PRESS RELEASE
LAWYERS: BRAZIL COMES TO EUROPE AND GOES INTERNATIONAL Established in 1987 in Sao Paulo, Brazilian law firm BRANDI PARTNERS goes international with the opening of an office in France (Paris) and another in the United Arab Emirates (Dubai). In addition to these openings, the firm has signed two strategic partnerships with Leitão de Sousa in Portugal and Gürhan in Turkey. This ambitious project stems from: •
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The shared vision of Arthur Brandi, member of the Sao Paulo bar and Guillaume Dolidon, member of the Paris bar, and, The observation that some of the key high-­‐
growth markets are more inclined towards the Latin culture, especially considering that their legal systems are based on civil law as opposed to common Law. The goal of this first international business law firm originating from Brazil is to assist national and international clients in emerging markets, including: Brazil, the Middle East, Turkey, Russia and the CIS countries, as well as Lusophone Africa (Portuguese-­‐speaking countries – Angola and Mozambique) and Francophone African (French-­‐speaking countries – particularly Ivory Coast and Gabon). The firm’s main office in Europe is based in Paris and is made up of 18 staff, including 7 partners. Depending on affinities, individual relations and experiences, the partners will assist clients in all their development strategies in these geographic regions and coordinate the legal strategies developed jointly amongst the professionals of BRANDI PARTNERS. !
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Guillaume Dolidon and Arthur Brandi for Brazil; Michel Henriquet for the Middle East and Francophone Africa; Marc Solovei for Russia and the CIS countries; Filipe Leitão de Sousa for Lusophone Africa; Stéphane Ghüran for Turkey.
“In the emerging countries we’ve been working in for several years, our civil law culture is undoubtedly a key asset. Our common culture based on commitment and assistance to our clients on a daily basis and our trust-­‐based relationships bring strength and added value in an environment that demands strong client-­‐lawyer relationship, particularly in these emerging geographical regions,” states Guillaume Dolidon, one of the founding partners of BRANDI PARTNERS. Arthur Brandi – Corporate | Tax law. Arthur Brandi is a member of the Bar of Sao Paulo and the Bar of Lisbon. He founded BRANDI law firm in 1987. The firm provides counsel and ligation services to domestic and international clients in all key areas of business law. The main office, made up of 40 staff, including 12 partners, is based in Sao Paulo. Arthur Brandi graduated from the Law Faculty of Sao Paulo University (USP) with degrees in business, finance and tax law. He also holds a diploma in certified accounting from Colégio Comercial Graça Aranha in Sao Paulo. He is a member of the bar associations of Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Brasilia. He has served as a labour court judge between 1983 and 1995. He will serve as partner in the corporate department of BRANDI PARTNERS. Guillaume Dolidon – Corporate | Securities | Brazil Coordinator. A Member of the Paris Bar, he began his career at Salans, prior to serving as partner in the capital markets departments of Shearman & Sterling LLP and Aklea. Guillaume Dolidon has written widely on securities law, including a book titled Les manipulations de marché, (Ed. Revue Banque). He has gained significant experience in Brazil through his regularly visits. Guillaume Dolidon holds a Masters degree in Business Law from Paris V René Descartes University and a Masters degree in Criminal Law and Sciences from Paris II Panthéon-­‐Assas University. He will serve as partner in the corporate department of BRANDI PARTNERS in Paris and Sao Paulo, and coordinate the activities between Paris and Brazil. Michel Henriquet – Litigation| Africa and Middle East Coordinator. Admitted to the Paris Bar, he began his career at Biaggi-­‐Benelli before joining the litigation department of Gide Loyrette Nouel. He later created Henriquet Leclercq & Partners. As counsel to the leading global Islamic bank, he assists French and foreign clients with all their development projects within the zone of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf. Michel Henriquet graduated from Paris II Panthéon-­‐Assas University. He was formerly the First Secretary of the Conférence du Stage of the Paris Bar. A specialist of Francophone Africa, he will serve as partner in the litigation department of BRANDI PARTNERS, in Paris and Dubai, and as coordinator of the litigation group’s activities in Africa and the Middle East. Marc Solovei – Corporate | Coordinator of Russia and the CIS countries. A member of the Paris Bar, he worked in the Paris and Moscow offices of Salans and then for Gide Loyrette Nouel for five years, after which he created his firm in 2010. Marc Solovei assists investors in their projects in Russia and in the CIS countries and also advises Russian-­‐speaking clients in all their projects in France. Formerly a graduate of the ESCP Europe business school, Paris II Panthéon-­‐Assas University and the University of London (LL.M), Marc Solovei teaches law at the Ecole des Ponts Paristech. He will serve as partner in the corporate department of BRANDI PARTNERS and coordinator of Russia and CIS countries. Olivier Dutour – Corporate | Complex contracts. A member of the Paris bar, he worked for several years in the legal departments of several leading corporations (AT&T, Lucent Technologies, Assystem). In 2012, he created Dutour Maury. He holds degrees in Business Law and Finance respectively from the University of Lyon III and Paris-­‐Dauphine University. Oliver Dutour also teaches at Sciences Po Paris and at EDHEC business schools (“Legal dimensions of international Business” and “Anglo-­‐Saxon and Asian law”). He regularly publishes articles in specialised legal magazines. He will serve as partner in the corporate department of BRANDI PARTNERS. Frédéric Maury – Corporate. A member of the Paris bar, Frédéric Maury began his career as an associate at Allen & Overy LLP and then Granrut Avocats. In 2012, he founded Dutour Maury. Frédéric Maury is a graduate of Sciences Po Paris and holds a Masters degree in Business Law from Paris V René Descartes University. Frédéric Maury is the co-­‐
author of the chapter on “Corporate Governance and Directors’ Duties” in the book Setting up a business in France. He will serve as partner in the corporate department of BRANDI PARTNERS. Alexandra Bellet – Employment law. A member of the Paris bar, Alexandra Bellet began her career at Ngo, Migueres & Associés in Paris, Medus, Devaux, Sorensen & Praxes, and later served as partner at SGTR law firm. Alexandra Bellet holds a Masters degree in Employment Law from Robert-­‐Schuman University in Strasbourg and a specialisation certificate in labour law. Alexandra will serve as partner in the employment law department of BRANDI PARTNERS. ABOUT THE STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS OF BRANDI PARTNERS IN PORTUGAL – Established in 1991, LEITÃO DE SOUSA & ASSOCIADOS is an independent law firm based in Lisbon. The firm provides counsel and litigation services in all aspects of business law. Based on its geographic location and cultural links, Leitão de Sousa & Associados has developed solid relations with Portuguese speaking countries, with a particular focus in Brazil, Angola and Mozambique. Filipe Leitão de Sousa – Commercial law | Coordinator of Lusophone Africa. Admitted to the Lisbon bar, he holds a Maîtrise law degree and a diploma in European law from Paris I -­‐ Panthéon-­‐Sorbonne University. He also pursued the European Studies program of the Catholic University of Lisbon, and graduated with a diploma in management and taxation from IESFF, Lisbon. Prior to creating his firm Filipe Leitão de Sousa was deputy to the Minister of Finance, an executive in an International commercial bank and in the commercial department of a financial company. IN TURKEY – Established in 2008 in Istanbul, GÜRHAN is an independent Turkish law firm. The firm assists clients for all their legal needs. Stéphane Gürhan – Corporate | Turkey Coordinator. Admitted to the Istanbul bar, Stéphane is the founding partner of Gürhan. He created his firm in 2008 in Istanbul. He graduated from Paris V René Descartes University (Masters degree in International Business), Paris II Panthéon-­‐Assas University (Masters degree in European Union law) and Paris X Nanterre (International law and European Union Law). IN FRANCE, INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IP/IT) – Y LUM AVOCATS – Drawing on her operational and international experience gained while working with software developers as general counsel, in addition to serving as partner in IP/IT law firms since 1998, Marina Blum created Blum Avocats in late 2012, in order to bring her expertise and understanding of technology related issues to high-­‐tech and fast-­‐growing companies. Marina Blum mainly advises international and French companies, whom she assists with their development, particularly on an international scale, in close collaboration with the teams at BRANDI PARTNERS. She graduated from Paris I Panthéon – Sorbonne University (Maîtrise in Business Law) and Paris II Panthéon -­‐ Assas University (Masters degree in Intellectual Property Law). 12 July 2013 A NEW ADDITION TO BRANDI PARTNERS’ PARIS OFFICE Emmanuelle Talamon has joined the French office of Brandi Partners as partner. She advises on general business law and has gained extensive experience in handling litigation involving companies operating in the industrial sector (public works, equipment, automotive, logistics) particularly for Spanish groups. She mainly coordinates cross border matters between Spain, Spanish-­‐speaking Latin American countries and the various offices of Brandi Partners. Barely a few months after launching in Paris, Brandi Partners now counts 18 staff, including 7 partners. “We welcome Emmanuelle’s arrival which will bolster our collective and provide added-­‐value to our clients’ interests. We do not claim to be growing at an extremely high rate; we are simply open to all talents owing to our flexible operating method. In fact, it is Emmanuelle who has recruited us, and not the opposite,” indicated Glauco Zuchieri Martinez, in charge of the firm’s international coordination. ABOUT BRANDI PARTNERS Brandi Partners brings together lawyers based in Europe (Paris, Lisbon, Istanbul) and Latin America (Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador) and the United Arab Emirates (Dubai) who assist clients locally and international, both in the countries of establishment, as well as in Russia and in the CIS countries, as well as in Francophone and Lusophone Africa. Depending on their affinities, specific relations and experience, the lawyers assist their clients in their international growth strategy and implement the legal services developed together, particularly in emerging markets. The firm’s new address in Paris: 13 rue du Docteur Lancereaux – 75008 – Paris ABOUT EMMANUELLE TALAMON Emmanuelle Talamon (aged 40) was admitted to the Paris (2001) and Madrid (2010) bars. She holds a DEA in Comparative Law of the EU States and a Masters’ degree in European Law. She began her career at Salans (2001), then joined Pech de Laclause & Associés as a partner (2005), prior to creating her own firm in June 2009. Owing to excellent Spanish skills, Emmanuelle Talamon assists companies with cross border transactions between Spain, France and Spanish-­‐speaking Latin America countries. 4 November 2013 BRANDI PARTNERS : « AVANTI » IN ITALY! Stelé Perelli Studio legale*, a Milanese firm, joins Brandi Partners With a strong presence in Europe and fast growing zones in the world, Brandi Partners extends its reach by welcoming the Italian business law firm Stelé Perelli. “We have chosen to join Brandi Partners because it shares the same vision of what it is to be a lawyer; client focused and fully operational in an international environment. We believe that this distinguishing approach allows all firms to work together, and draw from other members’ local expertise and experience. We work together with the same values, whilst remaining autonomous as a firm" says Daniela Stele, a partner of the Italian firm. Brandi Partners is an organisation of lawyers who are detached from the constraints of nationalities, with multiple offices over the world and an original system of collaborative participation shared between the firms. This novel approach has enabled Brandi Partners to achieve a key position as a truly dynamic player in International business law. * Italian for « law firm » ABOUT STELE PERELLI Founded by Daniela Stelé and Alessandra Perelli in July 2009, Stele Perelli is a boutique firm, with offices in Milan and Rome. The firm includes two partners, supported by Tomaso Roccatagliata (Of Counsel), Marco Brocca (Of Counsel), Antonio Pisoni (senior associate) and Gabriele Scarfati (junior associate). Stelé Perelli intervenes in a variety of areas within Business Law: Mergers & Acquisitions, Contract Law, Dispute Resolution, Real Estate, Finance and Asset Management, Competition Law and Compliance and Tax Law. Daniela Stelé was previously a partner with «Allen & Overy » (2000-­‐2005) and « Delfino e Associati Willkie Farr & Gallagher » (2005-­‐2009). She is a member of the Paris (1991) and Milan (1995) Bars. Alessandra Perelli, is a member of the Milan Bar (1995), she has previously practiced at the firms "Pensato & Associati" (1991-­‐1997), "Allen & Overy" (1998-­‐2005) before becoming Of Counsel at "Studio Quagliarella e Associati "(2005-­‐2009). ABOUT BRANDI PARTNERS Brandi Partners unites lawyers located in Europe at large (Paris, Lisbon, Istanbul, Milan), Latin America (São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador– Bahia et Belo Horizonte) and in the United Arab Emirates (Dubai). The firms assist clients both locally and internationally, both in the countries where member firms are present and in in Russia, the CIS countries and in Francophone and Lusophone African countries. The lawyers in accordance with their affinities, their special relations and their experiences assist their clients in their international development strategy and coordinate legal services collectively developed, including growth markets. 1 Paris, 05 February 2014 2014 BRANDI PARTNERS EXPANDS TO MOSCOW
While preparations for the Russian Winter Olympics are in full swing, Brandi Partners
has established its own delegation and is going for the gold
From Brazil to Dubaï and Istanbul, Brandi Partners continues to expand to a new
high growth zone.
Brandi’s Russian desk that was launched by Marc Solovei has moved to the next
level following the arrival of Charles-Henri Roy and his teams, leading to the launch
of an office in Moscow.
Brandi Partners’ Russia / CIS office is now made up of 11 lawyers with experience
gained practicing at top Russian and international law firms and expertise in the key
areas of business law and taxation.
Led by Marc Solovei and Charles-Henri Roy, who both have been practicing for more
than 10 years in this area, this department boasts Charles-Henri’s expertise in tax
law, Marc’s corporate and M&A expertise, as well as the expertise brought by their
Russian colleagues, notably those of Valentin Borodin in real estate and Maria
Landau in employment law.
“This alliance will allow us to extend our services to our international clients in
Russia,” explains Charles-Henri Roy. “By pooling together a group of Russian
lawyers who share the core values initially projected by Brandi Partners: a corporate
mind-set and close client-lawyer relationships, we will bring considerable added
value to our clients ”.
“The establishment of an office in Moscow endorses the original identity of Brandi
Partners, i.e. an Brazilian law firm with a strong international reach that is present in
emerging markets,” notes Marc Solovei. “We have already forged strong synergies
with other offices, notably the Istanbul and Milan teams, and this has already
strengthened the services we offer our clients in Russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan.”
ABOUT THE RUSSIAN TEAM
CHARLES-HENRI ROY
Charles-Henri is a member of the Paris Bar, He began his career in 2001 in the tax
department of CMS Bureau Francis Lefebvre in Paris. In 2004 he joined the firm’s Moscow
office, where he became partner in 2009 and established and developed the tax department
in Moscow. He co-headed this department until 2012. Charles-Henri advises on French,
Russian and international tax matters for both private clients and companies.
MARC SOLOVEI
A member of the Paris Bar since 2001, he worked at Salans in Paris for 2 years and in the
Paris and Moscow offices of Gide Loyrette Nouel for 7 years, after which he created his firm
in 2010. Marc Solovei advises investors on their projects in Russia and Kazakhstan and also
assists Russian-speaking clients in all their international projects. Marc Solovei is a graduate
from ESCP Europe business school and Paris II Panthéon-Assas University and holds a
LL.M from the University of London. Marc speaks Russian, English and French.
MARIA LANDAU
After ten years’ experience practicing in international law firms (Lovells, Dentons/ Salans), a
well as a Russian firm (Pepliaev), Maria is one of the leading Russian experts in employment
law. She advises and litigates for Russian and international employers and employees in all
Russian employment matters. Maria is also fluent in both English and German.
VALENTIN BORODIN
Valentin has practiced real estate and construction law in Moscow for more than 10 years.
Thanks to his international client base, Valentin has acquired integrated expertise in all
aspects of real estate and construction, He has also developed a pragmatic approach based
on experience gained at large international and Russian firms (Dentons/Salans, Linklaters,
Squire Sanders, Baker & McKenzie, Pepeliaev). Valentin also speaks English fluently.
ABOUT BRANDI PARTNERS
Brandi Partners unites lawyers located in Europe at large (Paris, Lisbon, Istanbul, Milan,
Moscow), Latin America (São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador – Bahia et Belo Horizonte)
and in the United Arab Emirates (Dubai). The firms assist clients both locally and
internationally, both in the countries where member firms are present such as Russia, the
CIS countries and in Francophone and Lusophone African countries.
PRESS CONTACTS:
Aurélie Prosper – Eliott & Markus
Email : [email protected]
Tel : +331 53 41 41 84
Linda Omenya – Eliott & Markus
Email : [email protected]
Tel : +331 53 41 89 91