Abu Dhabi-based AD Ports Group is making its biggest move yet on the global stage.

The company has agreed to acquire Brazilian agri-bulk terminal operator Corredor Logística e Infraestrutura (CLI) in a deal worth AED3.1 billion ($835 million). The acquisition is not only the largest in AD Ports Group's history but also marks its first major expansion into Latin America.

The deal gives the UAE logistics giant a strategic foothold in one of the world's most important agricultural export markets and strengthens its ambitions to become a leading global trade and logistics player.

The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2026, subject to regulatory and antitrust approvals.

A Strategic Entry into Brazil

Brazil is one of the world's agricultural powerhouses, exporting enormous volumes of sugar, soybeans, corn, and coffee every year.

By acquiring CLI, AD Ports Group gains access to a well-established logistics platform that plays a vital role in moving these products to international markets.

CLI operates two major export terminals:

CLI Sul at Port of Santos

Located at the Port of Santos, Brazil's largest port, CLI Sul is the country's leading sugar export terminal. It also handles significant shipments of corn and soybeans, making it an essential gateway for agricultural trade.

CLI Norte at Port of Itaqui

CLI Norte is situated at the Port of Itaqui in Brazil's fast-growing agricultural corridor known as the "Arc of the North."

The terminal serves exporters across northern Brazil and provides efficient access to global markets through shorter shipping routes.

CLI currently owns:

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

Together, the two terminals form one of Brazil's most important independent agri-bulk logistics platforms.

Why This Acquisition Is Important

The AD Ports Group Brazil acquisition is about more than just adding new assets.

It gives the company direct exposure to Brazil's agricultural sector, which continues to grow as global demand for food and commodities rises.

Brazil currently accounts for:

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

For AD Ports Group, entering Brazil means gaining long-term access to a market that plays a crucial role in global food supply chains.

Strong Financial Performance

CLI has delivered solid operational and financial results in recent years.

In 2025, the company reported:

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

These numbers highlight the scale and profitability of the business AD Ports Group is acquiring.

The strong performance also provides a solid foundation for future expansion as global demand for agricultural exports continues to increase.

The Largest Acquisition in Company History

The Brazil deal surpasses every previous acquisition completed by AD Ports Group.

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

This makes the CLI acquisition the most significant investment ever made by the Abu Dhabi-based company.

The transaction also reflects AD Ports Group's increasingly global outlook as it continues expanding beyond the Middle East.

Building New Trade Corridors

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

He said the deal expands the group's international reach into Latin America while strengthening its growing agrifood logistics business.

The company also sees significant opportunities to develop stronger trade links between:

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

As trade flows between these regions continue to grow, AD Ports Group hopes to play a larger role in facilitating the movement of goods across global markets.

Existing Leadership to Stay

AD Ports Group confirmed that CLI's senior management team will remain in place after the acquisition is completed.

Keeping the existing leadership team is expected to ensure business continuity while supporting future growth initiatives.

The company believes local expertise and market knowledge will be essential as it integrates CLI into its global operations.

Growing UAE-South America Ties

The acquisition comes at a time when economic relations between the UAE and South America are strengthening.

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

If completed, such an agreement could boost trade and investment flows between the Gulf region and South America.

The AD Ports Group Brazil acquisition aligns closely with these broader economic ambitions and positions the company to benefit from increasing trade activity between the two regions.

Expanding the Agrifood Logistics Business

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

The company has recently invested in several projects aimed at strengthening its agricultural supply chain network, including:

  • Agricultural bulk handling facilities at Karachi Port
  • Grain terminal investments in Kazakhstan
  • A long-term concession at Aqaba Port in Jordan
  • Grain handling facilities in Spain

The addition of CLI further expands this portfolio and gives the company a stronger presence across key global agricultural markets.

Long-Term Growth Potential

Brazil's agricultural exports are expected to remain strong for many years.

The ports of Santos and Itaqui are considered essential gateways for international trade, and demand for their services is likely to increase as global food consumption rises.

Industry analysts believe ongoing export growth, combined with capacity constraints at major ports, will continue to support high demand for efficient logistics infrastructure.

For AD Ports Group, this creates an attractive long-term growth opportunity.

Conclusion

The acquisition of CLI marks a historic milestone for AD Ports Group.

By investing $835 million to acquire one of Brazil's leading agri-bulk logistics companies, the Abu Dhabi-based group is entering Latin America for the first time while significantly expanding its global footprint.

The deal strengthens AD Ports Group's position in agrifood logistics, creates new trade opportunities between the Gulf and South America, and reinforces its ambition to become a leading global trade and logistics powerhouse.

As international demand for agricultural commodities continues to grow, the Brazil acquisition could become one of the company's most important strategic moves for years to come.