Brookfield Sells 49% Stake in PD Ports to Pontegadea

PD Ports, a leading ports and logistics business in the UK, said that Spain’s Pontegadea Inversiones (Pontegadea) has agreed to acquire a 49% stake in the company from Canadian investment manager Brookfield Asset Management.

The deal is subject to customary regulatory approvals and the financial details of the transaction were not disclosed by both parties.

Brookfield will remain invested in the business and as a long-term shareholder. It will work closely with Pontegadea, an investment company controlled by billionaire Amancio Ortega, the owner of brands including Zara, Pull & Bear, and Massimo Dutti, to support the continued growth of PD Ports.

PD Ports contributes $1.9 billion annually to the economy of Teesside region, which is located between North Yorkshire and County Durham, supporting 22,000 jobs in the wider supply chain and directly employing more than 1,400 people across 11 UK sites.

As the Statutory Harbour Authority for the River Tees, PD Ports ensures the river is safe and navigable, helping to generate economic growth and build a legacy for future generations

PD Ports CEO Frans Calje said that this deal signals a bold new chapter for PD Ports – one that builds on our proud heritage and sets a confident course for the future and they were looking forward to work with their new shareholder to drive the continued growth of PD Ports’ business.

“PD Ports’ ability to attract a high-quality investor is a powerful endorsement of the business, its people and its long-term vision. While we have successful operations around the UK – including Groveport, Felixstowe and the Isle of Wight – we are firmly anchored in Teesside and will continue to make targeted investments in our sites and our operations here and around the UK,” Calje said.

Pontegadea is a leading investment firm, with assets located across the globe and in different sectors such as real estate, retail, energy transition and infrastructure.

Diversification of Investments

This transaction, a further step for Pontegadea’s global strategy of investment diversification, consolidates its commitment to invest in innovative infrastructures with solid partners of international renown.

Pontegadea has significant experience working with scaled businesses, holding stakes in companies such as Inditex, Enagás, REN, Redeia, and Q-Park.

PD Ports was established in 1992 as a private business as part of the UK’s efforts to reduce government holdings. It is the authority responsible for the River Tees, where it oversees navigation and operates across 11 locations nationwide including Teesport and Hartlepool in the north, a cluster of sites on and around the River Humber, and Felixstowe, Thames and the Isle of Wight in the south.

Pontegadea Group is an investment holding company created in 2001, focused on a wide range of sectors as real estate, energy, infrastructure or retail, including long-term equity and liquid assets among its strategy. Besides the portfolio of top-level assets, Pontegadea holds a significant stake in traded and private companies.