Brazilian bourse BM&FBOVESPA SA – Bolsa de Valores Mercadorias eFuturos said it reached an equity stake of 9.9% in Colombian stockexchange BVC.

The move was made through acquisitions carried out in the exchangemarket, in an investment of 39.8 billion Colombian pesos, the company said in aJuly 6 statement.

In addition to the investment in BVC, BM&FBOVESPA saidit holds an 8.3% equity stake in the Santiago stock exchange and a 4.1% equitystake in the Mexican stock exchange.

The company also stated that it will "continue toassess investment opportunities in other companies in the region, whoseactivities are connected to its core business."

As of July 6, US$1 wasequivalent to 2,996.00 Colombian pesos.