J&F, owned by Wesley and Joesley Batista, buys war weapons manufacturer Avibras

Joesley Batista went to Venezuela to ask for Maduro's resignation, says agency J&F, the holding company of brothers Joesley and Wesley Batista, bought 100% of Avibras, one of the main companies in the Brazilian defense industry. The acquisition will be carried out through Globe Investimentos, a company used by the group in other investments. ??The operation involves Nova AVB, a structure created during the company's restructuring process. The deal was notified to the Administrative Council for Economic Defense (Cade), but the value of the transaction was not disclosed. Avibras underwent judicial recovery Avibras was facing a serious financial crisis and had been in judicial recovery since 2022. The company also went through a long period of strikes and a strike that lasted more than three years. The comeback of the Batista brothers: how owners of JBS left Lava Jato and returned to the spotlight, even participating in world diplomacy As part of the restructuring, industrial and technological assets were concentrated in a new business structure, while the original company remained with its liabilities subject to the judicial recovery process. The process was conducted with the participation of Brasil Crédito, which led the restructuring and the alternative judicial recovery plan that enabled the creation of Nova AVB. Joesley Batista participated in raising R$300 million Before taking control of the company, Joesley Batista had already participated in raising R$300 million for Avibras. Joesley Batista owner of JBS Joesley Batista owner of JBS The financing was coordinated by Fundo Brasil Crédito and brought together private investors. Joesley signed a contract to participate in the operation, but the individual amount invested by him was not disclosed. Lula promises to expand orders for Avibras; Alckmin says the company can reopen the factory in Lorena The funding helped finance the resumption of the company's activities after years of financial difficulties. Factory returned to operation in May The Avibras Aeroco unit, in Jacareí, in the Paraíba Valley, returned to operation in May 2026. The resumption put back into operation a strategic company for the Brazilian defense industry. Among the main projects associated with Avibras are the Astros rocket system and the development of the MTC-300, a tactical cruise missile. Avibras is considered a Strategic Defense Company and is involved in programs of interest to the Brazilian Armed Forces. Operation was notified to Cade The acquisition of Nova AVB by Globe Investimentos was notified to Cade. The amount paid by J&F for the company was not disclosed. The operation also takes place amid discussions about the future of Avibras and the participation of private capital in the company's recovery. In August, the Foreign Relations and National Defense Committee of the Chamber of Deputies approved a request to obtain information from the Ministry of Defense about the acquisition process and the company's situation. J&F expands its presence in new businesses With the acquisition, J&F now has a direct stake in a company in the Brazilian defense industry. Globe Investimentos, the vehicle used in the operation, was also used by the Batista brothers to invest in Usiminas. The purchase of Avibras therefore expands the business group's presence in sectors that go beyond its traditional activities linked to the food industry.