IFC Supports Colombia’s Tecnoquímicas Expansion
in Andean Region and Central America
In Washington, D.C.:
Adriana Gómez
Phone: +1 (202) 458-5204
E-mail: agomez@ifc.org
Carmen Powell
Phone: +1 (202) 473-4982
E-mail: cpowell@ifc.org
Washington, D.C., and Cali, Colombia,
July 8, 2008—IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, today announced
an investment in Tecnoquímicas, a Colombia-based manufacturing and distribution
firm, that will support the expansion of the company’s operations in the
Andean region and Central America. The investment will also help
the company increase the supply of affordable and high-quality medicines
in these regions.
The $25 million equity investment will give IFC a 10 percent stake in Tecnoquímicas.
IFC will also help enhance the firm’s corporate governance, international
manufacturing practices, and quality assurance.
“We consider IFC’s investment as a signal of support and recognition
of our responsible and sound management practices. It will help accelerate
our regional expansion, while strengthening our corporate governance,”
said Emilio Sardi, Executive Vice President of Tecnoquimicas.
“With this investment, IFC is supporting a market leader in Colombia to
implement sustainable regional expansion and strengthen its competitiveness
in local and regional markets. A stronger pharmaceutical sector will help
increase access to higher-quality health services in the country,” said
Roberto Albisetti, IFC Manager for the Andean Region.
Tecnoquímicas started operations in 1934. The company and its subsidiaries
have nine manufacturing plants in Colombia, with a focus on pharmaceutical
products, baby and personal care products, veterinary health products,
consumer goods packaging, and adhesives. While the company sells most of
its products in Colombia, it also exports to other Latin American countries.
IFC’s strategy in Colombia is to support sectors that are essential to
the country’s development. This includes financing infrastructure projects
that involve public-private partnerships, such as ports, roads, and airports,
to help improve the country’s competitiveness. IFC helps leading Colombian
groups modernize and expand their businesses internationally. Improving
access to finance for micro, small, and medium enterprises is also at the
core of IFC’s strategy in the country, as well as helping improve the
investment climate by simplifying regulations. As of March 2008, IFC’s
total committed portfolio in the country was $828 million.
About IFC
IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, fosters sustainable economic growth
in developing countries by financing private sector investment, mobilizing
private capital in local and international financial markets, and providing
advisory and risk mitigation services to businesses and governments. IFC's
vision is that people should have the opportunity to escape poverty and
improve their lives. In FY07, IFC committed $8.2 billion and mobilized
an additional $3.9 billion through syndications and structured finance
for 299 investments in 69 developing countries. IFC also provided advisory
services in 97 countries. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.
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