Best-managed LATAM companies 2007: A Latin leap forward

Latin America’s best companies, like its capital markets, are beginning to find their bite. Boldness is the buzzword in a stable environment of 5% regional economic growth. For a growing club, foreign markets are the targets for home-grown Latin success stories. Leticia Lozano reports.

Latin America’s best managed companies results tables

Methodology

AMONG THE LATIN American companies active globally are the ever-disciplined Mexico-based Cemex, the world’s third-largest cement maker; and Brazilian iron ore producer CVRD. However, these are just the biggest of a growing bunch. “Brazilian industry is putting on a show around the world,” says Alvaro Novis, chief financial officer at Brazilian engineering and construction group Odebrecht.

Last year, acquisitions by Latin American companies were worth $95.6 billion, made up of 458 deals, compared with 304 in 2005 worth $25.3