PE/VC Fundraising Hits Record: LAVCA

Private equity and venture capital firms raised a record $10.3bn in 2011, 27% above 2010’s $8.1bn, according to a survey done by Latin American Private Equity & Venture Capital Association (Lavca). Brazil-dedicated funds accounted for $8.1bn of the total, with firms Gavea, BTG Pactual Vinci and Patria accounting for $7.1bn. Brazil also accounted for 50% of transactions last year. Regional funds were $1.1bn of the total committed capital, LAVCA says. Deal numbers reached $456m in Mexico, a 117% increase from 2010. Exits in the region hit $10.6bn in 2011, more than doubling from 2010. LAVCA surveys fund managers through a proprietary data collection tool. Information technology, energy, and other services, which includes fast food chains and franchises, saw what LAVCA calls “notable growth” in deals or investment value.