AD Ports Group Acquires 80% Stake in Global Feeder Shipping

AD Ports Group today announced that it has signed an agreement to acquire an 80% equity stake in Dubai-based Global Feeder Shipping (GFS), a global container shipping company. 

The total purchase consideration for the 80% stake amounts to $800 million, implying a 100% Enterprise Value of $1 billion, with the acquisition being fully funded through a new acquisition loan.

This earnings and value-accretive strategic investment significantly broadens AD Ports Group’s global feeder shipping footprint and contributes to its long-term strategy to become one of the world’s premier short-sea and feeder shipping players. 

GFS’ LTM financial performance was strong with revenue of US$ 1,085 million, EBITDA of $521 million (EBITDA Margin of 48%) and Net Profit of $481 million.

The company has built one of the largest fleets of container ships globally, featuring 26 owned and operated vessels with a total capacity of 72,500 TEUs.

Shipping services cover the Middle East, Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia with services connecting the UAE to India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Egypt, Sudan, Djibouti, Yemen, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, China, South Korea, and Vietnam, among others.

AD Ports Group will look to integrate GFS into its Maritime Cluster, which already offers a comprehensive portfolio of shipping, offshore and subsea services.

Aligning GFS services with AD Ports Group companies SAFEEN Feeders and Transmar will make AD Ports Group the world’s largest independent feeder company by vessels owned, with an owned fleet of 35 vessels, and the third largest globally by volumes carried with a total container capacity of 100,000 TEUs. 

The acquisition will boost AD Ports Group’s trade activities and connectivity to core markets, as well as enhancing its feedering business, providing significant economies of scale through an expanded route network and fleet.

In addition, the acquisition will further strengthen the company’s hub and spoke model by linking core markets in the Gulf, Indian Subcontinent, Red Sea, and Turkey to its key port assets including Khalifa Port. 

GFS’ integration with SAFEEN Feeders’ services has the potential to generate significant operational synergies. 

Subject to regulatory approvals, the transaction is expected to close in Q1 2023. GFS’s existing management will remain in place with the founders retaining a 20% stake in the company. 

GFS has built one of the largest fleets of container ships globally, featuring 26 owned and operated vessels with a total capacity of 72,500 TEUs.

H.E. Falah Mohammed Al Ahbabi, Chairman of AD Ports Group, said: “At the direction of our nation’s wise leadership, AD Ports Group has been on a journey of development throughout 2022, driven by both organic growth and prudent investments.

"Our acquisition of a majority stake in GFS, which is the largest external investment in our company’s history, will deliver a step-change in the range of services we can offer and significantly enhance our global connectivity.” 

Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO, AD Ports Group, said: “GFS offers more than 30 years of experience and excellence in the provision of container feeder services in the Middle East, Asia and Africa, in addition to a diverse and fit-for-purpose fleet.

"Our Maritime Cluster has delivered remarkable returns in 2022, reflecting the significant market appetite for shipping, offshore and subsea services, and integrating GFS into our operations will enable us to increase our customer base.

"As always, we thank the UAE’s wise leadership, whose support has enabled us to achieve today’s historic announcement.” 

Amir Maghami, Chairman, GFS, said: “This is a key moment for GFS, which sees our company become part of AD Ports Group to create the largest single provider of shipping services in the region.

"I am truly proud of what our team has achieved and excited for the future, which will see us continue expanding our global footprint.

"Our priority has always been to continuously improve our systems and processes to serve global trade, and under the ownership of AD Ports Group we will be able to deliver a new level of service and support for international customers.” 

Citi acted as the financial advisor and A&O as the legal advisor while Roland Berger completed the commercial due diligence and KPMG the financial and tax due diligence for AD Ports Group in this transaction.