PANAMA
CITY, Jan. 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Banco
Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S.A. (Bladex) (NYSE:
BLX) has announced the successful closing of a US dollar and
Colombian peso syndicated loan for US$53
million and COP 60,000 million, respectively, for
Finanzauto S.A. BIC, a leading Colombian automotive finance company
with a strong commitment to sustainable economic development.
The syndicated loan, structured and led by Bladex, included the
participation of eight prestigious financial institutions from the
region, thereby confirming the bank's ability to bring together
strategic allies for the benefit of its customers' sustainable
growth.
The proceeds of this operation will allow Finanzauto to deepen
its strategy of granting loans for the development of MSMEs,
promoting projects with a strong focus on ESG (environmental,
social and governance) standards, and contributing to the
strengthening of logistics and operations of MSMEs as the economic
engine of the country.
With over 50 years of experience, Finanzauto has established
itself as a benchmark in the non-bank financial market of
Colombia. It is the first non-bank
financing company to obtain the B certification in Colombia, currently has a local rating of AA-
by BCR Ratings and stands out as the main financier in the country
in the productive public service, cargo, passenger vehicles and
vans segment.
"We are proud to join Finanzauto on this journey. This operation
underscores our commitment to promote sustainable economic growth
in Latin America through a loan in
dollars and local currency, bringing eight new counterparties
together to diversify Finanzauto's funding sources. In this way,
Bladex continues to promote the growth of companies such as
Finanzauto, an example of how companies can integrate
sustainability standards into their business models and support the
economic growth of MSMEs in Colombia," said Carlos
de Alvear, Senior Vice President and Head of Mexico and South
America of Bladex.
Recognized for its innovation and commitment to sustainability,
the company is implementing a model that generates triple-impact
value: economic, social and environmental, strengthening its
position as a key player in the country's development.
An example of this is the consolidation of its sustainable
financing portfolio, which focuses on key areas for small carriers
and MSMEs, promoting opportunities for access to cleaner vehicles,
as well as working capital, health and education.
Santiago Cleves Bayón, General Manager of Finanzauto highlighted
that "this loan represents a milestone in our history, not only
because of the resources it will contribute to our operations, but
also because of the values we share with Bladex in terms of
sustainability, governance and social responsibility. In this way,
we are moving forward in our mission to be a catalyst for
prosperity and progress for small cargo and passenger carriers in
the country."
By leading this operation, Bladex reinforces its role as a
facilitator of growth and development in Latin America, promoting projects that
contribute to the region's economic well-being, structuring
innovative financial solutions and attracting strategic allies. The
Bank's ability to structure syndicated loans demonstrates its
commitment to creating opportunities and promoting inclusive and
sustainable growth.
Founded in 1979, Bladex's mission is to promote foreign trade
and regional integration. Its network includes offices in
Panama, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, the United
States and a representative license in Peru. Bladex is listed on the New York Stock
Exchange (NYSE: BLX) and has a shareholder base that includes
central banks, state banks and representative bodies from 23 Latin
American and Caribbean countries,
as well as institutional and private investors.
For more information, please visit: www.bladex.com.
Contact:
Carlos de Alvear, Vicepresidente
Senior – Red de Originación de Suramérica y México
E-mail address: cdealvear@bladex.com
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SOURCE Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S.A.
(Bladex)
