A transformative international investment may soon reshape the Philippine infrastructure landscape, as Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP)—a global powerhouse tied to investment titan BlackRock—is reportedly negotiating to acquire a 40% stake in Aboitiz InfraCapital (AIC), the infrastructure arm of Aboitiz Equity Ventures (AEV).
The deal, if finalized, would mark one of the largest foreign equity investments in Philippine infrastructure in recent memory—potentially injecting billions in capital, innovation, and global expertise into the country’s growing transport and digital infrastructure sectors.
The development was confirmed after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Aboitiz Group President and CEO Sabin Aboitiz met with GIP CEO Bayo Ogunlesi during a recent visit to the United States. The high-level meeting underscored the scale and significance of the planned partnership.
“This collaboration is a strong vote of confidence in the Philippine economy,” said President Marcos Jr. “When a global leader like GIP teams up with a trusted Filipino conglomerate like Aboitiz, it shows that the world sees the Philippines not just as a market, but as a true partner in building resilient, inclusive, and forward-looking infrastructure.”
Aboitiz InfraCapital currently operates major transport hubs, including the Mactan-Cebu International Airport, Bohol-Panglao International Airport, and Laguindingan Airport—key gateways to the Visayas and Mindanao regions. With the potential GIP investment, AIC is expected to scale up operations, modernize facilities, and explore new projects across the archipelago, especially in digital and sustainable infrastructure.
Global Infrastructure Partners brings more than just deep pockets. The firm manages over $183 billion in assets across sectors such as energy, transportation, telecommunications, and utilities. As part of BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, GIP’s involvement would link the Philippines directly to a global network of infrastructure best practices and capital-intensive growth.
For the Aboitiz Group, this partnership aligns with its aggressive push to become a “techglomerate”—a conglomerate with a strong digital transformation focus. Aboitiz InfraCapital’s access to international resources and insights could accelerate its role in developing future-ready cities, smart utilities, and next-gen transport systems.
“This is not just an investment—it’s a strategic leap forward,” said a company insider familiar with the talks. “The potential synergy between AIC’s local strength and GIP’s global scale could unlock a new era for infrastructure in the Philippines.”
If successful, the deal could serve as a blueprint for other local firms seeking global partnerships to scale up and modernize. It’s also a compelling signal to the world that the Philippines is open for high-impact, future-facing business.