DealMaker Q&A

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Eduardo Peláez

TTR DealMaker Q&A with UNE Asesores Financieros Partner Eduardo Peláez

Eduardo Peláez

Eduardo Peláez is Partner of UNE Asesores Financieros, an M&A advisory boutique focused in Latin America Small/Mid-Market. Eduardo Peláez has conducted many transactions in diverse sectors including tourism, chemicals, real estate and agriculture. Previously Eduardo was associate of Miranda & Amado Abogados and Hernández & Cía. Abogados. Also, worked in Lindley. 

He is Lawyer from Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú and holds a MSc Management from Alliance Manchester Business School.

TTR: What’s your general outlook for the M&A market in Latin American this year, and specifically, in Peru?

EP: We believe the Latin American M&A market is experiencing a quite dynamic phase. Notwithstanding, the particular circumstances of each country in terms of macroeconomic conditions and political environment lead to diverse possibilities and projections. 

In the region there are markets like Venezuela, a country with enormous potential but absolutely isolated, but also the case of Chile, a nation with very stable economy and government, but with less opportunities for high returns. Also, there are some up-and-coming countries like Paraguay that has established favorable market conditions through a pro-investment regulatory and tax set of rules. 

The case of Peru is very particular. Despite of the political turbulence and the scandals of corruption, the economy is stable and the National Central Bank maintains its growth´s projections around 4%. The last two years have been marked by iconic transactions led by strategic investors pursuing market consolidation, such as the acquisition of the pharmacy chain MiFarma by Intercorp and the recent acquisition of Intradevco by Alicorp.

TTR: What are the primary factors influencing M&A decisions in the current economic climate? How do these economic fluctuations affect investment priorities?

EP: In the last decade, Peru has grown consistently. Even though the pace slowed since 2014, the Peruvian market maintains healthy indexes and presents opportunities for high returns, making it one of the most attractive markets in Latin America. 

Likewise, the Private Equity industry is taking more prominence in Peru, generating more dynamism in M&A activity. Global funds like Advent and Carlyle are already active investors in the Peruvian market. Also, there are other relevant players specialized in the mid-market such as HIG, L Catterton, Southern Cross and Victoria Capital Partners, that are exploring opportunities in Peru. 

From the sell-side standpoint, the political instability could make some businesses owners’ deciding to sell. Also, the new M&A regulation that will go into effect next year could accelerate the velocity of transactions and increase the volume of deals in the following months.

TTR: What is the state of the capital market in Perú? How has the country evolved in this respect in recent years? What is your forecast for the near-term?

EP: Peruvian capital market is still in an embryonic stage, characterized by low activity and hardly influenced by a few institutional investors. The exclusion of Credicorp from the FTSE Emerging Markets index is symptomatic. 

There are some significant efforts of developing the MAV (capital market for mid-size companies with less than S/. 350MM of annual revenue), but the results are modest, with just 13 listed companies since its inception in 2013. 

In this context, the recent creation of FIRBIs and FIBRAs, vehicles that have similarities with the American REITs, could represent a great opportunity to attract retail investors and increase the activity and liquidity of the capital market.

TTR: How difficult is it for corporates to access financing from local financial institutions in the current environment? What are the main barriers? How is financing structured?

EP: We have experienced a significant evolution in the volume of Peruvian companies accessing to the banking system in the past few years, going from 25% in 2014 to 40% in 2018, according to ASBANC. 

The big challenge is the inclusion of the majority of small and medium enterprises that currently have very few options. The fintech market represents a very interesting alternative for this type of businesses, particularly in the way of factoring platforms. 

Also, the increasing presence of foreign debt funds, especially Chilean, are becoming key participants, even in the small-and-mid size market. For example, recently we helped our client Llaxta Inmobiliaria y Constructora to obtain a US$ 10.5MM loan from Volcom Capital Chile for a real estate project in Piura, part of the social program “Techo Propio”.

TTR: Finally, we would like you to share with us your opinions and forecasts about the opening of the Peruvian market with other countries

EP: The Peru market presents many opportunities for all types of international investors, from strategic regional players to family offices and private equity and debt funds. 

Beyond the usual M&A activity in the mining sector, we see interesting opportunities of consolidation in the agricultural business. For example, there is the case of Hortifrut that became the leading berry producer in the world after the acquisition of El Rocío. Likewise, last year we had the opportunity to advise the British trader Wealmoor and Limones Piuranos in the acquisition of the mango and avocado´s exporter Sunshine. Also, recently we led the sale of the mango´s exporter Dominus to the Peruvian-Danish joint venture Danper. 

On the other hand, the real estate market still presents superiors return rates compared with other countries in Latin America, attracting global and regional real estate funds. 

Finally, considering the current development of modern retail, we believe Peru represents an interesting possibility for regional companies dedicated to services related with cold chain and specialized storage.

DealMaker Q&A

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Alberto Rebaza

TTR DealMaker Q&A with Rebaza, Alcazar & De Las Casas Partner Alberto Rebaza

Alberto Rebaza
Alberto Rebaza

Alberto Rebaza is founding partner and managing partner of Rebaza, Alcazar & De Las Casas law firm. Partner leads to mergers and acquisitions and corporate areas. In addition to his masters, he has studies at Georgetown University and England. He has also been director in several companies and organizations such as Edegel (Energy), Rigel Peru (Insurance), Liderman (Services), Amrop (Services), IPAE, Pesquera Alexandra (Fishing), YPO, among others.

TTR: Mr. Rebaza, firstly we would like to get your expert opinion, in a brief analysis, on the progress of the Peruvian M&A market in the first four months of the year.

AR: The Peruvian legal market has experienced an unusual volume of M&A closings in 1Q19 for all type and sizes of transactions. From the small/medium size deals with a strong strategic focus, to the multimillion dollar/cross-border deals that cover most of our newspapers. Our team has participated in 7 closings in 2019 so far (including strategic deals such as the sale of Papelsa to Grupo Gloria, the sale of Holding Plaza to Parque Arauco or the purchase of Duraplast and Novatec by Wenco). We are thrilled and have high expectations with our pipeline of transactions for 2Q19.


TTR: According to our data, Peru allocated a significant part of its investments to other Latin American countries, mainly Colombia and Chile. What attracts the interest of Peruvian investors? 


AR: There are several factors that may explain this phenomenon. First, Colombia and Chile are two countries with lots of social, historic, cultural and legal similarities with Peru. A regional expansion within those countries is normally catalogued as a soft landing for foreign investors.

Second, since the launching of the Pacific Alliance (Latin American trade bloc, formed by Peru, Chile, Colombia and Mexico) in 2011, Peruvian investors are taking a close look to the participant countries of the Pacific Alliance to diversify or expand their businesses. It is worth noting that, despite certain tax benefits (agreements to avoid double taxation or tax reductions, among others), the founding members of the Pacific Alliance executed an agreement to abolish all tariffs of merchandise trade by January 2020, making this integration a unique Latin American marketplace for producers.


TTR: Similarly, Colombia appears so far in 2019 as one of the main investors in the country. How do you think this reciprocal business relationship between the two countries will evolve? How does it benefit their economies?


AR: Colombian investors have been major players in the M&A industry in the recent years and I wouldn’t expect that to change in the near future. They are the third major foreign investors in Peru, after Spain and Chile.

Back in 2018, the Colombian Business Council in Peru announced fresh investments for over US$ 2B in Peru for the years 2018 and 2019. Their main focus is on projects related to the infrastructure, electricity, hospitality, transport and in the cosmetic industry.

In addition to the investment projections of Colombian players, I think the real deal will come once the corruption crisis in Peru is overcome. The Colombians experience in public-private partnerships and Public Works Tax Deduction projects will for sure contribute our economy in a positive way. Their input and investment will boost public projects (and therefore our economy) and increase our employment rate considerably.


TTR: Meanwhile, transactions in Agriculture, Agribusiness, Farming and Fishing have increased in Peru, compared with previous years when that subsector wasn’t as prominent. What could you tell us about that? Do you think the tendency will remain?


AR: The fishing industry in Peru is now consolidated, however, the government has been debating the last months certain legislative modifications that may heavily impact the industry, such as the increase of the fishing rights.

On the other hand, we have viewed a transactional boom related to shrimp-based business like the purchase of La Fragata by Marinazul (affiliated to Grupo Camposol).

Furthermore, the agricultural-related industries are facing an unusual increase in their sectors due to the international demand for agricultural products. We have notice the peculiar interest of foreign investments funds and, particularly, private investors from Chile in the purchase of estates in the north of Peru to develop agribusiness and farming companies. Peru is a privileged country for the agribusiness, making it one of the most suitable natural producers. The progressive increase of the worldwide demand, followed by a friendly legal framework that includes income tax reductions and special depreciation conditions are the perfect match for this boost.


TTR: Lastly, Peru has recently suffered and been involved in certain corruption scandals. How do you think those scandals affect the country’s economy today? What is your outlook on the matter?


AR: Thankfully, the political crisis experienced in Peru last year and the current corruption cases have not prevented the unstoppable growth of our economy and, specifically, of the M&A players’ appetite.

However, it is important to note that all major infrastructure projects have been stopped and their continuity is under analysis. This has deeply affected our economy and the governmental stability, lowering the Peruvian employment rate. I believe this corruption turmoil may only be disregarded by a strong political force that needs to convey economic trust and decision-making features. Furthermore, we are now facing an exchange in the players or the main public projects. The typical powerful Brazilian and local companies are been replaced by international actors of various backgrounds.

Should the current government be unable to revert this situation, I believe the presidential elections in 2021 will be the right moment to overcome this scenario.

DealMaker Q&A

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Luiz Nicolau

TTR DealMaker Q&A with Ritch Mueller Partner Luis Nicolau

Luiz Nicolau
Luis Nicolau

Luis A. Nicolau has been a partner at Ritch Mueller since 1990. He specializes in mergers and acquisitions, debt and equity capital markets transactions and banking and finance. He is a leading expert in assisting underwriters and issuers in debt and equity offerings in Mexico and abroad. He has participated in many of the largest public Mexican M&A transactions and advises foreign and domestic private equity funds on a regular basis. He has assisted numerous international financial entities in setting up their Mexican operations, including Scotiabank, JPMorgan, Credit Suisse, Santander and Morgan Stanley.

He currently maintains several board memberships, including at Grupo Posadas, Coca-Cola FEMSA, the public equity fund IGNIA, Morgan Stanley Mexico, UBS Asesores, KIO Networks,  Grupo Cementos de Chihuahua, Gentera, and of the investment committee of Promotora Social México; former President of Fullbright Mexico’s Governing Body, former member of the board of directors of Papalote Museo del Niño, former member of the board of directors of the Indian Mountain School and former member of the Supervisory Board of the Mexican Stock Exchange.

Mr. Nicolau graduated from the Escuela Libre de Derecho in Mexico City in 1986. He obtained a Master in Laws from Columbia University in 1988, where he was a Fulbright Scholar. Before joining Ritch Mueller, he was a foreign associate at Johnson & Gibbs, Dallas, and at Shearman & Sterling in New York. He joined Ritch Mueller in 1990 and has been a partner since then, except for the years 2001 and 2002, when he was the Chief Financial Officer of Vitro.

TTR: To begin, we would like you to give us a brief overview of the course of the first four months of the year in the Mexican M&A market. 

LN: The Mexican market for M&A transactions has been particularly slow for two (2) specific reasons. The first relates to political uncertainty and the lack of visibility in respect of prospects of the Mexican economy. The second, because the aforementioned factors have affected multiples applicable to M&A transactions involving Mexican companies. The good news is that the Fintech market is showing a significant level of activity, given the approval of the new Fintech Law and the fact that the period to obtain licenses under the Fintech Law has commenced. In addition, many Mexican families are showing interest in diversifying holdings and selling stakes, coupled with a different perception of political risk by foreign investors.


TTR:  Year-to-date, the number of transactions in the Internet subsector has increased, compared to last year; what can you tell us in relation to this data? What other sectors do you think will emerge during 2019?


LN: The reality is that generally the technology sectors have shown a substantial level of activity, fueled primarily by dedicated funds with excess liquidity, multiples used in other jurisdictions and the generalized underservice of the Mexican market.

¿Qué otros sectores, cree que, despuntarán a lo largo de 2019? As indicated, the Fintech sector has continued to show dynamism. In addition, the financial services industry has shown signs of further consolidation and there is continued interest in the pharma industry.


TTR:  In relation to the previous question, the majority of investments in the technology sector were from Venture Capital. What place do entrepreneurs and new companies occupy in the country?

LN: Although specific market data is not generally available, this is a sector of special interest, as a result of the new Fintech Law that has provided certainty to the industry, together with the fact that Mexico continues to be underserved from a technology perspective.


TTR:  Meanwhile, according to our records, although Mexico usually allocates a large part of its investments to Latin American countries, it does focus them in the country itself. Why does this unilateral relationship occur? 

LN: Again, this question is difficult to answer without the aid of economic data. However, there has been renewed and ongoing interest by Latin American investors in Mexico, in the Mexican oil and electricity sectors. Real estate and Fintech have shown some dynamism (see the examples of Mercado Libre and Rappi). It seems, however, that the Mexican market is larger, slightly more complex and subject to more competition, and that interesting opportunities remain in existence in several markets in Latin America.


TTR:  Continuing with the same topic, in the medium term, what Latin American countries do you think have the greatest potential to establish new trade links with Mexico and why?

LN: Difficult question to answer and will be dependent upon the desire to diversify, the availability of accretive multiples, competitive financing and the existence of liquidity. Larger Central American groups are likely to continue to look at Mexico as a stable hub, together with Colombia and Peru that are going through stable processes, and of course Brazil with its economic might and better skills to adapt to a large market as Mexico.


TTR:  Apparently, the beginning of the year has not been as economically positive as expected. However, you can see many local businesses in expansion and with the intention of entering new markets. Do you think that this situation could be improved?


LN: It is hard to see significant economic improvement this year, notwithstanding the efforts of private sector groups, because of remaining uncertainties in respect of economic conduction. The end of the year may bring a surprise or two, if the economy remains stable.

DealMaker Q&A

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TTR Dealmaker Q&A with Hernández & Cía. Partner
Juan Luis Hernández

Juan Luis Hernández

Juan Luis Hernández Gazzo studied in the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú, (1994) and in the Harvard Law School – Master of Law (LL.M), (1998). He begin his career as speaker at different national and international forums in the matter of Banking and Finance, Mergers and Acquisitions and Capital Markets. Later he worked in the legal area of the Peruvian Securities and Exchange Commission – CONASEV (Current Capital Markets superintendent) (1994). Since 1998 til 1999 was in New York as International Associate at Shearman & Sterling. Currenty he is partner in Hernández & Cía firm where he started his career in 1992.

TTR: What your perception of the economic performance in Latin America, and particularly, in Peru this year?

The first quarter of the year is usually a bit slow in terms of legal activity across all economic sectors. However, 2019 has begun quite strong for us, which suggests our workload will be even greater for the rest of the year.

There is an interesting dynamic in Peru, not only because our firm has had sustained growth in recent years (48% in 2018), but also because the market itself has grown significantly. In terms of M&A, for example, we are seeing a greater volume of transactions, due to a combination of several factors.

In general terms, we see more activity in 1Q19 compared to previous years, both for our firm and countrywide. At the regional level, it is a bit more complicated; Based on my discussions with other attorneys in Latin America, countries like Chile and Colombia, which have strong connections to Peru, are experiencing similar scenarios. 


TTR: Why is there so much M&A in the extractives sector and in financial services?  

In the case of Peru, the mining sector had a strong start this year. Peru is fundamentally a mining country and, together with Chile, is one of the leaders in the mining industry regionally. Peru has a wide variety of minerals, which is a plus, and the rise in prices of various metals has driven a revival in the industry. This revival has spurred new projects and led to M&A targeting companies in the sector, even those in the exploration stage.  The mining industry and natural resources generally in Peru constitute an essential driver of the country’s economic future.

We have not witnessed a particular surge of activity in financial services as this sector consolidated a long time ago. It is unusual to see significant M&A activity in financial services because the country’s financial institutions have been quite structured for time ago. This does not mean that we are only going to see transactional activity in mining, but in other sectors as well.


TTR: In which other sectors do you expect to see M&A deals this year?

The Peruvian market will undergo consolidation in retail – in the broadest sense – and among companies providing services of different to SMEs. We believe the explanation is due to the current situation in the country. Paradoxically, we usually complain about how we are doing as a country, but if we compare ourselves to other markets regionally, we continue to be one of the main focuses of investment in Latin America. From the outside, they see us as attractive because we have been doing things well for 25 years in macroeconomics, besides offering investors a secure legal framework. We believe that infrastructure activity will soon rebound again. This sector has been stuck over the past few years,but once reactivated, it will generate a significant number of deals.


TTR: Colombia has been an important commercial partner to Peru, both as a destination and origin for invesment. What explains this and with which other regional markets do you expect Peru to strengthen its ties?

It has to do with a virtuous circle that has been generated between Peru, Colombia and Chile for some time now. We have many clients, that is, many multinational companies, that manage their regional operations from Lima, Bogotá or Santiago. In addition, there are many cross-border businesses with Colombian investors investing in Peru, and vice versa.

Also, the relationship with Chile is quite solid, it’s a phenomenon that has been going on for many years in Peru and is on the rise, not only fomented from Chile to Peru, but also from Peru to Chile. That is why we are confident that it will continue to develop as it has done to date.

It would be very positive for the country to have more trade and investment with Mexico. Let’s hope that soon the rapprochement will materialize. Everything suggests there will be stronger economic ties to Brazil as well. Because Brazil is so big, many companies there concentrate on satisfying domestic demands, but ultimately the larger companies can be expected to outgrow the country’s borders and invest abroad.


TTR: What’s your outlook for the remainder of 2019?

The expectation is very positive regarding the development of our country. We have had an atypical beginning this year due to its dynamism and, if the normal trend of increasing M&A activity throughout the year persists, we will have a very active 2019. The large Peruvian business groups are very active, eager to expand, trying to find synergies. We have many transactions of this type in Hernández Cía. Abogados, in addition to the mining projects that are expected to be reactivated promptly. In conclusion, the outlook is very positive.

Entrevista con Juan Luis Hernández, socio de Hernández Cía. Abogados.

TTR: En primer lugar, ¿podría brindarnos una visión general de cómo se está dando comienzo el año en Latinoamérica y en Perú en particular? ¿Cree que está transcurriendo tal y cómo se esperaba?

Según nuestra experiencia a nivel local, siempre el primer trimestre del año es más ‘lento’ en cuanto a la actividad legal y en todos los sectores económicos. Sin embargo, este 2019 ha comenzado bastante fuerte para nosotros como Firma, lo cual -afortunadamente- nos hace pensar que la carga de trabajo será aún más elevada para todo lo que resta del año.

Existe una dinámica interesante en el Perú. No solamente porque nuestro estudio haya tenido un crecimiento sostenido en los últimos años (48% solamente en el año 2018), sino también porque el mercado en sí mismo ha tenido un incremento sostenido importante. Por dar un ejemplo, en materia de M&A -que es uno de los aspectos en los cuales TTR se focaliza- estamos viendo un mayor volumen de transacciones, debido a una combinación de varios factores.

En términos generales, vemos más actividad en este primer trimestre del 2019, a comparación con años anteriores, tanto a nivel estudio como a nivel país. A nivel región, es un poco más complicado de opinar; por lo que he podido compartir con diferentes abogados de Latinoamérica, la percepción que tengo es que países como Chile y Colombia tienen relaciones consolidadas con nuestro país; por tal motivo, los 3 tenemos escenarios similares.

TTR: En cuanto a los sectores que están teniendo un inicio de año más positivo, destacan el de recursos naturales, el financiero y de seguros ¿a qué cree que puede deberse?

En el caso peruano, el sector minero ha tenido un fuerte inicio de año. No nos olvidemos que el Perú es un país fundamentalmente minero y que marca una diferencia muy importante en toda la región junto con Chile, países líderes en la industria minera. Asimismo, nuestro país cuenta con un “plus” adicional, pues cuenta con una amplia variedad de minerales. La subida de precios de diversos metales ha generado que la industria se reactive.

Por ello, existen nuevos proyectos y más posibilidades de compras de empresas del sector, incluso en etapa de exploración.  La industria minera y los recursos naturales en el Perú constituyen un driver esencial en el devenir económico.

Por otro lado, no vemos un movimiento particular en el sector financiero ni en el de seguros; están consolidados desde hace mucho tiempo. Es muy raro ver una actividad transaccional de M&A muy fuerte allí porque son sectores más o menos estructurados desde hace tiempo. Esto no quiere decir que únicamente vayamos a ver intercambios transaccionales de materia minera, sino en otros campos también.

TTR: Además de los sectores que se mencionan en la pregunta anterior, ¿qué otros sectores, y por qué, piensa que tienen más potencial de crecimiento durante este ejercicio?

El mercado peruano tendrá varias operaciones que involucran temas de retail-en el sentido más amplio-y temas de prestación de servicios a las MYPES en distintos rubros. Creemos que la explicación se debe a la situación actual del país. Paradójicamente, internamente solemos quejarnos de cómo nos va como país, pero si nos comparamos a nivel regional, seguimos siendo uno de los principales focos de inversión en Latinoamérica. Desde afuera nos ven de manera atractiva porque estamos haciendo bien las cosas desde hace 25 años en temas de macroeconomía, además de que ofrecemos a los inversionistas seguridad jurídica.

Consideramos que pronto se va a venir-nuevamente-una actividad sustancial en materia de proyectos e infraestructura. A la fecha dicho sector ha estado estancado, que una vez reactivado generará una relevante cantidad de operaciones económicas.

TTR: Según nuestros datos, Colombia es el país con el que más negocios ha llevado a cabo el Perú este año, tanto como inversor, como receptor de inversiones ¿Considera que se debe a algún motivo en especial? ¿Con qué países cree que podría reforzar sus relaciones comerciales, y por qué?

Tiene que ver con un círculo virtuoso que se ha ido generando entre Perú, Colombia y Chile desde hace un tiempo. Tenemos muchos clientes, es decir, muchas empresas multinacionales que manejan la región desde Lima, que maneja la región de Bogotá y que maneja la región desde Santiago. Además, hay muchos negocios cruzados, hay inversionistas locales colombianos invirtiendo en Perú y viceversa.

Asimismo, la relación con Chile es bastante sólida, es un fenómeno que cuenta con muchos años en el Perú y que va en aumento, no solo fomentada de Chile a Perú, sino que también de Perú a Chile. Por ello, confiamos en que se siga desarrollando como hasta ahora.

Ahora, sería muy positivo para el país tener más intercambio comercial e inversiones con México. Esperemos que pronto los acercamientos se concreten. Por su parte, con Brasil, todo indica que va a haber iniciativas desde el punto de vista económico que entusiasman al mercado. Por ser tan amplio permite que las empresas se concentren en satisfacer las demandas internas; sin embargo, también hay una expectativa para que se invierta en el extranjero.

TTR: Por último, ¿puede ofrecernos algunos comentarios sobre cuál es su predicción para lo que queda de 2019?

La expectativa es muy positiva en cuanto al desarrollo de nuestro país. Hemos tenido un comienzo de año atípico por su dinamismo  y, si se cumple la predicción de siempre- que este es el trimestre más bajo del año-, vamos a estar frente a un 2019 muy activo. Los grandes grupos empresariales peruanos están muy activos, con ganas de expandirse, de tratar de buscar sinergias. Estamos con muchas operaciones de ese tipo en Hernández Cía. Abogados, además de los proyectos mineros que se esperan sean reactivados prontamente.

En conclusión, la predicción es muy positiva.

DealMaker Q&A

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Entrevista con Diego García de La Peña, socio en Auriga


  • Diego García de La Peña

Diego García de La Peña es responsable de Consultoría de Coberturas a fondos de Private Equity, infraestructuras, inmobiliarios, Family Offices y empresas, así como responsable de Asesoramiento de Inversiones Alternativas en Deuda en Auriga. En ambas actividades, el objetivo es proveer soluciones para la estructura de capital de las empresas y ayudar a las mismas, así como a los sponsors a desarrollar sus planes de negocio.

¿En qué tipo de transacciones es más importante contar con asesoramiento en coberturas de tipos de interés y de divisas? 
 

En cuanto a las operaciones de tipos de interés el asesoramiento es importante en financiaciones a largo plazo, en las que el préstamo sea a tipo variable y se va haciendo más importante según se eleva el nivel de apalancamiento de la operación, porque en ese caso un impacto de una subida de tipos de interés puede comprometer la viabilidad del plan de negocio o la capacidad de repago de la deuda de un proyecto. Cualquier LBO de un private equity es susceptible de cobertura porque necesita estabilizar los flujos para que el modelo se ajuste a las expectativas del inversor. En financiaciones de proyecto, que van de 12 a 30 años, es más necesario todavía. En estos casos, el riesgo de tipo de interés es muy grande y las coberturas se emplean en el 99% de las operaciones. En general, los bancos financiadores están más cómodos con una cobertura, de hecho, la suelen pedir. Nosotros ayudamos al sponsor, según su estrategia, a negociar con los bancos para conseguir el porcentaje de cobertura y el plazo adecuado.  

En lo referente a operaciones de tipo de cambio, el asesoramiento es importante en compañías exportadoras, importadoras o con filiales en otros países que corren el riesgo de fluctuaciones de tipo de cambio. Desde Auriga, les asesoramos en los productos que deben contratar para que no les afecten esos riesgos. Para nosotros es una parte fundamental del análisis del Plan de Negocio sobre todo en compañías en las que el servicio de la deuda proviene de ingresos en distintas monedas. 

Además del departamento de asesoramiento en coberturas de tipos de interés y de divisas, desde 2012 contáis con una actividad de asesoramiento corporativo especializado fundamentalmente en deuda alternativa, ¿cómo ha avanzado esta actividad en los últimos años? 

Efectivamente, ofrecemos asesoramiento y soluciones de financiación a compañías en situaciones específicas, ya sea para acometer proyectos nuevos o planes de crecimiento específicos, o para compensar desequilibrios financieros más que operativos. Nuestro cometido es asesorar en todo tipo de operaciones especiales, con un impacto superior en empresas de tamaño pequeño y medio. 

La actividad de asesoramiento corporativo especializado en deuda alternativa que comenzamos en 2012 está creciendo a buen ritmo porque en los últimos años está habiendo un incremento exponencial en el número de operaciones analizadas, así como de compañías que exploran soluciones nuevas. 

La financiación alternativa se va abriendo camino en España, ¿cómo está afrontando el mercado este cambio de tendencia y qué nos espera en los próximos años? 

Estamos convencidos de que la financiación alternativa en España ha venido para quedarse. Lleva varios años en nuestro país y se está consolidando como un actor más e igual de importante que los tradicionales dentro del abanico de opciones que tiene una compañía a la hora de estructurar su financiación. 

Este cambio de tendencia conlleva un proceso de adaptación tanto en condiciones, como en interlocución con los nuevos financiadores pero creo que en los próximos años vamos a ver un mayor nivel de coexistencia de financiadores tradicionales con alternativos, debido al menor nivel de actores por a la concentración experimentada en el sector bancario, así como a la distinta forma de estructuración de las operaciones que hace que puedan convivir ambos grupos perfectamente dentro de una compañía y en una misma operación. 

Recientemente, Marguerite Solar Spain, controlada por la luxemburguesa Fondo Marguerite, ha adquirido el 80% de Planta Solar Opde La Fernandina, la cual ha recibido financiación para su desarrollo. ¿Cuál ha sido vuestro papel en esta transacción? 

En esta transacción hemos participado asesorando al equipo de OPDE y Marguerite en la estructuración de las coberturas de tipos de interés de la financiación recibida, así como en la implementación y contratación de las mismas a nivel financiero, de estrategia, de valoración, documental y de ejecución. 

El sector de las Energías Renovables ha sido uno de los más activos en el último año ¿seguirá esta tendencia en los próximos meses? ¿Hay otros sectores con especial actividad transaccional? 

El sector de las Renovables en España va a ser un ámbito activo durante los próximos meses y diría que en los próximos años, por dos razones fundamentales. La primera es que durante los últimos años hemos asistido a una alta actividad transaccional y de consolidación del sector en el segmento de los activos en operación sujetos a rentabilidad regulada y prevemos que este sector siga consolidándose, por lo que se van a seguir produciendo operaciones en España y las grandes plataformas que se han consolidado están empezando a invertir también fuera de nuestro país. 

La segunda razón es que desde hace unos meses está habiendo una efervescencia en el segmento de activos en desarrollo sujetos a rentabilidad de mercado. Tras el impacto de la regulación de las Energías Renovables de 2013/2014 en España se paró el desarrollo de nuevas instalaciones, pero tras las subastas impulsadas por el gobierno y la optimización de la tecnología se está produciendo una gran dinamización en el desarrollo y construcción de nuevos proyectos. 

En cuanto a los sectores más activos, en los próximos meses habrá una mayor actividad en el ámbito de las empresas relacionadas con el negocio agroalimentario y también en el sector consumo. 

El año 2018 ha estado marcado por un record de inversión de capital riesgo y parece que el sector vive un momento álgido. ¿Qué podemos esperar para 2019? 

Desde nuestra perspectiva, en 2019 se va a mantener el mismo nivel de actividad en cuanto a número de operaciones, debido a los múltiples actores del sector -tanto los que llevan muchos años en el sector como los nuevos que están surgiendo-, así como al dinero disponible para invertir. Asimismo, creo que en los próximos meses el volumen medio por operación se va a reducir y va a haber una mayor actividad en el segmento pequeño-mediano.