Long-term foreign direct investment for business

Large projects require the attraction of significant funds, which are often impossible to obtain without foreign investors.

As defined by the International Monetary Fund, foreign direct investment is funds provided by investors to achieve a permanent presence in a foreign business (sector).

The main goal of this form of investment can be to obtain shares in existing companies (the so-called brownfield investment) or to create a new enterprise from scratch (greenfield investment).

An integral feature of this type of investment is the transfer of technological solutions, as well as the adaptation of modern management methods.

Table: dynamics of foreign direct investment, trillions of dollars (2002-2019).

Year	2002	2003	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008	2009	2010
FDI	0,756	0,737	1,010	1,563	2,203	3,136	2,478	1,447	1,917
Year	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019
FDI	2,367	2,083	2,207	1,953	2,671	2,684	2,203	1,189	1,622

LBFL promotes long-term foreign direct investment for large projects in Europe and beyond.

Our finance team will help you choose the optimal financing model, contributing to the smooth implementation of the project. We also offer you the services of the best engineering companies in Spain, laying a solid technological foundation for the success of your business.

Foreign direct investment for innovative projects

The competitiveness of business is based on the skillful use of knowledge and technology.

However, internal innovation capacity is often insufficient to create a sufficient competitive advantage, as evidenced by the different levels of development of national economies, sectors or enterprises around the world.

Liberalization of foreign policy, high costs for research and development, strict control and protection of intangible assets have made foreign direct investment one of the main channels of access to valuable technologies in emerging markets.

Depending on the prevailing motives and expectations of investors, FDI has traditionally been classified into four main types:

• Search for resources. An investor may be looking for natural resources, labor, or intangible assets (technical solutions, marketing expertise, and organizational skills) that are not available in the country of origin or are relatively more expensive.

• Search for markets. Investments are associated with the desire of a business to acquire, expand or maintain sales markets in order to limit the access of competitors.

• Striving to improve efficiency. Investments are made when the foreign enterprise allows more efficient use of the investor's resources (for example, a more favorable market structure, more favorable tax policy).

• Expansion of the portfolio. Acquiring strategic assets or looking for opportunities to expand a portfolio to maintain or strengthen a competitive position usually occurs by buying existing companies with assets or opportunities in which the investor is interested (for example, a well-known brand, innovative technologies, a wide distribution network).

The development opportunities of the modern economy and companies are largely determined by the cost of acquiring knowledge and technology.

Factors contributing to the creation of innovation and competitive advantage include access to resources, the ability to form unique competencies (knowledge generation, innovation), and business adaptive capabilities.

It should be stated that the innovativeness and competitiveness of enterprises in the 21st century is closely related to the awareness and degree of use of intangible resources. Innovative products, modern technologies and methods of organization and management determine the competitive potential of economic entities. For this reason, innovation and competitiveness are interdependent.

Observations from countries around the world show that foreign direct investment, accompanied by technology transfer, facilitates technology adaptation, the movement of experienced staff between organizations, and the development of vertical connections within cooperating units and their supply chains.

The most important benefits of foreign direct investment inflows affecting innovation and business competitiveness include:

• Obtaining advanced technologies, including foreign equipment and machinery.

• Acquisition of modern knowledge through partnerships with foreign firms, including advanced technical, financial and organizational knowledge.

• Accumulation of human resources, including professional development of personnel, attraction of highly qualified specialists from the investor's country.

• Improving management methods: cost control, financial planning, resource management, labor efficiency, etc.

• Significant increase in business competitiveness due to easier access to knowledge and capital of a foreign investor.

• Growth of the national economy due to the widespread adoption of solutions that exist in organizations owned by foreign investors.

The LBFL financial team is ready to become your reliable partner in the search for international partners for the implementation of the most ambitious projects.

We have successfully collaborated with companies and government agencies in many countries to provide customized solutions for long-term success.

How to choose the right source of project financing

In the face of uncertainty, businesses are looking for affordable sources of funding for growth and expansion.

When it comes to the implementation of large projects in the field of energy, industry or infrastructure, companies can demand billions of euros for a period of 10-15 years or even more.

Foreign direct investment can be the main source of financing for your project or be used along with other sources such as bank loans from the largest banks. In this section, we list the main sources of funding, explaining their advantages and disadvantages. You will learn how to choose the right funding source for your project.

If you are interested in attracting long-term foreign direct investment for your project, contact LBFL.

Funding sources will vary depending on the specifics of the business and industry.

Equity capital

This source of funding is the best option for any project.

By investing your own funds, you do not run the risk of losing borrowed funds from other people or institutions and being in debt.

In addition, it is the cheapest option for financing projects, since the business does not need to pay interest. You can spend your own funds for any purpose. You are not required to report these costs and agree with investors. This freedom is not available to most other funding sources.

Business income (self-financing)

Business income is an excellent source of funding for new projects.

First, it is the cheapest source.

The company will not have any costs associated with receiving money, unlike, for example, a loan.

Unfortunately, many large projects require colossal investments in the early stages, but they only generate sufficient cash flows several years after launch. For this reason, only large companies with a strong financial position can afford this source of funding.

Gratuitous grants

Grants as a source of funding for projects are characterized by the fact that they are provided for a specific purpose by government agencies.

This form of financing is tied to a specific project. Usually this source of funding is used to implement socially significant projects.

An additional advantage of this source is that after meeting the necessary requirements, the company will not return the funds received or will return only a limited part of them without interest.

Leasing

Leasing remains a widely demanded source of business financing. In accordance with leasing agreements, you can use the facility or equipment by paying a certain amount within the agreed period.

After the expiration of the term, the company acquires the right to redeem the used asset, unless otherwise provided by the contract.

Currently, leasing is a complex and diverse financial mechanism that includes a number of models (for example, the well-known leverage leasing for the implementation of large projects). Leasing can be viewed as one of the forms of attracting foreign investment for the implementation of large energy, industrial and infrastructure projects.

Factoring

Factoring is another source of business financing.

The possibility of financing projects through factoring is becoming more and more popular. Factoring is based on the fact that there is an intermediary company between you and the contractor, called a factor.

This is a company whose task is to pay for the goods delivered or the service performed to the contractor, and then receive payment. Depending on the type of factoring, the company can completely get rid of the risk of debt collection or not.

The advantage of this source of funding is the immediate receipt of funds for goods or services. You can immediately use the money to pay off your obligations or order another batch of materials required for production.

Bank lending

Bank lending is an important source of financing for large projects in the energy, infrastructure and environmental sectors.

Depending on the financial health of your company, the requirements for obtaining such funding may vary.

The disadvantage of this source of capital is its high cost, as well as the limited time to use the funds.

In addition to high interest rates, a significant disadvantage of loans is the minimum freedom to use funds. The bank exercises strict control over the use of the funds provided throughout the entire period of the loan agreement, making numerous demands on the borrowing company.

The procedure for obtaining loan funds, as a rule, includes filing an application, analyzing the financial health of the company, signing a loan agreement with a bank (group of banks in the case of a syndicated loan) and transferring funds to the borrower's account.

Business angels

Business angels are private entrepreneurs, businessmen and investors with extensive experience in the industry, as well as with significant financial resources that can invest in a particular business.

Cooperation with a business angel is not limited to just investing in your company.

A business angel buys part of the company's shares and often sits on the board, wishing to actively influence the implementation of a specific project. Business angels bring not only money to the company, but also their professional experience, knowledge and business connections.

Venture capital

Venture capital funds are specialized financial institutions that invest in new companies.

As with business angels, venture capital funds buy shares of a particular company, which ensures the safety of the investment.

Typically, venture capital funds provide financial resources for the construction of a new facility, the opening of a production line, the development of infrastructure, etc. They take a high risk and in return expect significant growth of the company in a short time, contributing to the implementation of a specific project.

LBFL has well-established business contacts with venture capital funds and large entrepreneurs in Spain and other European countries.

We will help your business find a source of financing for a new project on favorable terms.

Issue of shares

Shares are securities that can be issued by joint stock companies to raise additional capital.

The financial resources obtained in this way can be used by the company both for current operations and for the implementation of large long-term projects. Shares are traded through stock exchanges in accordance with applicable rules and standards.

Issue of bonds

Bonds are debt securities and can also serve as a source of project finance for many companies.

Basically, the bond issuing company borrows from the lender who buys the bonds.

Issuing bonds is definitely a cheaper alternative to bank loans. The advantage of bonds over bank loans is lower interest rates, as well as the absence of any collateral.

All forms of financing are described very briefly and contain basic information.

Before making a funding decision, we recommend that you deepen this knowledge.

As you can see, there is a large selection and variety of sources and methods of project financing.

Depending on your business, the specifics of a specific project and the stage of development of the company, you should choose the most appropriate funding sources. LBFL specialists will help you make the right choice based on their experience and understanding of the financial market.

Key recommendations for attracting long-term investments

Investors represent an important competitive advantage for any company.

A study by the World Bank highlights transparency and incentives as key factors in attracting foreign investors.

With a stable economic base, a business must choose the right strategy to attract new investors and keep them in the long term.

Below we have listed the most important conditions for attracting foreign investment:

• Search for foreign partners.

A key condition for obtaining foreign investment is the creation of a network of interested companies and organizations in different parts of the world. LBFL is ready to act as your guarantor and professional advisor when seeking funding.

• Transparency and predictability.

Investors are looking for companies that research shows provide them with clear and accurate data. A company that transparently demonstrates its reports of results, assets and projects will attract the attention of more investors.

• Government incentives.

Investors are looking for various incentives, including interstate agreements, tax cuts and other factors that allow them to use their funds more efficiently.

• Investment security guarantees.

With any type of investment, guarantees are the key to maintaining or expanding long-term financial flows. For this, it is important to explain the organizational nuances and provide the investor with legal protection, which is included in the investment process.

• Minimization of uncertainty.

Investors view this factor as one of the most important. Despite the stable situation in the host country, your company must provide a detailed report indicating any uncertainties and risks for the project.

To effectively manage these aspects, it is essential to hire a professional team specialized in project finance.

Knowledge of the local financial market and international markets, as well as all related factors, will create ideal prospects for improving relations with potential investors.

If you are interested in obtaining long-term foreign investment, contact LBFL financial specialists for a free consultation at any time.