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Posted by Dale Crisp
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22 Oct, 2026
AUSTRALIAN superannuation giant IFM has bought a 63% holding in Associated British Ports from Canadian pension funds in a deal valued at $19 billion.
IFM Investors already holds significant stakes in transport infrastructure worldwide, including Global Container Terminals in Vancouver, the Indiana Toll Road in the USA, Manchester and Vienna airports and an air services company active in eight European countries and Mexico, the Baltic Hub Container Terminal in Poland, and Mersin International Port in Turkiye.
In Australia IFM is a major shareholder in the consortiums holding the leaseholds of the ports of Melbourne and Brisbane, as well as Perth Airport and NT Airports.
In the joint announcement overnight Canada Pension Plan Investment Board and OMERS said they had agreed to terms with a fund managed by IFM Investors to sell each of their respective 33.9% and 30.0% stakes in Associated British Ports, stakes initially acquired in 2015 and 2006 respectively.
“Completion of the transaction is subject to stakeholder review and approval processes. Financial terms are not disclosed,” the statement said.
ABP’s formation came from the Thatcher Government’s 1981 renaming of the British Transport Docks Board, its listing in 1983 and privatisation in 2006.
It is now the largest ports group in the UK, operating 19 facilities claimed to handle approximately 25% of UK seaborne trade.
ABP also provides support for over half the UK’s offshore wind projects. Deepsea assets include Southampton and those of the Humber and South Wales, as well as nine shortsea ports.
“We look forward to supporting continued development of ABP’s infrastructure and operations, drawing on IFM’s long-term investment approach and experience across ports and other essential infrastructure assets," said Kyle Mangini, global head of infrastructure, IFM Investors.
"As an investor owned by Australian and UK pension funds, this transaction reflects our longstanding commitment to mobilising pension capital into UK infrastructure. We are excited to work closely with ABP’s management team, employees and our fellow shareholders to support the company’s continued success.”
Associated British Ports chief executive Henrik L. Pedersen said the day marked "a bold new chapter for ABP".
"Since my arrival at ABP eight years ago, I have experienced firsthand the support for our business and the execution of growth opportunities provided by CPP Investments and OMERS. On behalf of the entire company, I would like to extend my profound appreciation for their partnership," Mr Pedersen said.
“Attracting investment from a fund managed by IFM Investors is a powerful endorsement of our business, our people and our strategy. We are excited to unlock further growth opportunities, together with IFM Investors and our other shareholders, continuing ABP's long-term investment benefitting our customers, our local communities, and the UK.”
The transaction is subject to customary shareholder and regulatory approvals and is expected to complete in H1 2027.
