APM Terminals has completed the USD 1 billion acquisition of Spanish Grup Maritim TCB’s port and rail interests, the company said in its press release. APM Terminals has yet to receive approval for three of 11 terminals under Grup Maritim TCB, but has decided to move ahead with the acquisition, as the remaining terminals constitute less than 5% of the value of the acquisition. The acquisition thus adds 8 ports with a combined 2 million TEU equity-weighted volumes to APM Terminals, expanding the network to 72 operating ports, across 69 countries.
The acquisition complements APM Terminals current portfolio, adding 7% throughput in key locations including Spanish container terminal concessions in Barcelona, Valencia and Castellon, on the Mediterranean coast, along with the concessions in Gijon, on the Bay of Biscay. Outside of Spain, Grup Maritim TCB’s terminal operations include Yucatan, Mexico; Quetzal, Guatemala (under construction, opening 2016); Buenaventura, Colombia, on the Pacific Coast; and Paranagua, Brazil. APM Terminals will invest an estimated USD $400 million over the next five years in upgrades and expansion to these operations.
In September 2015, APM Terminals reached an agreement with Spanish-based Perez y Cia to acquire their 61% majority stake in Grup Maritim TCB. In October 2015, the remaining minority shareholders also agreed to sell their shares, resulting in APM Terminals becoming the sole controlling shareholder of Grup Maritim TCB subject only to relevant approvals.
APM Terminals Global Terminal Network, which also includes multi-purpose port facilities, is the world’s most geographically balanced portfolio, with port and terminal interests, as well as Inland Services operations, in 69 countries, on five continents.