Baptista Luz strengthens the Tax team

Baptista Luz Advogados has strengthened the Tax team with Paulo Penteado, with an eye on the international market

The new partner Paulo Penteado (pictured) has over 18 years of experience in the market, which includes tax consultancy and tax planning in mergers and acquisitions (M&A), private equity (PE) and venture capital (VC), structuring of transactions and foreign investments (inbound and outbound), corporate reorganizations, international and customs taxation, due diligence, risk assessment and tax contingencies, participation in tax committees, estate/succession planning and strategic tax litigation (judicial and administrative). He has extensive experience in serving foreign clients with investments, activities or interests in Brazil.

Paulo has been working in the Tax practice since 2004. Before joining Baptista Luz, he was a senior attorney and Head of Area in other top-tier firms and boutiques in the country. For 1 year he worked at the São Paulo office of international law firm Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (2010- 2011). Between 2005 and 2009 he was an advisor to Minister Cezar Peluso at the Federal Supreme Court (STF), where he was responsible for the Tax, Economic and Budgetary/Financial areas.

The new partner was admitted to the New York State Bar Association. He is studying for an MBA in Finance and Controllership from USP-ESALQ (expected completion: 2021). Paulo also holds a Master of Laws (LL.M. – Taxation) from Harvard Law School, a Master of Philosophy from the University of Brasília (UnB), in addition to having two degrees as a Bachelor (Law from University of São Paulo – USP and Business Administration from Fundação Getulio Vargas – FGV EAESP).

As a guest professor, he teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in the Tax area, in addition to having several publications (including books on tax issues) in Portuguese and English.

His practice will be focused on strategic Tax Consulting, strengthening the team in structuring local and international transactions. As a differential, Paulo will act at the forefront of M&A, Capital and Financial Markets, Private Equity and Venture Capital transactions and will use his expertise in financial and accounting issues to transform the clients’ experience into a journey of excellence. Paulo has also been participating in study groups and task forces that aim to improve the tax and business environment in Brazil.

Paulo’s arrival is aligned with the firm’s expansion strategy in international markets, allying itself with foreign Desks (existing and under implementation, such as a Shanghai-based Asian Desk scheduled for 2022).