Ocean Wilsons Says Reviewing Investment in Brazil's Wilson Sons

Brazilian shipping company Wilson Sons' controlling shareholder said on Monday it is conducting a strategic review of its investment in the firm, sending shares in both companies soaring 12%.

London-listed Ocean Wilsons said in a statement that "all potential strategic options" would be considered as part of the review, but noted the move was at an early stage and there was still no certainty as to its outcome.

It was responding to a Sunday piece by Brazilian newspaper O Globo saying that Swiss shipping group MSC was in talks to buy Wilson Sons, in a deal that could total around 5 billion reais ($1.02 billion).

MSC did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Shares in Wilson Sons surged more than 12% after the news, while Ocean Wilsons also jumped 12%.

A potential deal for Wilson Sons would mark the second major investment by the Swiss firm in Brazil in two years, following a deal in 2021 to buy logistics company Log-In.

($1 = 4.8890 reais)

(Reuters - Reporting by Gabriel Araujo; Editing by Emelia Sithole-Matarise)