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BlackRock's GIP in talks to acquire 40% of Aboitiz InfraCapital
Business
The Stock Market
BlackRock's GIP in talks to acquire 40% of Aboitiz InfraCapital
BlackRock's GIP in talks to acquire 40% of Aboitiz InfraCapital
Published Jul 24, 2025 10:21 am
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Updated Jul 24, 2025 04:18 pm
Sabin M. Aboitiz
Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), a part of BlackRock, and one of the world’s leading infrastructure investors, is in the process of finalizing a strategic partnership with Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc. (AEV), starting with the acquisition of a 40 percent stake in Aboitiz InfraCapital.
BlackRock is a global investment management corporation headquartered in New York City. It is the world's largest asset manager, with over $10 trillion in assets under management.
AEV said in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange that this is expected to be one of the most significant foreign equity investments in Philippine infrastructure in recent years.
“This collaboration underscores growing global investor confidence in the Philippine market and reinforces the country’s standing as a prime investment destination in Asia,” it added.
In a high-level meeting held in the United States, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Aboitiz Group President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sabin M. Aboitiz sat down with Bayo Ogunlesi, GIP Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
“This collaboration marks a strong vote of confidence in the Philippines’ future. With global partners like GIP working alongside respected Filipino firms such as Aboitiz, we can build infrastructure that is more resilient, inclusive, and forward-looking,” said President Marcos Jr.
AIC holds a diversified portfolio of infrastructure assets, including significant investments in the aviation sector such as AIC's award-winning Mactan-Cebu International Airport, Laguindingan International Airport, and Bohol-Panglao International Airport.
Beyond airports, AIC also has investments in bulk water supply, economic estates, and telecommunications towers, playing a vital role in supporting the nation's development.
“We are honored to explore this opportunity with Global Infrastructure Partners. Our shared vision of modern, world-class infrastructure aligns with the country’s ambitions for progress. Together, we aim to deliver projects that improve lives and empower communities,” said Aboitiz.
Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) specializes in investing in, owning, and operating some of the largest and most complex assets across the energy, transport, digital infrastructure, and water and waste management sectors. GIP’s scaled platform manages over $183 billion in assets.
Their focus on real infrastructure assets, combined with GIP’s deep proprietary origination network and comprehensive operational expertise, enables them to be responsible stewards of their clients’ capital and to create positive economic impact for communities.
“We are pleased to have the opportunity to become a strategic partner of the Aboitiz Group. The Philippines has compelling growth prospects, which can be further enhanced by developing world-class infrastructure,” said Ogunlesi.
He added that, “We look forward to working with our partners at Aboitiz Group to leverage our combined capabilities to deliver best-in-class infrastructure services to the people of the Philippines.”
The parties believe this potential partnership will leverage their combined expertise and resources to develop and improve essential infrastructure, ultimately benefiting the Filipino people.
The finalization of the partnership is subject to entering into definitive documentation and the satisfaction of customary conditions including confirmatory due diligence and relevant approvals.
Chinabank Capital Corporation Managing Director Juan Paolo Colet said “GIP's entry signifies the remarkable potential for infrastructure investments in the Philippines.”
He noted that, “Infrastructure investment has a significant multiplier effect on the economy, so the sustained flow of capital into infrastructure projects is supportive of economic growth and national development.”
“The choice of Aboitiz is very strategic. GIP is not only buying into an existing high quality infrastructure portfolio, but it is also creating a formidable partnership that can expand aggressively in the local infrastructure space,” Colet said.
He added that, “There is ample liquidity and appetite among the leading domestic banks to back the investment plans of the Aboitiz-GIP tandem.”
Meanwhile, Philstock Financial Research Manager Japhet Tantiangco said “Blackrock's plan to acquire 40 percent, if it proceeds, would be a vote of confidence towards Aboitiz InfraCapital's prospects which, in turn, may also positively affect sentiment towards the parent company AEV.”