We advised Grupo APC, S.A. in the sale of a majority stake in its subsidiary APC Buró, S.A., to Experian Latam Holdings Unlimited, a member of the Experian group.
APC Buró, the sole credit bureau in Panama, began operations in 1957 providing valuable consumer credit reports. Experian is a world leader in information services helping companies and consumers around the world to access credit and maximize financial inclusion and has been named one of the most innovative companies in the world by Forbes.
The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, such as contractual and regulatory approvals. Closing is expected by mid-year.
Alcogal's advisory team for this transaction included partners Patricia Cordero, Rita de la Guardia, Jaime Castillo (on antitrust matters), and associate Rafael Amar.
We advised Grupo Aval in its corporate reorganization process. This reorganization resulted in the spinoff of a 75% equity stake in its indirect subsidiary BAC Holding International Corp. (BHI), in favor of its shareholders and the shareholders of Banco de Bogota (prior to the spinoff, the direct owner of BHI).
BHI is the Panamanian holding company that owns, directs and supervises the several banking and financial services of BAC in Panama and Central America.
The team of lawyers at Alcogal played an essential role in all aspects of Panamanian law from the corporate, banking, and securities perspectives. In addition to advising with the registration of BHI's common shares in the Superintendence of Capital Market and their listing in the Latin American Stock Exchange, Alcogal actively participated in the negotiation and execution process of an agreement between Central Latinoamericana de Valores, S.A. and the Central Deposit of Colombian Securities. This agreement allows BHI's shares to be traded simultaneously on the Panama and Colombia stock exchanges, something completely innovative in our capital market.
Partners Arturo Gerbaud and Rafael Marquínez participated in this transaction.