Ocean Wilsons says reviewing investment in Brazil's Wilson Sons
12/06/2023 15:58
SAO PAULO, June 12 (Reuters) - Brazilian shipping
company Wilson Sons' PORT3.SA controlling shareholder said on
Monday it is conducting a strategic review of its investment in
the firm, sending shares in both companies soaring 12%.
London-listed Ocean Wilsons OCN.L said in a statement that
"all potential strategic options" would be considered as part of
the review, but noted the move was at an early stage and there
was still no certainty as to its outcome.
It was responding to a Sunday piece by Brazilian newspaper O
Globo saying that Swiss shipping group MSC was in talks to buy
Wilson Sons, in a deal that could total around 5 billion reais
($1.02 billion).
MSC did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Shares in Wilson Sons surged more than 12% after the news,
while Ocean Wilsons also jumped 12%.
A potential deal for Wilson Sons would mark the second major
investment by the Swiss firm in Brazil in two years, following a
deal in 2021 to buy logistics company Log-In.
($1 = 4.8890 reais)
(Reporting by Gabriel Araujo; Editing by Emelia
Sithole-Matarise)
((Gabriel.Araujo2@thomsonreuters.com; +55 11 5047-3352;))