The acquisition of Brazil’s leading independent agri-bulk terminal operator marks AD Ports Group’s largest-ever deal and its first strategic expansion into South America, strengthening its position in global trade and logistics.

AD Ports Group has completed the financial closing of its acquisition of Corredor Logística e Infraestrutura (CLI), Brazil’s leading independent agri-bulk port terminal operator, in a deal valued at AED3.1 billion ($835 million).

Originally announced on June 2, the transaction was finalised after securing all customary regulatory and antitrust approvals, including clearances from Brazil’s National Waterway Transportation Agency (Antaq) and the Administrative Council for Economic Defense (CADE).

The acquisition, AD Ports Group’s largest to date, brings CLI into its international portfolio and establishes the UAE-based logistics and trade operator’s first strategic foothold in South America.

CLI operates two key agri-bulk export terminals under long-term concessions: CLI Sul at the Port of Santos and CLI Norte at the Port of Itaqui. CLI Sul is a major sugar export terminal that also handles corn and soybean shipments, while CLI Norte is located within Brazil’s “Arc of the North”, a critical logistics corridor serving the country’s agricultural export sector.

Together, the terminals provide vital links between Brazil’s agricultural heartlands and international markets.

Mohammed Al Tamimi, CEO of Noatum Ports, AD Ports Group’s ports operating arm, said the acquisition represents a significant step in the group’s international growth strategy.

“The formal completion of the CLI acquisition marks an important development in AD Ports Group’s international growth and strengthens our presence in one of the world’s most important agricultural export markets.”

He added: “The acquisition gives our Group powerful new global reach and capabilities. AD Ports Group, through its international ports operating arm Noatum Ports, is committed to quickly integrating CLI into our existing global operations, to further expand the range and relevance of our portfolio of global end-to-end trade solutions.”

Fernando Lohmann, Head of Macquarie Asset Management in Brazil, highlighted CLI’s growth trajectory and strategic importance within Brazil’s logistics landscape.

“CLI has delivered strong growth and built a highly competitive position in Brazil’s port and logistics market, supported by strategic assets, operational scale and a resilient customer base.”

He said AD Ports Group is well positioned to build on the platform’s strengths and support its next phase of development.

Paulo Todescan L. Mattos, Co-Founder, Managing Partner, Chair and Co-CIO of IG4 Capital Group, said the transaction reflects the successful transformation of CLI into a major supply chain player.

“CLI has evolved into an important supply chain provider supporting Brazil’s export and import markets with a strong operating platform.”

“We are proud of the progress achieved in transforming CLI and believe AD Ports Group is well placed to support CLI’s continued development and long-term growth.”

The acquisition reinforces AD Ports Group’s strategy of expanding its global network across key trade corridors while deepening its exposure to agricultural commodity flows, one of the most resilient segments of global trade.