Struggling Brazil Firms Turn to Founders for $4 Billion Rescue

Brazilian companies wrestling with high interest rates and growing debt loads are turning to the people who helped build them for a lifeline.

Founders and key shareholders in Brazilian firms have committed to injecting as much as 19.3 billion reais ($4 billion) in capital to aid them so far this year, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. The rescues, which have come via equity offerings and real estate transactions, are expected to continue in months to come.

“We’re likely to see more and more deals being anchored by controlling or relevant holders,” said Roberto Zarour, a partner and restructuring lawyer ...