Ágora has wide experience in many industries. In the financial services sector, it advised the Colombian Government in the privatization of Granbanco and the sale of the Government’s stake in Banco Popular. It wrote a fairness opinion for the merger of Bancolombia, Corfinsura and Conavi and for the merger of Grupo Aval and Banco Popular. It did a valuation of Colpatria for its de-listing from the Colombian Stock Exchange. In retail, Ágora advised Casino in the acquisition by Almacenes Éxito of Carulla Vivero and in the acquisition by Casino of a controlling stake in Almacenes Éxito, as well as the sale of Cativen in Venezuela. In oil services, it acted as advisor in the merger of Organización Terpel with Terpel Antioquia, Terpel Bucaramanga, Terpel Norte, Terpel Occidente and Terpel Sur, in the merger of Organización Terpel and Gazel (formerly GNC), in the acquisition by Terpel of gas stations in Ecuador and Panamá, and in the acquisition of Biomax by Grupo Terra.
Mergers and acquisitions
Ágora advised Dragados and Concesiones in the sale of FENOCO for US$ 92.5 million and Casino in the acquisition of a controlling stake of Almacenes Éxito for US$320 million and in the acquisition of Carulla Vivero for US$ 700 million. It advised Grupo Terra in the acquisition of Biomax.
Infrastructure
Ágora Bankers recently advised Infrared Capital Partners in the acquisition of 50% of the shares of the 4G Toll Road Concession Ruta al Mar (Antioquia-Bolivar) to Construcciones El Condor, and advised recently Odinsa in the sale of 100% de of the shares of Santa Marta Paraguachón Toll Road Concession to Ashmore.
Energy
Ágora is currently advising the Colombian Government on the privatization of Electricaribe, its Bankers recently advised Grupo Ethus in the LBO of Petroeléctrica de los Llanos (230 kV Energy Transmission Line), and recently advised Grupo Ethus and Canacol, in the acquisition of Pacific Power Generation (240 MW installed capacity).
Restructuring
Ágora’s bankers have been involved in large and complex financial restructuring deals, such as the restructuring of Transtel’s liabilities, for US$ 310 million, the largest Law 550 restructuring in Colombia.
Capital markets
Ágora’s bankers have advised in capital markets transactions, including ETB’s US$ 86 million IPO (60,000 new shareholders). It advises clients in obtaining loans to finance their acquisitions and helps them negotiate with banks.
Project finance
Ágora Bankers have recently financed, as a project finance, the Tuluní and Palenque Energy Transmission Lines of the National Transmission System and the Cereté Energy Transmission line, of the Regional Transmission System.
Privatizations
Ágora advised the Government in the privatization of Granbanco, for US$ 990 million, the largest financial sector privatization to date, and in the sale of a 13.4% stake in Banco Popular.
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