In 2019, we were constantly consulted by companies that were not active or had no interest in investing in Brazil before, and that turned to us to understand the business environment and the best way to invest, after seeing the change in the scenario.
Amadeu Ribeiro
Resident partner at the New York office
As part of its strategy, Mattos Filho works to build long-term relationships with multinational companies and business partners around the world. The operating model, in addition to bringing constant learning and articulation on a global level, allows us to maintain a broad view of the opportunities for collaboration with companies, investors, and partners who intend to expand their businesses on Brazilian soil.
With offices based in the United States and the United Kingdom, Mattos Filho reaffirms the importance of being close to the client for an articulated performance among the players involved in each case. “We have the opportunity to establish direct contact with the headquarters of foreign companies and groups that operate in Brazil. In addition, we are noticed by organizations – that may not yet operate in Brazil – since we are present in chambers of commerce abroad, which act as a gateway to understand the local market”, details Rodrigo Figueiredo, resident partner of the London office.
The international presence brought to Mattos Filho a deep understanding of how to collaborate successfully with clients from different locations and translate Brazilian law in a unique way. “We have become sophisticated in our relationship with large foreign groups, as our immersion in local cultures has allowed us to develop more and more the sense of being effective when it comes to understanding what is strategic and a priority to them”, adds Rodrigo.
Although our performance is within the scope of Brazilian law from an international point of view, our role allows us to lead projects of regional span.
Paula Vieira
Partner of the Corporate/M&A practice
When thinking about relationships, nothing is more valuable than a client who, regardless of their nationality, is familiar with the professionals and trusts the given advice. Based on this, Mattos Filho maintains multidisciplinary groups formed by professionals who have extensive knowledge of culture and the market in several countries, including Germany, China, Spain, the United States, France, Israel, Japan, Portugal, the United Kingdom and Latin America.
Also, the firm takes part in initiatives, such as working with Brazilian groups that foster international business relations, participating and organizing events on national legislation, as well as having recurring meetings with market players.
According to Amadeu Ribeiro, a resident partner at the New York office, the international presence is the result of a collective effort that involves many areas and teams of Mattos Filho. “From the work of lawyers with cultural affinity and specialized knowledge on topics of interest to different markets and the effective professional experience in serving business groups of assorted nationalities, we are able to provide a unique and excellent service”, he details.
The international work is one of Mattos Filho’s strategic pillars that also creates opportunities to serve clients in their regional needs. Paula Vieira, partner of the Corporate/M&A practice who leads the multidisciplinary group focused on Latin America, explains: “Although our performance is within the scope of Brazilian law from an international point of view, our role allows us to lead projects of regional span,” she says.
We have become sophisticated in our relationship with large foreign groups, as our immersion in local cultures has allowed us to develop more and more the sense of being effective when it comes to understanding what is strategic and a priority to them.
Rodrigo Figueiredo
Resident partner of the London office
The reforms carried out in recent years, which were consolidated at the national legislative level, made Brazil a country with a more favorable environment for business, starting a movement that made the country more attractive to investors in 2019.
One example of reform is the Lei da Liberdade Econômica (Brazilian Economic Freedom Act), which has increased legal certainty and reduced bureaucracy in trade relations and investments in Brazil, thus helping the country to regain strength in the context of long-term international investment.
From a perspective committed to understanding the specific needs of each segment, Mattos Filho was able to contribute to the success of many new investments in the country, driven by the resumption of economic growth. “In 2019, we were constantly consulted by companies that were not active or had no interest in investing in Brazil before, and that turned to us to understand the business environment and the best way to invest, after seeing the change in the scenario,” says Amadeu Ribeiro.
The firm acts as an orchestra bringing together professionals with a high level of expertise in different practice areas, making us specialists in structuring investments in different sectors.
Ana Carolina Nomura
Partner from the Asset Management Services and Investment Funds practice
When evaluating foreign investments in the national market during the last year, as well as the opportunities that were opened for Brazilian companies and funds to invest in other countries, the importance of a strategy that contemplates several specialties is highlighted, being able to assess all the impacts and opportunities of each business.
According to partner Paula Vieira, the role of the firm is to translate all aspects related to a market or company into one language, while creating and offering opportunities through a horizontal structure formed by different legal areas. For her, this will even allow clients to have support in a future economic recovery, after the crisis caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, as soon as businesses return to more reasonable levels. “When you have a vision capable of sustaining long-term strategies, you can have more stories of success”, she explains.
The investment fund industry in Brazil was a prominent example in 2019. According to Ana Carolina Nomura, the adjustments made in the national market provided more legal certainty for investors, and, in a more stable future, they may bring new opportunities from other countries and foreign funds. “The firm acts as an orchestra bringing together professionals with a high level of expertise in different practice areas, making us specialists in structuring investments in different sectors. We are pioneers on several areas, which enables us to provide innovative solutions that are aligned with the business needs of these possible investors “, she concludes.
The firm sees Brazil’s role on the international scenario optimistically, as the country continues to be the 10th largest economy in the world, endowed with a very relevant consumer market and with great potential. With in-depth knowledge of the market, Mattos Filho positions itself as a complete business hub for its clients, advising them on all opportunities and challenges they may face in Brazil.
