Abu Dhabi based AD Ports Group has agreed to acquire Brazilian agri-bulk terminal operator CLI in a deal valued at AED3.1 billion ($835 million). The transaction is the company's largest acquisition so far and marks its first major expansion into Latin America.

The AD Ports Group Brazil acquisition gives the company access to one of the world's largest agricultural export markets while strengthening its international logistics and trade network.

The transaction is expected to be completed during the second half of 2026, subject to regulatory and antitrust approvals.

What is Included in the Acquisition?

Through the AD Ports Group Brazil acquisition, the company will take control of Corredor Logística e Infraestrutura (CLI), one of Brazil's leading independent agri-bulk logistics platforms.

CLI operates two important export terminals:

CLI Sul at Port of Santos

Located at the Port of Santos, CLI Sul is Brazil's leading sugar export terminal and also handles large volumes of corn and soybean exports.

CLI Norte at Port of Itaqui

CLI Norte is located at the Port of Itaqui in Brazil's rapidly growing agricultural export corridor known as the Arc of the North.

This strategic location plays a key role in supporting agricultural exports from the Amazon basin and surrounding regions.

CLI currently owns:

  • 100% of CLI Norte
  • 80% of CLI Sul

Why the AD Ports Group Brazil Acquisition Matters

The AD Ports Group Brazil acquisition significantly expands the company's global footprint and strengthens its agrifood logistics business.

Brazil is one of the world's largest agricultural exporters and plays a critical role in global food supply chains.

The country accounts for:

  • 40% to 50% of global sugar exports
  • One of the world's largest soybean export markets
  • Major corn exports
  • Significant coffee exports

By entering Brazil, AD Ports Group gains direct access to a strategic export market with strong long-term growth potential.

Strong Financial Performance from CLI

CLI delivered strong operational results during 2025.

The company reported:

  • 17 million tonnes of agri-bulk cargo handled
  • AED654 million ($178 million) in revenue
  • AED360 million ($98 million) EBITDA

These figures demonstrate the scale and profitability of the business being acquired through the AD Ports Group Brazil acquisition.

Largest Deal in AD Ports Group History

The transaction surpasses all previous acquisitions completed by AD Ports Group.

It exceeds the company's earlier purchase of a 51% stake in Global Feeder Shipping (GFS), which was valued at AED1.9 billion ($510 million) in 2024.

The AD Ports Group Brazil acquisition therefore becomes the most significant investment in the company's history.

Strategic Growth for Global Trade

According to Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group, the acquisition is a major milestone for the company.

He described the deal as a game changer that extends the group's international reach into Latin America while supporting the company's long-term agrifood logistics strategy.

The acquisition also supports AD Ports Group's vision of building stronger trade connections between:

  • Brazil
  • South America
  • United Arab Emirates
  • Indian Subcontinent
  • East Africa
  • Southeast Asia

This growing trade corridor could create new opportunities for cargo movement and international commerce.

Existing Management Team to Remain

AD Ports Group confirmed that CLI's current senior management team will continue leading the business after the acquisition is completed.

Maintaining the existing leadership team is expected to ensure operational continuity and support future growth plans.

Supporting UAE and South America Trade Relations

The announcement comes at a time when the UAE is actively strengthening economic ties with South America.

The UAE is currently engaged in advanced discussions with Mercosur, the South American trade bloc that includes Brazil, regarding a potential Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.

The AD Ports Group Brazil acquisition aligns with these broader efforts to increase trade, investment, and economic cooperation between the UAE and Latin America.

Expanding Agrifood Logistics Portfolio

Agrifood logistics has become one of AD Ports Group's key strategic sectors.

Recent investments include:

  • Agricultural bulk handling facilities at Karachi Port
  • Grain terminal investments in Kazakhstan
  • Aqaba port concession in Jordan
  • Grain handling facilities in Spain

The AD Ports Group Brazil acquisition further strengthens this growing portfolio and positions the company as a major global player in agricultural logistics.

Long Term Growth Opportunities

Brazil's export infrastructure continues to face strong demand due to growing global food consumption and increasing agricultural production.

The ports of Santos and Itaqui are considered strategically important gateways for international trade.

Industry experts expect continued growth in export volumes, supported by capacity constraints and increasing global demand for agricultural commodities.

These factors make the AD Ports Group Brazil acquisition a highly strategic investment with significant long-term growth potential.

Conclusion

The AD Ports Group Brazil acquisition marks a historic milestone for the Abu Dhabi based logistics giant. By acquiring CLI for $835 million, the company enters Latin America for the first time while gaining access to one of the world's most important agricultural export markets.

The acquisition strengthens AD Ports Group's agrifood logistics network, expands its international presence, and supports its ambition to become a leading global trade and logistics provider.

As global demand for agricultural exports continues to grow, the AD Ports Group Brazil acquisition is expected to play a key role in the company's future growth strategy and international expansion plans.