U.S. companies are keen to expand into Latin America's biggest market, but CFOs report that Brazil poses unique challenges.

by Kate O'Sullivan 

As the world's 10th largest economy and one of the fastest to emerge from the global recession, Brazil is the hot market of the moment, and not just because of its famous beaches. With a stable currency; a growing, consumption-oriented middle class; and a gross domestic product expected to rise at 4% to 5% per year over the next 10 years, it's no surprise that Latin America's biggest market is attracting CFOs' attenti... more >>

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Three Best Ways to Expand Overseas
By EMILY MALTBY

Expanding overseas in the current economy may seem like a pipedream for small-business owners. But many have taken the plunge despite the recession, allowing them to diversify their risk and client base in markets abroad. In fact, the U.S. Commercial Service, which helps U.S. companies expand into foreign markets, says that 23% of its client... more >>

How to Avoid VAT-Related Problems
by Larry Harding
President, High Street Partners

If you are selling a product or service in Europe, you should be aware of the many ramifications of the Value-Added Tax (VAT). Yet our U.K. team reports that 95, if not 100 percent, of our U. S.-based clients lack clear understanding of the issues involved. Most resort to head burying until they get whacked with a big bill. All 27 European Union member states have a harmonized VAT system, and the non-EU countries follow similar principles. Rates are high, from 15 percent to 25 percent, and there is litt... more >>

Painful Conversions:  As currency risk intensifies, companies of all sizes are taking steps to protect cash flows
by Kate O'Sullivan
CFO Magazine

Just two years ago, EXL, a business process outsourcing company, didn't have a treasury department. The finance staff and senior management watched currency fluctuations carefully, but they lacked an explicit policy to address the risk to their cash flows.

That risk hit with a vengeance in 2008, when the $180 million company confronted a $9 million foreign-exchange loss, largely as a resu... more >>

In a refreshing turn from a spate of pre-Olympic pieces, this article in Treasury & Risk Magazine by Russ Banham profiles Brazil's business attractions. Includes a discussion of the country's links with China, and compelling reasons for its status as destination for multinationals.

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Welcome to Going Global, a new CFOZone.com column geared to the needs and concerns of CFOs dealing with the challenges of overseas expansion. In this first column, I offer a brief primer for those new to international expansion. Future contributions will discuss specific accounting, legal, HR and compliance matters involved in the management of international entities. My goal is offer expertise on optimizing efficiencies and containing costs, minimizing the risks associated with local non-compliance, and identifying best practice. Going Global will also provide inf... more >>

Tips for European VAT Recovery
by Larry Harding

European Value-Added Tax (VAT) can pose a number of problems for U.S. companies unfamiliar with the procedures involved, but taking control of your company’s VAT has never been more important.

The New Year brought about a number of important VAT changes related to such issues as European Community (EC) sales listings and time/place of supply rules, making now the right time to examine your VAT structure and put in place operating procedures that will enable you to maximize VAT recover... more >>

A World of Interest:  More and more companies are looking overseas for growth and outsourcing opportunities

by Kate O'Sullivan, for CFO.com

With a so-so U.S. economy expected in 2010, many companies are looking abroad for high-growth markets and low-cost outsourcing locations. China and India are still favorite destinations, but experts say interest in Brazil and Africa is growing.

The outsourcing industry roared back to life in the fourth quarter of 2009 after a dismal performance in the first half of the year, as companie... more >>

Expanding Abroad?  Avoid Cultural Gaffes 
Entrepreneurs Looking Overseas Often Neglect to Learn Local Business Etiquette; In Britain, a 'Scheme' Carries No Taint
by Emily Maltby  

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Most small companies seeking to tap overseas markets know they’ll have to navigate foreign laws, taxes and regulations. But they also need to figu... more >>

Adjusting to Government Intervention
by Larry Harding, High Street Partners

The 20-plus year trend towards generally decreasing government intervention in the world of business has come to a screeching halt.

The reasons are numerous and well chronicled. Yes, a great deal of the momentum shift has been a reaction to the global recession. Policy make... more >>

The Forgotten Europe
by Gail Dutton

Export opportunities in Europe have been overshadowed in the rush towards Asia, but it’s time to give that region another look. Conditions are converging that give Europe an edge as an American export market.

“The EU is weathering the recession in decent shape,” Larry Harding founder and CEO, High Street Partners, points out. He predicts that Europe will exit the recession sometime in 2010 and will resume spen... more >>