IFM Investors to buy 68% of UK's largest port operator ABP in $13.4 billion deal

· Shipping · United Kingdom · Australia

Australian infrastructure fund IFM Investors has agreed to acquire a 68% stake in Associated British Ports, the UK's largest port owner and operator, from sellers Canada Pension Plan Investment Board and OMERS. The deal values ABP at approximately £10 billion, with media reports putting the transaction at about $13.3–13.4 billion, though the parties did not disclose financial terms. The move follows months of speculation about bidders circling the company and marks one of the largest recent ownership changes in European port infrastructure. For the port sector it signals continued appetite from infrastructure funds for gateway assets, with ABP's network of UK ports at the centre of the transaction.

Why it matters：One of the largest recent port-ownership transactions shows infrastructure capital still willing to pay up for gateway terminals, a signal for how other port assets may be valued and sold.

Key points

  • IFM is acquiring a 68% stake; sellers are CPPIB and OMERS
  • The deal values ABP at roughly £10 billion, with reports at about $13.3 billion
  • ABP is described as the UK's largest port operator

Sources (original reporting)

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