Venture Equity Latin America Mid-Year Report.

Despite an uncertain international economic backdrop, $1.7 billion of private equity was invested in Latin America during the first half of 2008, according to the just released Venture Equity Latin America’s 2008 Mid-Year Report.

The amount invested compares to $2.3 billion during the first half of 2007 and $1.6 billion seen in the first half of 2006. The report documents 26 deals, with ten in Brazil and seven in Mexico. Areas attracting attention from investors were software and IT related services, finance services, transportation, private education services, and manufacturing.

Fundraising surpassed the level seen a year ago, totaling approximately $1.981 billion, and there were 17 funds with closings. In the first half of 2007, there was approximately $1.5 billion in fundraising. While much of the fundraising activity centered in Brazil, there was also limited fundraising in Mexico and Argentina. Peru found itself the focus of multiple funds.

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