Brazilian antitrust regulators suspended final approval for United Airlines' plan to increase its investment in Azul Linhas Aéreas Brasileiras. The decision, issued by the Administrative Council for Economic Defense (CADE), places the transaction into temporary regulatory uncertainty.
United planned to raise its equity stake in Azul as part of the Brazilian carrier's ongoing financial restructuring. The investment is strategically important for enhancing connectivity between North and South America.
The suspension followed a request from a consumer advocacy group seeking more time for scrutiny. Although the deal's previous unconditional approval remains technically valid, the transaction is currently on hold. The third party now has a limited timeframe to present evidence warranting a more in-depth competitive review of United’s increased stake.