Established in 1948,
Demarest is one of the largest firms in Latin America and boasts four Brazilian offices in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro,
Brasília and Campinas, as well as an international branch in New York.
The firm’s international reach stretches beyond its New York office as part of several legal networks including Lex Mundi, Interlex and Employment Law Alliance.
The firm works across financial and corporate and project development matters.
The banking team focuses
on syndicated loans and debt restructuring on both the borrower and lender side.
In capital markets the firm
represents both issuers and underwriters in debt and equity matters.
The M&A team has
expertise in a wide variety of industries and client types. It
represents strategic buyers, private equity buyers and sellers in public and private M&A transactions.
The project development team advises bidders, concessionaires and financial sponsors in projects ranging from sanitation to infrastructure to power.
Key clients for the firm include
Vibra Energia, Ford Motor Company
Brasil, Smart RJ, Banco Itaú, Focus Energia, Nike and Consortium
Conecta Campinas.
Research period review: 33rd edition (2022/2023)
Over the research period the
firm-maintained activity in the banking, capital markets, investment
funds, M&A, private equity,
projects and restructuring and insolvency
practice areas.
The banking team advised borrowers from various industries including healthcare, automotive, agriculture and aviation on complex financing transactions. The firm also worked with international financial institutions.
On the debt side of capital markets, the firm advised several
investments firms
as lead managers for issuances in the banking,
agriculture and energy
sectors among others. For equity,
the firm assisted on cross-border offerings in the financial sector.
The
investment funds team focused
its work in the banking sector, advising clients on innovative fund structures.
In M&A, the firm advised more buyers than sellers on public and private acquisitions while also participating in some joint ventures. Agriculture was the
most active sector for
the firm.
The private equity team also advised on various private acquisitions with particularly innovative components.
The firm also completed some cross-border financial investment deals.
The firm was engaged in
PPPs and concessions in
the transport, energy,
oil and gas and technology and telecommunications industries.
On the finance side, the firm advised on project securitizations and other complex fundraising transactions for renewable
energy projects.
In restructuring and insolvency, the firm advised on
large-scale restructurings and other proceedings.
Deal highlights: 33rd edition (2022/2023)
ArcelorMittal
Brasil
$2.2 billion acquisition of Companhia Siderúrgica do
Pecém
Corteva
$1.2 billion acquisition of Stoller Group
Inter Platform Nasdaq IPO
LATAM Airlines Group
$2.75 billion DTE financing
North Block
II Concession project
Open Plaza $500 million acquisition financing
São Martinho $214 million bond issuance
Client feedback: 33rd edition (2022/2023)
“Demarest was one of the main law firms that helped design and structure the transaction, which was extremely complex and involved much regulatory and legal discussion, in Brazil, Cayman and in the
US. The Demarest team was proactive and very responsive to find solutions and innovate in all challenges
encountered. They also led important parts of the deal.”
Restructuring: Restructuring and insolvency
“They are responsive, pro deal and hands-on and produce high-quality work.”
“Availability 24/7, unique
expertise, and deep knowledge of cross-border insolvency procedures.”
“Demarest navigated me through the Brazilian restructuring landscape and provided me with safe advice in an area that I was not familiar with – Demarest's guidance was critical to our internal decision-making process concerning the transaction.”
“Demarest has the most efficient restructuring team. Its partner Guilherme Bechara
provides an excellent service to Latam. He is
very knowledgeable and available 24/7.”
“Responsive. High-quality work. Pro-deal. Very constructive.”
“Guilherme is one of the best restructuring and insolvency lawyers in Brazil. He is
very knowledgeable and handles the most complex transactions smoothly.”
“Excellent attorney. Extremely responsive and available.
Good communication skills. Guilherme provided us with good advice that kept us confident during the process. He
demonstrated deep knowledge not only of the law, but also of the market and industry.”
“Efficient, knowledgeable, 24/7 availability despite its many clients.”
“José is extremely strategic, hands-on, works with excellence and has an excellent sense of timing.”
“Thiago has an excellent knowledge of corporate legal matters, is always looking for the best solution and is a problem solver.”
