As part of the total $335 million financing package arranged by International Finance Corporation (IFC), a World Bank Group institution, Arkas Holding signed a $75 million loan agreement with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the German development finance institution DEG – Deutsche Investitions-und Entwicklungsgesellschaft mbH. The agreement, which marks ADB’s first private sector infrastructure financing in Türkiye, provided strong international support for Arkas Holding’s long-term investment plans.
IFC closed the first phase of the financing package amounting $260 million in September 2025 with strong support from private and institutional investors. IFC and Arkas Holding advanced the financing process with this second phase of the financing with ADB (Asian Development Bank) and DEG – Deutsche Investitions-und Entwicklungsgesellschaft mbH.
International Support for an Eight-Year Investment Plan
The financing provided will support Arkas Holding’s plans over the next eight years, contributing primarily to the capacity expansion of Autoport, as well as the modernization of its maritime fleet and the increase of its logistics capacity. The funds are also planned to be used for investments in vessels and logistics equipment, the development of port operations, and the procurement of tractors and other operational equipment.
“Supporting Our Long-Term Growth Strategy”
Arkas Holding Chairman Lucien Arkas said, “Taking the financing process we initiated with IFC into its second phase, together with strong international institutions such as ADB and DEG, is an important milestone. We always set long-term goals in our partnerships. For us, it is very important that the partnerships through which we grow our investments together are long-lasting, and that we continue on our path with stability. With this financing process, we have further strengthened this partnership through the participation of ADB and DEG.” in his speech at the ceremony.
IFC Head of Türkiye Office Selma Rasavac-Avdagic said, “Building on the financing package launched with Arkas Holding in 2025, this agreement highlights IFC’s role in mobilizing long-term international capital. With partners such as ADB and DEG joining the syndication, we continued to crowd in additional resources to expand port capacity, modernize fleets and logistics networks, and strengthen Türkiye’s regional and global connectivity.”
ADB Deputy Director General of Private Sector Operations Marife Apilado remarked: “We are delighted to partner with an established and diversified logistics group Arkas Holding for our first infrastructure investment in Türkiye. Türkiye’s transport sector offers strong opportunities for sustainable infrastructure development and private sector growth, leveraging the country’s strategic position along the Middle Corridor connecting Asia and Europe.”
DEG Director for Industries & Services Africa – EMECA Franziska Hollmann also stated on the matter: “We are proud to revitalize the long-term relationship between Arkas and KFW group which started 1999 with the financing of the first vessels. Now, DEG supports Arkas Holding in advancing its long-term growth strategy, building on a trusted partnership alongside IFC and ADB. The transaction combines economic performance with sustainable development and fits well into DEG’s focus on high-impact, future-oriented investments.”
Emphasis on Regional Connectivity
Expressing their appreciation for carrying out Türkiye’s first private sector infrastructure investments together with Arkas Holding, they stated that this partnership would strengthen trade along the Middle Corridor.
At the signing ceremony held in İzmir on May 13, representatives from Arkas Holding, IFC, ADB, and DEG came together. The ceremony was attended by Arkas Holding Chairman Lucien Arkas; Vice President Bernard Arkas and Vice President Diane Arcas Göçmez; as well as Orhun Alşan, Aylin Saul, Perla Karmona, Cenk Sivrioğlu, and Önder Türkkanı. From IFC, Selma Rasavac-Avdagic, Burak Egemen, Sudipta Husain, and Syed Jazib Shere were present. From ADB, the delegation included Deputy Director General of the Private Sector Operations Department Marife Apilado, along with Mayank Choudhary, David Urbaneja-Furelos, Emaad Siddiqui, Ozan İnce, and Thierry Pujol d’Andrebo. From DEG, Africa–EMECA Industry and Services Director Franziska Hollmann and Batuhan Hakyemez participated.
