MSC acquires majority stake in Brazilian port operator Wilson Sons

BRAZIL – The Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has announced a significant acquisition in the Brazilian port sector, further enhancing its global reach.

SAS Shipping Agencies Services, MSC’s maritime subsidiary, will acquire a 56.47% stake in the Brazilian port operator Wilson Sons for R$4.3 billion (approximately USD 922 million).

Wilson Sons confirmed the acquisition in a regulatory filing, noting that its controlling shareholder, OW Overseas Investments, signed a share purchase agreement with SAS Shipping.

This deal involves the sale of 248.6 million common shares, representing 56.47% of Wilson Sons’ total voting capital. The purchase price is set at R$17.50 per share.

The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2025. Once finalized, SAS Shipping will launch a public tender offer for the remaining shares at the same price, adhering to Brazilian regulations.

Ocean Wilsons Holdings, the parent company of OW Overseas, will act as the guarantor for the agreement.

Wilson Sons has reported impressive financial growth. In the first half of 2024, the company saw a 15% increase in revenue, reaching USD 262 million, with EBITDA rising by 12% to USD 111 million.

Notably, its container terminal EBITDA surged by 47%, driven by significant growth in transshipment and higher ancillary service revenues.

For the first three quarters of 2024, container terminal volumes increased by 30%, handling 972,700 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). This strong performance demonstrates Wilson Sons’ position as a key player in the Brazilian logistics landscape.

This acquisition marks a strategic move for MSC as it strengthens its foothold in South America, a region critical to global trade.

MSC is already a major player in the shipping industry, operating in 155 countries with a vast network of transportation resources.

Soren Toft, CEO of MSC, stated, “This acquisition is a vital step in enhancing our presence in South America. It allows us to better serve our customers with improved connectivity and operational efficiency.”

In addition to this acquisition, MSC recently announced plans to operate a standalone East/West trade network starting in February 2025.

This new network will replace the existing partnership with Maersk, providing independent services across significant trade routes.

The future network will include five trades with 34 loops, offering customers flexibility with both Suez and Cape of Good Hope routing options.

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