03/06/2026 06:10 AST
Abu Dhabi's AD Ports Group has entered the Latin American market through the acquisition of Brazil's Corredor Logistica e Infraestrutura, a leading independent agri-bulk port terminal operator, in a deal valued at 3.1 billion dirhams ($835 million).
The move strengthens AD Ports Group's exposure to global agricultural supply chains through key export terminals at the ports of Santos and Itaqui. CLI operates two strategic assets under long-term concessions.
CLI Sul, located at the Port of Santos, is a major sugar export terminal and an important gateway for corn and soybean shipments. CLI Norte operates at the Port of Itaqui in Brazil's rapidly growing "Arc of the North" logistics corridor, a major route for agricultural exports.
The acquisition reflects growing efforts by Gulf logistics and infrastructure companies to expand internationally through investments in strategic assets along global trade routes. Brazil, one of the world's largest exporters of agricultural commodities, has attracted increasing investor interest amid rising demand for food security, supply-chain resilience and export infrastructure.
Mohamed Juma Al-Shamisi, managing director and CEO of AD Ports Group, described the acquisition as a "game changer" for the company.
"The transaction extends our group's international reach for the first time into Latin America, and deepens our growing agrifoods activities, one of our core verticals," he said.
AD Ports Group, which operates in more than 50 countries, said it is acquiring CLI from joint owners Macquarie Asset Management and IG4 Capital. CLI owns 100 percent of CLI Norte and an 80 percent stake in CLI Sul.
Al-Shamisi said the investment would strengthen the company's global network while supporting trade in one of the world's fastest-growing agricultural commodities markets.
Fernando Lohmann, head of Macquarie Asset Management in Brazil, said the country's agricultural export sector continues to demonstrate resilience, reinforcing its role as a leading global supplier of agricultural commodities.
He added that AD Ports Group is well-positioned to support CLI's next phase of growth.
Paulo Todescan L. Mattos, co-founder, managing partner and CEO of IG4 Capital, said the company had focused on strengthening CLI's operations and positioning it for long-term growth since becoming a shareholder.
He said AD Ports Group brings global trade expertise, infrastructure capabilities and a long-term investment horizon that will support the business going forward.
According to the company, ports and terminals in northern Brazil recorded the country's fastest growth in 2025, underscoring the rising importance of the Arc of the North corridor in reshaping Brazil's logistics network.
The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2025, subject to regulatory and antitrust approvals. CLI's senior management team will remain in place following completion.
The acquisition expands AD Ports Group's global footprint across maritime, logistics and trade infrastructure while establishing a presence in South America's growing agri-bulk terminal sector.
Arab News
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