After facing huge fines and legal troubles just a few years ago, JBS, a Brazilian meatpacking giant, is experiencing a remarkable resurgence. The company, notorious for its involvement in a massive corruption scandal, has turned things around and is now trading on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). JBS is frequently in the news, as it also deals with ongoing court battles over issues like price-fixing and environmental damage in the Amazon rainforest.
Despite opposition from American beef producers and environmentalists, U.S. regulators have approved JBS’s public listing, granting the company a new opportunity to raise significant funds. By being part of the NYSE, JBS can attract a wide base of investors and secure more capital for its operations.
The timing of this approval has sparked controversy. Recently, a U.S. subsidiary of JBS donated $5 million to President Trump’s inaugural committee. The company's lobbying efforts have also surged recently, raising concerns about possible political favoritism. Many critics argue that the donation may have played a role in the company’s newfound success in the U.S. market, highlighting ongoing dilemmas at the intersection of politics and business.