AD Ports heads deeper into Europe with EUR 70 mn acquisition

AD Ports is tightening its grip on the global freight business with a EUR 70 mn acquisition that drops it straight into the heart of Europe’s logistics network, according to a press release (pdf). The group has signed an agreement to buy 100% of Germany-based MBS Logistics’ core business, in a transaction that is expected to close in 2H pending EU regulatory approvals.

What’s ahead: AD Ports will fold the freight forwarder into its growing Noatum Logistics platform. MBS Logistics adds 26 offices to Noatum Logistics’ existing network of 80 offices across 26 countries. AD Ports took over Noatum back in 2023 for USD 680 mn.

MBS Logistics? The firm’s top line reached EUR 205 mn (c.AED 870 mn) last year, and brings with it an asset-light freight forwarding business for air, sea, road, and rail movement. Its operations span Germany, Central Europe, China, Vietnam, and the US.

ICYMI- AD Ports fully acquired Spain’s Balenciaga Astilleros shipyard in January — one of the few making specialized components for offshore wind farms, giving the ports player an access point into a supply chain facing a potential bottleneck.

The group is heavily expanding beyond Europe too: In Africa, it recently signed an agreement to explore developing and operating a multipurpose terminal at the DRC’s Matadi Port, a critical maritime gateway for the regional trade hub. Its existing logistics portfolio in Africa also includes Egypt, Angola, Tanzania, and the Republic of Congo. AD Ports is also looking to secure access across the Middle Corridor, eyeing investments in Azerbaijan’s logistics infrastructure and in a key Europe gateway port in Romania. It also inked a 30-year concession agreement to operate and develop Jordan’s Aqaba terminal on the Red Sea.

The bigger picture: With the regional war throwing supply chains into chaos, UAE players like AD Ports have been looking to secure footholds in alternative access routes, as well as strengthen existing ones.