AP Moller Capital has agreed to acquire a majority stake in Euroports Group, taking control of the European port terminal operator alongside existing Belgian shareholders SFPIM and PMV.
Euroports operates more than 50 deep-sea and inland terminals across 10 European countries and China, handling over 70m tonnes of dry- and liquid-bulk cargo annually. The platform also includes freight forwarding subsidiary Manuport Logistics.
The transaction represents AP Moller’s second major European transport infrastructure investment following its deal for Spain’s BERGÉ Logistics last year, the infrastructure manager said.
Financial details were undisclosed.
Kim Fejfer, managing partner and CEO at AP Moller Capital, said: “In a changing world, resilient supply chains and secure trade flows are increasingly essential to economic stability and growth. As one of the largest non-containerised port-infrastructure operators in Europe, Euroports plays a critical role in facilitating the movement of essential commodities through infrastructure that underpins European industry, food systems and manufacturing.
“We see significant long-term value in combining Euroports’ strong operational platform with AP Moller Capital’s industrial expertise and long-term investment approach.”
Joe Nielsen, partner at AP Moller Capital, said: “Euroports is a substantial ports and logistics platform with a diversified terminal network that provides its customers with resilient supply chain opportunities and exposure to essential cargo flows across Europe.
“We are excited to support the next phase of Euroports’ growth as we build on these strengths to broaden the company’s footprint and attract new customers and volumes.”
Koen Van Loo, CEO at Belgian sovereign fund SFPIM, said: “SFPIM welcomes the entry of AP Moller Capital into Euroports’ shareholder base. The financial strength and operational expertise of AP Moller Capital reinforces the future of Euroports, a logistics player vital to the Belgian economy.
“In partnership with PMV, SFPIM is committed to supporting Euroports’ responsible and sustainable growth, ensuring the development of its infrastructure and long-term value creation. SFPIM reaffirms its role as a key investor in anchoring strategic assets in Belgium.”
Michel Casselman, general manager at PMV, said: “We are very pleased to welcome AP Moller Capital to the shareholder base of Euroports. The arrival of a leading global investor such as AP Moller Capital confirms Euroports’ strong position and the quality of the business that has been built over the years.
“Together, we are committed to supporting Euroports in its continued growth and to strengthening its long-term development in a responsible and successful way.”
Frédéric Platini, CEO Euroports Group said: “Euroports plays a vital role in global logistics networks, with critical infrastructure assets and a compelling service offering for essential commodities.
“This transaction marks the beginning of a new chapter for Euroports, providing a strong basis to continue its growth trajectory, pursue new opportunities and build on the solid foundations that have underpinned its success to date.”
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