What are the LATAM-focused transactions you have worked on in the past twelve months?

In the past twelve months, we advised on a variety of LATAM-focused transactions across multiple sectors. These deals highlight our commitment to supporting clients in high-impact deals through bank finance, M&A advisory, joint venture formations, or complex cross-border partnerships. We provided support by working closely with our internal teams on the different legal workstreams and coordinated with external advisors to secure specialized advice, ensuring comprehensive support for our clients.

Here is an overview of some key deals we worked on by industry:

Technology, Media, and Telecom (TMT) Sector

We served as the exclusive financial advisor for a leading Brazilian-based company in Latin America on the sale of its shares to a European top provider of digital solutions, guiding the client in executing a successful divestiture. Additionally, we advised a Spanish multinational telecommunications company on the strategic setup of a Joint Venture with a Luxembourg-based telecommunications and media company having a strong presence in Latin America, a pivotal step in enhancing network collaboration in the region. Our work extended to advising a leading fibre optic operator in Chile and Colombia in respect of a significant long-term commercial service agreement with a major Chilean telecommunication joint venture, as well as on the acquisition of the same client of fibre assets from the largest telecommunication company in Chile for US$430 million in 2023, a deal critical to advancing fibre network capabilities.

Energy Sector

In the energy sector, the bank played a vital advisory role for a prominent Peruvian energy distribution company in its acquisition of two wind farms for US$400 million in 2023, facilitating its entry into the renewable energy space. We also advised a French-based utility company on its strategic acquisition of five solar plants in Brazil for US$570 million in 2023, underscoring its expansion into sustainable energy investments.

Infrastructure Sector

In infrastructure, Santander acted as the Lead Tender Offer Agent and Co-Financial Advisor to an Australian global asset manager on their share repurchases of a major transport infrastructure operator in Mexico, a US$505mn transaction in 2023. This role involved coordinating a complex offer process, which was crucial for strengthening the fund’s market position in Mexico.

Healthcare Sector

Within healthcare, Santander supported a health insurance operator in the formation of a joint venture with a leading integrated healthcare network in Brazil in 2024, helping establish a significant hospital partnership. Additionally, in 2024, we advised a Brazilian pharmaceutical company on the divestiture of one of its subsidiaries to a local private equity fund, enabling strategic capital infusion and growth potential for the company.

Retail Sector

In consumer retail, Santander participated as the financial advisor and lead arranger for a leading operator of quick service restaurants, coffee shops, and casual and family dining establishments in Latin America in the acquisition of a minority stake in a Spanish multi-brand portfolio company, valued at US$178mn in 2024. Other key deals included advising a South American fruit grower-exporter on its sale to a global fruit production and distribution leader and supporting a local shareholder in acquiring a controlling stake in Peru’s leading agricultural company for US$500 million in 2023, both transactions enhancing strategic market growth. We also guided a Family desk on the sale of a controlling stake in a Brazilian producer of glass containers to a Spanish glass manufacturer for US$400 million and advised a Duch conglomerate on divesting its wholesale store portfolio in Brazil to a prominent local retail group in 2023.

Business Sector

In the business services sector, Santander served as the financial advisor of a Brazilian network of primary schools in the sale of a co-control stake to a private equity manager, a US$200 million transaction in 2024. The transaction facilitated a key partnership for continued growth and market expansion.

Industrial Sector

Finally, in industrials, Santander was the exclusive M&A financial advisor of an international private equity fund in its sale of one of its subsidiaries to a Brazil-based plastic manufacturer and recycler in 2023, supporting an important divestiture within the Brazilian market.