The Philippines’ infrastructure sector is poised for a significant boost in foreign investment as 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) in the infrastructure sector.
These discussions include the acquisition by GIP of 40% of Aboitiz InfraCapital (AIC), the infrastructure arm of the Aboitiz Group. 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.
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 telecommunication 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,” said Aboitiz. “Together, we aim to deliver projects that improve lives and empower communities.”
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 has over $183 billion in assets under management. 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,” said Bayo Ogunlesi, Global Infrastructure Partners’ Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). “The Philippines has compelling growth prospects, which can be further enhanced by developing world-class infrastructure. 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.
