AD Ports Group is expanding its global footprint with an $835 million acquisition that marks its entry into Latin America and underscores its growing ambitions in agricultural logistics.

The Abu Dhabi-based ports and logistics operator has agreed to acquire Corredor Logística e Infraestrutura (CLI), a leading Brazilian agri-bulk terminal operator with assets in two of the country’s most strategically important export hubs. Subject to regulatory approvals, the transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2026 and represents AD Ports Group’s largest acquisition to date.

The deal gives the company control of infrastructure at the heart of Brazil’s agricultural export economy. CLI operates terminals at the Ports of Santos and Itaqui, two key gateways for the export of sugar, soybeans, and corn to global markets.

For AD Ports Group, the acquisition is about more than expanding port capacity. It provides a strategic entry point into one of the world’s most important agricultural regions at a time when food security, supply-chain resilience, and trade diversification have become growing priorities for governments and businesses alike.

Brazil remains a powerhouse in global agricultural trade, leading the world in sugar exports and ranking among the top soybean and corn exporters. As global trade routes evolve, demand for logistics infrastructure capable of efficiently moving these commodities has risen.

The acquisition also broadens AD Ports Group’s international expansion strategy beyond its established presence in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Asia. By securing a foothold in Brazil, the company gains access to a key trade corridor connecting South America with fast-growing markets across the Indian subcontinent, East Africa, and Southeast Asia.

The timing is notable. Northern Brazil has emerged as one of the country’s fastest-growing logistics regions, fueled by rising agricultural production and significant investment in export infrastructure. CLI’s terminal at Itaqui is located within the so-called “Arc of the North,” a rapidly expanding export corridor that is reshaping the flow of Brazilian commodities to international markets.

CLI handled approximately 17 million tonnes of agricultural cargo in 2025 and generated strong earnings, highlighting the strategic importance of its assets within Brazil’s export ecosystem. The company’s management team will remain in place following the acquisition, ensuring operational continuity as AD Ports Group integrates the business into its global network.

The transaction continues AD Ports Group’s sustained international expansion. In recent years, the company has pursued a series of acquisitions to build an integrated logistics platform spanning ports, shipping, freight, and industrial zones. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Spanish logistics operator Noatum and a majority stake in Dubai-based Global Feeder Shipping.

As geopolitical shifts, supply-chain disruptions, and changing trade patterns reshape global commerce, ownership of critical logistics infrastructure is increasingly viewed as a strategic advantage. AD Ports Group’s move into Brazil reflects that reality and signals its intention to play a larger role in connecting some of the world’s most important production hubs with global markets.