Batista Said to Seek $5 Billion in Energy, Gold Stakes Sale

Eike Batista, the Brazilian billionaire whose estimated net worth has plunged 71 percent since March, is seeking to raise more than $5 billion by selling his AUX gold business and a controlling stake in MPX Energia SA, a person with direct knowledge of the matter said.

EON SE, Germany’s biggest utility, is in discussions to boost its MPX stake to 37 percent from 12 percent and gain effective control as the Brazilian development bank, known as BNDES, increases its holding to 13 percent from 10 percent, said the person, who requested anonymity because the talks are private. Batista also would sell MPX shares to the public in the divestiture, which may raise $2 billion, the person said.