French Shipping Giant CMA CGM Acquires Controlling Stake in Santos Brasil

French shipping and logistics giant CMA CGM Group has completed its acquisition of a controlling 51% stake in Santos Brasil Participações S/A, marking a significant expansion of its terminal operations in South America.

The transaction, finalized on April 24, 2025, involved the purchase of approximately 47.9% of Santos Brasil shares. With the additional 3.1% shares acquired by a CMA CGM affiliate in September 2024, CMA CGM now holds the majority stake, solidifying its position as the controlling shareholder.

Santos Brasil operates Tecon Santos, South America’s largest container terminal, located at the Port of Santos. Handling 40% of Brazilian container volumes, the terminal currently has a capacity of 2.5 million TEUs, with expansion plans to reach 3 million TEUs in the near future. In addition to Tecon Santos, Santos Brasil manages eight strategic assets across Brazil, offering container, liquid, and vehicle handling facilities, along with logistics services.

Rodolphe Saadé, CEO of CMA CGM Group, emphasized the company’s commitment to Brazil’s growth, stating, “This significant investment reflects our commitment to strengthening our partnership with Brazil and supporting its growth in the coming years.”

The acquisition, valued at approximately $2 billion, is expected to drive increased investments in Santos Brasil terminals to boost combined capacity and service quality for Brazilian exporters and importers. This move aligns with CMA CGM’s global port development strategy, further solidifying its position as a leading multi-user terminal operator with investments in around 60 terminals worldwide.

Following the acquisition, CMA CGM, through CMA Terminals Atlantic SA, will initiate a mandatory tender offer for the remaining outstanding shares of Santos Brasil, consolidating its ownership of the company.