Slideshow ( 2 images )

SAO PAULO (Reuters) - Switzerland's UBS Group AG UBSG.S and state-controlled Banco do Brasil SA BBAS3.SA signed a preliminary agreement on Monday to create a joint venture in investment banking in South America, the Brazilian bank said in a securities filing.

According to the filing, the new joint venture will provide investment banking services in Brazil and a number of other South American countries: Argentina, Chile, Peru, Paraguay and Uruguay.

Banco do Brasil said in the filing UBS would hold 50.01% of the joint venture. Reuters reported the deal talks earlier this month.