MSC Acquire Majority in Brazilian Port Operator Wilson Sons

Swiss liner giant Mediterranean Shipping Co (MSC), through its subsidiary Shipping Agencies Services (SAS), has agreed to purchase a majority stake in the Brazilian port and maritime logistics company Wilson Sons.

According to a filing on Monday, London-listed Ocean Wilsons Holdings will sell its 56.47% ownership in Wilson Sons to Gianluigi Aponte’s MSC for R4.352 billion ($768 million).

Ocean Wilsons began a strategic review of its Brazilian maritime services division in June of last year. Discussions with Miami-based infrastructure investor I Squared Capital began in August but were “interrupted” earlier this month, paving the way for MSC’s deal.

The acquisition is expected to be finalized in the second half of 2025, pending regulatory approvals. Following completion, MSC plans to acquire the remaining shares in Wilson Sons under the same terms as agreed with Ocean Wilsons.

Ocean Wilsons anticipates net cash proceeds of at least $593 million from the sale, with plans to distribute a portion to shareholders as special dividends and reinvest the rest into its portfolio.

Rumors of MSC’s interest in Wilson Sons have circulated for over a year, as MSC continues to strengthen its presence in Brazil, following its purchase of Log-In Logistica in 2021.

Wilson Sons manages the Tecon Rio Grande terminal in Rio Grande do Sul and the Tecon Salvador terminal in Bahia. The company also boasts one of Latin America’s largest tugboat fleets, with assets valued at $1.126 billion as of June.