Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), led by Nigerian billionaire Adebayo Ogunlesi, has acquired the Panama Canal Ports for an estimated $23 billion. The deal comes after GIP’s acquisition of a UK airport and marks another significant expansion in the firm’s global infrastructure portfolio.
The Hong Kong-based conglomerate Hutchison Port Holdings agreed to sell its shares in the port to the consortium, including GIP, as part of the deal. The sale includes $5 billion in debt, bringing the total value of the transaction to nearly $23 billion.
GIP will operate the ports in partnership with TIL and other partners, further solidifying its position as one of Africa’s wealthiest individuals. Adebayo Ogunlesi has a net worth of $1.7 billion on Forbes’ billionaire list, ranking him among Nigeria’s top five billionaires and boosting Africa’s growing list of high-net-worth persons.
The acquisition comes at a significant time for GIP, following the recent partnership with BlackRock Inc., valued at $12.5 billion. This deal establishes GIP as a leading multi-asset class infrastructure investment company.
Adebayo Ogunlesi’s firm has expanded its portfolio beyond traditional finance into sectors such as transportation, natural resources, and power generation. With over $100 billion in assets under management, GIP is the world’s largest independent infrastructure manager. The deal highlights Adebayo Ogunlesi’s growing influence in the global infrastructure market, cementing his position among Africa’s wealthiest individuals.
Source: https://www.legit.ng/business-economy/money/1644076-nigerian-billionaire-buys-panama-canal-ports-23-billion-acquiring-uk-airport