By Rodrigo Viga Gaier

RIO DE JANEIRO, Dec 12 (Reuters) – Brazil’s federal government plans to hold the auction of Santos port’s massive Tecon 10 container ‍terminal in the first half of March, Ports and Airports Minister Silvio Costa Filho said on Friday.

The auction has drawn interest from more than 10 potential bidders, he said, citing Philippines-based ICTSI and groups including JBS and JSL, as well ‌as unnamed Arab investors.

The minister said the ‌minimum bid value will be under 6.4 billion reais ($1.19 billion), which is the amount the winning bidder is expected to invest to build and operate the terminal during the contract.

Roberto Lopes, CEO of Rio Brasil Terminal, controlled by ICTSI, confirmed the group will participate in the auction and ‍will bid alone, with no partners.

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