Lojas Americanas S.A. (BOVESPA:LAME4) confirmed media speculation that it is interested in acquiring local department store chain Marisa Lojas S.A. (BOVESPA:AMAR3) . Americanas' advisers had maintained preliminary contact with Marisa's advisers, the suitor said in a brief press release, highlighting that its interest has not been formalised yet. The target company in a separate said that it has hired Lazard's advisory services to evaluate alternatives for optimisation of its capital structure, including its Mbank business unit.

In light of the media speculation about a takeover being discussed, Marisa said that the company "does not currently have any concrete agreement to carry out a transaction, either with Americanas SA or with any other market participant".