UnitedHealth Group Inc. (NYSE:UNH) has received an acquisition offer for its Brazil unit from local entrepreneur Nelson Tanure, valuing the unit at 2.5 billion to 3 billion reais ($509 million to $610 million), according to sources familiar with the matter. Private equity firm Bain Capital LP and another Brazilian entrepreneur, Jose Seripieri Filho, have also submitted acquisition proposals. A decision from UnitedHealth regarding the offers is expected soon, although negotiations could conclude without a deal.
Banco BTG Pactual is reportedly advising UnitedHealth in the sale. UnitedHealth has been seeking to sell its Brazilian assets since 2022 due to growing losses in individual health plans. The company acquired the unit, Amil Participacoes SA, in 2012 for $4.7 billion. The move to divest its Brazilian assets aligns with UnitedHealth’s focus on its core business in the U.S. healthcare market.
The sale of the Brazilian unit could bring in $509 million to $610 million for UnitedHealth, providing an opportunity to streamline its international operations and concentrate on its strategic initiatives in the United States. The company’s international business contributed less than 3% of its total revenue in 2022.
UnitedHealth has been actively expanding its presence in the U.S. healthcare market through acquisitions of medical clinics, home-health companies, health technology firms, and other service businesses under its Optum unit. The potential sale of its Brazilian unit aligns with the company’s strategy to optimize its portfolio and strengthen its position in key markets.
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Author Faith Yakubu 
