DLJ South American Partners, a joint venture between a team of South America-based investment professionals led by Carlos Garcia and Marcelo Medeiros, and Credit Suisse’s alternative inves
DLJ South American Partners, a joint venture between a team of South America-based investment professionals led by Carlos Garcia and Marcelo Medeiros, and Credit Suisse’s alternative investments business, has announced the closing of its first private equity fund.
The fund, which closed with USD300m in investment capital, seeks to capitalise on the attractive growth profile of Latin America, targeting investment opportunities in the region with a focus on Argentina, Brazil and Chile.
Established in December 2006, DLJ South American Partners is managed by a dedicated team of investment professionals led by Carlos Garcia and Marcelo Medeiros, who are based in Buenos Aires and Sao Paulo respectively.
Garcia led private equity investment efforts in South America for Credit Suisse’s private equity affiliate DLJ Merchant Banking Partners from 1995 until the formation of DLJ SAP in 2006, while Medeiros was responsible for managing the Brazil Private Equity Fund, established by Banco Garantia prior to Credit Suisse’s acquisition of the bank in 1998.
Together Garcia and Medeiros have more than 40 years of private equity-related experience in South America, and have completed investments totalling more than USD640m over the past decade across a variety of sectors. In addition, Credit Suisse has more than 100 investment bankers and financial service professionals on the continent.
‘Latin America remains a largely untapped region, rich with dynamic investment opportunities with significant growth potential,’ say Garcia and Medeiros. ‘We believe our unique relationships with local business leaders, coupled with in-depth knowledge of the region’s culture, will enable us to generate attractive returns for our investors.’
DLJ SAP has already completed three investments. The fund, together with other investors, created Arcos Dorados to acquire the master franchise of McDonald’s restaurants in Latin America and the Caribbean. It has also acquired Fispal, a promoter of food and beverage trade shows in Brazil, and become the largest shareholder of Brazilian education company Ebec.
Credit Suisse’s asset management division manages portfolios, mutual funds and other investment vehicles for clients including governments, institutions, corporations and private individuals, including traditional investments and alternatives including real estate, hedge funds, private equity and volatility management. The alternative investments business is one of the largest in the world with USD147bn in assets under management.
