PepsiCo successfully closed the deal to expand its concentrate plant in Uruguay and make it the main concentrate plant in America and one of the largest in the world. Its investment in Uruguay exceeds 65 million Dollars and will allow PepsiCo to have technology of the highest level of innovation. From its state-of-the-art Colonia plant, it produces concentrate of global beverage soft drinks brands which are exported to over 30 markets worldwide. The investment supposes an enlargement of the industrial plant by more than 6,000 m2 in order to incorporate further technology and make way for innovative means of production.

This operation represents an increase in added value, will employ a qualified workforce, and de-centralize economic activities away from the capital. Direct and indirect jobs creation will exceed 1,500. PepsiCo (present in the Uruguayan for over 60 years) represents 6 % of all Uruguayan exports.

On May 15, 2020, PepsiCo has closed an ambitious deal with the Free Zone’s Operator, which enables it to expand sizably, as well as obtained the renewal of its user license as Free Zone user for 20 more years.

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, PepsiCo has honored Uruguay in choosing it as destination for this investment because of its well-known tradition of legal stability, respect of private property and high regard for the rule of law, within a continent that is frequently unfriendly to foreign businesses. In so doing, PepsiCo is not only generating opportunities for its beverage business, but will create important spill-over effects in Colonia in particular and Uruguay in general.

Corporate counsel provided by the Firm (through its Partner Virginia Brause and Of Counsel María Noel Saldías) allowed PepsiCo to expand, augment its capacity and become one of the top world concentrate plants worldwide.

Also, following the purposes of expansion and investment in Uruguay, our Firm represented PepsiCo in the execution of an expansion agreement with the Free Zone’s Operator, complying with the latest international standards regarding innovation and security.

The counsel provided in the execution of the agreement on May 15, 2020, has direct impact in the promotion and development of the Free Zone, creating Jobs and increasing the capacities in the workforce along with the highest level of technology.

Partner Virginia Brause said: “As a member of Dentons, the largest law firm in the world, we are proud to have assisted PepsiCo, client of the firm for over 40 years, in such a relevant deal for the company. Therefore, the successful closing of the deal serves as a confidence-booster for our Firm. We are willing and able to go on working for PepsiCo in the new and challenging projects which the future beholds, with opportunities now enhanced on our side as we have behind us a global platform with the best legal talent in every market where they desire to make business.”

Mario Maneyro, Finance Manager of PepsiCo, highlighted the commitment and profesional capacity of our Firm as key to reach this milestone.

Public and private press immediately echoed this relevant piece of news.¹

1. https://www.gub.uy/ministerio-economia-finanzas/comunicacion/noticias/se-ratifico-extension-licencia-pepsico-20-anos-establecieron-condiciones-para

https://negocios.elpais.com.uy/noticias/planta-concentrados-colonia-bebidas-exoticas-amplia.html↩

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