The CMA CGM Group, global player in sea, land, air and logistics solutions, has signed a definitive and irrevocable agreement to acquire a 48 per cent stake in Brazilian multi-terminal operator Santos Brasil Participações from funds managed by Opportunity.
Though this strategic transaction, CMA CGM intends to further develop its line calls in the various Brazilian terminals and further improve its offering to Brazilian exporters and importers, thereby responding to increasing demand and better addressing consumer needs, the company said in a statement.
“I am pleased that the CMA CGM Group has concluded this strategic agreement for the acquisition of Santos Brasil, which operates five terminals in Brazil, including the largest container terminal in the Port of Santos, handling 40 per cent of Brazilian volumes, as well as a logistics company. This significant investment reflects our commitment to strengthening our partnership with Brazil and supporting its growth in the coming years,” Rodolphe Saadé, CEO, CMA CGM Group, said.
The transaction with Opportunity Funds is expected to close in the first quarter of 2025, subject to regulatory approvals from relevant Brazilian authorities. Following completion of the acquisition, CMA CGM will launch a mandatory tender offer on all other Santos Brasil shares, on same terms, in line with Brazilian market rules.
Access to Santos Brasil’s assets
Santos Brasil manages a portfolio of 8 assets on the Brazilian coast, including 3 container terminals, one vehicle terminal, one liquid bulk terminal and 3 logistic facilities. These assets are located in the Ports of Santos, Imbituba, Vila do Conde, Itaqui and in Sao Paulo.
Over the 12 months ending June 30, 2024, the company generated BRL 2,549 million of revenues (USD 458 million) and BRL 1,284 million of EBITDA (USD 230 million).
Tecon Santos terminal is the largest container terminal in South America, with a strategic location in the Port of Santos and benefits from first-class infrastructure:
- A long-term concession agreement until 2047
- A capacity of 2.5m TEUs, expandable to 3.0m in the near future
- 3 berth slots enabling to handle 14,000 TEUs ships
- Most efficient terminal in the Port of Santos with excellent berth productivity
“The acquisition of Santos Brasil marks another significant milestone in CMA CGM’s global port development strategy, reinforcing its position as a leading global multi-user terminal operator with investments in approximately 60 terminals worldwide,” the company said.
Enhancing presence in Brazil
CMA CGM aims to expand its services across various Brazilian terminals and enhance its offerings for Brazilian exporters and importers, effectively meeting rising demand and addressing consumer needs more efficiently.
The expansion potential of Tecon Santos terminal capacity and its operational excellence will be a useful support to enhance service quality. To meet global demand, CMA CGM intends to accelerate investments in Santos Brasil terminals, with an objective to increase the combined capacity in the coming years, in line with the commitments undertaken by Santos Brasil with port authorities.
These strategic facilities will continue to operate as multi-user terminals under the leadership of the current management team and will continue to focus on improving the quality of their services to satisfy the expectations of their customers.
CMA CGM is also committed to pursuing the decarbonization plan already initiated by Santos Brasil.
The CMA CGM Group has been operating in Brazil for over 20 years, with currently 8 offices and over 10 000 staff members. The Group has developed its activities in Brazil organically as well as through the acquisition of Mercosul, a historic shipping line in the region.
Part of the CMA CGM Group since 2017, Mercosul Line is, today, key to the Group’s operating strategy in Brazil, with coastal shipping and intermodal solutions. CMA CGM and Mercosul Lines operate 10 weekly mainline services at 14 ports in the country, connecting major global destinations.
Additionally, CEVA Logistics, CMA CGM’s logistics arm offers the most differentiated door-to-door solutions combining freight forwarding and contract logistics, with 530,000 sqm of warehouses on 36 sites. CEVA Logistics currently employs 7,500 people in Brazil.
This strategic move will enable CMA CGM to offer seamless connections between Europe, Asia, North America, Caribbean solidifying Brazil’s position as a key hub in the group’s worldwide operations and reinforcing synergies with MERCOSUL Line affiliate.
CMA CGM, is today deploying liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered vessels to Brazil, marking a major step in its commitment to more sustainable and environmentally friendly maritime transport.
