InstarAGF and investors acquire AMPORTS from Lincolnshire

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By Ted Liu

InstarAGF Asset Management Inc., along with a group of Canadian and international infrastructure co-investors, has acquired 100% equity interest in AMPORTS, Inc. from Lincolnshire Management, Inc. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Jacksonville, Florida based AMPORTS is an automotive port logistics and processing company. With multiple locations in the United States and Mexico, AMPORTS is one of the largest auto processors in North America. AMPORTS provides customers with seamless logistical solutions. All of AMPORTS’ deep-water facilities are located near major highway systems serving densely populated regions.

InstarAGF was advised by ING Financial Markets LLC, McCarthy Tétrault LLP and Morrison Foerster LLP.

In 2014, Lincolnshire, a New York based middle market private equity firm, re-acquired AMPORTS from AIG Highstar Capital which had acquired AMPORTS from Lincolnshire in 2008. Lincolnshire first acquired the company from Associated British Ports in 2006.

photo credit: AMPORTS

News Release

InstarAGF ASSET MANAGEMENT ACQUIRES AMPORTS, INC.

Market-leading North American automotive terminal operator

Toronto, Ontario (April 3, 2018) — InstarAGF Asset Management Inc. (“InstarAGF”) today announced that it has acquired an 100% equity interest in AMPORTS, Inc. (“AMPORTS”), a premier automotive port logistics and processing company based in Jacksonville, Florida, from Lincolnshire Management, Inc., alongside its Canadian and international infrastructure co-investors.

AMPORTS is a vital link in the global transportation supply chain of many of the world’s largest automotive original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”), operating from strategically-located facilities in the United States and Mexico on major coastal zones that provide superior access to land transport links and distribution networks in close proximity to major population centres. AMPORTS, which directly owns approximately 50% of its land portfolio, provides customers with seamless logistical and portside services in vehicle processing, including rail loading and unloading, inspection, storage, accessory installations, and customizations, repairs and regulatory homologation services.

InstarAGF, which focuses on mid-sized infrastructure assets in North America in the energy, utilities, civil and social infrastructure sectors, manages a diversified portfolio of high quality businesses that includes an interest in the passenger terminal at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, a vital transportation hub for the city of Toronto and surrounding region, and Skyservice, Canada’s leading provider of essential business aviation services.

“AMPORTS is an award-winning leader in portside automotive processing, which is an essential component of the North American auto supply chain and represents a critical service for global OEMs,” said Gregory J. Smith, President and Chief Executive Officer of InstarAGF. “AMPORTS has provided high quality, customized services to OEMs for more than 50 years, establishing long-term customer relationships and a distinctive value proposition that underpins the company’s stable cash flow profile and growth prospects.”

“We are delighted to welcome InstarAGF and its co-investors to the AMPORTS family,” said Steve Taylor, President and Chief Operating Officer at AMPORTS. “Working alongside the experienced InstarAGF team, we look forward to further expanding and enhancing our market-leading infrastructure and competitive position, and to building on our commitment to safety, quality, operational excellence and customer satisfaction.”

The financial terms of the transaction are undisclosed. InstarAGF was advised by ING Financial Markets LLC, McCarthy Tétrault LLP and Morrison Foerster LLP.

About InstarAGF Asset Management

Launched in 2014, InstarAGF is an independent alternative asset management firm with an emphasis on North American middle-market opportunities in the infrastructure sector and other alternative real asset categories. InstarAGF, which makes direct investments and co-investments with like-minded investors and strategic partners, is a joint venture between Instar Group Inc., a company owned by Gregory J. Smith, and AGF Management Limited, a diversified global asset management firm. For more information:
www.instaragf.com

For More Information:
Media
Sarah Borg-Olivier
Senior Vice President
InstarAGF Asset Management Inc.
Tel: (416) 815-6260
Email: sarah.borg-olivier@instaragf.com