The world’s largest shipping company MSC has acquired a majority stake in Wilson Sons for R$4.352 billion (around US$765 million) from Ocean Wilsons, via its subsidiary Shipping Agencies Services (SAS).
In particular, MSC will now have a 56.47% interest in the Brazilian port and maritime logistics operator Wilson Sons.
The transaction is expected to be completed during the second half of 2025 and is conditional on the receipt of applicable regulatory clearances between signing and completion.
The Ocean Wilsons’ Board of Directors believes the transaction is in the best interests of Ocean Wilsons’ shareholders as a whole. “I am delighted to announce that, following a comprehensive strategic review of the company’s investment in Wilson Sons, we have reached an agreement for the sale of our holding in Wilson Sons to SAS. This transaction represents the successful realisation of our long-term investment in Wilson Sons, demonstrating our ability to identify opportunities to create significant value for our shareholders,” stated Caroline Foulger, Ocean Wilsons’ Chair.
Ocean Wilsons’ Board expects to return a proportion of the net proceeds from the transaction to shareholders and is currently reviewing options with respect to the remainder, one of which could include re-investing some or all of the remainder into the diversified portfolio business of its wholly-owned subsidiary, Ocean Wilsons (Investments) Limited (“OWIL”).