Brazilian Terminal Acquisition
AD Ports Group completes its largest acquisition with an $835 million deal in Brazil.
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Key Points
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The terminals handled a combined 17 million tonnes of agri-bulk cargo in 2025. CLI reported AED 654 million in revenue and AED 360 million in EBITDA that year, according to figures disclosed when the deal was announced.
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Before the acquisition, CLI owned 100% of CLI Norte and 80% of CLI Sul.
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Noatum Ports CEO Mohammed Al Tamimi said the group plans to integrate CLI quickly into its global operations to broaden its end-to-end trade solutions.
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Fernando Lohmann of Macquarie Asset Management described CLI as having a resilient customer base and a competitive position in Brazil’s port and logistics market, saying AD Ports is well positioned to build on that platform.
AD Ports Group has completed its $835 million acquisition of Corredor Logística e Infraestrutura (CLI), a major Brazilian port operator. Container News reports this is the Abu Dhabi-based company's largest deal and its first strategic entry into South America. The transaction received full regulatory approval from Brazil's maritime and competition authorities, ANTAQ and CADE.
CLI operates two grain and agricultural export terminals under long-term concessions at the Port of Santos and Port of Itaqui. FreshPlaza notes the terminals handled 17 million tonnes of cargo in 2025 and generated AED 654 million in revenue. AD Ports says the acquisition expands its global network and adds critical capacity in one of the world's largest agricultural export markets.
Two Strategic Terminals in Brazil's Agricultural Corridors
CLI Sul operates at the Port of Santos, handling sugar, corn, and soybean exports from Brazil's main agricultural region. CLI Norte serves the country's northern export corridor at the Port of Itaqui. Food Business MEA reports AD Ports acquired 100% of CLI Norte and 80% of CLI Sul, with Macquarie Asset Management and IG4 Capital as the previous owners.
Together, the two terminals processed 17 million tonnes of agri-bulk cargo in 2025, generating AED 654 million in annual revenue. Ship Management International notes the facilities serve major agricultural producers and exporters across Brazil's critical supply chains.
AD Ports Expands Footprint Beyond Middle East
The $835 million deal marks AD Ports' entry into South American logistics and represents its largest acquisition to date. Hellenic Shipping News reports the acquisition received full regulatory clearance, removing the final hurdle to integration. The company plans to leverage CLI's position to strengthen its global end-to-end trade solutions.
Noatum Ports CEO Mohammed Al Tamimi said the group will integrate CLI quickly into its worldwide operations. Container News quoted Fernando Lohmann of Macquarie Asset Management, who praised CLI's resilient customer base and competitive position in Brazil's port sector, saying AD Ports is well positioned to build on that foundation.
Tapping Into Brazil's Agricultural Export Boom
Brazil is the world's largest exporter of sugar, soybeans, and corn. AD Ports' acquisition gives it direct access to one of the globe's most valuable agricultural trade flows. The two terminals connect major farming regions to international markets through ports that already handle tens of millions of tonnes annually.
By controlling these export gateways, AD Ports can offer integrated logistics services—from port handling to supply chain management—to agricultural companies and traders. This positions the group to capture more of the value chain in a market expected to grow as global food demand rises.
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