BEIJING (AP) A Chinese bank has agreed to buy 72 percent of a Brazilian midsize commercial lender for $725 million, expanding the Latin American foothold of China's state-owned banking industry.
China Construction Bank Ltd. and Banco Industrial e Commercial SA said Friday the Chinese institution will acquire a controlling stake from Brazil's family-owned Bezerra de Menezes Financial Group.
The deal adds to China's gradual commercial expansion into Latin America, where state-owned Chinese oil companies already have extensive ties.
Beijing is a major customer for Brazilian iron ore, soybeans and other commodities.
