- Qatar Investment Authority ("QIA") today announced the launch of a secondary public offering of its American depositary shares ("ADSs") of Banco Santander (Brasil) S.A. ("Santander Brasil") (NYSE: BSBR). QIA holds approximately 5.5% of the total outstanding shares of Santander Brasil and intends to sell approximately 40% of its position.

This transaction forms part of the routine portfolio management activities undertaken by QIA from time to time. QIA has been an investor in Santander Brasil for close to 7 years and, following the completion of this offering, expects to remain the second largest shareholder of Santander Brasil after Banco Santander S.A.

In connection with the offering, QIA has agreed to enter into a customary lock-up. The offering will be underwritten by BofA Merrill Lynch, Credit Suisse and Santander Investment Securities.

Additional Notes:  

American depositary shares ("ADSs") each represent the right to receive one unit, which is composed of one common share, no par value, and one preferred share, no par value, of Banco Santander (Brasil) S.A.  

QIA expects to grant to the underwriters of the offering an option to purchase up to an additional approximately 15% of the ADSs being offered. 

The offering may be made only by means of a prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus. 

To obtain a copy of the preliminary prospectus supplement and related base prospectus for this offering, please contact:  

(a) BofA Merrill Lynch, NC1-004-03-43, 200 North College Street, 3rd floor, Charlotte, North Carolina  28255-0001, Attention: Prospectus Department, e-mail: dg.prospectus_requests@baml.com

(b) Credit Suisse Prospectus Department, One Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10010; tel: 1-800-221-1037, e-mail:newyork.prospectus@credit-suisse.com

(c) Santander Investment Securities Inc., 45 East 53rd Street, New York, New York 10022, Attention: Douglas Oliveira, tel: +1-212-407-0986, e-mail:douglas.oliveira@santander.us

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor does it constitute an offer, solicitation or sale of these securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale is unlawful.  A registration statement on Form F-3 relating to these securities has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by Santander Brasil and has become effective. 

Qatar Investment Authority is the sovereign wealth fund of the State of Qatar established to strengthen Qatar's economy by diversifying into new asset classes. It has a strong track record of investing in different asset classes including listed securities, property, alternative assets and private equity in all major capital markets, including emerging markets.