JBS’s Scandal-Ridden Brothers Bet On NY Debut to Fund Deal Spree

Billionaire brothers Wesley and Joesley Batista helped turn a modest Brazilian slaughterhouse started by their father into the world’s largest meat company through almost two decades of shrewd acquisitions. Along the way, they confessed to bribing hundreds of politicians, served several months in jail and drew the ire of environmentalists.

Now the brothers, who control the $15.2 billion company, will need to convince global investors that the governance issues and other concerns are well behind them as they embark on a new frontier that’s been years in the making: a US share listing.

Joesley, left, and Wesley Batista

Photographers: Andre Coelho; Tuane Fernandes/Bloomberg

JBS NV is expected to start ...