Best Private Equity Lawyers in Brazil

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Saboia e Silva Advogados
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Founded in 2000
50 people in their team
Portuguese
English
Corporate & Commercial Private Equity Government Relations & Lobbying +12 more
O Saboia e Silva Advogados, não apenas praticamos direito — criamos soluções jurídicas sob medida.Nossa equipe é o ponto de confiança para líderes empresariais, investidores e indivíduos que valorizam confidencialidade, análise precisa e uma abordagem focada em resultados.🔹 Nossos...
Guaruja, Brazil

English
BarretoSantos Advocacia stands out as a specialist law firm with a distinguished track record in administrative law, bankruptcy proceedings, business management consulting, civil law, and labor relations. The firm is widely recognized for its comprehensive legal services, crafted to meet the unique...
São Bernardo do Campo, Brazil

English
Sol Nascente is a distinguished accounting firm based in São Paulo, Brazil, with a legacy dating back to 1980. Over the past four decades, the firm has cultivated enduring relationships, maintaining over 45 active clients for more than 30 years. This longevity underscores their commitment to...
Mogi das Cruzes, Brazil

English
Vidal Costa Advogados is a distinguished law firm based in Mogi das Cruzes, São Paulo, offering comprehensive legal services across civil, criminal, labor, and tax law. The firm provides both consultative and contentious representation in all judicial instances, delivering personalized and...
Ubatuba, Brazil

English
Assessoria Iassuo is a distinguished law firm renowned for its comprehensive legal services and deep expertise in various practice areas. The firm's team comprises seasoned attorneys with extensive experience in corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, and regulatory compliance. Their profound...
Nery Contabilidade
Sao Paulo, Brazil

English
Nery Contabilidade is a distinguished firm in Brazil, known for delivering comprehensive solutions across multiple professional sectors. The firm leverages deep industry knowledge to support law firms, architects, associations and organizations, as well as a wide range of healthcare providers...
Demarest Lawyers
São Paulo, Brazil

Founded in 1948
1,000 people in their team
Portuguese
English
More than 75 years in the legal market have established us as one of the most respected law firms in Brazil and Latin America. Our experience has taught us that, in order to stay up to date with the demands of the market, we must not only value our history, but also have the courage to reinvent the...
Licks Attorneys
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Founded in 2011
500 people in their team
Portuguese
English
Licks Attorneys is one of Brazil’s most respected law firms in litigation. Our commitment to clients is unprecedent in the country. We focus on complex litigation, often technology-driven disputes. Our lawyers have an outstanding track-record handling the most high-profile intellectual property...
ALDO ROCHA Advogados
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Founded in 1996
50 people in their team
Portuguese
English
Strategic advocacyA law firm that seeks to be unique and differentiated in solutions to the problems presented by our clients.With a qualified technical team, we are able to assist you and your company in the most diverse activities developed.We are located in the center of the city of Rio de...
Velloza Lawyers
São Paulo, Brazil

Founded in 1993
500 people in their team
Portuguese
English
Founded in 1993, Velloza & Girotto Advogados Associados is a Brazilian law firm that blends modernity and tradition. Since inception, it has stated and lived up to its commitment to meet the aspirations of the most demanding national and international groups.Our diverse client base includes...
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About Private Equity Law in Brazil

Private equity involves investments in private companies or enterprises that are not publicly traded on stock exchanges. In Brazil, private equity plays a significant role in the capital markets, providing funding, strategic guidance, and operational support to businesses across various sectors. The Brazilian legal framework for private equity has evolved considerably in recent years, fostering a business environment that encourages both domestic and international investments. Private equity funds in Brazil typically operate under strict regulations, which guide their structure, fundraising practices, and operational requirements.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Private equity transactions can be highly complex and often require the expertise of legal professionals who understand the Brazilian market. Common situations where you may need a lawyer include:

  • Assisting with the formation and structuring of private equity funds
  • Negotiating partnership or investment agreements
  • Conducting legal due diligence on target companies
  • Ensuring compliance with local regulatory requirements
  • Drafting and reviewing transaction documentation
  • Handling cross-border investment issues
  • Resolving disputes between fund participants or with portfolio companies
  • Advising on tax strategies specific to private equity
  • Facilitating the exit process, such as sales or initial public offerings (IPOs)

Having a qualified attorney helps protect investor interests, ensures legal compliance, and supports the overall success of your private equity transaction.

Local Laws Overview

Several laws and regulatory bodies shape the private equity landscape in Brazil. The principal regulatory framework includes:

  • The Brazilian Securities and Exchange Commission (Comissão de Valores Mobiliários - CVM), which regulates securities markets and private equity fund structures
  • Law No. 6,385/1976 and CVM Instruction No. 578/2016, which specifically address the formation and operation of Private Equity Investment Funds (FIPs)
  • The Brazilian Civil Code, which guides general contract law and corporate structuring
  • Tax laws that affect cross-border investments, capital gains, and dividends
  • Anti-corruption legislation, such as the Brazilian Clean Company Act (Law No. 12,846/2013), relevant to due diligence processes

A notable characteristic of Brazilian private equity funds is the widespread use of FIPs. FIPs are investment vehicles designed for collective investment in shares, debentures, and other securities typically issued by private companies. Only qualified investors can participate in FIPs, and specific governance and reporting rules apply to these funds. Furthermore, cross-border investments must comply with requirements from the Central Bank of Brazil regarding currency exchanges and capital registration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a FIP (Fundo de Investimento em Participações)?

A FIP is a type of regulated investment fund in Brazil dedicated to making equity or equity-linked investments in private or public companies, typically used for private equity transactions.

Who can invest in Brazilian private equity funds?

Generally, only qualified investors such as institutions, high net worth individuals, and certain professionals are permitted to invest in private equity funds in Brazil.

What is the role of the CVM in private equity?

The CVM oversees and regulates investment funds, including FIPs, setting forth rules for their formation, governance, and transparency to protect investors and maintain market order.

How are private equity investments typically structured in Brazil?

Investments are commonly made through FIPs, which provide legal, tax, and regulatory advantages, and allow aggregation of capital from multiple investors for investment in portfolio companies.

Are there any restrictions on foreign investment in Brazilian private equity?

Foreign investors are allowed to participate in private equity funds, but must comply with requirements from the CVM and Central Bank of Brazil, including foreign capital registration and local reporting obligations.

What are the tax implications for private equity transactions?

Taxation can be complex, involving capital gains, withholding taxes, and sometimes exemptions depending on the investor profile and specific structure of the fund. Legal advice is important to optimize tax outcomes.

How does due diligence work for private equity investments in Brazil?

Due diligence typically covers legal, financial, labor, tax, and compliance issues within target companies, and is a crucial step before closing any private equity transaction to mitigate risks.

Can private equity funds invest in public companies in Brazil?

While FIPs can invest in both private and public companies, their primary focus is usually on private companies or public companies undergoing privatization or restructuring.

What is the typical exit strategy for private equity investments?

Common exit strategies include the sale of shares to a strategic buyer, an IPO, or a buyback by the portfolio company. Legal advice is key in structuring and executing exits.

How important is corporate governance in Brazilian private equity deals?

Strong corporate governance is essential. Investors and funds generally require rigorous governance policies to safeguard investments, including participation in board meetings, veto rights, and transparency on company performance.

Additional Resources

Here are some organizations and resources helpful for those seeking information or legal assistance in private equity in Brazil:

  • The Brazilian Securities and Exchange Commission (CVM)
  • Brazilian Private Equity and Venture Capital Association (ABVCAP)
  • Brazilian Central Bank (Banco Central do Brasil)
  • Legal and accounting firms specializing in corporate law and capital markets
  • Brazilian Bar Association (OAB) for finding specialized lawyers

Many of these organizations provide guidelines, statistics, and updates regarding regulations and best practices in the private equity sector.

Next Steps

If you are considering engaging in a private equity transaction or investment in Brazil, consider the following steps:

  • Clarify your investment objectives and identify potential target companies or funds
  • Reach out to a qualified attorney with expertise in private equity law and Brazilian regulatory requirements
  • Gather and prepare all relevant financial and company documents
  • Conduct preliminary research on legal requirements, fund structures, and possible tax implications
  • Consult with professionals who can guide you through the due diligence process
  • Ensure all agreements and transactions comply with local laws and regulations

Every private equity transaction is unique. Early legal counsel can help ensure that your interests are protected, compliance is maintained, and that your investment proceeds smoothly.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in Brazil through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including Private Equity, experience, and client feedback. Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters. Get a quote from top-rated law firms in Brazil - quickly, securely, and without unnecessary hassle.

Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation. We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.