AD Ports Group has agreed to acquire Brazilian agricultural bulk port terminal operator Corredor Logística e Infraestrutura, known as CLI. The deal is valued at Dh3.1 billion, or approximately $835 million.
The acquisition is a major international expansion for the Abu Dhabi-based ports, logistics, industrial cities and free zones operator. It is also AD Ports Group’s first major acquisition in the South American market. Furthermore, it expands its global trade corridors and agrifood logistics footprint.
The deal is expected to support the group’s long-term strategy of building a wider international network. This network will span across ports, maritime services, logistics, economic cities, and digital trade solutions.
AD Ports Group Expands Into South America
The AD Ports Group CLI acquisition gives the company access to key port infrastructure in Brazil. This is one of the world’s most important agricultural export markets.
CLI operates agricultural bulk terminals through long-term concessions. The company owns CLI Norte, which operates a terminal at the Port of Itaqui. It also holds an 80% stake in CLI Sul, which operates terminals at the Port of Santos.
The Port of Santos is one of the most important trade routes in Brazil. Meanwhile, Itaqui is strategically positioned in the country’s northern export corridor. Therefore, the combination is expected to improve AD Ports Group’s ability to serve global markets for food and agricultural commodities.
Strengthening Agrifood Logistics
Agrifood has become one of AD Ports Group’s key growth areas. The acquisition of CLI is expected to bolster the company’s position in global agricultural supply chains.
CLI Sul manages agricultural bulk terminals in the Port of Santos, where it handles commodities such as sugar, corn and soybeans. In addition, CLI Norte is located in the northern agricultural export corridor of Brazil. This region has become an increasingly important area for the transport of food commodities from Brazil to international markets.
The acquisition supports AD Ports Group’s wider strategy to link major food producing regions to high demand markets across the Middle East, Asia, Africa and beyond.
Connecting Brazil With Abu Dhabi’s Trade Ecosystem
The acquisition is expected to create stronger links between Brazil and Abu Dhabi’s trade and logistics infrastructure.
AD Ports Group said the deal will directly connect Brazil to Khalifa Port and the Abu Dhabi Food Hub in KEZAD. This is significant for the UAE’s food security and trade diversification strategy. As a result, it strengthens access to major global agricultural export routes.
“Khalifa Port is a major maritime gateway in the UAE, and KEZAD is a key part of Abu Dhabi’s industrial and logistics ecosystem. By linking Brazilian agricultural exports with Abu Dhabi’s port and free zone infrastructure, AD Ports Group can further position the UAE as a strategic hub for global food trade.
Largest Acquisition by AD Ports Group
The CLI deal is described as AD Ports Group’s largest merger and acquisition transaction to date.
The transaction will see AD Ports Group acquire CLI from Macquarie Asset Management and IG4 Capital. CLI’s existing senior management team is expected to remain in place after the acquisition. This will help ensure operational continuity across the Brazilian terminals.
The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals, antitrust clearance and other closing conditions.
Why the Deal is Important for UAE Free Zones and Trade
The deal is significant not only for AD Ports Group, but Abu Dhabi’s broader economic ecosystem.
AD Ports Group has a number of business clusters including ports, logistics, maritime and shipping, digital services, and economic cities and free zones. Its international expansion complements the UAE’s ambition to become a stronger global hub for trade, industrial development and supply chain connectivity.
The deal could open up new opportunities for supply chain access between South America and the Middle East for companies operating in UAE free zones. This is particularly relevant in food trading, logistics, commodities and manufacturing.
The link between Brazil’s agricultural export terminals and Abu Dhabi’s logistics infrastructure could also benefit businesses located in KEZAD and other UAE free zones. This would help those that require efficient import, storage, processing and re-export channels.
AD Ports Group grows international footprint
AD Ports Group’s acquisition of CLI forms part of its international expansion into high-growth markets.
The group has been investing in port operations, logistics assets, shipping services and trade infrastructure around the world. In particular, its recent focus on agrifood logistics is comprised of projects and partnerships for agricultural storage, handling and transport. These projects are present in markets including Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Jordan and Spain.
AD Ports Group is extending this growing network to Brazil with the acquisition of CLI. Thus, it is strengthening its position in the movement of agricultural commodities across continents.
Strategic acquisition to bolster Abu Dhabi’s global trade ambitions
The AD Ports Group CLI acquisition highlights Abu Dhabi’s growing significance to global trade, logistics and food supply chains.
The deal gives AD Ports Group a larger international footprint and entry into key Brazilian agricultural export infrastructure. It also creates a direct link between South America and Abu Dhabi’s ports and economic zones.
As the world’s supply chains evolve, investments in port infrastructure and agrifood logistics are growing in importance. Due to this, the acquisition positions AD Ports Group to capture new trade flows. It also supports the UAE’s broader economic diversification and food security goals.
