Melhores Advogados de Diligência prévia em São Paulo

About Diligência prévia Law in São Paulo, Brasil

Diligência prévia, or due diligence, is the structured process of gathering and assessing information before completing a transaction. In São Paulo, it combines federal corporate law with local registry practices and business culture to identify liabilities, compliance gaps, and regulatory hurdles. The goal is to enable informed negotiation, pricing, and risk management for buyers, sellers, and investors. Lei das Sociedades por Ações - Lei nº 6.404/1976 and Codigo Civil - Lei nº 10.406/2002 provide the framework for disclosures, contracts, and fiduciary duties that shape due diligence practices in SP. Lei nº 6.015/1973 governs public registrations that are often part of a diligence review, especially for real estate and corporate records. For transactions under public procurement or corporate restructuring, recent updates such as the Nova Lei de Licitações and modern insolvency rules also influence diligence activities.

In practice, diligência prévia in São Paulo covers corporate, real estate, fiscal, trabalhista e ambiental aspects, among others. Local registries, notaries, and the São Paulo business community expect thorough verification of ativos, passivos, contratos, tributos, litígios, and compliance programs. A qualified attorney or legal counsel coordinates the process, interprets local nuances, and presents actionable recommendations to clients. Junta Comercial do Estado de São Paulo - JUCESP and Comissão de Valores Mobiliários - CVM provide relevant regulatory context for SP transactions.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

In São Paulo, certain diligence scenarios require specialized legal oversight to avoid material risk and ensure compliance. An attorney can translate complex regulatory requirements into actionable terms for negotiations and closing documents. Below are concrete, real world scenarios where a lawyer is essential.

• Acquiring a private São Paulo company with active labor lawsuits and hidden payroll liabilities. A lawyer conducts diligence on payroll, benefits, and potential contingencies, preventing post closing surprises. This includes reviewing a company's hiring practices and labor court history in SP courts.
• Purchasing a commercial property in a high demand area like Pinheiros or Moema. The diligence includes verifying the matrícula, zoning, municipal taxes, and possible encumbrances or ações possessórias. A local attorney coordinates with the Cartório de Registro de Imóveis and checks the public registro status.
• Forming a joint venture with a São Paulo partner that has ongoing tax disputes. A diligência prévia assesses tax compliance, outstanding credits, and potential tax risks across federal, state, and municipal levels. The lawyer also analyzes transfer pricing and intercompany agreements relevant to SP operations.
• Negotiating a financing deal or debt restructuring for a SP based company. O advogado reviews debt covenants, securities, and collateral packages to align with the LSA framework and SP registry requirements. This helps avoid non-compliance with disclosure obligations before lenders.
• Engaging in a cross border acquisition where the target has substantial assets in São Paulo. The diligence includes verifying foreign investment approvals, local registrations, and compliance with SP environmental and labor regulations. A Brazilian attorney coordinates with international counsel for a cohesive review.
• Handling a public procurement or government contract in São Paulo. Diligence must align with the Nova Lei de Licitações (Law 14.133/2021) and regulatory guidance from public bodies. The attorney ensures bid compliance, contract terms, and adequate disclosure of contingencies.

Local Laws Overview

São Paulo users must understand how federal and state level rules shape diligência prévia for different transaction types. The following laws are central to diligence practice in the state and provide the basis for conducting proper assessments.

• Lei nº 6.404/1976 - Lei das Sociedades por Ações. This law governs corporate governance, disclosure, and fiduciary duties for sociedades anônimas. It informs how information must be disclosed during due diligence for mergers and acquisitions. Source
• Código Civil, Lei nº 10.406/2002 - Regula contratos, relações envolvendo propriedade e obrigações entre particulares, including due diligence implications for asset transfers and corporate reorganizations. Source
• Lei nº 6.015/1973 - Registros Públicos. Regula registros de imóveis, títulos e documentos, e atos societários que são cruciais para verificação de titularidade, ônus reais e regularidade registral em diligências imobiliárias e societárias. Source
• Lei nº 14.133/2021 - Nova Lei de Licitações e Contratos. Relevante para diligências em contratos com o poder público, incluindo exigências de compliance, planejamento, e transparência em licitações realizadas no Estado de São Paulo. Source

Notas de contexto: as mudanças recentes na legislação de licitações e na lei de falências podem impactar a diligência prévia, especialmente em transações complexas ou envolvendo recuperação de empresas. Consulte fontes oficiais para versões atualizadas e guias específicos. Nova Lei de Falências (Lei 14.112/2020) - alterações relevantes

Frequently Asked Questions

What is diligência prévia and how is it used in São Paulo?

Diligência prévia is a structured information review performed before a transaction. In SP, it focuses on corporate records, real estate titles, tax compliance, and potential liabilities. The goal is to reduce risk and inform negotiation terms.

How do I start a diligência prévia for a real estate purchase in SP?

Begin with a title search at the Cartório de Registro de Imóveis and obtain the matrícula. Then verify municipal taxes, liens, and zoning rules. Hire a São Paulo lawyer to coordinate the process and interpret findings.

Do I need a lawyer for diligência prévia in São Paulo corporations?

Yes. A lawyer with SP experience reviews corporate documents, registers, and potential liabilities. They coordinate with registries and counter parties to ensure accuracy and enforceable terms.

How much does diligência prévia typically cost in São Paulo?

Costs vary by complexity and asset type. A basic corporate due diligence might start around a few thousand reais, while comprehensive checks for a merger can exceed tens of thousands. Request detailed proposals from local attorneys.

How long does a diligência prévia take in SP?

Typical durations range from 2 to 6 weeks depending on scope and document availability. Real estate diligence can be shorter or longer based on registry processing times.

Do I need to provide documents for diligência prévia?

Yes. Expect to provide corporate documents, financial statements, contracts, property titles, tax clearance, and litigation history. A lawyer helps assemble a tailored checklist for your transaction in SP.

What is the difference between diligência prévia and title search?

A due diligence is broader and includes financial, legal, and regulatory aspects. A title search focuses specifically on the ownership and encumbrances of a particular asset.

Can I perform diligência prévia myself?

While you can collect basic documents, a licensed attorney is strongly recommended for interpretation and risk assessment. Professionals understand SP registries and local compliance requirements.

Should I hire a local São Paulo lawyer for due diligence?

Yes. A local attorney understands SP registries, practices in courts, and regional business norms. They can negotiate terms and manage communications with SP authorities.

Is diligência prévia mandatory for all acquisitions in SP?

There is no universal legal requirement for all deals, but large or regulated transactions often require due diligence. In practice, it is standard to protect investment and meet fiduciary duties.

What roles do registries and notaries play in diligência prévia in SP?

Registries provide official records of ownership and encumbrances. Notaries handle documents such as deeds and contracts. Both are essential sources in SP due diligence.

Where can I find official guidelines for diligência prévia in SP?

Official information can be found through federal laws published on Planalto and by consulting SP registries and registrars. Start with planalto.gov.br and JUCESP for state level guidance.

Additional Resources

• Junta Comercial do Estado de São Paulo (JUCESP) - Registra atos societários, alterações, falências e outros documentos empresariais no estado de SP. Site oficial: jucesp.sp.gov.br
• Ordem dos Advogados do Brasil - Seção de São Paulo (OAB SP) - Regula e orienta a prática profissional de advogados no estado. Site oficial: oabsp.org.br
• Comissão de Valores Mobiliários (CVM) - Normas e orientações sobre diligência em ofertas e operações com valores mobiliários. Site oficial: cvm.gov.br

Next Steps

1. Defina o objetivo da diligência: tipo de transação (compra, fusão, locação, financiamento) e ativos envolvidos. Estime o orçamento e o prazo desejados.
2. Pesquise advogados com foco em diligência prévia em São Paulo via OAB SP e referências locais. Compare experiência, casos semelhantes e metodologia.
3. Solicite propostas formais e NDA (acordo de confidencialidade). Peça cronograma, entregáveis e honorários formais.
4. Monte uma lista de documentos para a diligência com ajuda do advogado. Inclua contratos, títulos, tributos, passivos trabalhistas e litígios.
5. Implemente uma checklist de verificação e atribua responsabilidades internas para respostas rápidas.
6. Conduza a diligência com o suporte do advogado e mantenha a comunicação com todas as partes. Documente alterações e riscos identificados.
7. Receba o relatório de diligência, revise termos de negociação e ajuste o contrato final antes do fechamento.