UBS has completed its agreed acquisition of Link Investimentos, Brazil’s largest independent brokerage firm. The transaction strengthens UBS Brasil, a financial institution based in São Paulo, and establishes a strong platform for the expansion of UBS in Brazil, enabling the bank to provide a full range of wealth management and onshore investment banking services, operating in the equity derivatives, equities, options, exchange-traded fixed income, currencies and commodities in the local and international markets. Combining the operations of one of the largest global financial services firms with the operations of an institution with a strong local presence, UBS aims to become a leader in wealth management and investment banking in the Brazilian market, offering clients a full range of products and services, as well as access to its global capacities and resources.
Link Investimentos has been at the top of the BM&FBovespa ranking of derivatives transactions for the last 11 years, having traded 217 million contracts in 2012, representing a 16% market share. Also in 2012, Link achieved the second position in the BM&FBovespa ranking of shares transactions, with a total volume of BRL 316,893 million, representing an 8.9% market share. UBS Brasil will also incorporate Link’s research department, which has consistently figured in the Central Bank’s “Top 5” ranking.
As a reflection of its renewed commitment to Brazil, UBS recently opened a new office in the heart of São Paulo’s financial district, which will become the new headquarters of UBS Brasil.
Robert McCann, UBS Americas CEO, said: “Expanding in Brazil, one of the largest and most important emerging markets, is a strategic priority for UBS and offers excellent growth opportunities for our firm, clients, employees and shareholders. Bringing UBS and Link Investimentos together further strengthens our regional presence and adds deeper local knowledge and market expertise.”
Lywal Salles, Chairman of UBS Brasil, said: “Link Investimentos has had a history of success in Brazil and its acquisition strengthens our local presence. We share with our new partners a common desire to build a first rate organization, highly regarded, in this market. It has been a pleasure, personal and professional, to interact with Link’s team.”
Daniel Mendonça de Barros, CEO of Link Investimentos, henceforth to be called UBS Brasil Corretora, added: “We are excited to join UBS and build upon the success that Link has had in creating a leading financial services organization in this important and dynamic market. I am quite confident that our clients will benefit greatly from UBS’s global product offering and client-focused advice and services.”
For Fórmate a Fondo
For Elena Santiso