IFC Eyes Stake in Brazil Pharma

The World Bank’s International Finance Corporation (IFC) is considering a $50m investment in pharmaceutical retailer Brazil Pharma, it says. The investment would be a combination of an acquisition of the company’s equity and an IFC loan, according to a proposed investment summary. A spokeswoman for Brazil Pharma says the deal would help fund the company’s growth, but notes that the exact investment details still remain under discussion. A spokeswoman at the IFC did not return a call for comment. The Brazilian company currently has a presence in over 13 states, out of 27 in the South American country and it is in the process of expanding its reach. In early February, the company acquired Sant’Ana Drogaria Farmacias for a BRL495.7m ($288.3m) price tag.