APSEZ Boosts Global Reach with NQXT Acquisition

Deal News | Apr 19, 2025 | PR Newswire Cision Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited

Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZ), India’s largest integrated transportation utility, has announced the acquisition of Abbot Point Port Holdings Pte Ltd (APPH), which owns the North Queensland Export Terminal (NQXT) in Australia. This acquisition aligns with APSEZ's international expansion strategy, positioning the company to achieve its target of handling 1 billion tons annually by 2030. The acquisition involves the issuance of 14.38 million shares in a non-cash transaction valued at 3.975 billion AUD for NQXT. NQXT, known for its operational efficiency, is well-placed to increase its throughput to meet global demand for high-quality Queensland resources, including green hydrogen. NQXT’s throughput reached a historical high of 35 MMT in fiscal year 2025. With the acquisition, APSEZ expects enhanced EBITDA margins of over 90% and aims to boost NQXT’s EBITDA to 400 million AUD within four years. The deal also supports APSEZ's strategy to expand its transportation and logistics footprint while contributing to ESG goals, including engaging with the local workforce in Queensland. The transaction, pending regulatory approval, is expected to close within two quarters and is poised to expand APSEZ’s influence along the East-West trade corridor.

Sectors

  • Transportation and Logistics
  • Energy and Resources

Geography

  • Australia – The acquisition involves the North Queensland Export Terminal, which is located in Australia.
  • India – Adani Ports, the acquiring company, is based in India.

Industry

  • Transportation and Logistics – The acquisition involves Adani Ports, a major player in the transportation and logistics sector aiming to expand its global logistics capabilities.
  • Energy and Resources – NQXT is a terminal that supports the export of resources from Queensland, including potential future exports like green hydrogen.

Financials

  • 3.975 billion AUD – Enterprise value of the North Queensland Export Terminal (NQXT) in the acquisition.
  • 228 million AUD – EBITDA of NQXT for the fiscal year ending 2025.
  • 400 million AUD – Projected EBITDA for NQXT within four years post-acquisition.
  • 14.38 million shares – Shares APSEZ will issue to CRPSHPL as part of the acquisition.

Participants

NameRoleTypeDescription
Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ)Acquiring CompanyCompanyIndia’s largest integrated transport utility and acquiring company in this transaction.
North Queensland Export Terminal (NQXT)Target CompanyCompanyThe terminal being acquired by APSEZ, located in Australia.
Abbot Point Port Holdings Pte Ltd (APPH)Target Company OwnerCompanyCurrent owner of NQXT and being acquired by APSEZ.
Carmichael Rail and Port Singapore Holdings Pte Ltd (CRPSHPL)VendorCompanyThe company selling APPH to APSEZ.
Cyril Amarchand MangaldasLegal AdvisorCompanyProvided legal advisory services to APSEZ for the transaction.
AshurstInternational Legal AdvisorCompanyActed as the international legal advisor for APSEZ.
GT Valuation Advisors Private LimitedValuation AdvisorCompanyProvided valuation services for the transaction.
Grant Thornton Bharat LLPFinancial AuditorCompanyConducted financial audits related to the transaction.
SBI Capital Markets LimitedIndependent ValuerCompanyProvided independent valuation services for compliance purposes.
Reserve Bank of IndiaRegulatory BodyGovernmentOne of the regulatory bodies the transaction has to be approved by.
Australian Foreign Investment Review BoardRegulatory BodyGovernmentA regulatory body in Australia responsible for approving foreign investment transactions.