Post by : Badri Ariffin

AD Ports Group has revealed its strategic acquisition of Corredor Logística e Infraestrutura (CLI), a leading independent agri-bulk terminal operator in Brazil, for AED3.1 billion (USD 835 million). This landmark transaction marks AD Ports Group's entry into the South American market and stands as its largest acquisition to date.

The acquisition agreement was finalized with CLI's current stakeholders, including Macquarie Asset Management and IG4 Capital, and is expected to close in the latter half of the year, pending customary regulatory and antitrust approvals.

Strategic Move into Brazil

CLI operates two significant agri-bulk export terminals in Brazil under long-term contracts.

The first, CLI Sul, located at the Port of Santos, serves as Brazil's primary sugar export terminal and is pivotal for corn and soybean exports. The second terminal, CLI Norte, situated at the Port of Itaqui, is integral to grain exports from Brazil's swiftly expanding northern agricultural sector known as the "Arc of the North."

The Arc of the North has developed into one of Brazil's vital logistics corridors, showing the fastest growth among the country’s ports and terminals by 2025.

This acquisition allows AD Ports Group to acquire 100 percent of CLI Norte and an 80 percent interest in CLI Sul.

Enhancing Global Agri-Bulk Operations

This acquisition significantly bolsters AD Ports Group’s standing in the global agricultural commodities market, as Brazil ranks as one of the world’s top sugar exporters and a major player in grain exports, including soybeans and corn.

In 2025, CLI managed approximately 17 million tonnes of agri-bulk cargo, resulting in AED654 million (USD 178 million) in revenue and AED360 million (USD 98 million) in EBITDA for the year.

The terminals at Santos and Itaqui play an essential role in linking Brazil’s agriculture with international markets.

Comments from Leadership

Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group, characterized this acquisition as a transformative milestone for the organization.

He noted that this deal expands AD Ports Group’s global footprint into Latin America while reinforcing its agrifoods business. He emphasized that this acquisition aligns with the group’s strategy to facilitate global trade and boost connectivity across major agricultural markets.

According to AD Ports Group, Brazil will also complement initiatives to create a significant East-West trade corridor connecting South America to the Indian Subcontinent, East Africa, and Southeast Asia.

Continuity in Management

Under the terms of the agreement, CLI’s current senior management will stay on to oversee the company's operations and future growth strategies.

Fernando Lohmann, Head of Macquarie Asset Management in Brazil, expressed that the resilience of Brazil’s agricultural export sector continues to be a crucial component of global food supply chains.

Paulo Todescan L. Mattos, Co-Founder and CEO of IG4 Capital, highlighted the focus on enhancing CLI's operational efficiency and expanding its strategic footprint, adding that AD Ports Group is well-positioned to support upcoming growth phases.

Part of a Broader Global Strategy

This acquisition reflects AD Ports Group's ongoing strategy of broadening its global agrifood and logistics operations.

Recent investments comprise a grain terminal project in Kazakhstan, a long-term agricultural storage agreement at Karachi Port in Pakistan, and a 30-year concession to operate the Aqaba multipurpose port in Jordan.

The CLI acquisition marks a milestone surpassing previous major deals, including the AED2.65 billion acquisition of Spain’s Noatum in 2023 and the AED1.9 billion purchase of a 51 percent stake in Global Feeder Shipping in 2024.

With the inclusion of CLI, AD Ports Group solidifies its position as a prominent global port and logistics operator, establishing a strategic presence in one of the world’s most vital agricultural export markets.

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