The Directors of Austin Engineering (ASX trading code: ANG) are pleased to announce the acquisition of the business of V&V in Calama, Chile. This is, as foreshadowed in previous announcements made to the market, about increasing Austin’s exposure to repair and maintenance operations in this important mining region.

KPMG in Brazil is pleased to announce the launch of the 2011 edition of the Investment in Brazil guide.

The publication, in English, brings essential information to foreign investors regarding the country and its economy, political scenario, taxation, corporate law, among others.

The main purposes of the guide are to contribute to make Brazil better known abroad and to help the attraction of investors especially considering the remarkable economic growth and current favorable environment in the country.

For SMEs doing business overseas, having the right innovation, expertise and business acumen is not enough in times of economic uncertainty. Sometimes getting their business established can leave the SME financially stretched, and they find that they do have enough capital for a bank to provide the extra financing needed to take the business to the next level.

Sound familiar? This is a scenario EFIC encounters daily, and one we helped many exporters to overcome on their way to international success.

Five Australian delegates, including members of the Business Council, plus local Chilean staff of Australian companies were amongst the approximately 400 at the recent MAPLA and Mantemin maintenance and reliability engineering conferences at Antofagasta Chile.

ES&S were in the running to win a lucrative contract with a major Chinese client. The challenge was they had to supply bonds to the value of 50% of the contract. For an SME pushing for rapid growth, tying up that much working capital could stifle further business development. That’s when ES&S’ bank suggested they talked to EFIC.

ALABC member Sinclair Knight Merz (SKM) has acquired a leading Chilean water engineering consultancy IRH, which has merged with SKM to create combined capability, offering new and enhanced water and environmental services to organisations across South America.

Read the press release here