EY Brazil announces agreement to acquire MB Agro and strengthen its leadership in strategic intelligence for agribusiness

Ernst & Young Assessoria Empresarial Ltda. (EY Brazil) has announced its agreement to acquire MB Agro – Consultoria e Assessoria em Agronomia Sociedade Simples, a prominent consulting firm specializing in agribusiness. The deal, which is valued at an undisclosed amount, was revealed on May 7, 2026. This acquisition is expected to enhance EY Brazil's capabilities in market analysis and strategic execution within the agribusiness sector.

MB Agro is recognized as a leading boutique consulting firm in Brazil, providing critical market intelligence and strategic insights to various stakeholders in the agribusiness ecosystem, including financial institutions, large producers, cooperatives, and investors. The firm has built a reputation for delivering economic scenarios and strategic reviews that inform key decisions related to credit, risk, investments, and mergers and acquisitions across the agribusiness value chain. The integration of MB Agro's expertise into EY Brazil is anticipated to significantly bolster the firm's service offerings and analytical capabilities.

As part of the transaction, two of MB Agro's leading professionals, Alexandre Mendonça de Barros and José Carlos Hausknecht, will join EY Brazil as partners. Mendonça de Barros is an economist known for his macroeconomic analysis of agribusiness, while Hausknecht is an agricultural engineer with extensive experience in sector analysis. Their addition to EY Brazil is expected to enhance the firm's ability to deliver data-driven insights and strategic diagnostics, which are increasingly vital in a sector characterized by complex interactions among climate, costs, demand, and geopolitical factors.

The agribusiness sector in Brazil is undergoing significant transformation, driven by technological advancements and changing market dynamics. As companies seek to navigate this complexity, the demand for sophisticated analytical capabilities and strategic consulting services is on the rise. EY Brazil's acquisition of MB Agro positions the firm to better address these needs, leveraging its global platform to deliver comprehensive solutions that support clients throughout their business journeys.

Looking ahead, this acquisition reflects broader trends within the consulting industry, where firms are increasingly seeking to enhance their sector-specific expertise to remain competitive. By integrating MB Agro's specialized knowledge, EY Brazil is not only expanding its service portfolio but also reinforcing its commitment to providing high-quality, data-driven insights in the agribusiness sector. This strategic move underscores the importance of adaptability and innovation in meeting the evolving demands of clients in a rapidly changing market landscape.