Corporate/M&A (International Firms) | Global

Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton maintains a long-standing and highly respected presence in Brazil. Its São Paulo and New York teams are frequently hired by Brazilian firms negotiating assets abroad, and by international companies investing or divesting in Brazil. In addition to the New York-based firm's widely respected cross-border capabilities, Cleary's team has accumulated formidable knowledge of the Brazilian market and maintains an enviable portfolio of top transactions in the country.

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & Affiliates' worldwide practice has written, and continues to write, a special chapter in Brazil. The New York firm's dedicated São Paulo office is a port from which clients can navigate the complexities of the Brazilian business landscape, while top international deals involving assets in Brazil and key Brazilian investments abroad get the full attention of Skadden's prime M&A team in New York. The firm handles the full spectrum of high-end corporate matters and has an enviable portfolio of complex and sophisticated deals in this market.

White & Case has not only built a formidable presence in Brazil, but also maintains a highly qualified team of Portuguese-speaking lawyers with experience in Brazil-related deals in its New York, Houston, Madrid and Miami offices. Its wide M&A offering is much admired by top Brazil clients, many of whom maintain a long-term relationship with the firm, which established and boosted its presence in Brazil before many of its peers in the market.

Clifford Chance is a solid international law firm assisting domestic and international clients with cross-border M&A deals. It is also able to advise on joint ventures, corporate governance and investment, and antitrust matters. It is often instructed by clients from the energy, banking, finance and pharma sectors. The lawyers of the team are based in New York and São Paulo.

Davis Polk & Wardwell is frequently involved in top deals connected to the Brazilian market. The firm maintains an active and well-equipped office in São Paulo and also advises clients from its New York headquarters. It has an enviable portfolio of cases, having provided assistance to major players from the paper, oil and gas, power, banking and telecoms industries, among others. Deals include mergers with a global impact on particular industries, complex joint venture agreements and market-changing privatisation deals.

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett maintains a strong presence in the Brazilian market advising on high-value M&A deals, cross-border joint venture agreements and innovative corporate matters, including investment rounds in the venture capital landscape. Its senior M&A teams in New York benefit from a fully equipped and partner-led office in São Paulo.

Debevoise & Plimpton is active on transactions involving Brazilian assets. Noted for handling high-profile matters from its New York headquarters, the team is frequently sought out by Brazilian companies and investors to guide them through the cross-border aspects of deals. The firm maintains a solid client roster, especially in the insurance industry, and is seen by commentators as a strong participant in the market.

Hogan Lovells is praised by market commentators for its work advising clients on M&A mandates, which includes tasks such as negotiating agreements and handling regulatory topics in relation to cross-border transactions. The firm is also well versed in corporate governance, and many of its clients are active in the technology, healthcare and finance sectors. The team is based in São Paulo, New York and Washington.

Latham & Watkins LLP demonstrates high activity in the corporate/M&A arena in Brazil. Its Latin American team represents clients on cross-border transactions dealing with contractual, finance and compliance issues. The firm is able to act on behalf of private equity funds and corporations.

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius is active in Brazil handling a range of corporate matters, including corporate restructuring. Brazilian clients admire the Philadelphia firm's efficiency and ability to drive cross-border mandates.

Paul Hastings maintains an active office in São Paulo showcasing a team noted by market participants for handling cross-border middle-market M&A deals. The Los Angeles firm is also able to provide advice on joint venture mandates.

Winston & Strawn LLP is building a presence in Brazil. The Chicago-based firm maintains a solid client roster of Brazilian companies investing in assets in the USA. It also handles mergers and acquisitions involving assets in Brazil.