Mexico’s Alpek SA de CV is expected to offer up to $700 million for Brazilian state-run oil company Petroleo Brasileiro SA’s petrochemicals units in the northeastern state of Pernambuco, a source with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters on Friday.
Petrobras, as the Brazilian company is known, announced exclusive talks with the Mexican group over the sale of PetroquímicaSuape and Citepe. The Brazilian company and Alpek will negotiate the deal for 60 days.
Petrobras’ petrochemical units have accumulated 5.6 billion reais ($1.7 billion) in losses over the last two years, which included impairment charges related to the largest-ever corruption probe in Brazil. The plants in Pernambuco produce PTA, raw material for PET resin, and polyester fiber. The sale will reduce Petrobras’ debt, as well as the need to inject more cash into the plants, which have not been profitable yet, the source added.