Latin America has been surprisingly spared from a generalized wave of corporate governance scandals. One possible explanation is that the region's level of investor protection is adequate. The evidence from the papers in this book says otherwise. The still relatively low level of protection and transparency has created an environment where problems cannot be easily detected or are not worth pursuing. These circumstances have started to push firms thirsty for capital to unilaterally opt for better corporate governance and alleviate this disadvantage. The papers in this book constitute the...

Privatization in Latin America represents the first systemic economic analysis of the efficiency and distributive effect of privatization in Latin America. Examining the privatization experience of six Latin American countries--Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Peru, and Colombia--Privatization in Latin America evaluates the empirical evidence on privatization and assesses the validity of the criticisms raised. It shows that privatization can lead to increased profitability and productivity, firm restructuring, fiscal benefits, output growth, and even quality improvements....

Privatization in Latin America represents the first systemic economic analysis of the efficiency and distributive effect of privatization in Latin America. Examining the privatization experience of six Latin American countries--Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Peru, and Colombia--Privatization in Latin America evaluates the empirical evidence on privatization and assesses the validity of the criticisms raised. It shows that privatization can lead to increased profitability and productivity, firm restructuring, fiscal benefits, output growth, and even quality improvements....