AD Ports Group Completes $835 Million Acquisition of Brazil's CLI

AD Ports Group announced the completion of its $835 million acquisition of CLI, a Brazilian operator of agricultural bulk terminals, marking its first deal in South America, according to Enterprise AM platform.

Under the deal, the group acquired full ownership of the CLI Norte terminal in the Port of Itaqui, and an 80% stake in CLI Sul in the Port of Santos, from Macquarie Asset Management and IG4 Capital funds.

Noatum Ports assumed the operation of the terminals after obtaining approvals from the National Waterway Transport Agency (ANTAQ) and the Administrative Council for Economic Defense (CADE), paving the way for integrating operations into the group's network in South America.

Upcoming plans include establishing trade routes connecting Brazil to Khalifa Port and the Abu Dhabi Food Hub in Kezad, bolstering the emirate's position as a hub for re-exporting agricultural commodities and supporting the UAE's food security goals.

What do these terms mean?

Agricultural bulk: Unpackaged agricultural commodities such as grains and oilseeds transported in large quantities Port of Itaqui: A Brazilian Atlantic port considered one of the key grain export outlets Port of Santos: The largest port in South America, serving southeastern Brazil Abu Dhabi Food Hub: A complex in the Kezad industrial zone dedicated to food trading, processing, and distribution