UBS AG is selling its Brazilian operations for approximately US$2.5 billion to BTG Investments, the Swiss bank said Monday.

The firm said that the sale of its, Brazilian business UBS Pactual, is consistent with its strategy of continuing to reduce its risk profile, strengthen its balance sheet and sharpen its business focus.

UBS expects the sale to result in a small loss, which it plans to lay out in its quarterly results, due May 5. The price will be pain in a combination of cash and the assumption of liabilities and the transaction is expected to close in mid 2009, subject to regulatory approval.

The transaction does represent a premium to book value, and it will increase Tier 1 capital by 1.3 billion Swiss francs and 60 basis points, decrease risk weighted assets by CHF3 billion, and reduce total assets by CHF 6.3 billion.

IE