So paulo: AD Ports Group (ADX: ADPORTS) today acquired Corredor Logstica e Infraestrutura (CLI), Brazil's leading independent agri-bulk port terminal operator, marking a significant entry into the South American market with a major strategic expansion.
According to Emirates News Agency, CLI, headquartered in So Paulo, operates two of Brazil's most critical agri-bulk export terminals under long-term concessions: CLI Sul at the Port of Santos, Brazil's primary sugar export terminal also crucial for corn and soybean exports, and CLI Norte at the Port of Itaqui, a vital grains gateway in the Brazilian 'Arc of the North', an essential logistics hub for agriculture exports from the Amazon basin.
In 2025, ports and terminals in northern Brazil recorded the fastest growth in the country, highlighting the strategic significance of the 'Arc of the North' corridor in transforming Brazil's logistics landscape. The two terminals are pivotal in connecting Brazil, a leading exporter of sugar and grains, to international markets.
AD Ports Group agreed to purchase CLI from Macquarie Asset Management and IG4 Capital. CLI owns 100% of CLI Norte and 80% of CLI Sul. The acquisition, valued at AED 3.1 billion (USD 835 million), is expected to finalize in the latter half of the year, pending regulatory and antitrust approvals. CLI's current senior management will remain to manage the operations.
The acquisition is transformative for AD Ports Group, positioning it as a leading independent agri-bulk terminal operator in South America, with new opportunities for its maritime, shipping, logistics, economic cities, and digital services businesses. Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group, emphasized the strategic importance of the transaction in expanding their reach into Latin America and enhancing their agrifoods activities.
Brazil's role supports AD Ports Group's geographic expansion and plans to develop a new East-West trade link connecting South America with the Indian Subcontinent, East Africa, and Southeast Asia. The UAE is in advanced talks with Mercosur to establish a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.
Fernando Lohmann of Macquarie Asset Management affirmed Brazil's resilience in the agricultural export sector and AD Ports Group's capability to support CLI's growth. Paulo Todescan L. Mattos of IG4 Capital highlighted the strategic foundation built for CLI's long-term growth in Brazil's agri-bulk export sector.
This acquisition provides AD Ports Group with an entry into Latin America and a platform for regional expansion. The agrifood sector is a priority for the Group's international strategy, with several key investments, including a facility at Karachi Port and a grain terminal at Kuryk Port in Kazakhstan.
In 2025, CLI handled 17 million tonnes of agri-bulk cargo, generating AED 654 million (USD 178 million) in revenue, and an EBITDA of AED 360 million (USD 98 million). CLI's strategic location and infrastructure constraints at the ports of Santos and Itaqui support long-term demand and pricing resilience.
As the world's largest sugar exporter and a leader in grains, Brazil's strategic importance in global trade reinforces the value of this acquisition. The purchase of CLI is AD Ports Group's largest acquisition to date, following its previous acquisitions of Spain's Noatum and a significant stake in Dubai-based Global Feeder Shipping (GFS).
For this transaction, AD Ports Group was advised by BTG Pactual, while IG4 and Macquarie Asset Management were advised by Citi.