By The Rio Times | Created at 2026-08-22 07:11:41 | Updated at 2026-09-17 10:44:18
3 weeks ago
Brazil · DEFENCE
Key Facts
- —Deal date 21 August 2026
- —Buyer J&F via Globe Investimentos
- —Target Nova AVB S.A., holding of Avibras Aeroco
- —Regulator CADE, Brazil’s antitrust authority
- —Status Pending CADE approval
The purchase would put one of Brazil’s largest defence companies under the control of the family behind JBS, pending antitrust approval.
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The Batista brothers are buying Avibras, Brazil’s missile maker, in a deal announced on 21 August 2026. J&F is the holding company of Joesley and Wesley Batista.
It agreed to acquire 100% of Nova AVB S.A., the holding that controls Avibras Aeroco.
A New Owner for Avibras
The Batista brothers are buying Avibras, Brazil’s missile maker, through their holding company J&F. The purchase was announced on 21 August 2026, with the transaction value not disclosed.
J&F will use its investment vehicle Globe Investimentos for the acquisition. This vehicle was also used for other industrial investments, including Usiminas.
What Avibras Does
Avibras Aeroco, formerly Avibras Indústria Aeroespacial, designs and makes artillery and defence systems, rockets, missiles and armoured vehicles. The company also produces multiple rocket launchers.
It is described as one of Brazil’s largest defence companies and a key supplier to the Army. In addition, Avibras keeps contracts with the Brazilian Army.
The Restructuring Background
Before this deal, control of Avibras sat with creditors through the Fundo Brasil Crédito. J&F had entered earlier as an investor and financier in the restructuring, not as controlling shareholder.
The old Avibras Indústria Aeroespacial, which holds the debts, remains in judicial recovery. Avibras Aeroco was created as a new operating structure holding the main industrial and technological assets.
Employees Informed
Employees were told through a formal company communication issued by Avibras Aeroco and Nova AVB on 21 August 2026. Unions relayed the news publicly.
The company said the sale had been submitted to antitrust review and was still pending completion. Therefore, the deal is not yet final.
Awaiting CADE Approval
The deal was formally notified to CADE, Brazil’s antitrust authority, and needs CADE approval before it can close. CADE said it does not comment on ongoing cases, and no approval had been granted at the announcement date.
As a result, the acquisition remains conditional on regulatory clearance. Even so, the announcement marks a significant step for Avibras.
The Batista Family’s Role
J&F is the holding company of the Batista family, Joesley and Wesley Batista. It controls JBS, one of the world’s largest meat companies.
In addition, J&F invests through vehicles such as Globe Investimentos. This purchase adds a defence firm to their portfolio.
Implications for Defence Policy
Coverage notes Avibras keeps contracts with the Brazilian Army and frames the deal as reviving debate about Brazil’s defence industrial policy. The sale could reshape how the country’s defence sector is owned.
However, the final outcome depends on CADE’s review. Until then, the future of Avibras under new ownership remains uncertain.
Understanding Judicial Recovery
Judicial recovery, recuperação judicial in Portuguese, is Brazil’s court-supervised process for restructuring a company’s debts. It is similar to Chapter 11 in the United States.
The old Avibras entity remains in this process, while the new operating company holds the core assets. This structure allowed J&F to inject capital into Avibras Aeroco.
Next Steps for Avibras
The sale of Avibras is pending completion, subject to CADE’s approval. Once approved, J&F would take full control of the missile maker.
Meanwhile, the company continues its operations and contracts. The deal, once final, would mark a new chapter for Avibras.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is buying Avibras?
The Batista brothers, Joesley and Wesley, through their holding company J&F, are buying Avibras. The acquisition is via Globe Investimentos, a J&F vehicle.
What does Avibras make?
Avibras designs and makes artillery and defence systems, rockets, missiles and armoured vehicles. It also produces multiple rocket launchers and is a key Army supplier.
Is the deal complete?
No, the deal is not complete. It needs approval from CADE, Brazil’s antitrust authority, before it can close.
What is judicial recovery?
Judicial recovery is Brazil’s court-supervised process for restructuring a company’s debts, similar to Chapter 11 in the US. The old Avibras entity remains in this process.
Sources: Company communication; CADE filings; Brazilian business press.
