AD Ports Group has acquired Corredor LogĂstica e Infraestrutura (CLI), Brazilâs leading independent agri-bulk port terminal operator, entering the South American market with a strategically major expansion transaction.
SĂŁo Paulo-based CLI operates two of Brazilâs most important agri-bulk export terminals under long-term concessions: CLI Sul, Brazilâs leading sugar export terminal and key export terminal for corn and soybeans, located in the Port of Santos; and CLI Norte, another key grains gateway at the Port of Itaqui, which is part of the Brazilian âArc of the Northâ, an essential geographical region encompassing the Amazon basin that is a pivotal logistics hub and significant emerging corridor for agriculture exports.
The purchase of CLI gives AD Ports Group an entry point into Latin America, and a platform for further regional expansion. Moreover, the agrifood sector is a priority vertical in the Groupâs intelligent internationalisation expansion strategy, with several key investments made in that space recently.
In 2025, ports and terminals in northern Brazil recorded the fastest growth in the country, reinforcing the strategic role of the âArc of the Northâ corridor in reshaping the nationâs logistics map.
The two terminals play a key role in connecting the producing regions of Brazil, the worldâs leading sugar exporter and one of the largest grain exporters, to the world.
AD Ports Group agreed to acquire CLI from joint owners Macquarie Asset Management, and IG4 Capital. CLI owns 100% of CLI Norte, which operates a terminal at the Port of Itaqui, and 80% of CLI Sul, which operates a terminal at the Port of Santos.
The transaction, which is expected to be completed in the second half of the year subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory and antitrust approval, was conducted at an enterprise value of AED 3.1 billion (USD 835 million).
It has also been agreed that CLIâs existing senior management team will remain in place to continue running the company.
The CLI acquisition represents a transformative step for AD Ports Group, positioning it as one of South Americaâs leading independent agri-bulk terminal operators, with strategic access to a vast new number of opportunities for the Groupâs associated businesses of maritime and shipping, logistics, economic cities, and digital services.
Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director & Group CEO said: "The purchase of CLI is a game changer for AD Ports Group. The transaction extends our Groupâs international reach for the first time into Latin America, and deepens our growing agrifoods activities, one of our core verticals."
AD Ports Group, he stated, is committed to enabling trade in one of the worldâs most-important, fastest-growing agricultural commodities markets, which will not only benefit the Groupâs global clients, including those in Brazil, but also strengthen the AD Ports Group global network.
Brazil supports AD Ports Groupâs geographic expansion as well as the Groupâs plan to develop a major new East-West trade spoke linking South Americaâs largest economy to the Indian Subcontinent, East Africa and Southeast Asia.
The UAE is in advanced negotiations with Mercosur, the South American trading bloc that includes Brazil, to establish a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.
Fernando Lohmann, the Head of Macquarie Asset Management in Brazil, said: "Brazilâs agricultural export sector continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience, reinforcing the countryâs position as one of the worldâs leading suppliers of agricultural commodities."
"As a long-term investor in the country, Macquarie remains committed to acting as a responsible custodian of essential infrastructure assets that help drive economic development, improve connectivity and support Brazilâs role in global trade and we believe AD Ports Group is ideally positioned to support CLIâs next phase of growth," he noted.
Paulo Todescan L. Mattos, Co-Founder, Managing Partner, and CEO of IG4 Capital, said: "Since becoming shareholders in CLI, our focus has been on strengthening the companyâs operational capabilities, expanding its strategic footprint, and positioning the platform to capture the long-term growth of Brazilâs agri-bulk export sector."
"We believe AD Ports Group is the right strategic owner to build on this foundation, bringing global trade expertise, infrastructure capabilities, and a long-term vision that will support CLIâs continued growth and development," he added.-TradeArabia News Service
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