Dubai Ports World is among the top three global terminal operators. It is one of the new players in the global market, with an aggressive growth and acquisition strategy. The majority of its business comes from emerging markets in South America and Africa. Their global expansion initially started in the Middle East, then extended into major ports in India. One of the major expansions for Dubai Ports World took place in 2006 when it acquired Peninsular and oriental Steam Navigation Company (P&O) of the United Kingdom in 2006, for US$ 7 billion. This was considered highly controversial by many in the United States, because it included a number of ports in the U.S. as well. These ports were sold shortly after they were purchased.