Abu Dhabi-based AD Ports Group has completed its acquisition of Brazilian agri-bulk terminal operator Corredor Logistica e Infraestrutura (CLI), adding two important facilities to its portfolio at the ports of Santos and Itaqui.
The transaction, first announced in June, represents AD Ports Group’s first strategic entry into South America and the largest acquisition in the group’s history, with a value of approximately $835 million.
CLI was acquired from funds managed by Macquarie Asset Management and IG4 Capital.
The Brazilian company operates as an independent port logistics platform, with activities at the Port of Itaqui, in Maranhão, and the Port of Santos, in São Paulo.
When the deal was announced last June, AD Ports Group said the acquisition would strengthen its rapidly expanding agri-foods business while providing a platform from which to pursue further growth across Latin America.
The transaction had initially been expected to close during the third quarter of 2026. Completion followed the satisfaction of standard closing requirements, including regulatory and antitrust clearances from Brazil’s National Waterway Transportation Agency and the Administrative Council for Economic Defence.
A major agri-bulk platform
CLI operates two agri-bulk export terminals under long-term concessions.
At Santos, CLI Sul handles sugar, corn and soybeans. At Itaqui, CLI Norte forms part of a northern corridor serving Brazil’s agricultural export flows.
The two terminals handled a combined 17 million tonnes of agri-bulk cargo in 2025. During the same year, CLI generated $178 million in revenue, while its gross operating profit reached $98 million.
Mohammed Al Tamimi, CEO of Noatum Ports, said AD Ports Group’s international ports business will integrate CLI into its existing global operations.
The acquisition also supports the group’s plans to develop direct trade links between Brazil, Khalifa Port and the Abu Dhabi Food Hub. The proposed routes are intended to transport Brazilian agricultural commodities to regional and international markets.
Santos terminals add significant capacity
CLI’s operation in Santos includes the integrated T16 and T19 terminals.
CLI acquired an 80% stake in the facilities from Rumo in November 2022, while Rumo retained the remaining 20%.
At the time of the acquisition, the two terminals had a combined annual handling capacity of 16 million tonnes, divided equally between grains and sugar.
With the completion of the $835 million transaction, AD Ports Group has therefore secured a significant position in Brazil’s agricultural export infrastructure while establishing its first strategic foothold in South America.
