(Dow Jones) July 26, 2010 – U.S.-based private-equity firm Carlyle Group L.P. created a fund jointly with Brazil’s largest bank, the state-run Banco do Brasil SA, which will invest in Brazilian companies, local newspaper Folha de S. Paulo reported Monday.

The fund, with up to 400 million BRL ($227 million), will invest in Brazilian companies with plans to expand international operations, the newspaper said, quoting Juan Carlos Felix, Carlyle’s director for South America operations.

The creation of the fund came amid Carlyle’s growing interest in Brazil.

Last week, Carlyle Group acquired a controlling stake in Brazilian health-care company Grupo Qualicorp for an undisclosed amount. It is the second acquisition made by Carlyle Group in Brazil. In January, it acquired control of the largest local travel agency, CVC.

By Rogerio Jelmayer