Author Archive for Sergio Manaut
Tourism: The Seducers
As the tourism business continues to grow throughout the region, countries are competing fiercely to lure investors with fiscal incentives and guarantees Whether in the fascinating and varied landscapes of any of Costa Rica’s 28 national parks, or in the monumental architecture in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, both countries — like many others in the [...]
Spain Reconquers Latin America
Recession has turned the heads of Spanish companies to Latin American markets and infrastructure projects. How are these firms faring in their reconquest? At the inauguration of the 13th Latin American Summit in Cadiz, Spain, one thing was clear for King Juan Carlos: The relationship between Spain and Latin America has changed dramatically. “Spain needs [...]
BBVA: Changing times, same old challenge
July ended with a few moves on the BBVA chessboard. The bank opened a new phase in the development of its retail business by appointing Ignacio Deschamps to head a division that combines global retail banking with its Latin America Group business. Deschamps, who is currently the top executive of BBVA’s Mexican subsidiary Bancomer, is [...]
Banco Santander: A tale about a backer
According to local lore, every morning that Emilio Botin, father of the current president of Banco Santander, went to mass, a beggar at the door of the Santander Cathedral asked him for money, pleading, “for the love of God.” Don Emilio never gave the beggar so much as a glance. Then one day, Botin’s se-cretary [...]
Latin America Keeps Telefonica Afloat
MADRID – Telefonica may be forced to realize that its Latin American arm can loosen the noose around its neck. The world’s sixth largest telecommunications company by market capitalization, the leading integrated operator in Europe, and the telecommunications company of reference in the Spanish and Portuguese-speaking market, Telefonica is experiencing up close the economic free [...]
