DP World and CDPQ, a global investment group, announced today an investment of US$5 billion (CA$6.3 billion) in three of DP World’s flagship UAE assets.
CDPQ will invest US$2.5 billion in the Jebel Ali Port, the Jebel Ali Free Zone and the National Industries Park through a new joint venture in which it will hold a stake of approximately 22%, with the remainder of the transaction being financed by debt. Other long-term investors will have the opportunity to acquire an additional stake of up to US$3 billion. The transaction implies a total enterprise value of approximately US$23 billion for the three assets.
The Jebel Ali Port, Free Zone and National Industries Park together comprise a best-in-class group of infrastructure with a solid long-term track record of growth. Combined, they form a world-class integrated ecosystem for the supply and logistics chains of over 8,700 companies from around the world, serving more than 3.5 billion people globally. The three assets generated pro-forma 2021 revenue of US$1.9 billion.
· Jebel Ali Port (JAP) — A leading international gateway port and the second largest outside of Asia, ideally located to serve the East-West trade corridor through its connectivity to 150 cities globally via 180+ shipping lanes.
· Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZ) — The largest free zone in the Middle East and one of the largest in the world. It is home to companies from 140 countries, including approximately 150 Fortune 500 enterprises.
· National Industries Park (NIP) — A 21 sq. km area designated for manufacturing and processing companies.
The three assets will remain fully consolidated businesses within the DP World Group, and day-to-day operations, customers, service providers and employees will not be affected.
Tranche 1 (US$5 billion) of the transaction is expected to close in the second or third quarter of 2022, and tranche 2 (up to US$3 billion) is expected to close during the fourth quarter of 2022.