NEW Paper on Maritime Piracy

Incorpolis' author has published a new paper on the dualistic nature of maritime piracy, arguing for greater uniformity and clarity in this area of law.

Download the paper by visiting the SSRN (Social Sciences Research Newtwork) website here.

[Full citation: Velozo de Melo Bento, Lucas, 'Along Liquid Paths': The Dualistic Nature of International Maritime Piracy Law (September 25, 2010). Available at SSRN: http://ssrn.com/abstract=1682624]

The paper will be published in the Berkeley Journal of International Law in 2011.

Super Petrobras and the Largest IPO in Corporate History

The September issue of the Brazilian business magazine "EXAME" crowned Petrobras as the national "Superpoderosa" (the super powerful/ the Almighty). Rightly so, too. The company is already the biggest company in Brazil and one of the largest in Latin America. It is currently the 8th biggest oil company in the world. The company's shares feature in the top 20 most traded in the NYSE.

And in the next few days, it could enter the record books with the largest IPO in the world's corporate history (circa $75bn). If all goes well, the company's market value could surpass $220bn, making it the 4th largest listed company in the world, ahead of giants Walmart and Microsoft.

As already one of the most profitable oil companies in the world, it wouldn't be surprising if Petrobras overtook Exxon and BP in the race to world domination of the "black gold". The company already plans to invest $224bn until 2014 - more than any other listed oil company in the world. The organisation's excellent CSR record is also to be praised - from its investment in education, culture and environmental protection, Petrobras is considered a world reference in CSR and community development. Sure, there are technological and managerial challenges related to Petrobras' growth. But with the "jeitinho Brasileiro" (the Brazilian "way"), it is possible that the "superpoderosa" could take the world by surprise and succeed to the Global Crown of what is one of the largest industries in the world.