Sponsors

Banco do Brasil is one of the major banking and financial groups in Latin America. In 2009, the bank aims to strengthen its market position, combining financial return with social and environmental responsibilities. With 200 years of history behind it, BB intends to honour its traditions while maintaining its reputation for innovation which, together, have made it the best known bank among Brazilians. BB was the first bank in Brazil and its shares are the longest traded of any on the Brazil's Stock Exchange. As a leading player in Brazil's financial history, BB has always been at the forefront of developments in information technology that have revolutionized the global financial industry. With massive investment in IT, 86,000 skilled employees and constant striving for greater efficiency, BB continues to expand, increasing business generation by exploiting its franchise potential, a key factor in the success of the bank's strategy. BB's strong committment to the very best corporate governance practices, led to its admission in 2006 to Bovespa's "Novo Mercado" special listing category. This listing recognises the commitment of Brazils government, our majority shareholder, and of the entire board of Banco do Brasil to continue managing the group transparently, efficiently and profitably manner.

Vale is a pioneering mining company that works diligently to transform mineral resources into the essential ingredients of people's everyday lives.  At Vale, our aim is to continually improve our company and to exceed current standards of excellence in the extraction and production of minerals.  The result of our work can be found in most things from the cars we drive to the mobile phones we rely on to stay connected with one another. Vale helps shape the products that surround us, from household appliances to computer and construction components. Vale is a global company headquartered in Brazil, with a workforce of over 100,000 employees, including outsourced workers.  Our mission - to transform mineral resources into prosperity and sustainable development - guides all of our actions. We believe that we share the responsibility to seek sustainable development wherever we operate by responsibly managing the effects of our activities.
We are committed to the development of our employees, whose dynamic and persistent spirit contributes to our constant search for the best way to do things. Our philosophy is demonstrated through our social and environmental policies and through our commitment to develop the communities with which we interact.
Vale is dedicated to increasing shareholder value and focused on building strong relationships with our customers.  Click here to read the 2008 Sustainability Report.
Vale operates on five continents through its mining operations, mineral surveying and commercial offices.

Bradesco is one of the largest banks in Brazil and has more than 40 million clients. It has over 41,000 attendance points and is present in 93% of Brazilian towns and cities. Its management model is committed to good corporate governance practices, a dividend policy which provides an attractive return to its shareholders and the recognition of its responsibility in relation to social and environmental issues. It is also one of the largest employers in the sector in Brazil. The Bradesco Seguros Group is the leader in the insurance, pensions and premium bond market in Latin America.

The biggest company of the electric power sector in Latin América.  Eletrobrás (Centrais Elétricas Brasileiras S.A.) is the leader of a system consisting of six subsidiary companies, six distribution companies, the Electric Power Research Center (Cepel) and Eletrobrás Participações S.A. (Eletropar) and is also holder of 50% of the capital stock of Itaipu Binacional. Eletrobrás is a mixed economy and open capital stock corporation, with shares traded at São Paulo (Bovespa), Madrid, Spain, and New York Stock Exchange, in the USA. We intend to be a world reference in the electric power business through corporate efficiency, profitability and social and environmental responsibility.

Founded in 1952, the Brazilian Development Bank (BNDES) strategically helps expand the country's industry and infrastructure, as well as boost exports and sustain the growth and modernization of Brazilian production. In addition, its vast experience is a valuable means for investors to access opportunities in the Brazilian economy, made easier now with the Bank's office in London and its agency in Montevideo, Uruguay. Main financer of the government's growth acceleration program, the Bank provides financing for areas, such as ethanol, pulp and paper, foodstuff and mining. The BNDES helps foreign companies coming to Brazil and local companies entering the external market.

Brasil: Innovative and Front Running Opportunities

Brasil offers a balanced combination of steady economic growth with social and environmentally sustainable prospects. Experienced by previous economic development cycles, Brasil has built the macroeconomic and social framework for a long term transformation period. Driven by a fast growing and sophisticated consumer market in association with a creative entrepreneurial culture, diversified industrial base and dynamic corporate community create the appropriate climate for business opportunities to grow. All of that within a geography that combines a 192-million young population with an unbeatable blend of friendly climate, fertile soil and extensive natural resources.

To do business with a great country, you need a great partner. Apex-Brasil.

Established as one of the largest private conglomerates in Latin America, Andrade Gutierrez has been part of major infrastructure investments in Brazil and abroad, with acknowledged expertise in construction, concessions and telecommunication. The Group has 134,996 employees and in 2008 has obtained a growth of approximately 49% compared to the previous year.

Votorantim Group: 91 years of constant growth.  A Brazilian business conglomerate, present in 16 countries. It operates in the industrial, financial and new businesses segments. More than 60,000 employees. The only closed capital group in Latin America classified as Investment Grade by Standard & Poor's, Fitch Ratings and Moody's. In 2008, it had net revenues of R$ 35 billion, EBITDA of R$ 7.7 billion and made investments of R$ 20 billion over the last three years.