GOL Draws Private Equity Interest

Brazil’s GOL Linhas Aereas has received approaches from private equity groups interested in a 30% percent stake, according to wire reports. CEO Constantino de Oliveira told a press conference in London that the approaches are “very preliminary” and adds that Brazil’s largest airline is not actively seeking investment. GOL said in September that it is considering going private or initiating a share repurchase program. And on October 5 it forecast 2007 per share profit would be almost 50% less than earlier predictions, citing a range of BRL1.60-BRL2.10 a share, down from BRL3.00-BRL3.50.