Global shipping entity MSC seeks to amplify its footprint in Latin America, particularly Brazil, by procuring a controlling interest in Wilson Sons for BRL 4.35 billion. The transaction, initiated last October, concluded on June 4 post-approval by Brazil’s National Waterway Transport Agency (Antaq).

MSC reported acquiring over 248,600 common shares of Wilson Sons, representing approximately 56.39% of the voting capital. After an earlier purchase of 52,900 shares, MSC now holds 301,500 common shares, constituting about 68.39% of Wilson Sons’ share capital. Plans are underway to acquire the remaining minority shares and delist from the Brazilian stock exchange (B3) by filing for a unified tender offer with Brazil’s Securities and Exchange Commission.

New appointments include MSC’s Chief Investment Officer, Hugues Ronan Favard, and MSC Brazil’s CEO, Elber Alves Justo, replacing William Henry Salomon and Christopher Robert William Townsend on Wilson Sons’ Board. Wilson Sons, with 187 years of operational history, oversees port operations including Tecon Salvador in Bahia and Tecon Rio Grande in Rio Grande do Sul, among others.

Wilson Sons acknowledged the sale, stating, “Any developments resulting from the transaction will be duly communicated through material facts, by capital markets regulations.” Correspondence with MSC remained unreturned at the time of publication.

Anderson Pomini, President of the Santos Port Authority, noted MSC’s acquisition highlights the global appeal of the Port of Santos, reflecting increased interest by major shipping groups. Wilson Sons retains a substantial fleet providing navigation assistance crucial for safe maneuvers at the Port of Santos.

Source: Datamar News