Exclusive: UGGC Avocats Adds Brazil Offices

UGGC Avocats has just managed to do what many law firms can only dream of – get a foothold in Brazil. For the opening of their two offices, in Belo Horizonte and São Paulo, the firm chose to partner with Manucci Advodagos, a particularly internationally orientated local firm, whose website is available in English and French, as well as Portuguese.

Founded in 2002 by Daniel Manucci, the firm has nine partners and 30 other lawyers in its two offices. Although principally known for corporate/M&A activities, the firm is equipped to handle the entire spectrum of business-related legal matters. According to its founder, the firm saw turnover growth of 30% in 2018.  

This tie-up did not come out of the blue. A trusting relationship has built up between the two firms over the years. They are members of the Interlaw network and as such have been able to road-test their compatibility.  

A winning combination

The partnership must, of course, abide by Brazilian regulations and so UGGC for the moment, has attached its name to that of Manucci Advogados. The branding of the firm will soon receive a makeover to bring it into line with that of UGGC Avocats. But beyond these issues of marketing, the firms will also draw closer by having lawyers from each firm spend time at the other. A Brazil desk has been set up in Paris and a France desk in Belo Horizonte. A minimum of one French lawyer will be based full time in Brazil and a Brazilian will split their time between Paris and London. The handling of Franco-Brazilian cases is further facilitated by regular conferences and meetings between the two countries, which UGGC partners in China and Africa are free to attend.

For the French firm, this union is in response to demands from European and Chinese clients. Cases on which they collaborated were already numerous, pre-merger. Joining with UGGC allows the Brazilian firm to have a presence in Europe, China and in Africa and to develop these three important axes of financing as well as Brazilian projects. It’s a winning combination for the two firms and their clients.         

An interview with:

Daniel Manucci, Founder, Manucci Advogados & Ali Bougrine, Partner, UGGC Avocats

“We’ve come here at the right time”

With their new Brazil offices, French firm UGGC has added another string to their bow, while for their part Manucci Advogados have given themselves an unprecedented opportunity to access the Chinese and African markets. The spearheads of this project, Ali Bourgine, in Paris, and Daniel Manucci, in Brazil, gave Leaders League their thoughts on the new association.    

Leaders League. Given the current economic situation in Brazil, is it the right time to be expanding there?

Ali Bougrine. It’s true that the political and social situation is difficult, but after talking to several directors of Brazilian branches of European multinationals, I came to realize that the election of Jair Bolsonaro has created a positive climate for investors. The liberalization and privatization of certain publicly held companies will see the M&A market there get much more dynamic, notably when it comes to infrastructure, and this will lead to a rise in foreign investment. A number of clients have expressed the view that we are arriving at precisely the right time.

How did the idea to combine the two firms crop up?

Daniel Manucci. The internationalization of Manucci Advogados has been on the cards for some time now. We have seen our international clientele grow each year and the demands of our Brazilian client base have become more international in nature too. In this climate, it would be natural to seek a partnership with a foreign law firm. The combination with UGGC Avocats happened quite organically.

What does each firm gain from this alliance?

A.B. We have many French clients and those from other countries that have interests in Brazil. We assist them in a holistic manner, thanks to the presence of our partners in Belo Horizonte and São Paulo. Our Brazilian offices are a hub for everything we do as regards South American M&A. We know the Manucci Advogados partners well. We share the same values and the same way of working. Time and experience has seen us grow closer.   

D.M. There has been significant growth in foreign direct investment in Brazil itself, and in those using Brazil as a springboard for commercial opportunities in other parts of Latin America. At present, very few Brazilian firms can boast legal services with a true international dimension, and we are now one of them. We have become a one-stop shop for our foreign clientele and provide added value for Brazilian clients on their international projects. 

What type of cases have the firms worked on so far?

A.B. We have collaborated on several Brazilian M&A cases, notably in the life sciences sector. We have worked together on behalf of Brazilian clients on operations in China, calling on the expertise of our Shanghai office on issues such as IP protection, arbitration and takeovers. Africa is also an interesting prospect for Brazilian investors. From our office in Casablanca we can work on matters across the entire Ohada bloc. From now on we will be able to handle cases in Portuguese-speaking Africa that had, up to now, been the purview of Portuguese firms.

By Thomas Di Benedetto et Pascale D'Amore