Gordon Brothers Expands Reach to Latin America

Alfredo Finotti, executive director of São Paulo-based Gordon Brothers operations.

BOSTON—Gordon Brothers, which is headquartered here, is expanding its operations to Latin America via several leadership appointments as well as a partnership with a Brazilian appraisal firm. The global restricting and investment firm says that it has established its Latin American beachhead in São Paulo, Brazil. Rafael Klotz, senior managing director of Gordon Brothers International, will lead the newly formed division. Alfredo Finotti will serve as executive director and Marcos Brandt as commercial director of the division. “There is a tremendous opportunity in bringing Gordon Brothers’ expertise and offerings to Latin America and I am excited by the firm’s commitment to the region,” states Finotti. “I look forward to joining such a well-established, international team and contributing to the firm’s continued success.” Finotti comes to Gordon with nearly 35 years of experience in marketing, retail and consumer products, and managed the operations of several international brands, including Seagram, LVMH, BRASIF, Salton and Westinghouse. Brandt has more than 25 years of experience with consumer products, including imports and distribution into all levels of Brazilian retail. The firm’s partnership with Planconsult will be led by Ronald and Edgar Salem. Planconsult provides appraisals and business valuations across a broad range of sectors and industries. The partnership will augment Gordon Brothers Group’s valuation operations across North America, Europe and Asia and support the Brazil team’s disposition and turnaround practices, Gordon Brothers states. “I am thrilled to welcome the addition of Alfredo, Marcos, and the Planconsult group and the enhanced capabilities they bring to our firm,” says Kenneth Frieze, CEO of the Gordon Brothers Group. “Latin America is an important priority for us. I am confident that their experience will help strengthen our strategic growth in this promising market,” he added. Recently, a consortium of Gordon Brothers, Hilco Merchant Resources and Tiger Capital Group was the winning bidder for Sports Authority’s inventory. The group reportedly paid 101% of the cost of the retailer’s inventory, plus a $1.8-million augment guarantee. Gordon Brothers Group maximizes value for both healthy and distressed companies by purchasing or selling all categories of assets, mitigating leases, appraising assets and operating businesses for extended periods.  Gordon Brothers Group conducts more than $70 billion worth of transactions and appraisals annually. The firm specializes in the retail, consumer products, industrial and real estate sectors.