AD Ports Group buys 19.3% stake in Alexandria Container & Cargo Handling

AD Ports Group on Thursday acquired Saudi Egyptian Investment Company’s (SEIC), a PIF company, 19.328% equity stake in Alexandria Container & Cargo Handling Company (ALCN), one of the largest container terminal operators in Egypt, in a deal valued at approximately EGP13.2 billion.

The acquisition marks a significant milestone in AD Ports Group’s expansion strategy in Egypt. AD Ports Group, a leading enabler of global trade, logistics and industry, is reinforcing its position as a key facilitator of trade in the Mediterranean region.

The investment aims to enhance AD Ports Group’s ability to facilitate trade flows along the main East-West corridor connecting Asia, the Middle East and Europe, while advancing Egypt’s vision for economic diversification and sustainable development.

The transaction also aligns with SEIC’s strategy to increase the value and competitiveness of its portfolio companies, generate long-term market impact, and redeploy capital toward new high-potential opportunities in Egypt.

SEIC’s investments in a wide range of sectors, including fertilizers, logistics, education, digital payments, healthcare, consumer finance and retail, have contributed to enhancing the growth of the Egyptian market. SEIC’s investment in ALCN since August 2022 has elevated ALCN’s operational efficiency and business growth, with the company recording a 194% increase in total operating revenue between FY 2022 and FY 2025.

Established in 1984 and listed on the Egyptian Exchange since 1995, ALCN operates two strategically located terminals on the Mediterranean, in Alexandria and El-Dekheilla, with a combined capacity of 1.5 million TEUs, throughput of 1.07 million TEUs, and utilization rate of about 71% in FY 2025.

Together, the terminals comprise approximately 1.6 kilometers of quay length and are directly connected to Egypt’s national rail network, ensuring seamless multimodal connectivity for international shipping lines and regional trade. ALCN’s customer base includes leading global carriers, and in FY 2025 the company reported EGP 8.37 billion ($168 million) in revenue and EGP 6.09 billion (USD 129 million) in adjusted EBITDA.

AD Ports Group funded the transaction through a combination of existing cash and debt.

Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO, AD Ports Group, said, “By acquiring a stake in ALCN, we are expanding our operational footprint in one of the world’s most critical maritime routes. This investment supports our efforts to facilitate trade through this vital corridor, while deepening our partnerships and expanding our investments in Egypt. This is fully aligned with the directives of our wise leadership to drive economic diversification, strengthen regional integration, and deliver long-term value for our stakeholders.”

Muteb Al Shathri, acting CEO of the Saudi Egyptian Investment Company, said, “ SEIC continues to explore high-quality investment opportunities in promising sectors within the Egyptian market and to build long-term economic and strategic partnerships that create a positive impact on both the Egyptian and Saudi markets by driving growth and delivering sustainable returns.

“Alexandria Container and Cargo Handling Company is one of our earliest investments in Egypt. Over the past two years, the Saudi Egyptian Investment Company and its partners have strengthened the company’s governance, set a clear strategy, and enabled its resources. These efforts have resulted in remarkable success, business expansion, and strong financial performance.”

Al Shathri added, “This transaction reflects the success of the vision and strategy of the Saudi Egyptian Investment Company as a leading investor in the Egyptian market and as a partner of choice capable of enabling its investments.

“The Saudi Egyptian Investment Company will utilise the proceeds of this transaction to pursue additional promising investment opportunities in the Egyptian market, reflecting its strong belief in the importance of Egyptian market as a sustainable and thriving investment destination.”

Last week, AD Ports Group signed a Joint Venture and Shareholders agreement with France-based CMA CGM Group to acquire a 20% stake in the Latakia International Container Terminal (LICT) for Dhs81 million ($22 million).

LICT is Syria’s primary maritime gateway handling over 95% of the country’s container volumes, especially for agricultural products and industrial goods. The agreement was signed in Abu Dhabi, in presence of Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group, and Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of CMA CGM Group.

This new partnership will drive the modernisation of terminal infrastructure, digital systems, and operational performance, with a strategic focus on restoring Latakia’s role as a vital trade gateway for Syria and the Eastern Mediterranean, thereby supporting enhanced trade flows and long-term economic growth.

WAM