Contact:
Caitlin Mitchell, LAVCA
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1.646.315.6737
Latin American Private Equity & Venture Capital Deal Making Accelerates in 1H 2015
LAVCA Data Indicates Energy and Logistics are Preferred Sectors for Fundraising and Investments
New York, September 9, 2015 – Latin American private equity and venture capital fundraising, investment, and exits increased year-on-year in 1H 2015, according to data released today by the Latin American Private Equity & Venture Capital Association (LAVCA). Fundraising increased 21% with firms raising an aggregate US$4.27b, investments were up 39% with US$3.58b being deployed, and exits generated US$1.74b in proceeds, an 8% increase compared to 1H 2014.
“Concerns over the slowdown in growth or the need for ongoing structural reforms appear to be outweighed by the opportunity to invest dollars in funds that will make investments in heavily depreciated local currencies,” said Cate Ambrose, President & Executive Director, LAVCA. “PE/VC firms active in Latin America are putting money to work in new and follow on deals, particularly in Brazil where an environment of adversity is creating new opportunities for investors.”
The first half of 2015 was the strongest first semester for fundraising since 2011 when US$4.9b was raised. Notably, vehicles with a pan-regional focus represented 35% of the fundraising totals (US$1.48b), more than three times the capital raised during the same period last year. However, LAVCA projects that fundraising will slow and year-end totals will fall short of the record set in 2014 as managers concentrate on deploying capital.
Brazil, Mexico, and the Andean region all saw increases in investment activity in 1H 2015. Brazil captured US$2.28b through 69 transactions, as compared to US$1.89b via 50 deals in 1H 2014. Capital invested in Mexico surged to US$978m in 1H 2015, up from US$403m in 1H 2014, through 27 deals as compared to 15 in 1H 2014. In the first half of the year, the Andean region received US$304m, compared to the US$265m it captured during the same period last year.
Reflecting Latin America’s growing demand for logistics and energy-related infrastructure, capital raised by PE infrastructure funds targeting these sectors represented almost 50% of the fundraising totals for the region. Similarly, investments in energy, oil & gas, and logistics in Brazil and Mexico dominated among large-cap transactions (ticket sizes over US$100m). Overall, healthcare was the top sector for investment with US$810m deployed, and the most dynamic sector was IT with 62 transactions, an increase of 44% year-on-year.
Venture capital and early stage activity continued to gain momentum in the first half of 2015. The region overall deployed US$264m through 71 deals as compared to the US$173m invested in 47 transactions during the first semester of 2014. Brazil is the most mature venture market in the region and managers there deployed 81% (US$213m) of the total investment dollars. Mexico and Argentina saw increased early stage investments as compared to the same period in 2014.
The proceeds generated by exits in the first half the year are the highest since 1H 2011. Strategic sales were the most common exit route during the period, and secondary market offerings and sales to financial buyers were the second and third preferred exit methods.
LAVCA’s 2015 Mid-Year Data and Analysis is available to Members and can be purchased by non-members online here. For more information about PE/VC in Latin America, register to attend the LAVCA Summit & Investor Roundtable (September 28-30) and the LAVCA Venture Investors NY Summit (October 1).
The Latin American Private Equity & Venture Capital Association (LAVCA) is a not-for-profit membership organization dedicated to supporting the growth of private equity and venture capital in Latin America. LAVCA’s membership is comprised of over 170 firms, from leading global investment firms active in the region to local fund managers from Mexico to Argentina. Member firms control assets in excess of US$60 billion, directed at capitalizing and growing Latin American businesses. For more information, visit www.lavca.org.