Latin American, with its important cost advantages and leading resources in biodiversity, is also presenting, for some of its countries, a rapidly growing domestic market with quickly advancing science and technology base. With its vision that Latin America can become a leading force in the global life sciences industry providing food, energy and better health to a growing population, Burrill & Company established a presence in Brazil and Chile, two of the most developed and innovators countries in the region.


Brazil:

Brazil has emerged in recent years as one of the prime investment locations in Emerging Market countries. Its consistent economic growth and increasingly favorable business environment have contributed to the creation of a wealth of investment opportunities.

In addition, the Brazilian government has set an improved legal framework for business models based on innovation and proprietary products as well as crafted legislation that provides the sharing of intellectual property and other resources between public and private entities, allowing direct support for R&D activities in private enterprises. These initiatives not only promote technological innovation but also act as incentives to boost overall R&D spending, the life blood of the life sciences industry.

Technological and healthcare accomplishments in Brazil have achieved global competitiveness status and, in line with global trends, the country has established a strong world presence in a number of areas of life sciences R&D, such as: Genomics, Stem Cell Research, Vaccines, Neurosciences, Biofuels and Green Biotechnology. Moreover, with strong support from the Brazilian government, Brazil’s biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry is currently the largest complex in Latin American, with over $17 billion in revenues in 2008.

Burrill & Company will play an important role to support Brazil enter the world stage of biotechnology at a unique time when the intersection of Brazil’s comparative advantages in human capital, science and technology assets, biological diversity, and other natural resources, are leveraged by global circumstances.


Chile:

Chile has taken significant steps to incorporate biotechnology into its economy. Through a powerful range of initiatives, including a new regulatory framework and economic incentives, Chile seeks to develop a world-class Life Sciences sector that leverages its global advantage as one of the main producers and exporters of natural resources with high value added products.

Biotechnology development is a strategic priority for Chile. It is expected to contribute to Chile’s economic leadership by helping increase productivity, reduce production costs and increase product quality across a variety of sectors.

The biotechnology industry is an emerging and growing sector in Chile. Biotechnology companies increased by 30% the last three years. Most of this activity has been in sectors considered strategic for the country, including agriculture and livestock, human health, fishery, forestry, and industrial biotechnology.

Currently, foreign companies have been encouraged to use Chile as a platform for their new developments in biotechnology and, based upon a collaborative private and public joint effort, Burrill & Company will help Chile become a desirable and profitable location for biotechnology in Latin America.


BURRILL LATIN AMERICA GROUP:

The Burrill Latin America group was created based on the expertise and knowledge in the life sciences together with a highly experienced local investment team. The Latin American operation is headed by Joao Paulo V. Poiares Baptista, Managing Director, from our office in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Recently we established two investment funds within the region: the Burrill Brazil Fund and the Burrill Chile Life Sciences Fund.


Burrill Brazil Fund I

The Burrill Brasil I, is a Brazil based life sciences Investment Fund with the purpose of long-term capital appreciation through venture capital, private equity and structured equity-related investments in life sciences companies, including biopharmaceutical, pharmaceutical, medical devices, diagnostic, health & wellness, health care services and delivery, agricultural biotechnology, industrial biotechnology, renewable chemicals and renewable biofuel companies located within or strategic to Brazil. The Burrill Brazil Fund strategy is to be diversified as to stage of investment and life sciences sub-sector. Upon its closure by September 2010, this fund shall have a minimum committed capital of $150 million, and a 10 year length.


Burrill Chile F3 Life Sciences Capital Fund

The Burrill Chile F3 Life Sciences Capital Fund is a Chile-based life sciences Investment fund, with a 10 year length. This fund investment purpose is long-term capital appreciation through private equity and structured equity-related investments in life sciences companies, including biopharmaceutical, pharmaceutical, medical device, diagnostic, health & wellness, health care services and delivery, agricultural and marine biotechnology, industrial biotechnology and biofuels companies located within or strategic to Chile, as well as companies that have high potential to positioning in the global markets. Upon its closure by the end of August 2010, this fund will have an up to $50 million committed capital.



CONTACT INFORMATION:

contact-latam@b-c.com

Burrill Brazil – Latin America Headquarters
Mourisco Botafogo, Praia de Botafogo 501
Torre Pão de Açucar, Bloco A, 1º Andar
Rio de Janeiro – RJ – Brazil
CEP 22250-040 – RJ
Phone: (55) (21) 2586.6174
Fax: (55) (21) 2586.6001

Burrill Chile
El Bosque Norte 0123 #601
Santiago, Chile
Phone: (56) (2) 246.0808 
Fax: (56) (2) 246.0809