AD Ports Group Expands Into Brazil With CLI Deal

AD Ports Group has made its first move into South America with its biggest acquisition so far, reaching an agreement to acquire Brazilian agri-bulk terminal operator Corredor Logística e Infraestrutura (CLI) for AED3.1 billion ($835 million).

The Abu Dhabi-based ports and logistics company said the acquisition will support the growth of its agrifoods division and provide a foundation for further expansion across Latin America.

CLI operates two major agricultural export terminals in Brazil through long-term concessions. These include CLI Sul at the Port of Santos, Brazil’s leading sugar export terminal and an important outlet for corn and soybean shipments, and CLI Norte at the Port of Itaqui, a key location in the country’s fast-growing “Arc of the North” export route.

The deal is still subject to regulatory approval and is expected to be completed in the second half of the year. It represents AD Ports’ first major investment in South America.

Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, managing director and group CEO of AD Ports Group, described the acquisition as “a game changer” for the company.

The transaction extends our international reach for the first time into Latin America and deepens our growing agrifoods activities, one of our core verticals,” he said.

AD Ports said it plans to build new East-West trade routes linking Brazil with the Indian subcontinent, East Africa, Southeast Asia and the UAE. These would include direct connections to Khalifa Port and the Abu Dhabi Food Hub.

In 2025, CLI handled 17 million tonnes of agri-bulk cargo, generating AED654 million ($178 million) in revenue and EBITDA of AED360 million ($98 million).

Brazil is the world’s largest exporter of sugar and is also among the top global exporters of soybeans, corn and coffee. This makes the country an important market for AD Ports as it continues to diversify its business.

Macquarie Asset Management, one of the sellers, said AD Ports was “ideally positioned to support CLI’s next phase of growth”, while private equity firm IG4 Capital said the UAE-based group would bring “global trade expertise, infrastructure capabilities and a long-term vision”.

The acquisition is larger than AD Ports’ previous major deals, including its 2023 purchase of Spain-based Noatum and its 2024 acquisition of a majority stake in Global Feeder Shipping. The move highlights the group’s expanding global ambitions.