The oil and gas industry in Latin America represents a vital segment of the region's economy. Comprising majors, independents, and service providers, this sector extracts, refines, and distributes fossil fuels while also investing in renewable sources. Countries like Brazil and Colombia are rich in resources, attracting both local and international players. As energy transformation accelerates, companies are increasingly focusing on sustainability, driven by both regulation and consumer demand. Recent advances in technology, coupled with governmental support, signal a promising future as the industry balances energy needs with environmental awareness.


The list features 11 notable investors in the oil and gas sector, ranging from corporate giants like Ecopetrol and GeoPark to private equity firms like Southern Cross Group. Headquartered in various cities across Latin America, these organizations vary in size from small teams to thousands of employees. They reflect a spectrum of investor types, including venture capital and private equity, with documented investments and strategic acquisitions. In 2024 alone, some made multiple transactions, reinforcing their significant presence in the regional energy market.


Top 11 Oil and Gas Investors in Latin America


1. Ecopetrol

  • Website: ecopetrol.com.co
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Bogota, Bogota, Colombia
  • Founded year: 1951
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • LinkedIn: ecopetrol

Ecopetrol is a leading oil and gas company based in Bogota, Colombia, founded in 1951. It specializes in the exploration, production, refining, and transportation of petroleum products, serving a diverse customer base that includes both businesses and consumers. The company is committed to sustainability and ethical practices in its operations. Notably, Ecopetrol has been involved in significant transactions in the oil and gas sector, such as the acquisition of Petro-Tech Peruana SA in 2009, where they partnered with Korea National Oil Corp. to acquire Offshore International Group for $900 million, enhancing their production capabilities. Additionally, while they have made acquisitions in other sectors, such as Interconexion Electrica SA (ISA), their primary focus remains on oil and gas, reinforcing their position as a key investor in this industry.


2. GeoPark

  • Website: geo-park.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Argentina
  • Founded year: 2002
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: geopark

GeoPark is an oil and gas exploration company founded in 2002, headquartered in Argentina. The company specializes in the extraction and production of crude oil and natural gas across Latin America, with operations in Colombia, Argentina, Ecuador, and Brazil. GeoPark emphasizes sustainability and aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while providing energy solutions. Notably, GeoPark has made significant acquisitions in the oil and gas sector, including the purchase of Amerisur Resources PLC for £315 million, which encompasses 12 production, development, and exploration blocks in Colombia, covering 2.5 million gross acres, along with a 100% interest in the Oleoducto Binacional Amerisur pipeline. Additionally, GeoPark acquired Rio das Contas Produtora de Petroleo Ltda for $140 million, which includes a 10% interest in the BCAM-40 block, encompassing the Manati Field in Brazil. These transactions highlight GeoPark's active role and investment strategy within the oil and gas industry.


3. Southern Cross Group


Southern Cross Group is a private equity firm based in Santiago, Chile, founded in 1998. The firm specializes in investments across various sectors in Latin America, aiming to create sustainable value through strategic management and operational improvements. Notably, Southern Cross Group made headlines with their acquisition of Petrobras on May 5, 2016, a significant transaction in the oil and gas sector. This acquisition highlights their engagement in the industry, showcasing their ability to invest in large-scale energy companies while also focusing on enhancing competitive advantages and growth potential for their portfolio companies.


4. Grupo Financiero Banorte

  • Website: banorte.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico
  • Founded year: 1899
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn:

Grupo Financiero Banorte is a prominent banking services company based in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, founded in 1899. The firm specializes in offering a range of financial solutions, including APIs for developers to integrate banking functionalities into their applications. In the context of oil and gas, Banorte has been involved in significant transactions, such as a debt financing deal with Pemex, where they facilitated the raising of $500 million on December 23, 2021. This transaction highlights Banorte's role in supporting the financial needs of companies in the oil and gas sector, showcasing their capability and willingness to engage with this industry.


5. Canary

  • Website: canary.com.br
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
  • Founded year: 2017
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 23
  • LinkedIn: canary-venture-capital

Canary is a venture capital firm based in Sao Paulo, Brazil, founded in 2017. They specialize in early-stage investments across Latin America, supporting entrepreneurs with capital, co-founding assistance, and a robust community of builders. Canary has been involved in several notable transactions in the energy sector, including a $600,000 seed investment in Clarke Energia, which focuses on energy solutions, and a $6 million pre-seed investment in Bia Energy, a company likely involved in energy production or services. These investments highlight Canary's engagement with the energy industry, including oil and gas, while they also participate in diverse sectors such as electric vehicles and solar energy, as seen in their investment in zMatch.


6. Vibra

  • Website: vibraenergia.com.br
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Centro, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
  • Founded year: 1971
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: vibra-energia

Vibra, founded in 1971 and based in Centro, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, is a corporate investor and a prominent fuel distributor and energy provider. The company specializes in a wide range of petroleum-derived fuels, biofuels, lubricants, and chemical products, catering to various sectors such as agribusiness and aviation. In recent years, Vibra has been actively involved in strategic acquisitions to strengthen its position in the energy market. Notably, in July 2022, Vibra acquired a stake in ZEG Biogás for 571 million reais (approximately US$108 million), marking its entry into the biogas sector. Additionally, in August 2024, Vibra announced the acquisition of an additional 50% stake in Comerc Energia for R$ 3.52 billion ($640 million), following an initial acquisition in 2021. This move is expected to generate significant synergies and enhance Vibra's footprint in Brazil's energy landscape, which includes oil and gas operations.


7. Eneva

  • Website: eneva.com.br
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Centro, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
  • Founded year: 2013
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: eneva

Eneva is a corporate investor based in Centro, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, specializing in electricity generation and natural gas production. Founded in 2013, the company operates across various regions in Brazil, providing tailored energy solutions to businesses and organizations. Eneva has a significant focus on renewable energy sources and logistics for energy supply, ensuring reliable and competitive energy for its customers. Notably, Eneva has made strategic investments in the energy sector, including the acquisition of the Porto de Sergipe Power Plant from New Fortress Energy Inc. and Ebrasil Energia Ltda. for an implied enterprise value of $2.16 billion. This acquisition enhances Eneva's position in the energy sector and underscores its commitment to natural gas production. Additionally, they participated in a seed round investment in Sunne Energias Renováveis, further diversifying their portfolio in the energy landscape.


8. Frontera Energy Corp.


Frontera Energy Corp. is a corporate investor based in Bogota, Colombia, founded in 2009. The company specializes in petroleum exploration and production, focusing on heavy crude oil and natural gas. With a workforce of 1001-5000 employees, Frontera Energy operates primarily in Colombia and Peru, providing essential energy resources to the energy sector. A notable transaction includes their acquisition of the remaining 36.36% ownership of Pacific Midstream Limited from the International Finance Corporation for $225 million in cash, which was announced on October 24, 2017. This acquisition allows Frontera to gain full ownership of PML, thereby reducing transportation costs and obligations, and enhancing their operational efficiency in the oil and gas market.


9. Raízen

  • Website: raizen.com.br
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
  • Founded year: 2011
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • LinkedIn: raizenoficial

Raízen is a prominent energy company based in Sao Paulo, Brazil, founded in 2011. It specializes in the production of sugar and ethanol, fuel distribution, and renewable energy generation. Raízen serves both businesses and consumers, providing essential energy solutions that support sustainable practices. The company has made significant strides in the energy sector, focusing on innovation and sustainability. Notably, Raízen has been involved in key transactions that highlight its role in the oil and gas context, such as the acquisition of the Gera Group for $37.6 million, forming a joint venture that enhances its operational capabilities. Additionally, Raízen's acquisition of Biosev, a sugar and ethanol unit from Louis Dreyfus for approximately $670.3 million, underscores its strategic expansion in the energy market, which includes traditional fuel distribution. These transactions reflect Raízen's commitment to diversifying its energy portfolio while maintaining a strong presence in the oil and gas industry.


10. Atmos Capital


Atmos Capital is an investment management firm based in Leblon, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, founded in 2009. The firm specializes in long-term investments in the Brazilian stock market and offers investment funds such as Atmos Ações and Atmos Ações II, targeting qualified investors seeking superior returns. Atmos Capital employs a disciplined investment philosophy focused on capital preservation and thorough analysis of potential investments. Notably, they participated in a significant transaction involving Compass Gás & Energia, which raised approximately $155 million in the secondary market on May 31, 2021. This transaction highlights their involvement in the energy sector, specifically in gas and energy, indicating a degree of engagement with the oil and gas industry.


11. SAAM Towage

  • Website: saamtowage.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Las Condes, Santiago, Chile
  • Founded year: 1961
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • LinkedIn: saamtowage

SAAM Towage is a corporate investor based in Las Condes, Santiago, Chile, specializing in maritime services with a strong emphasis on tugboat operations. Founded in 1961, the company has grown to operate a fleet of 69 vessels, significantly bolstered by their recent acquisition of 21 tugboats from the Brazilian company Starnav for $198 million. This acquisition not only enhances their operational capabilities but also positions them as a market leader in Brazil's towage industry. SAAM Towage offers a range of services including harbour towage and offshore support, specifically catering to the oil and gas sector. Their expertise in providing essential assistance for safe maritime navigation and operations across multiple countries in the Americas makes them a key player in the oil and gas industry.



Oil and Gas Insights: Key Investors in Latin America


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
EcopetrolBogota, Bogota, Colombia10001+19510
GeoParkArgentina201-50020023
Southern Cross GroupSantiago, Santiago, Chile11-5019980
Grupo Financiero BanorteMonterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico10001+18991
CanarySao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil11-50201723
VibraCentro, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil1001-500019711
EnevaCentro, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil1001-500020132
Frontera Energy Corp.Bogota, Bogota, Colombia1001-500020090
RaízenSao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil10001+20110
Atmos CapitalLeblon, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil1-1020090
SAAM TowageLas Condes, Santiago, Chile1001-500019610


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