How to Invest in Brazil via Acquisitions: 2023 Brazilian M&A Guide

Doing business in Brazil? How to Invest in Brazil via M&A? Be aware that Brazil is a country with both huge opportunities and numerous risks, and that some business practices might differ from your country.

Do you want to know: Why invest in Brazil? How mergers and acquisitions business practices differ from other countries? What are the main sectors with business opportunities? Organic growth versus inorganic growth (M&A) in Brazil?  Advantages of investing in an established firm in Brazil? Challenges of a business acquisition in Brazil? How relevant is FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) in Brazil? How active is the Brazilian M&A Market? What are its trends? What are its perspectives? What are its most active sectors with investment opportunities and its geographic locations? What are the main foreign countries investing in Brazil? How is the Brazilian M&A Process? Why the “Market Phase” is key? What are its options? What stages of the “Deal Phase” differs from other countries?

Either if you are considering to invest in Brazil and want to know the answer to any of those questions, or if you are just curious to know how Brazilian entry strategies, including M&A practices, differ from other countries, this article was written for you.

Good reading!

WHY INVEST IN BRAZIL? BENEFITS AND RISKS

Here are some of the main key reasons for investing in Brazil:

• Huge Economy, size and internal market. With a 2020 GDP of 1.44 US$trillion (according to World Bank), Brazil is the 12^th biggest economy in the world, and is the 5^th in terms of both surface (8.52 million sq km) and population (210 Million inhabitants).
• Gate to Latin America. Its GDP is the biggest and represents 1/3^rd of Latin American GDP (including Mexico). This fact, along with its industrial development, makes Brazil (and specially São Paulo city) the natural Latin American Headquarter for many multinationals.
• São Paulo city is the main financial and business hub of both Brazil and Latin America. São Paulo City Area, with over 20million inhabitants, is the most populous city in Brazil, Latin America, and the whole Southern Hemisphere. São Paulo State gathers 1/3^rd of Brazilian’s GDP, and São Paulo City concentrates 50% of São Paulo State’s Economy. This makes São Paulo city not only the biggest economy in Brazil, but also both the biggest economy in Latin America and the whole Southern Hemisphere (including cities from the Australian and the African Continent). São Paulo counts with the top business infrastructure that any other global financial center in the world has. Therefore, São Paulo city is the base for most of the multinationals, banks, top Brazilian financial advisors and law firms.
• Consolidated democracy and Rule of Law. Unlike other emerging markets, Brazil is a consolidated democracy and strong institutions and separation of power have allowed democratic transitions when powerful politicians (including former presidents) and businesspersons have been proven guilty of wrongdoings.
• Rich Natural resources. Brazil is the world’s largest producer and exporter of: agricultural products, ethanol, iron ore, soy, sugar cane, fruit, coffee, meat, leather and chicken, etc. On top of that, Brazil is self-sufficient on oil, and other energy production resources such as hydro and wind power plants. Brazil’s energetic matrix (including oil and gas) has 50% of renewable sources (much higher than the world average limited to 14%). Indeed, according to PDE 2026 (the Brazilian energy master plan), renewables represent 79% of electricity generation (mainly hydro 65% and wind 6%) . With only 3% of the world’s population, it gathers 20% of the drinking water worldwide. There some areas in northern Brazil (specially in “Bahia” State) were the wind energy farms produce energy at a world record of 60% of the time (the world average is 24,7%). Regarding Solar Generation, the States of MG (“Minas Gerais”), BA (“Bahia”) and  PI (“Piaui”) also have world record solar irradiation. Indeed the worst solar region in Brazil is more irradiated than the best solar region in countries such as Germany, France or UK.
• Highly developed industry. Brazil is one of the top worldwide producers of: cars (all top brands multinational produce in Brazil), wind generation equipment (GE, Wobben-Enercom, Acciona, Weg, Siemens-Gamesa, Vestas, etc), airplanes (Embraer), pharma (all top multinationals produce locally), etc.
• Peaceful country. Brazil has a rich mixture of cultures, formed by Indians, Europeans, Africans and Asians that have been establishing in the country. This diversity of ethnic groups in a same place molded a society plural and tolerant. The Brazilians respect different cultures, easily integrate the various customs and easily incorporate new habits and working methods. Brazil has no terrorism, nor have engaged in any war during the last decades.
• Infrastructure opportunities. Brazil’s infrastructure (airports, train, roads, ports, energy) is still considered a bottleneck and thus a priority area of investment. Therefore the government established several legal and political instruments to promote investments including PPP (“parceria público privada” or private-public-partnerships), PAC (“Programa de Aceleração do Crescimento” or Growth Acceleration Program) and “Projeto Crescer” (Growing Project).
• Regional Opportunities. There are 14 cities outside the State of São Paulo with over 1 Million citizens, and several states are indeed bigger than many countries. Those cities and states have specific trends and needs. Therefore, it is important for multinationals entering Brazil via M&A to analyze the different regional markets.
• Growth opportunities. On top of this, with a 2020 GDP per capita US$6,797 (according to World Bank), Brazil is the 70th country in the world, and is at the bottom 5 countries along the top 15 economies worldwide. Therefore there is plenty of space for improvement. On top of this, according to USDA estimations, among those 15 top world economies, Brazil will be the 4^th fastest growing country in the period 2022-2027.

CHALLENGES OF INVESTING IN BRAZIL

Brazilians often say “o Brasil não é para amadores” (Brazil is not for amateurs). In practice, despite the huge investment opportunities that Brazil offers, there are huge cultural and legal challenges that multinationals have to face when entering Brazil.

Cultural differences

Due to its continental size and the different external influences along Brazil’s colonization process, there are relevant cultural differences/challenges when comparing Brazil do other countries, and when comparing different Brazilian regions. Those cultural differences greatly affect the way of doing business. In order to accomplish successful business deals in Brazil it is of the utmost importance to understand and to act upon those cultural differences.

Legal and regulatory challenges

On top of the “cultural” “barriers to entry” to foreigners, there are also several legal and regulatory differences and challenges:

• Brazilian tax system is one of most complex in the world, being ranked by Forbes as the “most time consuming tax regime in the world”. Tax compliance is not easy due to numerous federal, state, and municipal, overlapping and constantly changing taxes.
• Despite the recent labor reform, Brazilian labor law is still complex, compliance is not easy, and Brazilian labor litigation level is also a worldwide outlier.
• On top of this, depending on the segment, there can be also several regulatory and environmental obligations, which can greatly delay a organic market entry.

ADVANTAGES OF ACQUIRING AN ESTABLISHED FIRM IN BRAZIL VERSUS ORGANIC MARKET ENTRY

For the reasons previous explained, organic growth in Brazil is more challenging than in many other countries. Therefore, a natural way to overcome those cultural, legal and regulatory “barriers to entry” is to acquire or to partner with an established Brazilian firm, that has already showed an “above the average” historical record of:

• Tax, labor, legal and regulatory compliance
• Adaptation to the cultural and business environment
• Financial success

Therefore, acquiring the “right target”, at the “right price” with the “right purchasing structure” following the “right deal process”, can save you a great deal of time and money and diminish your risks.

OTHER REASONS FOR ACQUIRING A FIRM IN BRAZIL

Some of the “acquisition rationales’” that justify M&A worldwide also applies to Brazilian acquisitions:

• National or regional geographic diversification
• Access to distribution channels / customers.
• Time to market. Especially when it comes to expansion
• Growth aiming economies of scale
• Cost reduction
• Market consolidation
• Synergies
• Access to unique assets such as human capital, know-how, etc.
• Tax credits
• Reducing competition by acquiring a competitor
• Opportunity to acquire an undervalued firm
• Acquisition of proprietary technologies or patents

M&A MARKET IN BRAZIL: TRENDS AND OPPORTUNITIES

Brazilian FDI Trends

As show on the graph below, Brazil is currently the 3^th top country in terms of FDI inflows among the top 15 economies (the top 4 are USA, China, Singapore and Brazil).

The reason for this is that, after the 90’s economic reforms (“Plano Real”) and the improvements of the business environment along the last 20 years, Brazil has been experiencing significant increases in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows:

Brazilian M&A Trends

As shown on the graph below, since 2003, Brazil has enjoyed a record number of transactions with the only exception of 2009 (due to the worldwide subprime crisis, in which Brazil, due to its conservative banking system, was one of the first countries to recover).

Indeed 2021, with 1,963 transaction, was the most active year in terms of M&A ever, 1289 were domestic transaction and 674 were cross-border transactions (most of them foreign firms that invest in Brazil). Therefore 2021 was not only a record year in total number of transactions, but on in the number of domestic and foreign transactions.

Cross border transactions historically vary from 40%-60% of the total number of transactions. Year 2021, with 674 cross border transactions, was the most active cross border year ever, due to a the great M&A opportunities consequence of the Covid pandemic and a mature M&A market.

Most Active Brazilian M&A Sectors

During the last years the sectors (and therefore some of the potential investment opportunities) most active in M&A in Brazil are:

• Internet companies
• Information Technology (IT)
• Financial institutions
• Company services
• Hospitals and Clinical Analysis Labs.
• Telecommunications and media
• Energy companies
• Education
• Food, beverages and tobacco
• Retail outlets
• Real Estate
• Insurance
• Oil & Gas
• Transports
• Public services
• Advertising and publishing houses
• Mining
• Chemical and pharmaceutical products
• Hotels and restaurants
• Wood and paper
• Port  and airport services
• …

Some other sectors that are also quite active are: Supermarkets, Electrical and electronic equipment, Fertilizers, Vehicle resale, Engineering products, Construction and construction products , Shopping centers, Vehicle assembly , Metallurgy and steel, Clothing and shoes , Sugar and ethanol, Aviation , Cement , Packaging, Chemical and petrochemical products, Railways , Hygiene , Textiles, etc.

On any of those top sectors, there are global players entering Brazil via acquisitions, global and local funds financing growth opportunities, and local players implementing inorganic growth strategies.

Most Typical M&A Transactions

The most frequent type of transactions in Brazil, sorted by relevance, are:

• Controlling stake acquisitions
• Minority stake acquisitions
• Mergers
• Asset deals
• Joint Ventures
• Spin-offs

Most Active Brazilian M&A Regions

As previously explained, São Paulo state gathers one third of Brazilian GDP and most of the multinationals and bigger companies are headquartered in São Paulo city. Therefore, it is not a big surprise that almost 50% of the M&A activity is concentrated in the São Paulo State.

Other states with relevant M&A activity are:

• Rio de Janeiro – RJ
• Minas Gerais – MG
• Paraná – PR
• Santa Catarina – SC
• Rio Grande do Sul – RS
• Bahia – BA
• Pernambuco – PE
• Brasilia – DF
• Alagoas – AL
• Ceará – CE
• Espírito Santo – ES
• Mato Grosso – MT
• Goiania – GO
• Maranhão – MA
• etc

The Most Active Countries Investing in Cross-border M&A in Brazil

Regarding the Cross Border transactions, the most active regions that invest in Brazil via acquisitions are i) North America (USA, Canada), representing 56% of the total number of transactions, and ii) Europe (Great Britain, France, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, Netherlands, Sweden, Belgium, Switzerland, etc), representing approximately 1/3^rd

Other active countries that invest in Brazil via acquisitions are: Japan, Argentina, Canada, China, Mexico, Russia, Chile, Singapore, Colombia, Uruguay, South Africa, etc.

HOW TO DO BUSINESS IN BRAZIL: CHALLENGES TO SUCCESSFUL BRAZILIAN M&A (FIRM ACQUISITION)

Why Brazilian M&A in Different from Other Countries

Meanwhile the conceptual methodology to making a successful M&A transaction or firm acquisition in Brazil is quite similar to other parts of the world, in practice; however, Brazil has certain peculiarities that are key to a successful deal process:

• As tax, labor, legal and regulatory compliance, as well as “integrity” are not to be taking for granted in Brazil, selecting the right “acquisition target” is crucial for a successful M&A transaction.
• On the other side, publicly available information is quite scarce and, when available, is not always reliable. Consulting experience, double-checking information from several sources, including personal contacts, is therefore of the utmost importance.
• When reaching the “Deal Phase” of a transaction, there are relevant cultural facts, that are crucial when sitting at a the negotiation table, as paradoxically: personal relations, creating empathy, speaking the same language, gaining trust, and in summary dealing with emotions, can be as relevant as making a high bid or communicating brilliant rational arguments.
• Business Valuations in Brazil need to be political-proof and economical-proof, as valuation assumptions may change due to regulatory, legal and economical shifts. Therefore, a solid scenario analysis developed by a local Brazilian M&A advisor is vital to a trustworthy business valuation.
• Due Diligence in Brazil is crucial in order to map and quantify liabilities. The bad news is that there is not a single transaction without liabilities. The good news is that there are several legal and financial structures, which can either mitigate those liabilities, or leave those burdens on the seller’s side.

What is Key to Successful M&A Transaction in Brazil?

Taking into account those facts, a successful deal process to invest in Brazil, on top of the technical M&A know how and experience, also requires:

• Significant “local network”, meaning personal contacts in the marketplace to correctly:
  • Map the sector of interest and its players using not only the scarce information available from public sources, but also data from private sources.
  • Screen and prioritize the targets by interviewing third parties (industry experts and top executives).
  • Double-checking the information by consolidating different sources.
• Deep knowledge of the “Brazilian style” of doing business and dealing with Brazilians.
• The ability to develop trustworthy and friendly negotiations in Portuguese.
• Local knowledge of the political, economic, legal and regulatory environment and its potential shifts in order to develop trustworthy business valuations.

INVESTING IN BRAZIL THROUGH ACQUISITIONS: THE M&A PROCESS

The acquisition of a Brazilian firm is not conceptually different from other countries and usually has the following phases, whose ultimate objective is to reduce risks and increase the value of the acquisition to the acquirer:

• Market Research and Target Screening: As explained before, before engaging in a “Deal” it is essential to:
  • Analyze your sector of interest (growth opportunities, competition, required licenses, etc).
  • Map and screen all the potential “targets” (reputation, access to key clients/channels, financial health, etc), and
  • Select the “targets” that are more aligned with your Brazilian market entry strategy and business culture.
• NDA Signature: After contacting the “prioritized targets”, you enter the “Deal” by signing a reciprocal “Non Disclosure Agreement” (NDA), in order to receive detailed, confidential information of the target, including its accounts and financials.
• Target Valuation: Once you have the target’s accounting and financial information, you can build a financial model, develop different scenarios, include your own synergies, and value the target.
• Non-binding acquisition offer: you can negotiate an indicative offer in the form of a LOI (Letter of Intent), MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) or a Term sheet. Once it is accepted, you can further proceed with the Due Diligence.
• Due Diligence (DD): If your “non-binding” offer is accepted, with the help of your auditors, lawyers and operational personnel, you must verify the company’s legal, financial and operational situation. The final goal is to confirm your valuation’s assumptions and map possible “liabilities”, in order to identify and reduce the risks of the acquisition.
• Binding acquisition offer: once you have confirmed the situation of the company and its main liabilities, you are ready to formalize a “binding” of “final” offer.
• Closing the Deal: once the final offer is accepted, your lawyers can help you negotiate the terms of the SPA (Sales and Purchase Agreement) in order to “Close the Deal”.

OPTIONS FOR THE “MARKET PHASE”: 1) CONSULTING FIRM, OR 2) FINANCIAL ADVISOR WITH CONSULTING BACKGROUND

Why investing in an M&A Market Phase? Why mapping, screening and prioritizing Potential M&A Targets is key for the following Deal Phase?

As explained, the “Market Phase” (including market research and target screening and selection) is crucial in order to make sure that you are entering the “deal phase” (that is usually costly and time consuming) with the right “target”.

Challenges of a Brazilian M&A Targets Survey

Nevertheless, there are some challenges involved, as public information on privately held firms is scarce, since Brazilian companies in general are not required to release its financials. The exception are the publicly listed companies or corporations (“Sociedade Anônima – S.A.”).

Goals of an Brazilian M&A Market Phase

Therefore, the best way to analyze a market sector, map and screen its players is by hiring: i) a consulting firm, or ii) a financial advisor in Brazil with consulting know how, in order to:

• Obtain private information by using its personal network and relations, to interview sector’s experts and executives.
• Structure and compile all qualitative and quantitative data obtained, in order to screen and prioritize the best targets
• Present you the results of the market research, in order o initiate the Deal Phase with the right targets.

What type of firms can deliver a Mapping, Screening and Prioritization of Potential M&A Targets?

A market research such as described can be delivered by:

• A Strategy Consulting Firm, such as BCG, Bain or McKinsey, or
• A “Specialized” M&A Financial Advisor (and M&A Boutique or M&A Investment Banking Firm), that combines experience and know-how both in strategic consulting and M&A advisory.

However, there are several crucial differences between the two options:

• Investment. A market research with the described scope is usually more expensive when delivered by a Strategy Consulting Firm. The reason is that the Consulting Firm will base its fees solely on the “hours” devoted for this engagement. On the other side, an M&A Boutique can be more flexible, as the “Market Phase” will only be part of its whole engagement (and fees).
• Incentives. As the M&A Advisory Firm will gain most of its fees on the “Success” of the transaction (at Signing), therefore the M&A Boutique will have strong incentives to allocate its best resources to deliver its best along the Market Search. A well analyzed market, and targets correctly screened and prioritized, are the best way to ensure that there will not be “surprises” along the “Deal Phase” (eg: during the Due Diligence). Therefore, a well-executed market research will greatly increase the chances of success of the transaction (which is the main basis of remuneration for an M&A Financial Advisor).
• Know How preservation. Additionally, the M&A boutique that conducted the “market study” will use this knowledge along the later stages of the “Deal”: it will already know the target, its customers, suppliers, market reputation, and so on. This key “know how”, will facilitate the closing of a “win-win” agreement with one of the top prioritized targets.

If you choose the second option (M&A Financial Advisor in Brazil) just make sure that they really have the necessary and complementary experience in strategic consulting, essential to deliver the “market research” you will need.

PROFESSIONALS INVOLVED DURING THE “DEAL PHASE” OF A FIRM ACQUISITION IN BRAZIL

Financial M&A Advisor (Investment Bank Firm or M&A Boutique)

A Brazilian specialized M&A Advisory Firm can locally assist you in all stages of the M&A Deal:

• NDA Signing. This is a standard practice and usually a relatively simple matter, which will only need the consent of your legal department.
• Target Valuation. Your local Brazilian M&A advisor can develop or assist your financial department to develop a financial valuation of the target firm. Knowledge of the complex Brazilian tax system is key to develop the model. Local know how of the market, political and economic perspectives is essential to develop the possible scenarios and its assumptions.
• Negotiation/ Non Binding Offer. As previously explained, knowledge of the Brazilian culture and language is fundamental to a successful deal as in Brazil as paradoxically: personal relations, creating empathy, speaking the same language, gaining trust, and in summary dealing with emotions, can be as relevant as making a high bid or communicating brilliant rational arguments. Thus a Brazilian M&A Advisor can complement your global M&A team and add a great deal of value on the transaction.
• Due diligence. Your M&A Advisor can help you locally coordinate your auditors, lawyers and operational personnel along the Financial, Legal and Operational Due Diligence.
• Final Binding Offer. Your M&A Advisory Firm can assist you to analyze the Due Diligence results and negotiate with the target a Final Binding Offer.
• Legal Negotiation/ Closing. Your M&A financial advisor in Brazil should assist your legal advisor on the financial side of the legal negotiations (for example, the implications of some contractual clauses on the company’s valuation). Most important: in Brazil, some deals do not close due to discrepancies during the legal negotiations. It is vital that your M&A Advisor (that has already developed a trust relation with the target along the intense offers negotiations), is involved until the effective signing of the transaction, in order to solve the divergences that will emerge.

Auditors

You will need to hire a local auditing firm to execute a proper Financial Due Diligence and help you check the target’s financials and map its main financial and tax liabilities. Typically one of the “big four”.

Legal Advisor

If you want to invest in Brazil via M&A will also need to hire a legal advisor to:

• Map the target’s main legal and labor liabilities during the Legal Due Diligence.
• Negotiate an SPA (Sales and Purchase Agreement).

SUMMARY: HOW TO INVEST IN BRAZIL THROUGH M&A

Due to the size of its economy, huge internal market, its consolidated democracy and rule of law, its natural resources, developed industry, peacefulness and business opportunities, Brazil, and more specifically São Paulo, is an investment priority for many multinationals.

Nevertheless, “Brazil is not for amateurs” as there are significant legal, regulatory and cultural challenges to overcome.

All those challenges makes it difficult, risky, costly and lengthy to enter the Brazilian market organically. It makes more sense to enter the Brazilian market through the acquisition of a reputed, established firm, with the right know how, track record and capabilities, and use this first acquisition as a platform for future organic growth.

The Brazilian M&A market has been quite active during the last years, including cross border investments, specially from North America, Europe, and some Asian countries.

The most active sectors in terms of M&A are:  Internet, IT, Services, Food, Healthcare and Energy. The most active state is São Paulo, representing 50% of the total number of transactions.

The M&A acquisition process is typically divided in “Market Phase” (including market research, target mapping and screening), and “Deal Phase” (from NDA signing until closing).

• The “Market Phase”, is key to analyze the sector or interest, and map, screen and prioritize its targets. Compliance in Brazil is more complex than in other countries. Therefore, starting a Deal Phase with the “right target” is a must. For this phase, you can either hire a Strategy Consulting firm (such as BCG, Bain or McKinsey), or a Top M&A Brazilian Advisor with consulting know how. Nevertheless, there are several advantages of hiring the later: investment, incentives and know how preservation.
• The “Deal Phase”, as in other countries, is comprised of: NDA signing, Target Valuation, Negotiation/ Non Binding Offer, Due Diligence, Final Binding Offer and Closing/Signing. Valuation, negotiation and Due Diligence are crucial in Brazil to the success of the transaction.

The M&A process to invest in Brazil (including a Market Phase and a Deal Phase) itself is not technically different from other countries, but there are some country specific challenges to overcome, including:

• Complex tax and labor laws and regulations (and thus liabilities of potential targets).
• Access to information to map and screen targets (by using private information through personal network)
• Changing economic conditions impacting Valuations.
• Paradoxically, personal relations, creating empathy, speaking the same language, gaining trust, and in summary dealing with emotions, can be as relevant as making a high bid or communicating brilliant rational arguments. This fact has a key impact on the Deal Phase.

Thus, counting with the local expertise and network of a top Brazilian M&A Advisor is key for the success of the transaction.

ABOUT CAPITAL INVEST

CAPITAL INVEST – M&A Advisors, one of the top M&A Boutiques in Brazil, provides a top-of-the-class financial advisory services aiming  at maximizing the return / risk ratio of your investment in Brazil.

CAPITAL INVEST’s executives, have financially advised in mergers and acquisitions for over 2 decades, both on buy mandate advisory and sale mandate advisory, adding up to more than R$ 20bn in over 50 transactions. Most of those transactions involve a multinational acquiring a firm in Brazil.

Thanks to our profound experience as Financial Advisors in M&A in Brazil, local network and our deep knowledge of the Brazilian market, we advise along all the steps of the process of a merger or an acquisition in Brazil to ensure the success of the acquisition.

For multinationals willing to enter Brazil via acquisitions, by combining both our M&A advisory and consulting expertise, we provide a unique, top of the class, consulting service to deliver a pre-deal “market research” in order to map, screen and prioritize the best available targets in one specific sector.

Diego Dutra