In a landmark expansion, the UAE’s AD Ports Group has officially entered the South American market by acquiring Corredor Logística e Infraestrutura (CLI), Brazil’s premier independent agri-bulk terminal operator, for Dh3.1 billion. This deal marks the largest acquisition in the company’s history, surpassing previous major investments such as the purchase of Spain’s Noatum. The acquisition involves buying out joint owners Macquarie Asset Management and IG4 Capital, with the transaction expected to close in the second half of the year pending standard regulatory approvals.

CLI manages critical infrastructure, including facilities at the Port of Itaqui and the Port of Santos, which serve as vital gateways for Brazil’s massive sugar and grain exports. As Brazil strengthens its position as a global agricultural powerhouse, these terminals play a pivotal role in the country’s logistics network. AD Ports Group CEO Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi noted that the move not only establishes the firm's first footprint in Latin America but also bolsters its core agrifoods business. CLI’s existing leadership team will remain on board to ensure operational continuity following the transition.