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Mexico City, March 11, 2008
—IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, today signed an agreement with Vinte, an innovative home builder in Mexico, to increase the availability of high-quality and environmentally efficient housing for low- and middle-income people. This will be IFC’s first-ever investment in housing construction in the emerging markets it serves.
IFC’s investment of $22.5 million includes $10 million in equity, for 10.6 percent of Vinte’s shares, and a $12.5 million long-term revolving line of credit.
“IFC’s financing will support our business model and innovative research program. This will enable us to continue helping raise living standards for low- and middle-income families in Mexico,” said Sergio Leal, CEO of Vinte.
The rising demand for housing in Mexico, coupled with a steady growth in jobs, is contributing to a healthy home building sector. In five years, Vinte has capitalized on this market, transitioning from a small start-up to a successful midsize firm. The company specializes in an integrated approach to housing development that emphasizes community, availability of amenities such as Internet access and security systems, and post-sale services for property conservation and maintenance. Vinte practices green building, focusing on environmentally friendly systems—what it calls the “G7habitat” concept—that encourage more efficient use of water, gas, and light.
“This project aligns with our strategy to help expand the local home building market in Mexico. We are pleased to support Vinte, a leader in green building and affordable housing,” said Lars Thunell, IFC Executive Vice President and CEO, who signed the agreement during his first visit to the country since joining IFC.
Since 2001, IFC has invested $509 million to support the growth of Mexico’s housing finance sector and help expand access to mortgages for low-income families. As part of its strategy, IFC collaborated with the Sociedad Hipotecaria Federal to help develop a vibrant primary mortgage market, ensuring local currency financing to key originators such as Su Casita and Hipotecaria Nacional. IFC also helped develop a sound secondary mortgage market with clients including GMAC and Metrofinanciera.
The investment in Vinte is another phase of IFC’s strategy, which includes more involvement in the supply-side by supporting construction companies that target lower-income people.
About IFC
IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, fosters sustainable economic growth in developing countries by financing private sector investment, mobilizing private capital in local and international financial markets, and providing advisory and risk mitigation services to businesses and governments. IFC's vision is that people should have the opportunity to escape poverty and improve their lives. In FY07, IFC committed $8.2 billion and mobilized an additional $3.9 billion through syndications and structured finance for 299 investments in 69 developing countries. IFC also provided advisory services in 97 countries. For more information, visit
www.ifc.org
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About Vinte
Vinte is a Mexican housing construction company that has developed the G7habitat concept, which uses new technologies to improve living standards in housing developments for low- and middle-income families. The company, which also created the Real Paraiso trademark, has signed cooperation agreements with Intel, Microsoft, Infonavit, Mexico's Council for Science and Technology (CONACYT) and the Manchester Business School. Vinte has received several distinctions, including the National Housing Award. The company operates in the states of Mexico, Hidalgo, and Quintana Roo. For more information, visit:
www.vinte.com.mx
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