Commercial Law / New Business
We represent clients and help to establish companies. We assist clients in contracts, negotiations and related matters, transfers through the Brazilian Central Bank and the preparation and submission of applications for foreign capital registration with the Central Bank of Brazil, for which our law firm operates as an agent.
Law 4131/62 defines foreign capital as “any goods, machinery, equipment, cash and financial resources that enter Brazil for the production of goods or services, or for investment in economic activities, provided that in either case they belong to individuals or companies resident, domiciled or headquartered abroad.
The entity in charge of the registering, monitoring and following up on foreign investments is the Brazilian Central Bank, while the Federal Revenue Secretariat is encumbered with the eventual taxation of these foreign investments. Also, foreign investors must translate their foreign currencies into Brazilian currency by entering into a foreign exchange contract with .Foreign investments in Brazil are usually made through the incorporation of a company, the opening of a branch or subsidiary, or through direct investments on the capital or financial markets, among others. Foreign capital is granted equal treatment to domestic capital and the Law prohibits any discrimination.
We advise on and document transactions of all kinds in relation to companies including:
* formation and acquisition off the shelf of new companies;
* internal structure in relation to shareholders and directors;
* acquisitions and disposals of shares and assets;
*commercial agreements (distribution, agency, joint venture, supply, manufacturing, standard terms of trading);
* maintenance of intellectual property rights;
* human resources advice and employment documentation;
* finance documentation and funding agreements;
* insolvency, receivership and liquidation;
commercial lawyers here arrange the formation of limited companies or their acquisition in ready-made form off the shelf.
Our lawyers undertake appointments of directors, transfers of shares and the preparation and filing of all required companies' forms.advise on partnership law and supply agreements and other documentation for partnerships
Brazil - Country Information
Key Facts
Local Time: GMT-4
Language: Brazilian Portuguese
Local currency: Real (BRL)
Dialling code: + 55
Commercial Centre
Rio de Janeiro State is responsible for 80% of the oil produced in the country, along with 50% of the total gas production, attracting many oil and gas companies, including Shell, Esso, BG, BP, Chevron, Devon, StatoilHydro, with branches in Rio de Janeiro.
Economic Overview
Brazil is a country of continental size and potential. It has largely transformed its economic performance over the last 15 years and is now one of the most rapidly developing economies in the world. Brazil is responsible for almost half of Latin America’s GDP, the Sao Paulo economy alone is bigger than Argentina and Chile combined.The Brazilian business environment is modern and sophisticated with a broad domestic industrial base and many larger multinational investors. Strong balance of trade figures in the last 3 years have lead to a US$60 billion record surplus in 2007.
Brazil’s sovereign risk rating was upgraded from BB+ to BBB- by Standard & Poor’s (April 2008) and by Fitch Ratings (May 2008), achieving Investment Grade status. Brazil is now reached Investment Grade status.
What are the opportunities? Brazil has a broad and sophisticated industrial base and the government continues its programme of privatisation and deregulation. There is also a growing middle class in Brazil who have real spending power and who appreciate high quality merchandise. If a product or service is generally competitive in world markets it is also likely to be so in Brazil.There are also opportunities for companies from all around the world, to help develop the infrastructure needed for the Football World Cup 2014 which will be hosted in Brazil.
Commodities in particular have been strong performers. Domestic demand has also begun to pick up, with a rapid expansion in consumer credit, lower interest rates and a healthy trade surplus as the main drivers.
Send an e-mail: alessandro@alvesjacob.com
