NEW YORK, Aug 22 (Reuters) - Sigma Lithium (SGML.V), , which produces metal used in electric vehicle batteries, has sued a former co-chief executive officer, accusing him of stealing trade secrets to undermine the company's effort to sell itself. The lawsuit said Cabral-Gardner and Gardner lead a fund, A10 Investimentos, with a 44% stake in the company, with Cabral-Gardner owning 76% of the fund and Gardner owning 24%. In a July 28 interview, Cabral-Gardner said Sigma has been looking to strengthen its "unique environmentally competitive position" in the global supply chain. The case is Sigma Lithium Corp v Gardner et al, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, No. Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Additional reporting by Tatiana Bautzer; Editing by Jonathan OatisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

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Persons: Calvyn Gardner, Sigma's, Ana Cabral, Gardner, Luisa Valim, Gardner's, Valim, Cabral, Sigma, misappropriated, Jonathan Stempel, Tatiana Bautzer, Jonathan Oatis Organizations: Sigma, Bank of America, Sigma Lithium Corp, Court, Southern District of, Thomson Locations: Manhattan, Vancouver , British Columbia, Brazil, U.S, Southern District, Southern District of New York, New York