Brazilian carrier, Azul Linhas Aéreas Brasileiras, has filed papers with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Brazilian securities regulator, the CVM, to conduct an initial public offering (IPO). Azul plans to issue preferred shares only, which provides shareholders with dividends but not voting rights. David Neeleman, who founded the airline in 2008, will retain control of the carrier retaining 67% of the firm’s common shares. Asul plans to list the preferred shares as American depositary shares in the US and regular preferred shares in São Paulo. TPG Growth, Weston Presidio, Grupo Bozano, and Gávea Investimentos (owned by JP Morgan) also own stakes in Azul.
Proceeds from the IPO will be used to finance expansion plans and to repay debt. Morgan Stanley, Itaú BBA, Goldman Sachs, Santander, Banco do Brasil, Raymond James, Banco Pine, and Deutsche Bank are the underwriters.