Richard Cathcart

Richard Cathcart from HSBC requested an update on the Latin American expansion strategy, particularly into markets like Colombia and Peru, and asked if the merger integration would delay these plans.

Answer

Chairman and CEO Rick Wessel confirmed that Latin American expansion remains a very high priority and will not be delayed by the merger. He noted the strength of having distinct management teams for U.S. and Latin American operations and stated that he expects to see expansion into a new South American country "this year."

Richard Cathcart of HSBC asked for an update on the Latin American expansion strategy, particularly into Colombia and Peru, and whether the merger integration would delay these plans.

Answer

Chairman and CEO Rick Wessel assured that Latin American expansion would not be delayed, citing the distinct management teams for each region. He stated that expansion into South America remains a very high priority and that he expects to see 'something this year'.