LONDON, April 8 — A high-stakes sale of a controlling interest in Associated British Ports (ABP) is beginning to attract serious attention from some of the world’s largest infrastructure investors, signalling what could become one of the biggest port deals in Europe.
Early interest has emerged from major players including KKR & Co and Global Infrastructure Partners, a unit of BlackRock Inc, according to sources familiar with the process. Canada-based Brookfield Asset Management Ltd and Dubai’s global ports operator DP World Ltd are also said to be assessing the opportunity.
At the centre of the potential transaction are Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) and Omers Administration Corp, which jointly hold a 64% stake in ABP. The two institutional investors are exploring a sale that could value the business at approximately £10 billion (RM53.41 billion), sources said.
Strategic Asset in Focus
ABP is not just another infrastructure asset — it is the UK’s largest port operator, managing 21 ports across England, Scotland and Wales. Collectively, these facilities handle roughly a quarter of the country’s seaborne trade, making the group a critical backbone of Britain’s logistics and supply chain network.
The company’s shareholder base reflects its strategic importance. CPPIB owns 33.9%, while Omers holds 30%, based on the latest filings. The remaining stake is shared among long-term infrastructure investors including GIC Pte, Hermes Infrastructure and Wren House.
Despite strong early interest, the process remains at a preliminary stage. Sources cautioned that no formal bids have been finalised and there is no certainty a deal will ultimately be completed.
Most of the parties involved have remained tight-lipped. Representatives from Brookfield, CPPIB, GIP, KKR and Omers declined to comment, while DP World did not respond to media queries.
DP World’s Strategic Angle
For DP World, the acquisition could deepen its footprint in the UK, where it already operates major logistics infrastructure, including deepwater ports and rail freight terminals at London Gateway and Southampton. The company employs around 5,500 people in the country, positioning it as a key logistics player in the region.
If the sale proceeds, it could reshape ownership of one of the UK’s most strategic infrastructure assets — and set the tone for global infrastructure dealmaking in 2026.
