Bacardi: running for the border

The acquisition of Tequila Cazadores, Mexico's leading premium tequila, is another step in Bacardi's efforts to expand beyond its core rum business. Bacardi gains access to the fast-growing tequila market, and compared to previous acquisitions - it paid almost $2 billion for Diageo brands Dewar's and Bombay Sapphire in 1998 - the Cazadores deal is a bargain.

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Banorte targets the underbanked in Mexico using its new mobile-based program

Mexican bank Banorte has announced plans to launch a mobile-based financial services program aimed at consumers currently without access to banking services in the country. The scheme will combine a deposit account with the bank alongside a MasterCard debit card, and can be opened online. Other features include the ability to send funds from one account to another using only a mobile phone.

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Benetton: Latin American conquest begins with Sears Mexico alliance

Italy's Benetton has formed a strategic alliance with department store chain Sears Roebuck de Mexico as part of its aim to expand the company's presence through new stores and concessions. The deal with Sears Mexico will increase the distribution of the United Colours of Benetton brand in the country, and forms the first step towards expansion in Latin America.

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Bimbo: brighter than you might expect

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Bimbo: time to decide between North and South

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Body Shop: profits before passion

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Digene: powerful groups favor HPV test

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Gap: expansion opportunity lies south of the border

Gap is set to boost its presence in Mexico after signing a franchise agreement with the leading Mexican department store chain, Liverpool. The US clothing giant aims to ramp up its international presence through franchise agreements and close the gap on its key rivals Inditex and H&M, which have both expanded abroad extensively in recent years.

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Halliburton: limited by politics

Halliburton's [HAL] new contract with Pemex will allow it to expand its presence in Mexico's oil industry, which is in need of investment. However, political tensions mean that Halliburton will find it difficult to realize the market's great potential because of its own close links to the US administration.

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Kraft: down Mexico way

Kraft looks set to succeed where Coke and Pepsi failed, taking over Mexican juice giant Jugos del Valle. The Mexican economy is on the rise, Kraft has a strong history of targeting Spanish speakers in the US, and Jugos del Valle will significantly improve the company's distribution network south of the border. In short, es muy buena.

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