AD Ports Completes AED3.1 Billion Brazil Acquisition in Largest Deal to Date

AD Ports Group has completed the acquisition of Brazilian agri-bulk terminal operator Corredor Logística e Infraestrutura, or CLI, in a transaction valued at AED3.1 billion, expanding the Abu Dhabi-listed group into South America.

The transaction represents the largest acquisition completed by AD Ports Group and follows regulatory and antitrust approvals in Brazil. The company said its international ports operating arm, Noatum Ports, has assumed operational control of CLI following financial closing.

CLI operates two strategically important agricultural bulk-export terminals under long-term concessions. CLI Sul at the Port of Santos handles sugar as well as corn and soybeans, while CLI Norte at the Port of Itaqui forms part of Brazil’s Arc of the North agricultural logistics corridor.

The assets give AD Ports exposure to one of the world’s largest agricultural-export markets and expand the group’s growing agrifoods business. They also extend a network that already spans ports, shipping, logistics, economic zones and digital trade services.

AD Ports said it intends to establish new trade routes directly connecting Brazil with Khalifa Port and the Abu Dhabi Food Hub in KEZAD. Such links could deepen trade flows between South America and the Gulf while supporting food-security and supply-chain objectives.

The transaction is significant for investors because it demonstrates the scale of international expansion being pursued by major UAE infrastructure groups. Rather than relying only on domestic growth, companies such as AD Ports are acquiring strategic assets overseas and connecting them to UAE logistics platforms.

Brazil’s role as a major producer and exporter of sugar, soybeans, corn and other agricultural commodities makes port capacity and inland logistics strategically important. Ownership of terminal infrastructure can provide exposure to long-term trade volumes while allowing an operator to integrate services across the supply chain.

The deal may also support trade corridors extending beyond Brazil and the UAE. AD Ports said its broader network could connect Brazilian export flows with markets across the Indian Subcontinent, East Africa and Southeast Asia.

For Abu Dhabi, the acquisition strengthens the emirate’s position in global logistics while potentially supporting food-trade connectivity through Khalifa Port and KEZAD. The transaction also reinforces the internationalisation of UAE-listed companies and the increasing role of cross-border acquisitions in their growth strategies.

With financial closing complete, attention now shifts to integration, operating performance and the development of new trade routes linking CLI’s Brazilian terminals with AD Ports Group’s wider global network.