AD Ports Group Enters South America with Strategic Acquisition
ABU DHABI, 2nd June, 2026 – In a landmark move, AD Ports Group (ADX: ADPORTS) has announced the acquisition of Corredor Logística e Infraestrutura (CLI), the leading independent agri-bulk port terminal operator in Brazil. This acquisition marks the group’s strategic expansion into the South American market.
Based in São Paulo, CLI operates two of Brazil’s critical agri-bulk export terminals under long-term concessions. These are CLI Sul, located in the Port of Santos, which is Brazil’s leading sugar export terminal, and a significant hub for exporting corn and soybeans, and CLI Norte, situated at the Port of Itaqui. This location is part of the Brazilian ‘Arc of the North’, a vital logistical region encompassing the Amazon basin, playing a substantial role in agriculture exports.
The acquisition process, valued at AED 3.1 billion (USD 835 million), involves purchasing CLI from its joint owners, Macquarie Asset Management and IG4 Capital. Expected to finalize in the latter part of the year, this transaction is contingent on regulatory and antitrust approvals. The current senior management of CLI will stay on to oversee operations, ensuring stability and continuity.
Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director & Group CEO of AD Ports Group, stated:
Strategic Importance of Brazil in AD Ports Group’s Expansion
The acquisition propels AD Ports Group into a prominent position as one of South America’s leading independent agri-bulk terminal operators. It opens significant opportunities for growth in related sectors such as maritime, shipping, logistics, and digital services. The Brazilian ports and terminals experienced the fastest growth in the northern region in 2025, highlighting the strategic importance of the “Arc of the North” corridor in reshaping the country’s logistics dynamics.
AD Ports Group’s Global Ambitions Enhanced
This acquisition complements the group’s broader geographic expansion strategy, particularly focusing on the agrifood sector – a core vertical in its internationalization plan. AD Ports Group is also eyeing the creation of a critical new East-West trade spoke, linking South America with the Indian Subcontinent, East Africa, and Southeast Asia. Furthermore, the UAE’s ongoing negotiations with Mercosur, the South American trading bloc, to establish a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, underscores the strengthening trade ties between the regions.
Macquarie Asset Management and IG4 Capital Leaders Weigh In
Fernando Lohmann, Head of Macquarie Asset Management in Brazil, remarked on the ongoing resilience of Brazil’s agricultural export sector, emphasizing the asset’s role in driving economic development and global trade connectivity. Paulo Todescan L. Mattos, Co-Founder, Managing Partner, and CEO of IG4 Capital, highlighted the strategic strengthening of CLI’s operational capabilities and expressed confidence in AD Ports Group‘s ability to foster further growth.
Future Prospects and Financial Footprint
CLI manages a significant portion of Brazil’s agri-bulk cargo, handling over 17 million tonnes and generating substantial revenue. It’s strategically positioned in an area with limited expansion capacity, which is likely to ensure long-term utilization and pricing vitality. As Brazil remains a dominant force in global sugar and grain exports, the acquisition positions AD Ports Group to leverage these strengths.
This acquisition represents AD Ports Group’s largest purchase thus far, following its acquisition of Spain’s Noatum in 2023 and a 51% stake in Global Feeder Shipping in 2024.
The transaction involved advisory services from BTG Pactual for AD Ports Group, while Citi advised IG4 and Macquarie Asset Management.
Team V.DIR-EM-UAE
