# IFM Investors agrees to acquire majority stake in Associated British Ports

- **Source:** https://pelavox.com/ifm-investors-agrees-to-acquire-majority-stake-in-associated-british-ports/
- **Publisher:** pelavox. (The voice of shipping)
- **Author:** Jason Nicholson
- **Published:** 2026-10-23T14:00:00+00:00
- **Updated:** 2026-10-21T21:57:40+00:00
- **Section:** Business / Mergers & Acquisitions
- **Type:** News
- **Topics:** Associated British Ports, CPP Investments, IFM Investors, OMERS, Port investment, United Kingdom

A fund managed by IFM Investors has agreed to acquire a majority stake in Associated British Ports (ABP), following an agreement with Canadian pension investors CPP Investments and OMERS to purchase their entire holdings in the UK ports group.

Under the proposed transaction, CPP Investments will sell its 33.9% stake, while OMERS will divest its 30% interest, representing a combined holding of approximately 63.9%. Financial terms of the agreement have not been disclosed.

The transaction remains subject to customary shareholder and regulatory approvals, with completion expected during the first half of 2027.

## Change in ownership of major UK port infrastructure

Associated British Ports operates 19 port facilities across the United Kingdom and handles approximately 25% of the country’s seaborne trade. The group also plays a significant role in supporting offshore wind development, providing infrastructure for more than half of the UK’s offshore wind sector.

CPP Investments acquired its stake in ABP in 2015, while OMERS has been an investor since 2006. The proposed sale would end both institutions’ ownership interests in the business.

Kyle Mangini, Global Head of Infrastructure at IFM Investors, said the agreement would allow the fund to support ABP’s continued infrastructure development and operations, drawing on its experience in ports and other essential infrastructure assets.

IFM Investors is owned by Australian pension funds and the UK’s Nest pension scheme, with investments across infrastructure and other asset classes.

## Investment strategy and future development

During the ownership of CPP Investments and OMERS, ABP continued investing in port infrastructure and projects supporting the UK’s energy transition.

These developments include the Immingham Renewable Fuels Terminal, Green Port Hull and Southampton’s Horizon cruise terminal.

James Bryce, Managing Director and Head of Infrastructure at CPP Investments, said the transaction would provide an opportunity to realise the value of the institution’s long-term investment and redeploy capital into other opportunities.

Luca Lupo, Senior Managing Director and Head of Europe at OMERS Infrastructure, highlighted the group’s involvement in ABP’s development over the past two decades and confirmed that the UK remains an important investment market for OMERS.

Henrik L. Pedersen, Chief Executive Officer of Associated British Ports, welcomed the proposed investment, saying the company intends to pursue further growth opportunities alongside IFM Investors and its remaining shareholders.

The proposed acquisition would give the IFM-managed fund a controlling interest in ABP once the necessary approvals have been obtained and the transaction has been completed.

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Cite as: "IFM Investors agrees to acquire majority stake in Associated British Ports", pelavox., 23 October 2026, https://pelavox.com/ifm-investors-agrees-to-acquire-majority-stake-in-associated-british-ports/