Paulo Rage

Paulo advises on projects in emerging LATAM (Latin America) and MEA (Middle East and Africa) markets, especially Sub-Saharan and Lusophone Africa (Angola, Mozambique and STP). Multinational companies seek Paulo’s guidance on transactions in different jurisdictions, such as Mozambique, Angola, South Africa, Malawi, Nigeria, Kenya, Botswana, STP, Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, Peru, Mexico, Panama, Colombia, Bolivia, Dominican Republic, United States, United Kingdom, Portugal, Netherlands, Albania, UAE, China and India, among others.

Paulo is fluent in Portuguese, English, Spanish and French. He has advised several clients, including several National Oil Companies (from Angola, Mozambique, China, Thailand, Qatar and others), severalNational Regulatory Agencies and Ministries (from Angola, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Kenya São Tomé and Principe, among others), the African Development Bank (AfDB) and its legal arm African Legal Support Facility (ALSF); and many of the major international energy and infrastructure companies, He also served most of the Brazilian multinational companies, such as Vale, Itaú, AB Inbev, BRF, Eurofarma, Odebrecht, Andrade Gutierrez, Camargo Correa, Concremat, U&M, Fidens, Egesa, CCR, A.R.G., Alpargatas, among others.

• Advised the Angolan National Oil Company (Sonangol) and provided training and capacity building for oil & gas regulatory issues and industry contracts.
• Advised the Mozambican National Oil Company (ENH) in relation to the planning, structuring and negotiation of its subsidiary based on Singapore. The subsidiary is a joint venture with a major trading company and will focus on trading activities of hydrocarbons, including, LNG and other natural gas products from its projects in Mozambique.
• Advised the Chinese National Oil Company (CNPC) in its projects for exploration and production (upstream) of natural gas in the Rovuma Basin Area 4, including a floating liquefaction (midstream) of LNG for exportation to international markets, project of USD 8 billion. In addition, advised the client in several other issues related to the Rovuma LNG project, a project of USD 35 billion.
• Advised the Thai National Oil Company (PPTEP) in its in Mozambique’s Rovuma Basin Area 1 LNG Project, a project of USD 25 billion.
• Advised a major Japanese conglomerate in the development of a petrochemical plant in East Africa, a project of USD 780 million.
• Advised a major Arabian petroleum supply company it is projects in Africa, including Mozambique and Uganda.
• Advised a Russian major Oil Company in its oil & gas E&P blocks in Mozambique, a project of USD 527 million.
• Advised the Qatari National Oil Company in its oil & gas E&P blocks in Angola, Brazil, Namibia and Mozambique.
• Advised a Brazilian major natural gas company in an M&A transaction for purchasing assets in Brazil, Austria and Netherlands of another Brazilian Oil & Gas company, a project of USD 80 million.
• Advised the Chinese National Oil Company (CNODC) in its projects in the UAE, including its UAE subsidiaries involved in petroleum projects in Africa.
• Advised the Mozambican National Oil Company (ENH) in its projects in the UAE, including its UAE subsidiaries involved in the financing of its natural gas projects in Africa.
• Advised the Angolan National Oil Company in the planning of its UAE subsidiaries involved in its petroleum projects in Africa and Latin America.
• Advised a British-Kenyan group in the planning, structuring and negotiation a major Gas to Power project in Mozambique, a project of USD 275 million.
• Advised an American oil & gas services company in its projects in the Rovuma basin, in Mozambique, a project of USD 180 million.
• Advised an American, Houston based geophysics service company on various legal issues related to Rovuma basin projects, in Mozambique.
• Advised a Singaporean multinational commodity trading group on legal issues in Latin America and Africa for their oil & gas midstream and downstream division.
• Advised a leading subsea company on various legal issues related to its Mozambique and Angola projects.
• Advised a leading vessels operator on various legal issues related to supporting vessels to its Mozambique and Angola projects.
• Advised the leading Norwegian oil & gas services company in its projects in Angola and Mozambique offshore blocks.
• Advised an Argentinean leading downstream company with their operations in Brazil.
• Advised the Turkish group Karadeniz in connection with a powership and LNG-to-Power project in Mozambique, which has included drafting and negotiating the FSRU time charter party agreement and LNG sale and purchase arrangements.
• Advised a Latin American leading energy equipment manufacturer in a M&A for the acquisition of a South African/Mozambican company and with other related issues with their exports and joint ventures in Africa.
• Advised a sponsor in an M&A transaction for the sale of its shares in the Mphanda Nkuwa hydro power project in Mozambique, a project of USD 3,5 billion.
• Advised a large Indian bioenergy and technology company in an M&A transaction for the acquisition of a biofuel industry in Brazil, a USD 380 million project.
• Advised a large Brazilian investment conglomerate in an M&A transaction for the sale of a stake in the wind energy industry in Brazil, in a USD 120 million project.
• Advised a Brazilian electrical equipment industry in the negotiation of several projects with parties in Argentina, China and the USA.
• Advised a Brazilian power equipment manufacturer on the development and O&M of a coal-fired thermoelectric project in Mozambique and other projects in Nigeria.
• Advised a major Kazak natural resources group in legal issue related to an integrated coal-to-power project in Mozambique.
• Advised a German group in the planning and structuring of its EPC and O&M projects in Mozambique, including Kuvaninga's Chókvé Power Plant.
• Advised a major French energy group in a pioneer project of white hydrogen in the Sao Francisco Basin in Brazil.

Agribusiness and Bioenergy

• Advised a Brazilian company on a project for the development of agribusiness of large scale in Mozambique, including biomass and installation of a bioenergy plant, a project worth USD 350 million.
• Advised a Brazilian company on a project for the development of biomass and installation of a bioenergy plant in Mozambique, in a project worth USD 200 million.
• Advised the Japanese company on a project for the development of agribusiness and biofuels in Mozambique.
• Advised an Argentinian company on a project for the development of biomass and installation of a bioenergy plant in Brazil, in a project worth USD 125 million.
• Advised a Brazilian agribusiness company in investments in agribusiness in Mozambique, project of USD 127 million.
• Advised a major Brazilian agribusiness company in investments in agribusiness in Mozambique, project of USD 100 million.
• Advised a French-Swiss major commodity company of in several deals in Mozambique.
• Advised a Brazilian company in an integrated agribusiness and manufacturing project in Mozambique and in its operations in Brazil.
• Advised a large French agribusiness group on its operations and transactions for its subsidiary in Mozambique (Cia. de Sena S.A.).

Agribusiness

• Advised a Brazilian agribusiness company on investments in agricultural business in Mozambique, in a project valued at US$ 127 million.
• Advised a major Brazilian agribusiness company on investments in agricultural business in Mozambique, in a project valued at US$ 100 million.
• Advised a Brazilian company on an integrated agribusiness and manufacturing project in Mozambique and in its operations in Brazil.
• Advised a French-Swiss major commodity company on several deals in Mozambique.

Construction & Engineering

• Advised a Brazilian major construction company in the development of its projects in Africa, including M&A operations for the purchase and sale of subsidiaries in Angola and Mozambique.
• Advised a major Brazilian construction company in several infrastructure deals in Mozambique and Angola, including a project to build a major dam in Mozambique, in combined projects of USD 900 million.
• Advised a Brazilian major construction company in multiple infrastructure projects in Africa, including countries as Mozambique, Ghana and Equatorial Guinea.
• Advised a major German engineering company in the provision of engineering services for multiple major infrastructure projects in Mozambique, as the Maputo-Catembe Bridge, a project of USD 700 million.
• Advised a Brazilian construction company in projects to build hydroelectric plants in South Africa and Albania, projects of USD 400 million.
• Advised a major Chinese construction company in a road construction project in Mozambique, project of USD 65 million.
• Advised a major Chinese construction company in the Xai-Xai airport project; and, in a road O&M and concession project of USD 440 million in Mozambique.
• Advised a Brazilian engineering company in projects to build water dams and hydroelectric plants in Angola, El Salvador and Peru, in combined projects of USD 500 million.
• Advised a major Spanish construction company in several EPC and O&M projects in Mozambique, including Gigawat – Ressano Garcia Power Plant (CTRG) of USD 235 million, Temane Thermal Power Plant of USD 750 million and Cuamba Solar PV of USD 36 million.
• Advised the Chinese-Brazilian construction and engineering company in providing engineering services in its multiple international projects, including: Mozambique, Bolivia, Paraguay and the Dominican Republic, in combined projects of USD 200 million.
• Advised a major German-Brazilian engineering company in a tender for provision of engineering services for Mega Projects in Mozambique, project of USD 160 million.
• Advised a major Brazilian construction company in a bidding to build infrastructure for Vale Mozambique, a project of USD 100 million.
• Advised a Brazilian engineering company in providing engineering services for several international projects in Mozambique and Angola.
• Advised a Brazilian engineering company in the development and implementation of its operation in Mozambique.
• Advised a Brazilian engineering company in the provision of automation services for Mega Projects in Mozambique.
• Advised the Brazilian engineering company for provision of engineering services for a mining project in Mozambique.

Mining

•  Advised a major Indian mining company in a M&A transaction for the acquisition of a mining in Brazil, project of USD 800 million.
• Advised a Mozambican group in a M&A transaction for the sale of its shares in mining in Mozambique, project of USD 80 million.
• Advised a Major Brazilian mining company in several matters of its project in Mozambique.
• Advised a Major mining project in Mozambique in several matters of its operations.
• Advised a large Spanish-Brazilian mining and construction group on a heavy mining operations logistics project, on large scale projects in Zambia and Mozambique.
• Advised an Australian group in a M&A transaction for the sale of its shares in a mining project in Mozambique, project of USD 300 million.

Banking & Finance

• Advised a major Brazilian investment conglomerate in a joint venture with Chilean investment company for future private equity investments in Chile, in a project of USD 50 million.
• Advised a major Brazilian bank in a joint venture with local Mozambican bank for joint operations of banking loans in Mozambique, in a project of USD 30 million.
• Advised an American private equity fund in a M&A transactions in Brazil for the acquisition of a company in the power transmission sector, in a project of USD 20 million.
• Advised a financial company of a major American manufacturing group in relation to asset finance transactions in Mozambique.
• Advised a major French and Pan-African bank in participating in project finance and in multiple complex finance structures for large projects in Mozambique.
• Advised the African Development Bank (AfDB) and its legal arm African Legal Support Facility (ALSF) in multiple transactions and projects throughout the African continent, including Lusophone Africa.

Automotive Industry

• Advised an Indian tractor company in the implementation and development of its operation in Brazil, a USD 95 million project.
• Advised a Chinese motorcycle company in the implementation and development of its operation in Brazil, a USD 60 million project.

Consumer Goods Industry

• Advised a Brazilian company on an M&A transaction for the sale of its shares to a major American company of the same sector, in a project valued at US$ 10 million.

Food & Beverage Industry

• Advised the leading multinational company and leader in the local food & beverage market in Mozambique with its commercial projects in Mozambique and, also, other Sub-Saharan countries managed by the regional unit (Zambia, Malawi and Zimbabwe).
• Advised a large Brazilian coffee company in negotiations with diverse suppliers in Europe.
• Advised a Brazilian industry in a joint venture with large North American industry, for technology transfer and joint operations in Brazil, in a USD 25 million project.
• Advised a Brazilian food production company, with the structuring of its operations in Angola.

Pharmaceuticals & Life Sciences

• Advised a leading Brazilian multinational pharmaceuticals & life sciences company with its international operations, including greenfield and M&A projects, in several countries such as: USA, Mozambique, South Africa, Nigeria and Philippines.

Heavy Industries

• Advised a major German industrial company in the development of multiple industrial projects in Mozambique, including a major distribution center.
• Advised one of the leading explosives manufacturers in Latin America on its projects in several African countries such as Mozambique, South Africa and Zambia, including a JV in Mozambique.
• Advised the Union that represents several industries of metal-mechanical equipment for the operations in Mozambique of its associated industries
• Advised an American manufacturer of equipment for paper and cellulose in the implementation and development of its operation in Brazil.
• Advised a Brazilian plastics manufacturing industry in a M&A transaction for the sale of its shares for an American major company of the same sector, a project of USD 10 million.

Technology

• Advised an Indian automation technology company in the implementation and development of its operations in Brazil, a project of US$ 15 million.
• Advised a Brazilian company of technological innovation in negotiation with diverse suppliers and customers in the following countries: USA and UK.
• Advised a Brazilian information technology company in the implementation and development of its operations in Mozambique.
• Advised a large Brazilian technology and telecom infrastructure company in negotiations with diverse suppliers and customers in the following countries: China, USA and Germany.
• Advised a Brazilian technology and games company in negotiations with diverse suppliers and customers in the following countries: USA and Germany.

Business Services

• Advised a French-British leading human power and outsourced services company in its projects in Brazil and in Mozambique.
• Advised a Japanese leading human power and outsourced services company in its projects in South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya.
• Advised a French leading catering and supply services company in its projects in Brazil and in Mozambique.
• Advised a major American architecture company in a joint venture with Brazilian company for joint operations in Brazil, in a project of US$ 15 million.
• Advised a Brazilian consulting firm in the implementation and development of its operations in the following countries: Mozambique and Angola.
• Advised a Brazilian consulting firm in the implementation and development of its operations in the following countries: USA, Ecuador, Colombia and Switzerland.
• Advised a Brazilian company of engineering and social resettlement in providing services for Vale Mozambique and for development of its operations in Mozambique.
• Advised a Brazilian company of occupational safety services in providing services for a large mining project in Mozambique.

Hospitality

• Advised a major American hotel chain in the implementation and development of its operations in Brazil, a project valued at US$ 200 million.

Logistics

• Advised a Brazilian logistics company on the implementation and development of its operations in Mozambique.
• Advised a global Italian-American logistics company on its projects in Mozambique.

Associations & NGOs

• Advised the entity that promotes the economic relationship between Brazil and Mozambique, along with several businesses, in projects that totaled over US$ 850 million, and involved the affiliated companies.
• Advised an American NGO on its projects in Mozambique.
• Advised a British NGO on its projects in Mozambique.
• Advised a Brazilian NGO on its projects in Mozambique.

Diplomatic Representation

• Advised the diplomatic representation of Mozambique in Brazil on legal issues of Brazilian law.

Economic (Antitrust & International Trade) Law

International Trade

• Advised a major Mexican exporter and major Brazilian importer in an antidumping investigation in Brazil of refractory products.
• Advised a major Chinese exporter in an antidumping investigation in Brazil of ceramic products.
• Advised a Chinese exporter in an antidumping investigation in Brazil of tableware.
• Advised a major Chinese exporter in an antidumping investigation in Brazil of plastic articles.
• Advised a Brazilian exporter in an antidumping investigation in the USA of pet film products.
• Advised a Brazilian exporter in an antidumping investigation in the USA of stainless steel bars.
• Advised a Brazilian exporter in an antidumping investigation in the USA of circular welded steel pipes.
• Advised Brazilian exporters in an antidumping investigation in the USA of silicomanganese products.
• Advised a Brazilian major exporters in an antidumping investigation in the USA of stainless steel wires.
• Advised Brazilian exporters in an antidumping investigation in the USA of frozen shrimp products.
• Advised a major Brazilian exporter in an antidumping investigation in the USA of orange juice.
• Advised a major Brazilian consulting services in an antitrust litigation in Brazil.
• Advised a major Brazilian chemical industry in an antitrust litigation in Brazil.
• Advised the Ethiopian Mineral, Petroleum and Biofuels Corporation (EMPBC) with negotiation of a natural gas SPA for fertilizer production and LNG exports.
• Advised the Qatari National Oil Company in its oil & gas E&P blocks in Angola, Brazil, Namibia and Mozambique.
• Advised a major Saudi Arabian petroleum supply company it is projects in Africa, including Mozambique and Uganda.

• "Paulo Rage is well regarded for his oil and gas industry corporate work.” – Latin Lawyer, 2024
• “Mayer Brown's Brazilian office is highly sought after by important energy and natural resources players to assist with diverse mandates in Mozambique.
• The team is skilled at handling sophisticated oil and gas, mining and infrastructure projects. It is also well equipped to handle foreign investment matters.” – Chambers & Partners Global, 2024
• “Paulo Rage is recognised by clients and peers alike for his work in Mozambique. Based in Rio de Janeiro, he is particularly focused on energy and resources projects, providing guidance on a range of financing, corporate and regulatory issues.” – Chambers & Partners Global, 2024
• “Paulo is very responsive and has a good understanding of our needs." – Chambers & Partners Global, 2024
• "What sets Paulo Rage apart is his exceptional attention to detail - he is meticulous and has strong analytical skills." – Chambers & Partners Global, 2024
• "His ability to effectively communicate complex legal concepts in a clear and concise manner is an asset." – Chambers & Partners Global, 2024
• "He has deep knowledge of the subjects dealt with and exceptional business skills." – Chambers & Partners Global, 2024
• “Mayer Brown, which draws on a team of lawyers situated in Brazil, London, and Houston, is renowned for its expertise in oil and gas, mining, construction, and heavy industries. The group’s wide-ranging expertise includes the regulatory aspects of Mozambican energy projects, infrastructure agreements, joint ventures between foreign investors and domestic entities, and compliance with local immigration legislation. Overseeing the Lusophone Africa desk from Rio de Janeiro and London, Paulo Rage‘s experience spans all phases of cross-border projects and M&A transactions, from project planning and structuring to implementation and divestment." – The Legal 500, 2024
• “The office always responds promptly, and the team is very skilled.” – The Legal 500, 2024
• “Paulo Rage is very proactive and has in-depth knowledge of legislation and bureaucratic procedures in Mozambique.” – The Legal 500, 2024
• “Paulo Rage has good knowledge of energy and electricity law, the general legal framework of Mozambique, and the possible direction of any upcoming changes.” – The Legal 500, 2024
• “The team is well known for its diversity and collaboration without compromise on integrity and ethics. They have experience in the whole value chain of various oil and gas projects, including LNG. They can see what is really important to the client in the piles of documents, based on the client’s particular situation. Literally and metaphorically, they speak and write in the client’s language.” – The Legal 500, 2024
• “Not only can Paulo Rage and his team identify what the risks are to the client in a transaction, they can give different advice based on the particular case and needs of the client. Thanks to their experience and expertise in the LNG business, the client can always count on them to provide practical and creative solutions to resolve concerns or make commercial decisions comfortably and consciously.” – The Legal 500, 2024
• "Mayer Brown's Brazilian office is highly sought after by important energy and natural resources players to assist with diverse mandates in Mozambique. The team is skilled in assisting with sophisticated oil and gas, mining and infrastructure projects. It is also well equipped to handle labour and foreign investment matters. Rio de Janeiro-based Paulo Rage is the key contact for clients." – Chambers & Partners Global, 2023
• "They display an ability to deal with sensitive and jurisdictionally complicated matters in an accessible yet comprehensive manner." "They have the expertise to render a one-stop, integrated service for sophisticated, cross-border matters." – Chambers & Partners Global, 2023
• “Splitting his time between Rio de Janeiro and London, Paulo Rage oversees the group and has extensive experience handling projects in the mining, energy, oil and gas, and infrastructure industries, with a focus on emerging markets in Latin America and Africa.” "The team is fast to respond and very business oriented. I’d highlight Paulo Rage." – The Legal 500, 2023
• "One client valued the team's "excellent balance between concise legal advice and commercial awareness in a fluid jurisdiction," while another client said: "Their service is of a high standard." Rio de Janeiro-based Paulo Rage is the key contact for clients." – Chambers & Partners Global, 2022
• "Paulo Rage is well-known in deals related to the oil and gas industry." – Latin Lawyer, 2022
• "Brazilian practice group sought after by important energy and natural resources players to assist with diverse mandates in Mozambique. Skilled in assisting with sophisticated oil and gas, mining and infrastructure projects. Also well equipped to handle labour and foreign investment matters. Rio de Janeiro-based Paulo Rage is the key contact for clients." – Chambers & Partners Global, 2021
• "The oil and gas sector is a particular strength of Mayer Brown. Between its offices in Houston, Rio de Janeiro and London, the firm works on energy and infrastructure projects in Mozambique, with Paulo Rage and Gonçalo Falcão being key contacts to note." - The Legal 500, 2021
• "Paulo Rage is well-known in transactions covering the oil and gas industry." – Latin Lawyer, 2021
• "Paulo Rage is well-known in transactions covering the oil and gas industry." – Latin Lawyer, 2020
• “This firm is experienced in representing multinational companies in complex energy, infrastructure and mining projects [in Africa]. The group holds additional capabilities advising on oil and gas and foreign investments issues. Practitioner Paulo Rage is the key contact for clients.” – Chambers & Partners Global, 2020
• "Mayer Brown fields a team of Rio de Janeiro, London and Houston-based lawyers to advise on deals and projects in Mozambique. The team is particularly active in highly regulated sectors, including power, oil and gas and infrastructure. Corporate and M&A and tax experts Paulo Rage and Gonçalo Falcão are names to note." - The Legal 500, 2020
• "Paulo Rage advises on oil and gas and energy affairs in Mozambique from the firm's Rio de Janeiro office. Clients note that ‘he is always available and always meets the agreed deadlines. His strength is the technical quality of his knowledge.’" – Chambers & Partners Global, 2019
• "Paulo Rage specialises in projects in the natural resources sector and provides advice on a wide range of corporate and commercial issues. Clients highlight his 'local knowledge, keen perception of client needs and punctuality in the services provided' and 'noteworthy commitment to the clients.'" – Chambers & Partners Global, 2018
• "Paulo Rage has significant experience in cross-border transactions involving Latin American and African jurisdictions." – The Legal 500, 2018
• “Paulo Rage is endorsed by clients as ‘very knowledgeable on technical issues’ and ‘timely and flexible to deal with.’” – Chambers & Partners Global, 2017

• Member, Brazilian Institute of Finance Executives - IBEF (2012-2013).
• Board Member, Hospital de Olhos Foundation (2007 - 2015).
• Coordinator, International Economic Law Group of the Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - UFMG (2009-2012).
• Member, Young Leadership Forum of Minas Gerais (2006-2010).