The Decade of the Multilatinas

Latin American multinationals (multilatinas) have been central in the rise of emerging markets in the last few decades. Their development comprises part of the global shift of wealth and power between nations. The rise of firms in a broad range of sectors - including construction, oil, telecommunications and the aeronautical industry - as important regional and global players is spreading: companies in Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Chile and many others are part of this increasing phenomenon. This book analyses the trends, the countries and the firms involved, and explores the implications for the US, China, Spain and the rest of Europe. In particular, Javier Santiso examines how Spain might profit from positioning itself as a unique hub between Europe and Latin America. The Decade of the Multilatinas includes a wide range of statistical data which will be useful to scholars, policymakers and commentators on Latin America in particular, and international business and emerging markets more generally.

Foreword Mauro F. Guillén; Introduction; 1. A novus mundus; 2. The decade of the multilatinas; 3. The expansion of Brazilian multilatinas; 4. The expansion of Spanish-speaking multilatinas; 5. Multilatinas 2.0; 6. China: a wake up call; 7. Spain and Latin America; 8. Spain as a Latin hub; Conclusions; Index.

Javier Santiso is Professor of Economics at ESADE Business School and Vice President of the ESADEgeo think tank. Previously he has held the position of Chief Economist and Director General of the OECD Development Centre, responsible for emerging markets. He has also been Chief Economist for Emerging Markets of BBVA and adviser on emerging markets for Pfizer and Lazard.