About us
VIRTUS BR PARTNERS
STRATEGIC ENGAGEMENT FROM INCEPTION TO CLOSING
Virtus BR Partners is a leading independent investment banking firm in Brazil. Founded in 2009, Virtus BR Partners is a financial advisory firm recognized for its expertise in leading strategic transactions and critical decisions in Brazil. We deliver tailored solutions, maintain technical independence, and commit senior leadership at every stage of the decision-making process.
Our work is rooted in a philosophy of rigorous engagement at every stage of each transaction. Our multidisciplinary team brings deep sector expertise and shares a dedication to advising clients with technical rigor, autonomy, and strategic insight.
The most talented professionals
Virtus BR Partners is structured as a partnership, which allows us to attract, retain and reward the most talented professionals. Nevertheless, although Virtus BR Partners embraces a meritocracy based compensation model, we measure our performance not by short-term results, but by the long-standing relationships with our clients.
+US$
0
Billion
In closed transactions
Our partners
Meet the Professionals
- Mr. Carvalho Filho was the Managing Partner and CEO of Unibanco Banco de Investimento (Unibanco’s Investment Banking arm), CEO of BNDES (Brazilian National Development Bank), and CEO of UBS Brazil.
- He was also Managing Director at BNDESPar, Head of the Corporate Finance Division at Banco Garantia, Director and Treasurer at Alcoa Alumínio, and Managing Director of the International Division at Citigroup/Crefisul.
- Former board member of the following companies: Petrobras, Companhia Vale do Rio Doce, Eletrobrás, São Paulo Alpargatas, amongst others and Chairman of BHP Billiton – Brazil.
- Mr. Carvalho Filho holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics from New York University and a M.A. degree in International Relations from The Johns Hopkins University.
- Mr. Bassi joined Virtus BR in July 2009. Prior to joining Virtus BR, Mr. Bassi worked in the Investment Banking division of Itaú BBA / Unibanco for 3 years as an Associate Director, being responsible for executing M&A and Equity Capital Markets transactions.
- At Itaú BBA / Unibanco, Mr. Bassi has executed several landmark transactions including (i) the dual-track of Serasa, which resulted on the sale of 65% of company’s total capital to Experian (US$1.2 bn), (ii) the asset swap between Grupo Rede and Energias do Brasil (US$745 mm), (iii) Redecard’s IPO (US$2.3 bn), and (iv) Tegma’s IPO (US$300 mm).
- Previously, Mr. Bassi was responsible for the Corporate Development Division of Submarino, actively participating in the company’s IPO and in the formation of the consumer credit JV with Cetelem.
- Mr. Bassi holds a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Escola Politécnica da USP.
- Mr. Galvão joined Virtus BR in February 2017, as intern. Before becoming partner, assumed analyst and associate positions.
- Prior to joining Virtus BR Partners team, Mr. Galvão worked in IGC Partners, where he executed merger and acquisition transactions in different industries, including consumer goods, agribusiness, among others.
- Key transactions include: (i) advised AEGEA and won the auction of sanitary sewage concession of Crato, with R$ 248 million investments (2022); (ii) project finance of the Campinas-Itatiba transmission line estimated in R$ 90 million (2019); (iii) sale of 100% of the Companhia de Saneamento do Norte to AEGEA estimated in R$1.2 billion (2018); (iv) restructuring of Embraport’s debt in the amount of R$2,0 billion (2017).
- Mr. Galvão holds a bachelor’s degree in Production Engineering from Escola Politécnica da Universidade de São Paulo (USP).
- CGA and CGE certifications by ANBIMA.
- Mr. Freitas joined Virtus BR Partners in June 2022, and has over 30 years of experience in the financial services industry.
- Prior to joining Virtus BR Partners, Mr. Freitas was Managing Director of Local & International Debt Capital Markets at Citibank and Chief of Local & International Fixed Income Capital Markets at Unibanco S.A..
- Mr. Freitas has executed over 100 transactions, including: (i) issue of Natura’s International bond; (ii) issue of Raizen’s agribusiness receivables certificate; (iii) Cemig’s inaugural International bond and (iv) Codemig’s debentures (collateralized by renegotiated tax receivables).
- Mr. Freitas holds a bachelor and master’s degree in Economics from Universidade de São Paulo (USP).
- Mr. Salvagni joined Virtus BR Partners in November 2019.
- Prior to becoming partner, held analyst and associate positions at Virtus BR Partners.
- Key transactions include: (i) outright sale of Internexa Brasil to Megatelecom (2024); (ii) project finance of Futura solar project, advising Eneva to raise a R$750 million BNB debt facility (2022); (iii) restructuring of Constellation’s debt of R$8.9 billion, on behalf of the Ad Hoc Group of bondholders (2022); (iv) advised AEGEA on its winning bid on the auction for CAGECE’s water utilities concession, with R$19.4 billion forecasted investment (2022); and (v) Focus Energia R$773 million IPO (2021).
- Mr. Salvagni holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics from Universidade de São Paulo (FEA/RP-USP) and Master’s degree in Corporate Finance from Washington University in St. Louis.
- Mr. Prado joined Virtus BR in July 2009, and has over 45 years of experience in the financial services industry.
- Prior to joining Virtus BR, Mr. Prado was a consultant to the Executive Committee of Unibanco’s Corporate Bank. Previously, he was an Executive Director at Unibanco, responsible for Wholesale Credit and Risk Divisions.
- Mr. Prado also worked as the Executive Director responsible for the Middle Market Division at ABN Amro Brazil. Mr. Prado’s main responsibilities at ABN Amro also included trade finance, cash management, and syndicated loan products. Additionally, Mr. Prado was the CEO of Bandepe, after its acquisition by ABN Amro Brazil.
- Prior joining ABN Amro, Mr. Prado worked as an Executive Director of Citigroup Brazil holding several positions as a senior executive in the Asset Management (AUM of US$6 billion), FX, Trade Finance, Treasury Risk, and Capital Markets divisions.
- Mr. Prado holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from FGV-SP.