GIP entry to fuel AboitizInfra expansion

Aboitiz InfraCapital (AIC), the infrastructure arm of the Aboitiz Group under Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc. (AEV), is opening its doors to one of the world’s largest infrastructure investors, with plans to sell a 40 percent stake to Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), a unit of BlackRock. 

In a statement on Thursday, the company said the sale would help accelerate AIC’s growth and draw more global capital into the country’s key development sectors. 

However, the transaction is subject to confirmatory due diligence, execution of definitive documentation, and regulatory approvals. 

If finalized, it would mark one of the biggest foreign equity investments in Philippine infrastructure in recent years, reinforcing investor confidence in the country’s long-term growth prospects.

In a high-level meeting in the United States, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Aboitiz Group President and CEO Sabin M. Aboitiz, and GIP Chairman and CEO Bayo Ogunlesi reportedly discussed the potential partnership.

“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,” Marcos said.

Aboitiz, on the other hand, said he is confident in the potential collaboration as both parties share a vision for modern, world-class infrastructure that aligns with the Philippines’ development goals. 

GIP manages over $183 billion in assets across energy, transport, digital infrastructure, and water and waste management.

“We are pleased to have the opportunity to become a strategic partner of the Aboitiz Group,” said Ogunlesi. 

“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.”

AIC’s portfolio includes Mactan-Cebu International Airport, Laguindingan International Airport, and Bohol-Panglao International Airport. It also holds investments in bulk water, economic estates, and telecommunications towers.