Americanas Billionaire Trio Faces Possible Brazil Congress Probe

  • Enough lawmakers back an investigation into troubled retailer
  • Former Americanas CEO also testifying at securities regulator

An Americanas store in Brasilia on Jan. 21.

Photographer: Gustavo Minas/Bloomberg
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Prospects of a confrontation between Brazil’s congress and the billionaire shareholders behind Americanas SA are growing as enough lawmakers have signed a petition to start an investigation into the financial collapse of the troubled retailer.

A request to launch the probe received the support of 187 lower house representatives by Wednesday, more than the 171 needed, Andre Fufuca, the lawmaker collecting signatures and a close ally of Speaker Arthur Lira, said in an interview.