Cognos Global Partners Expands Brazil M&A Capabilities with Apex Partners
Cognos strengthens its global Corporate Finance and Brazil M&A offering through a new strategic partnership.
Cognos Global Partners has announced its expansion into one of Latin America’s most dynamic economies, welcoming Apex, a fast-growing Brazilian advisory and investment platform, and its team, to its international partner network. This move significantly enhances Cognos’ capabilities in Brazilian M&A, corporate finance, and cross-border investment banking advisory.
Strengthening Brazil M&A and Corporate Finance Coverage
With over 12 years in the market and a strong regional presence, Apex operates under the guiding principle that “Brazil happens here”. The firm provides a comprehensive financial services platform tailored to Brazil’s diverse regional economies, spanning Asset Management, Advisory, Investment Banking, and Research.
A Fast-Growing Investment Team with a Broad Regional Footprint
Apex operates across five strategic locations in Brazil — Espírito Santo, Paraná, Santa Catarina, São Paulo, and Rio Grande do Sul — alongside a European presence in Portugal. Its integrated model combines local expertise with global insight, enabling the delivery of sophisticated M&A advisory, capital raising, and corporate finance solutions.
This partnership gives Cognos immediate access to a robust platform in Brazil, particularly in high-growth regional markets beyond the traditional Rio de Janeiro–São Paulo axis, where economic expansion continues to outperform national averages.
Unlocking Regional Growth in Brazil
Brazil’s regional economies are increasingly driving national GDP growth, particularly in sectors such as agribusiness, industrial production, and services. Apex’s strategy is firmly aligned with this shift, focusing on building a regional network capable of generating high-quality deal flow and delivering consistent results.
Apex aims to become the leading regional investment bank in Brazil by 2030, supported by a regionalisation strategy that prioritises local relationships, sector intelligence, and tailored financial solutions.
Enhancing Cross-Border M&A Execution
Apex brings strong credentials in Investment Banking and M&A advisory, with a track record of delivering independent, discreet, and technically robust solutions. Its services include:
- Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) advisory
- Debt restructuring
- Equity and debt capital raising
- Joint ventures and strategic partnerships
The firm’s integrated ecosystem and deep relationships across Brazil’s financial and corporate landscape position it as a trusted adviser for both domestic and international transactions.
For Cognos clients, this translates into:
- Immediate access to Brazil through a well-established regional platform
- Strong origination of cross-border M&A opportunities
- Enhanced execution support for inbound investors
- A committed partner for long-term international collaboration
Accelerating Growth and Deal Origination
Apex is currently in a period of significant expansion, having completed six acquisitions in 2025 to strengthen its capabilities across Investment Banking, Research, Asset Management, and Wealth Advisory.
This growth has expanded Apex’s footprint into key economic regions, including São Paulo — Brazil’s financial hub — and the high-growth southern states of Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina. The firm has also enhanced its M&A execution capabilities through the acquisition of a specialist investment banking boutique.
As a result, Apex has materially increased its capacity to originate and execute cross-border M&A mandates, aligning closely with Cognos Global Partners’ international strategy.
A Strategic Step for Cognos Global Partners in Brazil
The addition of Apex represents a significant milestone in Cognos’ global expansion, strengthening its presence in Latin America and reinforcing its position as a leading international Corporate Finance and M&A advisory network.
Through this partnership, Cognos and Apex will collaborate to deliver enhanced value to clients, combining global reach with deep local expertise to unlock opportunities across Brazil and beyond.
For help and advice on global M&A, corporate finance or transaction services: please don’t hesitate to get in touch.