Dole plc announced the sale of its private port and terminal operations in Guayaquil, Ecuador, to Terminal Investment Limited Holding S.A. for an estimated $75 million in net cash proceeds after costs and customary transaction adjustments. The buyer, a global port operator affiliated with MSC, will assume ownership of the 2,000‑TEU terminal that Dole built in 2002 for $28 million to support its export volumes.
Under the terms of the transaction, Dole will retain a service agreement that allows it to use the terminal for loading and discharging containers, ensuring continuity of its supply chain while freeing capital. The deal is subject to regulatory clearance in Ecuador, but the company expects approval to be finalized within the next few months.
The $75 million proceeds are earmarked to strengthen Dole’s balance sheet and provide liquidity for strategic initiatives. In its most recent earnings report, Dole posted a 10.5 % revenue increase to $2.3 billion, driven by robust performance in its Diversified Fresh Produce segments, while the Fresh Fruit segment faced margin pressure from higher sourcing costs. Management highlighted that the sale aligns with a broader focus on high‑margin fruit operations and a $100 million share‑repurchase program, underscoring a commitment to capital allocation flexibility.
Executive Chairman Carl McCann noted that the divestiture “removes a non‑core asset that no longer aligns with our long‑term strategy, while preserving operational flexibility through a service agreement.” The move is expected to improve Dole’s debt profile and free resources for growth in core markets.
The transaction reflects a broader trend of portfolio optimization among commodity producers, as firms seek to concentrate on core competencies and enhance financial resilience in a volatile market environment.
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