Panamanian Industries ¿For Sale?

Over the past 12 years, at least 10 of the country's largest industrial companies were acquired by foreign capital.

Thursday, February 10, 2011


©image: PhotoXpress.com

Rafael E. Berry, in his analysis in Panama America, details how from 2000 to date some of the largest Panamanian industries were acquired by foreign groups, including the National Brewery ($ 260 million), Cervecería Baru Dairy Industries ($ 220 million), and others like the largest manufacturer of bottles and companies from the food sector.

These transactions exceeded $ 900 million and were opportunities for their owners, since the buyers were market competitors.

The article adds that "the perception that all major local industries are owned by foreigners is not real. There is still a considerable number of manufacturing companies owned by Panamanian families, as is the case of companies in poultry processing, sugar, coffee processing, soap and oil factories, among others."

More on this topic

FDI Down to $31.47 Million Compared to 2008

October 2009

Less FDI arrived in El Salvador, according to data from the Investment Promotion Agency (Proesa), who recorded investments by 30 companies.

The drop is 5% when compared to the same period of 2008.

Proesa's director Luis Córdoba told Laprensagrafica.com: "We see, however... recovery signs... we expect investment activity to increase...".

FDI Up 8% in Honduras

May 2010

The country received $207 million in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) during the first four months of the year, 8% more than the same period of 2009.

“Should this trend continue, FDI for 2010 would sum between $800 and $850 million”, reported Laprensa.hn.

Data from the Honduran Central Bank shows that in 2009 the country attracted just $484 million in FDI, the worst since 1999.

Beer Boom in Panama

September 2010

Multimillion dollar investments improving production plants and advertisements are showing excellent results.

Between 2006 and 2010, beer production increased by 53 million liters annually. In the first 7 months of 2010, 131.5 million liters of beer were produced which means on average each Panamanian adult drinks 9.5 liters of beer per month.

Coca-Cola FEMSA Completes Acquisition of "Grupo Industrias Lácteas"

March 2011

The Mexican Corporation Coca-Cola FEMSA announced it has completed the acquisition of Panama's "Grupo Industrias Lácteas", parent company of "Estrella Azul", "Conservas Panameñas" and "Plásticos Modernos".

This is Coca Cola's first foray into the milk and dairy industry, which is one of the largest and most dynamic segments of the non-alcoholic beverages market in Latin America.

 close (x)

Receive more news about Business and Investment

Suscribe FOR FREE to CentralAmericaDATA EXPRESS.
The most important news of Central America, every day.

Type in your e-mail address:


The Exciting Development in the hub of the Americas in Panama

Panama Pacifico is in the first phase of construction of a four phase project spanning the coming years. The destination's internationally relevant location, adjacent to the Panama Canal and the Pacific Ocean, makes this business center in Panama an ideal global business hub. Its lush setting provides the perfect backdrop for the new thriving, newly-built, master-planned community.

International Business Park

Looking for parking space?

Our new business office in the International Business Park of Panama Pacifico is under construction, and includes a new five storey parking facility. Life is easier when you have a plan. Offices designed, built and created under international standards.

Fiscal, Labor and Migratory Benefits:

See the lengthly list of benefits enjoyed at Panama Pacifico.

Special Economic Area

Law 41 was created in 2004 to offer exceptional benefits to companies setting up base in the Special Economic Area. A single government office in the area speeds up the process to set up a company in the area.