Debevoise partners Peter Furci, Maurizio Levi-Minzi and Andrew Levine and counsel Sergio Torres have contributed a chapter, “Private Equity Funds and Institutional Investors in M&A,” to the fourth edition of the Latin Lawyer’s The Guide to Mergers & Acquisitions. In the chapter, the authors discuss the impressive penetration of private equity strategies in Latin American M&A markets despite the many economic and legal obstacles private equity funds and institutional investors face in the region. The authors further review the increasing acceptance in Latin America that private equity can accelerate the growth of businesses with expansion potential and, in the case of technology and infrastructure, provide essential long-term capital.

Peter Furci is the firm’s Presiding Partner and a partner in the global tax practice. Previously, Mr. Furci served as Co-Chair of the Tax Department. In addition to his role as the firm’s senior leader, Mr. Furci advises clients on a range of complex tax matters involving M&A, investment fund formation and general corporate transactions, and works closely with the firm’s Private Equity, M&A and Latin America Groups.

Maurizio Levi-Minzi is an M&A lawyer and co-head of the firm’s Latin America practice. Mr. Levi-Minzi has over 30 years of experience advising clients in complex joint ventures and cross-border acquisitions of a broad variety of assets in sectors such as energy, asset management, infrastructure and consumer products. He has led transactions in Latin America, the United States, Europe and Asia for private equity groups and strategic investors.

Andrew Levine is a litigation partner, a member of the firm’s white collar and regulatory defense group and co-head of its Latin America practice. He is well recognized in the region and elsewhere for defending companies and individuals in criminal, civil and regulatory enforcement matters and for conducting internal investigations. In addition to his active defense and investigations practice, Mr. Levine frequently advises clients on a broad array of compliance matters, including assessing and mitigating risks presented by potential corporate transactions. His practice also encompasses complex litigation and other commercial disputes.

Sergio Torres is a corporate counsel and a member of the firm’s Mergers & Acquisitions, Private Equity and Latin America Groups. His practice focuses on domestic and cross-border acquisitions, divestitures, complex joint ventures, venture capital and private equity investments and corporate governance matters for private equity sponsors, financial institutions and other corporate clients.