Abu Dhabi-based AD Ports Group has agreed to acquire Brazilian agri-bulk terminal operator Corredor Logística e Infraestrutura (CLI) in a transaction valued at AED3.1 billion ($835 million), marking the company’s largest acquisition to date and its first expansion into Latin America.
The deal provides AD Ports Group with control of one of Brazil’s largest independent agri-bulk port platforms. Moreover, it offers strategic access to one of the world’s most important agricultural export markets.
The acquisition is expected to close in the second half of the year, subject to regulatory and antitrust approvals. As a result, AD Ports Group will significantly expand its international footprint while strengthening its presence in the global agrifood logistics sector.
Strategic access to key export terminals
CLI operates two major export terminals under long-term concessions. These include CLI Sul at the Port of Santos, Brazil’s leading sugar export terminal and a major hub for soybean and corn exports, and CLI Norte at the Port of Itaqui, located within the rapidly growing agricultural export corridor known as the Arc of the North.
AD Ports Group is acquiring the business from Macquarie Asset Management and IG4 Capital. CLI owns 100% of CLI Norte and 80% of CLI Sul.
In 2025, the company handled 17 million tonnes of agri-bulk cargo and generated AED654 million ($178 million) in revenue, alongside EBITDA of AED360 million ($98 million).
The transaction exceeds the value of AD Ports Group’s previous major acquisitions, including its purchase of a 51% stake in Global Feeder Shipping for AED1.9 billion ($510 million) in early 2024.
Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director & Group CEO of AD Ports Group, said: “The purchase of CLI is a game changer for AD Ports Group. The transaction extends our Group’s international reach into Latin America for the first time and deepens our growing agrifoods activities, one of our core verticals.
“Under the wise guidance of our leadership in the United Arab Emirates, AD Ports Group is committed to enabling trade in one of the world’s most-important, fastest-growing agricultural commodities markets, which will not only benefit the Group’s global clients, including those in Brazil, but also strengthen the AD Ports Group global network.”
Strengthening UAE-South America trade links
The acquisition supports AD Ports Group’s strategy to establish a major East-West trade corridor linking Brazil and the wider South American market with the Indian subcontinent, East Africa and Southeast Asia.
Furthermore, the announcement comes as the UAE advances negotiations with Mercosur on a proposed trade agreement. Consequently, the transaction could strengthen commercial ties between the Gulf region and South America.
The deal also enhances AD Ports Group’s agrifood logistics portfolio, which has become an increasingly important growth segment. Recent investments include agricultural infrastructure projects in Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Jordan and Spain.
Brazil remains one of the world’s leading agricultural exporters, accounting for an estimated 40–50% of global sugar exports and ranking among the top exporters of soybeans, coffee, and corn. Therefore, the strategic locations of the Ports of Santos and Itaqui are expected to support long-term cargo growth and utilisation as global demand for agricultural commodities continues to expand.
