Latin America will benefit from biofuels boom

SAN FRANCISCO – Biofuels are back in vogue, capturing the attention of investors and entrepreneurs alike, as rising oil prices drive fears about energy security and independence. Latin America has the feedstock opportunities, infrastructure and market strengths to meet the growing demand for greener fuels, while the United States and Europe offer the advanced technologies to bring them to market. Done right, new and exceedingly beneficial partnerships for north and south alike will take shape.

Burrill & Company’s inaugural Latin America Life Sciences Conference, to be held May 19-20, 2011 in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, offers access to insider viewpoints on how biofuels research in Latin America and pressing land use policy issues are impacting the future of the market. They will be addressed during a panel discussion entitled: "Biofuels and Sustainable Agriculture," which features the following participants:

1. Vicky Gavrias, PhD, Director of Biotechnology, Monsanto
2. Rodrigo Huidobro, CFO, COPEC
3. Jim Lane, Editor, Biofuels Digest, U.S.

"The boom in biofuels in Latin America is being driven by rising oil prices and new technologies to produce bioethanol and biodiesel," said G. Steven Burrill, CEO, Burrill & Company. "We are also seeing significant private and public investment in the sector and our knowledgeable panelists will provide delegates with an in-depth perspective on this exciting area."

The two-day conference will bring together corporate executives, financiers, regulators, government officials and academic leaders from around the world to discuss the current state of life sciences with industry leaders in Latin America. It provides an opportunity to gain invaluable knowledge on the bio-based economy in Latin America, as well as give access to thought leaders who will shape its future. To register for this event and for additional information, visit www.burrillandco.com/Latin_America_2011/

Founded in 1994, Burrill & Company is a diversified global financial services firm focused on the life sciences industry. With more than $1 billion in assets under management, the firm’s businesses include venture capital, private equity, merchant banking and media. By leveraging the scientific and business networks of its investment team, Burrill & Company has established unrivaled access and visibility in the life sciences industry. This unique combination of resources and capabilities enables the company to provide life sciences companies with capital, management expertise, insight, market intelligence and analysis through its investments, conferences, and publications. Headquartered in San Francisco, the company oversees a global network of offices throughout the United States, Latin America, Europe and Asia. For more information visit: www.burrillandco.com.

Media Relations: Peter Winter, pwinter@b-c.com, 415-591-5474