Macquarie-Led Consortium Acquires Qube Holdings in a Monumental $8.3 Billion Deal
Australian logistics titan, Qube Holdings, has consented to an $8.3 billion takeover by a consortium spearheaded by Macquarie Asset Management. This agreement, reached on February 16, 2026, marks one of the most significant infrastructure transactions in Australia this year. The all-cash offer of A$5.20 per share propelled Qube’s stock to unprecedented highs, indicating a 27.8% premium to its closing price prior to the announcement of exclusivity discussions.
The consortium comprises of Macquarie Asset Management, Australian superannuation fund UniSuper, and Pontegadea, the investment firm of Spanish billionaire Amancio Ortega, who is also the founder of fashion retailer Zara. UniSuper, which owns approximately 15% of Qube, will transfer its stake into the new holding structure instead of receiving cash.
Qube is a prominent Australian logistics and infrastructure company that operates ports, intermodal terminals, and bulk handling facilities across Australia, Southeast Asia, and New Zealand. The company employs around 10,000 people and manages critical freight services, including bulk commodity exports. This deal signifies the strong institutional interest in high-quality infrastructure assets that offer stable cash flows and growth potential.
“The scheme consideration represents a significant premium to the share price prior to the announcement,” said Qube Chairman John Bevan. “It reflects the strength of the business today and the strong growth prospects Qube enjoys.”
The transaction is projected to face shareholder vote around June 2026 and necessitates Australian competition and foreign investment regulatory approvals.
Source: CNBC