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After Scandals and Years of Absence, the Batista Brothers Resume Command of J&F, Expand Billion-Dollar Businesses, and Return to the Center of Business Power.
The Batista brothers are again in control of J&F Investimentos, a holding company that leads firms such as JBS, Banco Original, PicPay, and Ambar Energia. After being at the center of one of the biggest political and economic scandals of the past decade, Joesley and Wesley resumed strategic roles and returned to the public eye, boosting their businesses and expanding their influence.
The return of the Batista brothers marks a turnaround that combines business strategy, international expansion, and resolved billion-dollar disputes, repositioning the family at the top of the Brazilian corporate scene. Among the milestones are the listing of JBS on the New York Stock Exchange and the US$ 2.7 billion agreement that ended the dispute over Eldorado Brasil.
The Strategic Return of the Batista Brothers to Command
In 2024, the Batista brothers returned to seats on JBS’s Board of Directors and resumed prominence in managing the holding. Simultaneously, they began attending high-profile events, granting interviews, and maintaining active profiles on social media.
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Joesley, more active, uses LinkedIn and Instagram to show behind-the-scenes and business activities. Wesley, more discreet, operates on LinkedIn. This stance contrasts sharply with the silence adopted after “Joesley Day” in 2017 when testimonies involving then-President Michel Temer caused a collapse in the financial market.
Billion-Dollar Movements and International Expansion
The listing of JBS on the New York Stock Exchange, planned by the Batista brothers since 2009, expanded access to international credit and strengthened their shareholding control. The company, owner of brands such as Seara, Swift, and Friboi, is now focusing more on processed and branded products, reducing its dependence on commodities.
Another decisive step was the end of the dispute over Eldorado Brasil. With a US$ 2.7 billion agreement, the brothers ended a lawsuit initiated in 2018 against Paper Excellence, involving breach of contract, corporate espionage, and land disputes.
Diversification Beyond Meat
In recent years, J&F, led by the Batista brothers, has ventured into new strategic sectors. In 2022, they created LHG Mining by purchasing iron ore and manganese mines from Vale. The deal received R$ 3.7 billion from BNDES to modernize its river logistics, including barges and push boats.
In the energy sector, Ambar Energia acquired thermoelectric plants from Eletrobras and hydropower plants from Cemig. In oil and gas, the acquisition of Fluxos expanded operations in Argentina and Bolivia. These movements consolidate a portfolio that now includes eight companies and a presence in over 20 countries.
The New Generation is Positioning Itself
The likely future global leader of JBS is Wesley Batista Filho, the current CEO of the North American operation. At 33 years old, he is seen as a key figure to keep JBS competitive and globalized.
Henrique Batista, in the seafood sector, and José Antônio Batista Costa, on the PicPay board, are also occupying strategic positions. This transition ensures family continuity while adding a more modern and international perspective to the businesses.
The Past Still Raises Questions
Although the Batista brothers have regained prominence and expanded their businesses, the history of billion-dollar financing from BNDES and corruption accusations still weigh heavily. The relationship with public power remains a sensitive point for analysts and investors.
Nevertheless, J&F continues to grow as a global powerhouse, with JBS established as one of the largest food companies in the world and new strategic investments underway.
And you, do you believe that the return of the Batista brothers is positive for the Brazilian economy, or does it pose risks due to political influence? Share your opinion in the comments — we want to hear from those closely following this scenario.
Acredito que não voltaram a cometer os mesmos erros do pasado.es un grupo con gran potencial de avanço en seus investimentos as grandes empresas do mundo sempre tiverom privilégiosdos governos en nome do emprego que produzem espero que continuem cumprindo seus deveres honestamente e pagando seus impostos sem corrupção pr poder limpar seus nomes.adelante grande nacion brasileira