Founded in 1992,
Santos Neto has developed into a notable full-service law firm. The firm boasts two offices, one in São Paulo and the other in New York.
The firm is best known for its work in the corporate and capital markets practice areas.
The banking and finance team
represents borrowers and lenders in transactions related to export facilities, syndicated loans, debt restructurings and loan financing.
The capital markets team specializes in debt work, specifically CRA’s, bonds issuances and real estate credit notes, mostly representing the underwriters. The team also works with issuers.
The M&A team advises investment fund buyers and sellers in acquisitions and corporate restructurings.
The firm has developed industry
expertise in agribusiness,
banking and financial services.
The firm has developed strong relationships with banking institutions including Rabobank, Crédit Agricole Corporate Investment Bank, Sumitomo, Amerra Capital Management and Banco Azteca.
Research period review: 33rd edition (2022/2023)
Over the past research cycle the firm has been active in banking,
capital markets, investment funds,
M&A and restructuring and insolvency.
In banking, the firm was engaged in sustainability linked cross-border financing transactions in the banking and agriculture sectors. The firm worked almost exclusively with lenders.
The capital markets department delivered experienced advice on multiple agribusiness receivable certificate offerings and also advised on several debt offerings.
The firm’s investment funds department was active in the real estate and agribusiness sectors
and also advised on confidential matters.
In M&A, the firm’s work included a joint venture in the real estate sector. It was also involved in confidential matters.
In restructuring and insolvency, the team
was mostly active in the investment management sector,
advising creditors in relation to chapter 11 proceedings.
In August of 2022, the firm recruited partner Nicolau Nardi from ABN AMRO to join the banking and finance and capital markets teams.
Deal highlights: 33rd edition (2022/2023)
Caramuru $150 million financing
Lavoura Group
restructuring
Moreno Group R$1 billion financing
Sucafina $400 million financing
Usina
Virgolino Oliveira
restructuring
Client feedback: 33rd edition (2022/2023)
Bank lending: Lender side
“Business-orientated,
timely and worked in partnership.”
“They
provide excellent knowledge of the agribusiness in Brazil, availability, flexibility and effectiveness and a good cost/benefit ratio.”
“The partners know very well the particularities of the Brazilian agro-industrial environment and, thus, help us to conduct the business more swiftly and accurately.”
“Expertise in the sector, up to date knowledge on legislation, and availability.”
“Great
expertise, notably in agribusiness and real estate.”
“Always available, great technical and local knowledge, objectivity, never over-promises, always very realistic.”
“Helpful and gave attention to details.”
Capital markets: Structured finance and securitization
“Availability and
expertise in financial operations and capital markets.”
“The law firm is extremely diligent, attentive and fulfils all promises.”
“Santos Neto's representatives were supportive, made themselves clear while working with the company's M&A team, wrote all documents as requested. The experience was
very positive.”
“Commitment, proactivity,
agility and assertiveness.”
“Always available, great technical and local knowledge, objectivity, never over-promises, always very realistic.”
Fernando Bilotti Ferreira
“Good teamwork and business oriented.”
“He is always available, has
very good technical knowledge, and is objective and practical.”
“Knowledge, availability,
flexibility and proximity.”
“He has knowledge and a client-oriented approach.”
“Knows everything in Brazil, from a law and business perspective. Very well connected. Always available to help and solve problems. One of the best lawyers.”
“Knowledge, availability, flexibility and proximity.”
“Extremely engaged and intelligent. He understands a lot about the agribusiness market, which makes negotiation a lot easier.”
“They were both
much supportive and attentive while working with the legal M&A team, showed their ability to give feedback on time, prepared very well-written documents and were communicative.”
“Francisco is always available and has been key in an arbitration process. He is very dedicated and has a great depth of knowledge.”
“Accessible,
committed and agile.”
“Extremely engaged and intelligent. He understands a lot about the agribusiness market, which makes negotiation a lot easier.”
“They were both
very supportive and attentive while working with the legal M&A team, showed their ability to give feedback on time, prepared very
well written documents and were communicative.”
“Giuliana is a very proactive and skilled lawyer who I worked with last year on a tough project, and she helped us through it with her sense of urgency and responsibility.”
“Client-oriented,
knowledgeable and available.”
“Knowledge, hands-on
approach and availability.”
“Matheus
Ziliotti has great technical insights and pays a lot of attention to detail.”
“Very grounded.
Great knowledge. Straight and
objective. Good in negotiations.”
“Availability,
expertise and knowledge of the business and risks involved in the operations.”
“Helpful, gives attention to detail and excellent accessibility.”
