AD Ports Group Secures Brazil’s CLI in Groundbreaking AED3.1bn Acquisition

AD Ports Group has confirmed its acquisition of Corredor Logística e Infraestrutura (CLI), the foremost independent agri-bulk terminal operator in Brazil, for an impressive AED3.1 billion (USD 835 million). This deal stands as the company's largest acquisition thus far and marks its inaugural venture into the South American market.

The agreement was finalized with CLI's existing shareholders, Macquarie Asset Management and IG4 Capital. Completion of the transaction is anticipated in the latter half of the year, pending the usual regulatory and antitrust approvals.

Strategic Entry into Brazil

CLI operates two significant agri-bulk export terminals in Brazil, secured under long-term concessions.

The first terminal, CLI Sul, situated at the Port of Santos, is recognized as Brazil’s primary sugar export terminal. It also plays a vital role in exporting corn and soybeans. The second terminal, CLI Norte, located at the Port of Itaqui, serves as a crucial conduit for grain exports from Brazil's burgeoning northern agricultural region, known as the "Arc of the North."

The Arc of the North is rapidly becoming a pivotal logistics corridor in Brazil, exhibiting the fastest growth amongst the country's ports and terminals anticipated for 2025.

With this acquisition, AD Ports Group will own a complete stake in CLI Norte and 80 percent of CLI Sul.

Enhancing Global Agri-Bulk Operations

This acquisition bolsters AD Ports Group's position in the international agricultural commodities market. Brazil holds the title of the world's largest sugar exporter and is also a leading grain exporter, particularly in soybeans and corn.

In 2025, CLI managed around 17 million tonnes of agri-bulk cargo and recorded revenue of AED654 million (USD 178 million) alongside an EBITDA of AED360 million (USD 98 million).

The terminals at Santos and Itaqui are instrumental in linking Brazil’s agricultural sectors to global markets.

Executive Remarks

Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group, heralded this acquisition as a pivotal transformation for the company.

He emphasized that this move expands AD Ports Group's international reach into Latin America for the first time, further solidifying its agrifoods business. Al Shamisi noted that this acquisition aligns with the group’s objectives of facilitating global trade and enhancing key agricultural market connections.

According to AD Ports Group, Brazil will assist in developing a major East-West trade corridor connecting South America with the Indian Subcontinent, East Africa, and Southeast Asia.

Continuity in Management

As part of the acquisition terms, CLI's current senior management will continue to oversee operations and future growth strategies.

Fernando Lohmann, Head of Macquarie Asset Management in Brazil, remarked on the resilience of Brazil’s agricultural export sector, underscoring its importance in global food supply chains.

Paulo Todescan L. Mattos, Co-Founder and CEO of IG4 Capital, highlighted that their focus on optimizing CLI's operations aligned well with AD Ports Group's capabilities to drive future growth.

Part of a Broader Strategy

This acquisition fits within AD Ports Group’s larger strategy to enhance its global agrifood and logistics operations.

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

Surpassing previous major transactions, including the AED2.65 billion acquisition of Spain's Noatum in 2023, and the acquisition of a 51 percent interest in Global Feeder Shipping for AED1.9 billion in 2024, the CLI takeover reinforces AD Ports Group's status as a significant player in global ports and logistics, while establishing a foothold in one of the key agricultural export markets worldwide.