence in terms of expertise and quality of services offered. The team demonstrates a deep understanding of legal complexities, providing accurate and effective solutions for clients.’

  • ‘Felipe Feres coordinates regulatory matters in the energy sector and plays a fundamental role in matters related to the energy transition, offering strategic solutions and bringing updates on the topic. His ability to deal with complex issues and to lead and manage the team and client expectations during these processes were highly valued.’

  • ‘Felipe Feres stands out from competitors for his specialised expertise in the energy sector, his negotiation skills, his commitment to exceptional results and his ability to navigate challenging regulatory environments.’

Key clients

  • Câmara de Comercialização de Energia Elétrica – CCEE
  • Light
  • Banco Nacional de Desenvolvimento Econômico e Social – BNDES
  • AES Tietê Energia
  • Equatorial Energia
  • Norsk Hydro, Hydro Rein
  • Albras – Alumínio Brasileiro
  • Atem’s Distribuidora de Petróleo
  • Atlas Energia Renovável do Brasil
  • Galp Energia SGPS
  • Pan American Energy Energias Renováveis
  • Actis LLP
  • Echoenergia Participações
  • EDF EN do Brasil Participações
  • Elera Renováveis (Brookfield Renováveis)
  • Brookfield Asset Management
  • ABRADEE – Associação Brasileira de Distribuidores de Energia Elétrica
  • Gás Natural Açu (GNA)
  • Prumo Logística
  • BP Global Investments Limited
  • Siemens Participações
  • Equinor
  • Equinor Energy Ventures Fund
  • J. Malucelli Energia
  • Comerc Participações
  • Atiaia Energia
  • Neoenergia Renováveis
  • Mainstream Renewable Powers
  • Acciona Energia Chile
  • Victory Hill Capital Group
  • Macquairie Asset Management's Green Investment Group
  • PEC Energia
  • CEIBA Group (Portocem and Breitener)
  • Vitol Group
  • Corumbá Concessões
  • Minasligas
  • Raízen Energia
  • UTE Bioenergia Paraguaçu
  • Vale
  • Celeo Redes Brasil
  • Dislub-Equador Group

Work highlights

  • Advised Albras, Hydro Rein, and Atlas on the development of the self-production structure “Vista Alegre”, the largest US dollar-indexed power purchase agreement ever executed in Latin America.
  • Advised GIP on a transaction involving the sale of five photovoltaic projects owned by Atlas to Engie Brasil Energia, a deal amounting to R$3.24bn.
  • Advised Equinor Renewables Brazil, a subsidiary of Equinor, on the acquisition of Rio Energy from investment funds managed by Denham Capital.

Lawyers

Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Other key lawyers

Fabiano Ricardo Luz de Brito, Giovani Loss, Pablo Sorj, Felipe Feres, Sofia Barbosa, Bárbara Mendes Carnevalli