MEXICO - GLOBAL BUSINESS WORLDWIDE LTDpotential is huge in this area,” Martínez explains. “Another factor making our country a market for growth is its macroeconomic fundamentals

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December 2012 heralded the dawn of a bright new era for Mexico when dynamic and business-friendly President Enrique Peña Nieto took the reins of the second-largest economy in Latin America and a key trade and investment partner to the U.S.

A charismatic and experienced politician who served as Governor of the State of Mexico between 2005 and 2011, President Peña Nieto has pledged to bring prosperity and security to the country’s 115 million residents through a series of ambitious socioeconomic and structural reforms.

With an excellent strategic location between North and South America, Mexico has recorded impressive economic growth in recent years. The economy is forecast to expand by 3.9% this year, thanks to sharp rises in private consumption and foreign direct investment (FDI). An industrial, technological, and manufacturing powerhouse that has attracted billions of dollars of FDI over the past decade, Mexico is one of the world’s leading exporters of oil, automobiles, machinery, garments and textiles, and manufactured goods.

In the first six months of 2012, the vibrant country enjoyed more than $7 billion in FDI which investment chiefs have predicted will create 25,000 jobs across the republic’s entire economic landscape. Investors from the U.S. and beyond are investing in areas such as automobiles and auto parts, oil and gas, energy, food production,

infrastructure, mining, electronics, Informa-tion and Communications Technology (ICT), and aerospace.

According to the latest official data, bilateral trade between Mexico and the U.S. soared by 76% from $254.3 billion in 2001 to nearly $450 billion in 2011.

During the same period, Mexico’s exports to the U.S. jumped 95% to almost $275 bil-lion, while imports from the U.S. surged 53% to $174 billion.

Shortly before taking office on December 1, President Peña Nieto outlined his golden vision for the country’s future and his strategy for improving its fortunes through a comprehensive program of structural and legislative reforms.

“I promise to generate more and better jobs, tripling the eco-nomic growth of the last decade and generating more than a million jobs per year,” he said. “The government will promote economic competition, increase investment in infrastructure, and facilitate ac-cess to production loans through a strengthened development bank.

“We will spur the development of sectors such as tourism and energy. It will be important to expand private participation in Petróleos Mexicanos (Pemex)—maintaining public ownership of oil and control of the state—to boost the organization’s production, profitability and transparency.

“To make the leap to the ‘Knowledge Society’ we will invest at least 1% of GDP in science and technology and create a fund to build capacity in state and local matters.”•

MEXICOLinking the AmericasLatin America’s industrial and financial giant is attracting vast foreign investment with the help of its ambitious new government and a motivated business culture.

www.globalbusiness.uk.com


Enrique Peña NietoPresident of Mexico

Mexico’s Key Investment Facts and Figures 2011

Capital: Mexico City Real GDP Growth Rate: Investment: 21.1% of GDPArea: 1,964,375 sq. km 3.9% Public Debt: 35.4% of GDP Population: 114,975,406 GDP per capita: Industries: food & beverages, In the last two years, Mexico $14,700 tobacco, chemicals, iron &steel, has risen 13 places on WEF’s GDP Composition by Sector: petroleum, mining, textiles, clothing Global Competitiveness Rep.(#53) agriculture 3.8%, industry 34.5%, motor vehicles, durables, tourism. moved up 5 places on IFC’s services 61.7% Agriculture products: corn, wheat, Doing Business Index (#48) Labor force: 49.17 million soybeans, rice, beans, cotton, coffee, Exports: $349.4 billion Budget Deficit: -2.6% of GDP fruit, tomatoes, beef, dairy, wood. Source: CIA World Factbook, WEF, IFC.

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Modern, efficient, competitive, transpar-ent, and profitable, Mexico’s banking and financial services’ sector has grown at a rapid rate in recent years and remains at the forefront of public and private sector efforts to secure fresh FDI.

According to former Secretary of Finance and Public Credit, now Secretary of Foreign Affairs, José Antonio Meade Kuribreña, public finances have been strengthened by a strategy of economic diversifi-cation to reduce the resource-rich country’s reliance on oil revenues.

Well-regulated and supported by a robust legal framework that offers investors security and peace of mind, the financial services in-dustry has its headquarters in the federal capital Mexico City, which is also home to Latin America’s second-largest stock exchange—Bolsa Mexicana de Valores (BMV).

Headed by president Luis Téllez, the BMV witnessed “the most important equity placement in its history” on September 26, 2012, when banking giant Grupo Financiero Santander Mexico listed its shares simultaneously on the BMV and the New York Stock Exchange.

“This placement reflects the confidence gained by our country in the international markets and the strength of the Mexican financial system,” Téllez says. “This position undoubtedly consolidates and confirms that Santander Mexico is a large bank that is fundamental to the development of the Mexican economy.”

Meade Kuribreña echoed that view: “This is very good news for the bank and a reflection of good management. It is good news for

the stock market as it diversifies the BMV and reflects very well on Mexico’s financial system. Today, Mexico’s stock exchange offers more possibilities for raising capital than ever.”

The simultaneous flotation of Grupo Financiero Santander Mexi-co in Mexico and the U.S. raised about $4 billion for approximately 25% of the company and focussed the global financial spotlight on both the BMV and the country’s equity markets.

“We have built a very solid retail banking franchise,” says Santander Mexico’s executive president, Marcos Martínez. “We started in Mexico by buying two banks that were in bad shape and now we are the biggest investment bank in the country. Another as-set is our strong commercial banking franchise. We are the strong-est not in size, but in effectiveness. These numbers make us one of the most productive banks in the global group.”

Unlike other financial institutions, Santander Mexico has not been impacted by the views of foreign ratings agencies. “Our corporate policy offers some autonomy to our subsidiaries,” Martínez explains. “It doesn’t mean we are independent from our HQ, but we are able to make special decisions based on local market conditions. Mexico has been one of Santander’s key mar-

kets this year which is why we are experiencing strong consolidation in all segments.”

Following its flotation, Santander Mexico is continuing to expand rapidly with small- and medium-sized enterprises a key target. “Our target is to reach 20% market share, and we think the growth potential is huge in this area,” Martínez explains. “Another factor making our country a market for growth is its macroeconomic fundamentals. Mexico has a debt ratio of 30% of its GDP, a deficit of 0.5% and low inflation.The combination of these factors makes Mexico a good quality risk country.”•


Driving GrowthMexico’s rapidly-growing banking and financial services industry is attracting big names and laying strong foundations for future socioeconomic success.

“Santander Mexico is a bank that is fundamental to the development of our economy.”

Luis Téllez, President, Bolsa Mexicana de Valores

Luis TéllezPresident BMV

José Antonio Meade Kuribreña, Secretary of Foreign Affairs

Marcos MartínezExecutive President Santander Mexico Financial Gp.

Lago Rodolfo, N° 58, Col. GranadaC.P. 11520, Mexico City, Mexico

Tel: +52 (55) 5545 0088 / +52 (55) 5250 3988Fax No: +52 (55) 5531 8244

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Peter Foyo was appointed president and manag-ing director of Nextel de Mexico S.A. de C.V., a subsidiary of NII Holdings, Inc., in August, 1998. Since then, he has been responsible for the overall company operations in the country.

Prior to joining Nextel Mexico, Foyo served as corporate strategy director and director of wireless planning and implementation–PCS/WLL at Alestra, S.A. de C.V., a joint venture between AT&T and a local Mexican partner.

Before being appointed to Mexico, Foyo acted as country man-ager of AT&T Argentina, responsible for managing the company’s operations in Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay. He was also a member of the board of directors of Teléfonos del Interior, representing AT&T. During his stay in Argentina, he was in charge of multinational

technical and mobile personnel with the objective of developing a countrywide mobile network. He was recognized as 2008 Latin America Best Executive by the International Business Award for the company’s 10-year-old successful trajectory under his supervision and the results obtained during 2007.

In 2009, Foyo received the Universal Excellence Award in Mexico for his career merits. A year later, the International Foundation of Buenos Aires Young Leaders recognized him for his humanitar-ian, ethical and professional activities. Named American Chamber representative for the Yucatán Peninsula in July 2011, Foyo was responsible of tourism commerce and investment promotion, and encouraging companies to get involved on CSR programs within the region. This year, Foyo was recognized among the 300 most influen-tial leaders in Mexico by Líderes Mexicanos magazine.

Foyo studied International Business, Economics, Military Science and Engineering at Benedictine University and Wheaton College in Illinois.

The Story So Far Operating in Mexico since 1998, Nextel de Mexico has grown into a leading telecommunications provider that boasts an outstand-ing reputation for innovation and reliability, with its state-of-the-art technology used daily by nearly 4 million satisfied customers. The ambitious company offers fully integrated wireless communications tools with digital cellular voice services, data services, and wireless Internet access, and Nextel Direct Connect is widely utilized by busi-nesses and individuals. Nextel de Mexico is an undisputed industry

Connecting Worlds in MexicoWith more and more businesses using its modern, efficient and far-reaching network, Nextel de Mexico is driving industry innovation.



pioneer offering hi-tech solutions that allow companies of all sizes and across all sectors to optimize their operations, services, and resources.

Since 2002, Nextel has operated as an independent firm under the name of U.S.-based NII Holdings Inc., which boasts more than 11.2 million customers across the world. It has an average revenue per unit of $38, and is publicly-traded on the stock market (NIHD). In the past year alone, Nextel launched more top-of-the-range prod-ucts in collaboration with partners Motorola, Huawei, Blackberry and Qualcomm. Nextel has also sponsored a number of sports tourna-ments, including: Nextel Business Golf Tour and Nextel Racing, as well as cultural events, including: Nextel Congress, Nextel Theater, Paul McCartney, and Cirque Du Soleil productions.

The company was ranked 74th in the “2012 Expansion’s 500” list by Expansion Magazine, and 12th in the Top 30 “Super Busi-nesses of 2012 with over 3,000 employees” list by Expansion maga-zine, 12th in the “Great Place to Work” list by the Great Place to Work® Institute, and 92nd among “Mexico’s 1000 Most Important Companies” by Mundo Ejecutivo magazine.

In September 2012, Nextel launched Nextel Evolution, a concept showcasing a new technology platform, new products, and services, along with rate-based plans that enable the company to take the next step in delivering high speed internet data and enhanced radio services, while giving its subscribers a unique experi-ence in every way.

The new technology platform has unparalleled architecture specifically developed to meet subscribers’ demands, with features

such as radio services, high-speed Internet data and telephony, all of which are offered with the same quality and technology in all 34 cities where Nextel Evolution will primarily be available.

“This is a highly anticipated moment for both Nextel and our subscribers,” said Nextel Mexico president Peter Foyo at the launch. “Nextel Evolution is the consolidation of our brand promise that will allow us to provide the most complete mobile communications solu-tion in the market. Since Nextel’s arrival in Mexico, we have invested more than $6.4 billion dollars in infrastructure, products, and

Peter Foyo, Nextel de Mexico’s President and Managing Director since 1998.



services. Nextel has always sought to offer state-of-the-art devices with features matching its subscribers’ needs. Thanks to Nextel Evo-lution’s capabilities, the company will introduce a new portfolio of devices that will fully engage subscribers to experience the platform’s benefits.”

The devices being offered include the Motorola MASTER™ Smartradio, the Motorola IRONROCK™ and other Motorola devices scheduled to be released, all of which will run on Android OS. The company is also introducing Huawei’s Smartradios Stella, Huawei Lunar, Huawei Clip and Huawei Polaris.

Constantly InnovatingNextel Evolution’s devices can be used as an Internet hot-spot ac-cess, either with the wireless feature which allows subscribers to share the connection with other devices, or as a modem function to browse from a computer. The company has also added Nextel Now, a high-speed Internet access data service, and Nextel Data Evolution to its portfolio, which includes such devices as Huawei’s Mediapad, running on Android OS; as well as the new Huawei Mobile Wi-Fi E586 Evolution, designed to work as a hot spot; and the Huawei

Datacard E352 Evolution, which allow users to remain connected

to their business and personal worlds, thus meeting all their needs.

The Push-to-Talk (PTT) serv-ice, now called Evolution Radio, is enhanced to deliver first-ever features in Mexico, such as the ability to

conduct group calls

with up to 25 simultaneous devices and centralization of services enabling subscribers to have communication capacities not found on any other carrier.

For the launch, Nextel and Qualcomm Inc., provider of the QChat™ platform that enables the Evolution Radio service, stra-tegically worked together with Huawei and Motorola to provide subscribers with the highest-quality performance on PTT. “Evolution Radio brings to the Mexican market the most advanced PTT service in the world,” said Christopher Heinze, senior director for Qualcomm Business Development. “This state-of the-art service offers the speed and security that assure that subscribers can benefit from a fast and secure PTT communication with the push of one button.”

Nextel Evolution allows the company to reinforce its strategic alliances with current business partners like Motorola Mobility and RIM while joining forces with other leading telecommunications companies, such as Huawei—responsible for building the platform’s infrastructure and providing mobile devices—and Qualcomm. All this has strengthened Nextel’s products and services portfolios, allowing it to offer a wider and more beneficial range of communications op-tions to its subscribers. “We are confident that with Nextel Evolution our current and potential subscribers will find an unmatched and differentiated service,” said Alberto Escobar, marketing vice president for Nextel Mexico.

Mei Shoujun, executive vice president of Huawei Technologies in Mexico, added: “We are very pleased to be part of a new communi-cations era at Nextel Mexico. We are sure that this historical alliance will allow us to deliver efficient voice and data services, as well as an unparalleled experience in mobile Internet, thanks to our devices launched today along with Nextel.”

“We are proud to continue our commitment with Nextel at such an important moment in their history. With this launch, we continue the evolution together offering a unique and differentiated market value: immediate communication,” said Vince García, iDEN director for Motorola Mobility in Mexico. “We have always participated with Nextel in its major launches, and together have reshaped PTT com-munications. The new Motorola MASTER™ will influence the way in which subscribers communicate, staying at the forefront of technol-ogy with unique features.”•

Nextel Evolution takes products and services to new heights. Nextel H.Q. in Mexico City.

Huawei MediaPad, the first tablet offered by Nextel Evolution.

The US$ 4.1 Billion offer was 5.3 times over-subscribed

It was taken up by 12,575 new shareholders

A MODELOF SUCCESSAfter joining the market with the largest IPO so far this year in Latin America, Grupo Financiero Santander México is now the 75th ranked bank in the world by market value, demonstrating the strength of Grupo Santander’s model of stand-alone subsidiaries.

IPO Grupo Financiero Santander México

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This advertisement is not a sales proposal nor an invitation to purchase.

Information based on Stock Exchange Ranking by market capitalization on 19th October 2012. Banco Santander, S.A. Registered Office: Paseo de Pereda, 9-12. 39004 Santander, Spain. RM de Santander, Hoja 286, Folio 64, Libro 5º de Sociedades, Inscripción 1ª. CIF: A39000013. Sant ander and the flame logo are registered trademarks.

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Courtesy of its wonderful climate, sparkling seas, beautiful beaches, spectacular scenery, diverse flora and fauna, mouth-watering cuisine, and rich history and culture, Mexico is one of the world’s most popular vacation destinations.

A record 23 million tourists are expected to visit the sun-kissed country in 2012, compared to 22.7 million in 2011, as Mexico benefits from visitors eager to explore and discover the land where the famous Mayan calendar was created thousands of years ago.

While the famous beach resorts of Cancún and Acapulco used to be Mexico’s main tourist magnets, in recent years the country has diversified its tourist product to offer visitors of all ages a superb range of memorable and exciting activities.

One of the world’s leading luxury hotel brands, Barceló Hotels & Resorts operates 13 hotels in Mexico that promise visitors the experience of a lifetime. The group, which has been in the country some 20 years, manages five hotels on the gorgeous Riviera Maya and two modern hotels in the vibrant nightlife capital of Cancún. In addition, Barceló has hotels in Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Manzanillo, Huatulco, Ixtapa and Cuernavaca.

Among the group’s most popular hotels is the stunning, all-inclusive resort of Barceló Maya Beach Resort which stands on one of the most gorgeous stretches of the Mexican Caribbean along 1.5 miles of white sands, crystal clear water, and a coral reef.

Featuring an eye-catching Mayan-inspired architectural style and design, the luxury retreat offers several swimming pools, bars, and restaurants and is surrounded by lush tropical gardens and beautiful paths ideal for running and long walks.

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Roberto ZapataDirector GeneralHoteles Misión

Miguel Ángel GuardadoDirector General, Barceló Hotels & Resorts, Mexico

Gerardo MurrayRegional Vice President Sales and Marketing Mexico InterContinental Hotels Group

A Sun-Soaked Paradise Blessed with jaw-dropping scenery and a fantastic climate, Mexico is a tourist magnet that expects to attract a record number of visitors in 2013.

Safe Returns for Valued Investors

V alue Grupo Financiero is a leading financial services group that provides a wide selection of brokerage, investment management, leas-

ing, and fund operation services. It serves a substantial and diversified client base that includes large corpora-tions, governments, and private investors.

Primarily engaged in Mexico’s financial sector, the company’s subsidiaries include its brokerage house Value Casa de Bolsa; Value Arrendadora, which is involved in the financial leasing sector, and Value Consultores, a division focused on providing financial administration and consultancy services.

The family of funds offered by Value Casa de Bolsa provides various investment alternatives that allow customers access to the money and capital markets. One of the company’s best investment tools is the Value F2 fund, which offers very at-tractive returns comparable to those obtained by long-term investments but without sacrificing liquidity as it is available every 28 days. For the past nine years, Value F2 has consistently outperformed Cetes, the Mexican Treasury bills auctioned by the Ministry of Finance via the Central Bank.

Value solidified its strategy for long-term-rate investments and has been the leader in long-term-rate funds on a national level for many years. Its performance since 2003 shows its track record for producing double-digit returns. This gives the client a high-growth potential, and their customers becomes their best salespeople.

Having been involved with BMV for many years, Value Grupo Financiero ensures that the growth of its clients’ capital or assets has low levels of risk. This is a virtuous cycle where customers can safely benefit from Mexico’s macroeconomic growth.

Value Grupo Financiero is based in Monterrey, and has branches in Mexico City, Guadalajara, Chihuahua, and Morelia. A dedication to the highest levels of customer care is interwoven into the fabric of the company. More than 6,000 customers are benefiting from its experience, constituting a huge network of very pleased investors that brings them closer to other potential clients.

The company is proud to contribute to the nation’s sporting, cultural, and educational development through corporate social responsibility initiatives that range from charity ballet to high-profile sporting events.

Telephone: 01800 00VALUE | www.value.com.mx

Carlos Bremer GutiérrezGeneral DirectorValue Grupo Financiero

Just along the coast is the “jewel in the crown” of the group’s hotel collection: Barceló Maya Palace Deluxe. Built just five years ago, the hotel’s architectural design was inspired by the area’s colonial culture and boasts magnificent views of one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

All its tastefully decorated rooms are junior suites or suites, meaning guests can relax and unwind in comfort while enjoying exotic cuisine at its six restaurants or dancing the night away at its lively bars and popular nightclub.

“Barceló has a culture of quality and service which is vital. There are days when we have had 6,000 to 7,000 customers staying at our hotels,” says Miguel Ángel Guardado, director general of Barceló Mexico. “Mexico is very attractive to any business and particularly those looking to invest in the hospitality industry, as growth will remain above the global average because there are still many virgin destinations in terms of development and infrastructure.

“Over the next 10 years we would like to open some city hotels rather than beach resorts,” he adds, while acknowledging the Riviera Maya attracts three times as many tourists as other areas, thanks to its historical and cultural roots.

“We have a great relationship with tour operators and travel agencies all over the world. Our corporate sales team is divided into regions according to the different markets and countries, and in that way we can attend to our partners’ needs immediately and in their own language.”

Meanwhile, with an enviable collection of 37 beautiful, distinct, and diverse hotels across Mexico, Hoteles Misión boasts an impres-sive track record of success and its hotels cater to the every need of business and leisure travelers from around the world. Each hotel is located in a well-preserved historic building and offers guests an unforgettable experience at an affordable rate. The group recently embarked on a major expansion drive as it looks to run 60 hotels by 2014.

“Each unique hotel represents a poignant aspect of Mexican culture and tradition, with strategic locations in industrial, colonial or archaeological cities, as well as breathtaking locations along Mexico’s numerous beaches,” says Hoteles Misión director general Roberto Zapata.

A leading player in the Mexican hotel and leisure industry for more than 40 years, InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) operates dozens of franchises under seven different brands, ranging from InterContinental and Crown Plaza to Holiday Inn.

“We manage more than 120 properties with over 200,000 rooms,” says Gerardo Murray, IHG’s regional vice president of sales and marketing for Mexico. “Most of our brands are already very well positioned in the country, though we still need to introduce Indigo and Candlewood.”•



Barceló Maya Beach Resort, Riviera Maya. www.barcelo.com Barceló Maya Palace Deluxe, Riviera Maya. www.barcelo.com

The Art of Hospitality

HotelesMisión Mexico City, Mexico

Reservations: In Mexico City +52 (55) 5209-1700 Toll free (in Mexico) 01 800 900 3800

[email protected]

www.hotelesmision.com

Hoteles Misión’s 37 hotels promise an unforgettable stay in breathtaking settings around the country. You’ll find comfort on a different scale, whether it’s business or pleasure.


Infrastructure development is an important part of any country’s socioeconomic progress and has formed the backbone of Mexico’s recent economic and social advancements, with up to $50

billion a year spent on new infrastructure projects.

Under the government of President Peña Nieto, that figure is expected to jump to around $70 billion as officials look to stimulate further economic growth and quality-of-life improvements through better transport systems, housing and access to utilities. Most of these projects are expected to be completed with the help of foreign investors through Public-Private Partner-ships (PPP). One such PPP model is the $1.9 billion Durango-Mazatlán “superhigh-way” that will link Mexico’s interior with the Pacific port of Mazatlán.

Due to open in 2013, the 140-mile toll road is a feat of a civil engineering as it features more than 60 tunnels and 135 bridges—including the Baluarte Bicenten-nial Bridge, which at 1,321-feet high is the world’s highest cable-stayed bridge.

Mexico’s largest construction company, Empresas ICA was founded in 1947 and

has designed and built a broad range of major infrastructure projects including high-ways, bridges, tunnels, dams, reservoirs, power plants, oil and gas facilities, sport stadiums, and urban transit networks.

With its vast experience and creative and technical expertise in civil engineer-ing, the firm is ideally positioned to take advantage of the anticipated increase in government investment in infrastructure by the new administration.

“We see opportunities in Latin America and particularly in the U.S. We have built dams and some of the most sophisticated bridges and tunnels. We have the most up-to-date equipment so we think we can add value in these countries, but always with a local partner,” says ICA’s CEO Alonso Quintana. “It is a very interesting time for ICA because we are going through some important transformations.

“We are going back to other countries in Latin America and are also studying the U.S. market. Six or seven years ago, we also took the decision to invest heavily in infrastructure with long-term projects, not only being constructors but also investors and owners of concessions. We’ve been consolidating that activity and transform-ing the company: from a simple project developer and consultant into a long-term operator of infrastructure.”

Among ICA’s strong portfolio of recent projects is the $1.3 billion La Yesca Dam in western Mexico, which holds 1.33 billion square meters of water—enough to supply Mexico City’s 21 million inhabitants for two years. “One of our most emblematic projects would probably be the highway from Mexico City to Tuxpan,” Quintana says. “Due to its geographical conditions, the road was very complicated to build



Building Blocks Mexico anticipates some $70 billion in infrastructure spending for 2013.

Like German-Mexican artist Mathias Goeritz, we are also constantly looking at different ways to express ourselves and evolve to offer new and better products and services.

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A GRUPO VILLACERO COMPANY

as it crosses several mountain ranges and is a project with large investments under a mixed scheme of con-cessions. It is a very emblematic project as it will ease traffic congestion in the area of Veracruz and the port, enhancing the competitiveness of

this region.”Turning to ICA’s strategic development plan, Quintana notes:

“We are looking for more efficiency in a more horizontal and modern way. We want to adapt ourselves to the client’s needs and to have a sound technical and financial capacity. Instead of waiting for others to give us the blueprints, we are investing in engineering capacity—from the conceptualization of the project, to the design. We are also working very closely with the government and its most ambitious projects, and are also looking for partners and restructuring the company to capitalize projects.”

Helping international investors from the U.S. and beyond enjoy strong returns across Mexico’s diverse economic, commercial and industrial landscape is leading financial institution Value Grupo Fin-anciero.The company enjoys a strong track record of growth for its clients’ capital and assets and is well positioned to take advantage

of investors eager to explore potentially lucrative investment oppor-tunities in a range of sectors such as tourism.

Meanwhile, Mexico’s steel mills produce nearly 30 million tons of crude and finished steel per year, making the country Latin America’s second largest steel producer. Established as a family business just over half a century ago in northern Mexico, Villacero is now the largest distributor of steel products in the country, with a significant and growing presence in more than 30 international markets, including Germany through the acquisition of Coutinho & Ferrostaal.The ambitious company operates an extensive network of world-class steel manufacturing plants, distribution centers, sales offices, and other facilities that support the logistics and movement of products via rail, road, and maritime routes to customers in North America and Asia. Villacero also boasts a specialized financial divi-sion—Afirme Grupo Financiero—which provides a range of compre-hensive financial solutions in banking, insurance, investment funds, factoring, warehousing, leasing, and retirement savings funds.

“In the last 14 years, we have started international trading through Germany and have been present in the U.S. since 1988, so we have a very interesting penetration rate into the U.S. market,” says Villacero CEO, Julio César Villarreal Guajardo. “We want to strengthen our recent business acquisitions, our relations with the U.S., and commercial agreements with Europe. Mexico is a great country for investors and Villacero is a great company. Mexicans are open to different cultures. We are a young country that likes to learn, with a skilled workforce, a major commercial partner across the border, and growing infrastructure.”•



ICA: THE PARTNER OF CHOICE FOR INFRASTRUCTURE IN MEXICO AND LATIN AMERICA

Blvd. Manuel Ávila Camacho 36, piso 15,Colonia Lomas de Chapultepec C.P. 11000, México Distrito Federal Tel (52 55) 52 72 99 91 Fax (52 55) 52 27 50 46 www.ica.com.mx

65 years of developing unrivalled building solutions

[email protected] or [email protected]

Alonso QuintanaCEOEmpresas ICA

Julio César Villarreal GuajardoCEOVillacero

Mexico’s pharmaceutical industry is one of the nation’s most recent success stories, with the sector achieving tremendous growth over the past decade to generate huge revenues of more than $11 billion a year. A key trigger for this impressive

growth was the government’s decision several years ago to scrap the compulsory manufacturing requirement, which enabled dozens of new companies to establish operations in the republic.

Founded in 1945, the National Association of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers (ANAFAM) is dedicated to providing physicians and patients in Mexico with safe and effective medicines manufactured locally by state-of-the-art technology and in accordance with global quality standards. ANAFAM represents 24 drug makers, which employ more than 20,000 workers, technicians, and specialists in various medical fields. Mexican firms like Landsteiner Scientific and Laboratorios Hormona are both industry leaders, while one of the best foreign performers is Canada’s Apotex which has several plants and sells more than 150 products.

“The laboratories we represent produce effective and safe medi-cines manufactured by relying on production facilities and quality systems that provide confidence and relief to consumers,” says ANAFAM president, Dr. Dagoberto Cortés Cervantes. “The linkage of these companies with various institutes and foundations in order to support the scientific, technological and philanthropic interests makes us a socially responsible industry that works to preserve Mexico’s most valuable asset: the health of its population.”

At the forefront of Mexico’s pharmaceutical innovation revolution is Randall Laboratories, a creator and distributor of more than 50 medicines and drugs that improve people’s health and well-being. Established 56 years ago, the company’s product portfolio includes drugs to combat infections in the upper airways, syrups and drops for common viruses, and medicines that target special age groups, such as babies or the elderly.

“We allied with other companies, looking to create new products so we could offer a new line of attractive, new products in other markets,” explains Randall Laboratories’ general director, Rodrigo Iturralde. “I approached other laboratories and offered to distribute their products, which helped the business a great deal, and pro-vided me with new production ideas and vendors.

“We are proud to have really good-quality products. Randall is already venturing into Central America and we are interested in international competitors more than national ones.”

Established in 2004, Grupo Sim offers companies of all sizes temporary personnel solutions through its comprehensive range of human resources-related services such as payroll technology and unlimited automatic billing. “Mexico is a safe place to invest, with many opportunities available for entrepreneurs,” says Grupo Sim executive president, Federico Fernández Senderos. “It has unique conditions that other countries in Latin America do not offer. Mexican people are noble, with an extraordinary capacity for work. By 2022, we want to have grown our business 10-fold.”•

The Innovation RevolutionMexico’s pharmaceutical firms are generating vast revenues and attracting major investments, thanks to strong spending on technology and R&D.

LEADING THE WAY

A potex is currently the largest and most-renowned Canadian pharmaceutical company worldwide. Our progress and expansion has not ceased for more than 38 years and, thanks to our contri-

butions in research and development (R&D), the production and distribution of generics, innovators, biotechnological drugs, raw materials and containers for medical use, we have become a prestigious company at an international level. We continue to keep our main commitment alive, which is to be “A high-quality pharmaceutical company at an affordable and fair cost, and a real advantage for both health professionals and consumers.”

Apotex Mexico has been able to penetrate the market and offer consu-mers a reliable alternative for their treatments. We have influenced a change in the health culture of medicines and created awareness of the use of gene-rics in our country. The global support we receive from our headquarters give us an unlimited view that plays a role in our everyday business and future.

Today, Mexico is the operations platform of Apotex Inc. in Latin America. It hosts an important pharmaceutical plant, two raw materials plants, and R&D laboratories with the most advanced technology. Apotex’s business portfolio assures our future with more than 150 different products, developed to fill patients’ needs.

We will continue to do our best to keep our position as a leader company and a reference in health culture for the coming years as we maintain our competitive edge and forward-thinking strategy.

Call center: 01800-827-6839Website: www.apotex.com.mx

Apotex Mexico. www.apotex.com.mx



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MEXICO - GLOBAL BUSINESS WORLDWIDE LTDpotential is huge in this area,” Martínez explains. “Another factor making our country a market for growth is its macroeconomic fundamentals