Michael Klein wants to buy Casas Bahia and Ponto Frio.
Abílio Diniz, who has already lost the Pão de Açúcar supermarket chain, now risks losing his electronics and home appliance retailer as well.
247 - These are difficult times for businessman Abílio Diniz, of Pão de Açúcar. Days ago, he was dismissed from the group's board by the French partners at Casino, and now he faces a domestic dispute. This time, it's with the Klein family, his partners in Viavarejo, the company resulting from the merger between Ponto Frio and Casas Bahia.
Leading the offensive is businessman Michael Klein, who is reportedly structuring a loan of up to R$ 3,5 billion from Bradesco and Citibank to buy Abílio Diniz's stakes – however, Diniz denies any intention to sell.
Remaining with Viavarejo is one of the remaining options for Diniz. Casino has already appointed Jean-Charles Naouri, the group's controller, as president of Wilkes, the holding company that controls Pão de Açúcar. The process of transferring full control of the group should be completed on June 22nd.