Brazil

Highlights 

Pinheiro Guimarães continues to advise on landmark transactions and complex restructurings in Brazil. The firm acted as Brazilian counsel in Vale’s major international bond offering and tender process, supporting a syndicate of global financial institutions in a deal that required navigating intricate cross-border legal frameworks. It also played a key role in the judicial reorganization of Agrogalaxy Group, representing Banco Santander in both litigation and plan negotiations. This proceeding, the largest agribusiness restructuring in Brazil to date, involved a broad creditor base and set important legal precedents for future sector-wide reorganizations. 

Key Publishable:  

Banco Safra, Itaú BBA, XP Investimentos, Quadra Capital, International Finance Corporation (IFC)  

Testimonials 

“Guilherme Vaz stands out for his relentless approach and technique.” (Restructuring and Insolvency client) 

“Besides a complete dominance of the legal matters of the project, Pinheiro Guimarães stood out as having a practical, pro-business approach, which was key to negotiating the agreement. Also, the team is very proactive, always available to help.” (Private equity client) 

“Excellence in legal advice” (Investment funds client) 

“Pinheiro Guimarães offers extremely technical guidance in ABS facilities structured in Brazil, either through a fund structure denominated locally as FIDCs, or through a securitization SPE. The engagement with the senior team at Pinheiro Guimarães has always been constant, as well as their proximity to the day-to-day discussions on each facility that they have advised my firm on, from beginning to end. Their expertise is outstanding. Pinheiro Guimarães will also provide legal guidance on secondary aspects of a specific transaction, such as tax implications, litigations, as well as any post-closing legal inquiries we may have related to a facility that Pinheiro Guimarães advised us on.” (Asset finance) 

“Their diligence and understanding of the structure - they really stand out on figuring out the financial aspect of what's to be implemented on the documentation, so there are less reviews to be done as they already do it right on the first try.” (Capital markets client) 

“The firm stands out for its strong command of the regulatory framework applicable to investment funds and infrastructure in Brazil, consistently demonstrating technical rigor and legal certainty in complex transactions. The team combines deep legal knowledge with practical market insight, resulting in efficient deliverables aligned with industry needs. Its proactive approach and ability to engage constructively with the various stakeholders involved in the offering process further distinguish it from other firms in the sector.” (Investment funds client) 

“Always available to discuss and to not afraid to bring senior people to the table. Sometimes the law firm pitch showcases a lot of beautiful pictures and it’s a junior team doing all the heavy lifting. NOT PGA.” (Capital markets client) 

Guilherme Vaz  

“Fierce litigator. Relentless. Smart and tactical.” 

Rene Brunet  

“Pro-business approach, with a complete understanding of the full picture of the project and a reasonable approach to the negotiation. Also, a very good communicator in the interactions with the other party.” 

Paula Pessoa 

“Excellence in legal advice” 

Paula Pessôa  

“Paula is extremely technical and has a deep understanding of ABS structures in Brazil, which are typically structured through either a fund structure (FIDC) or through a securitization SPE. Paula clearly understands the dynamics of each facility that she has advised my firm on and has always provided extraordinary service.” 

Paula Pessôa  

“Paula stands out for her strong technical skills and consistently accessible, collaborative approach. She handles complex discussions with clarity and confidence, combining deep regulatory knowledge with a practical and objective mindset. Her presence inspires trust and adds significant value to the smooth execution of transactions, particularly in matters involving structured funds and infrastructure.” 

Ivie Moura  

“Very knowledgeable professional, competent from beginning to end. Diligent when needed, flexible when required.”