CMA CGM and CMHI sign major agreement

CMA CGM and China Merchant Holdings (International) Co. Ltd. (“CMHI”), the largest public port operator in China, have entered into a strategic partnership.

CMA CGM and CMHI announced that on January 25th, 2013, they signed a Share Purchase Agreement regarding the sale of a 49% equity interest in Terminal Link for ?400 million. Following some pre-closing reorganization, the transaction is expected to be completed within the first half of 2013, subject to receipt of certain relevant external regulatory approvals.

This transaction is the initial cornerstone of a strategic partnership between CMA CGM and CMHI in operating and developing container terminals on a global basis and extending their relationships as business partners while capitalizing on favorable global macro trends.

Terminal Link, 100% subsidiary of the CMA CGM Group based in Marseilles, France, operates, develops and invests in a global network of 15 terminals located on the world’s key international shipping routes.

Supported by state-of-the-art infrastructure and equipment and expert management teams, it provides best-in-class quality services in stevedoring, storage and other container-handling activities to the world’s largest shipping lines calling at its terminals. Terminal Link ranks #12 worldwide based on throughput handled with a volume of 8.1 million TEU in 2011.

CMA CGM, the world’s third largest container shipping company, has been growing on the Asia ? Europe and Mediterranean Basin trading routes.

In the continuity of the successful partnerships created with world-class terminal operators through shared control of terminal assets, this important operation constitutes a unique opportunity to accelerate its development into and strengthen exposure to emerging markets-driven trade flows, and in particular inbound and outbound China container traffic.

CMHI, the largest public port operator in China, invests in and operates port business from a portfolio located primarily in 8 major cities along the 5 most economically-active regions in China (Shenzhen, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Ningbo, Qingdao, Tianjin, Xiamen, and Zhanjiang).

Added to its port portfolio, in recent years, are assets in Colombo of Sri Lanka and in Africa. Total container volume handled by its port portfolio exceeded 60 million TEU in 2012. In this respect, investing in Terminal Link does not only represents a significant step for CMHI towards further internationalizing its ports business, but also helps to deepen its working relationship with a global container shipping group.

CMA CGM Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Jacques R. Saade commented, “CMA CGM is very confident about this partnership with CMHI, which represents a unique opportunity to accelerate the group development into terminals investments internationally.”

“Since the beginning of CMA CGM presence in China, 21 years ago, the group has always appreciated to work with Chinese groups and this strong alliance confirms CMA CGM willingness to pursue.”

“The complementarity of CMA CGM and CMHI offers could allow both of us to develop international businesses.”

CMHI Chairman, Dr. Fu Yuning, emphasized, "The transaction is consistent with CMHI's strategy and marks a significant step towards expanding our international footprint. Terminal Link’s strategic relationship with CMA CGM will help to ensure the long-term sustainability of its operations.

Besides, Terminal Link's exposure to terminals in emerging markets and its potential pipeline of new projects present another driver for its volume growth and financial returns in the future.

On the other hand, CMHI’s existing network of terminal operations in China and globally, and the cargo flow business thereby captured will potentially complement and supplement the services offered by Terminal Link, thereby creating synergized benefits mutual to not only both parties, but also the respective shipping customers of CMHI and of Terminal Link.”

He added, “In addition, the transaction reflects the closer working relationship we are forging with CMA CGM.” < Korea Shipping Gazette >