Patria Buys into Power Trader

Brazil’s Patria Investimentos has purchased a 50% stake in power trading firm Capitale Energia. With the deal, Patria seeks to establish a firm presence in the business of energy trading in Brazil, the companies say. Capitale’s sales stood at BRL215m in 2011 and it expects to see sales increase as the market for Brazil’s power trading expands, surpassing its current size of BRL10bn ($5.8bn) a year. A Patria spokesman declined to offer any additional details about the transaction. Officials at Capitale could not be reached for comment. Patria, a leading private equity player in the South American country, currently has more than BRL10bn under management and is building its business in real estate and infrastructure ventures.