AD Ports completes acquisition of Brazil’s CLI
AD Ports Group has completed its acquisition of Brazilian agri-bulk terminal operator Corredor Logística e Infraestrutura (CLI), marking the Abu Dhabi-based group’s first strategic entry into South America.
The transaction values CLI at an enterprise value of AED 3.1 billion (US$835 million), making it the largest acquisition in AD Ports Group’s history.
Originally announced on 2 June 2026, the deal was completed after receiving the required regulatory and antitrust approvals from Brazil’s National Waterway Transportation Agency (ANTAQ) and Administrative Council for Economic Defense (CADE).
Following the financial closing, AD Ports Group has assumed operational control of CLI through its international ports operating arm, Noatum Ports.
AD Ports gains terminals at Santos and Itaqui
CLI operates two major agri-bulk export terminals in Brazil under long-term concessions.
CLI Sul, located at the Port of Santos, primarily handles sugar exports, alongside corn and soybeans. CLI Norte operates at the Port of Itaqui and forms part of Brazil’s “Arc of the North” agricultural logistics corridor.
Together, the terminals connect key Brazilian agricultural production regions with international markets.
“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,” said Mohammed Al Tamimi, Chief Executive Officer of Noatum Ports – AD Ports Group.
He added that Noatum Ports plans to integrate CLI into the group’s existing international operations.
CLI was acquired from funds managed by Macquarie Asset Management and IG4 Capital.
Fernando Lohmann, Head of Macquarie Asset Management in Brazil, said CLI had developed a competitive position in Brazil’s ports and logistics sector, supported by its assets, operating scale and customer base.
Meanwhile, Paulo Todescan L. Mattos, Co-Founder, Managing Partner, Chair and Co-CIO of IG4 Capital Group, said CLI had developed into an important supply chain provider for Brazil’s export and import markets.
New Brazil trade connections planned
The CLI acquisition also expands AD Ports Group’s agrifoods operations and provides the group with a platform in one of the world’s major agricultural export markets.
Following completion of the transaction, AD Ports Group plans to establish new trade routes directly connecting Brazil with Khalifa Port and the Abu Dhabi Food Hub in KEZAD.
The planned connections are intended to support Brazilian agricultural commodity flows into regional and international markets.
AD Ports Group also sees opportunities to link Brazilian exports with its wider ports, shipping and logistics network, including trade connections with the Indian Subcontinent, East Africa and Southeast Asia.
