Mercuria Nears $1 Billion Deal for Raízen’s Argentine Refining and Retail Assets

Core Insights - Mercuria Energy Group is in advanced negotiations to acquire a refinery and hundreds of fuel retail stations in Argentina from Raízen, a Brazilian biofuels producer facing financial difficulties [1][2][3] Group 1: Acquisition Details - The deal value is expected to exceed $1 billion, although no binding agreement has been signed yet [2] - Negotiations have progressed significantly, with a potential finalization of the transaction soon, but risks remain that it could still fall through [2][3] Group 2: Raízen's Financial Situation - Raízen has been under financial pressure, posting heavy quarterly losses and accumulating high debt levels, leading to a selloff in its bonds and multiple credit downgrades [4][5] - Fitch Ratings downgraded Raízen's rating to "B" and then to "CCC," while S&P Global Ratings rated it "CCC+" due to concerns over liquidity and refinancing risks [5] Group 3: Industry Context - The acquisition would enhance Mercuria's downstream presence in South America, as trading houses are increasingly seeking control over refining and retail assets to secure margins amid volatile energy markets [6]