MSC Receives Regulatory Approval for Acquisition of Wilson Sons

Swiss-based liner giant Mediterranean Shipping Co (MSC) has successfully obtained regulatory approval for the acquisition of Brazilian port and maritime logistics operator Wilson Sons.

London-listed Ocean Wilsons Holdings confirmed in a filing that the sale of its 56% stake in Wilson Sons to MSC subsidiary Shipping Agencies Services has been approved by the Brazilian National Waterway Transportation Agency (ANTAQ).

The approval from ANTAQ was the final requirement needed for the completion of the R4.352bn ($768m) transaction, which is now scheduled to close by June 4.

MSC, the world’s largest container shipping line, has been looking to expand its presence in Brazil following its recent purchase of regional container shipping operator Log-In Logistica in late 2021.

Wilson Sons operates the Tecon Rio Grande container terminal in Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, as well as the Tecon Salvador container terminal in Salvador, Bahia. The company, with assets valued at over $1bn, also runs one of the largest tugboat fleets in Latin America.