IFM Investors fund to acquire majority stake in Associated British Ports

A fund managed by IFM Investors has agreed to acquire the entire stakes held by CPP Investments and OMERS in Associated British Ports, giving it majority ownership of the U.K. ports group. CPP Investments is selling 33.9% and OMERS 30.0%, for a combined 63.9% interest. Terms were not disclosed.

Associated British Ports operates 19 port facilities across the U.K., handles about 25% of the country's seaborne trade and supports more than half of its offshore wind sector. IFM said the deal fits its long-term infrastructure strategy and builds exposure to strategically located transportation assets serving major trade and industrial regions.

CPP Investments, which first invested in 2015, said the sale lets it realize value from a long-held asset and recycle capital; OMERS, an investor since 2006, said the U.K. remains a priority market. The transaction needs shareholder, stakeholder and regulatory approvals and is expected to close in the first half of 2027.