A consortium led by Macquarie Asset Management has reached a binding agreement to acquire Qube Holdings, Australia’s leading integrated logistics and transport operator, in a landmark transaction valued at A$11.7 billion (approximately US$8.26 billion).

The scheme implementation deed signed on Monday follows months of negotiations after a non-binding proposal was first tabled in November, and represents a substantial premium to Qube’s pre-bid trading levels.

The deal will see the consortium purchase all outstanding shares at A$5.20 per share in cash, a price that has propelled Qube’s stock to an all-time high in early trading.

Under the terms of the agreement, Qube may pay dividends of up to 40 Australian cents per share, which would reduce the effective offer price accordingly.

UniSuper, one of Australia’s largest pension funds and a key Qube shareholder with a 15.07 per cent stake, has committed its shares to the consortium as part of the transaction structure.

Qube Holdings operates a broad network of national and international logistics assets, including port terminals, intermodal facilities and bulk handling infrastructure that are integral to Australia’s import and export supply chains.

Managing Director Paul Digney said the offer reflects the substantial value created through the company’s strategic growth and operational performance, and that the board supports the scheme as a compelling outcome for shareholders.

The acquisition will expand Macquarie’s footprint in the transport and infrastructure sector, building on the group’s global portfolio of logistics, ports and related assets.

Industry observers note that regulatory scrutiny is anticipated from Australian competition authorities, given Macquarie’s existing infrastructure interests and the potential implications for market dynamics.

Completion of the transaction remains subject to customary shareholder and regulatory approvals, including oversight by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.