IJGlobal Investor Awards 2025, Americas – Infra M&A Lawyer

Mauro Bardawil Penteado – co-head of the infrastructure and energy practice at Machado Meyer Advogados – was chosen to win the Americas infra M&A lawyer trophy at IJGlobal Investor Awards 2025.

The independent panel of judges was impressed by a candidate who is “a clear leader in infrastructure M&A in Brazil” with “demonstrated ability to navigate local complexities”.

Another of the judges said: “Mauro's consistent presence in high-profile transactions and his role as co-head of the infrastructure and energy practice attest to his ongoing success and recognition in the market.”

The judging comments are rounded off with: “There is demonstrable evidence of Mauro's success, impact and innovation in the provision of legal counsel in Brazil.

“The 2 case studies provide good detail of his role and influence in advising 2 leading market participants – Macquarie and GIC – to invest in key infrastructure in Brazil in 2 material different sectors, energy through the Serena Energia take private and transportation through the sale of 5 toll roads to Macquarie.

“Mauro's lead role in these 2 transactions evidence the breadth and depth of his expertise and the trust of his clients to enter the Brazilian market.”

With more than 25 years of experience, Mauro focuses on private investments in regulated sectors, including concessions, privatisations, and project development.

He is one of Brazil’s most active M&A lawyers for infrastructure assets, advising major infrastructure funds (I Squared, GIC, Macquarie), strategic investors (Maersk, Vale, Ecorodovias), and financial institutions (Santander, Itaú, XP).

He also has significant experience advising both public and private entities on structuring PPPs, solidifying his role as a leading adviser in complex, high-impact transactions.

Mauro advised Macquarie Asset Management on its acquisition of 100% of the shares issued by Monte Rodovias SA, a company that owns 5 toll road concessionaires in Brazil.

The transaction is strategic as marks the entry of Macquarie in the toll road sector in Brazil and will allow Monte Rodovias to continue its path of expansion and consolidation as a toll road concessions platform in Brazil.

The team's work included comprehensive legal due diligence (corporate, commercial, financial, regulatory, real estate, tax, labour, environmental, and litigation), drafting memoranda, reviewing and negotiating transaction documents (including the share purchase agreement), and advising on regulatory issues with CADE and ANTT.

The submission states: “This was the most relevant infra M&A transaction of 2025.”