Japan’s Mitsubishi Corp. has expanded its investment in Ayala Corp. through a share purchase valued at roughly P44.5 billion, lifting its economic ownership from 4.7 percent to 15 percent and its voting interest to 20 percent, at an agreed price of P650 per common share. The transaction combines primary capital issuance, secondary share acquisitions and a voluntary tender offer for up to 30 million outstanding Ayala shares, giving public shareholders the same P650-per-share valuation, a premium over Monday’s closing price of P533.
Ayala will retain about P20 billion in net proceeds from the new primary shares, funds earmarked to reduce debt, sustain share buyback programs across the group and finance future growth initiatives. The deal also expands Ayala’s board from seven to nine directors to reflect Mitsubishi’s stronger strategic role.
For Ayala, the transaction extends a 52-year business alliance, pairing Mitsubishi’s global reach, technology and international network with Ayala’s diversified domestic footprint spanning property, automotive, infrastructure and financial services. Chairman Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala described the arrangement as far more than a capital infusion, noting it rests on shared values, long-term planning and responsible governance. President and CEO Cezar P. Consing said the partnership will accelerate value creation by blending Mitsubishi’s global capabilities with Ayala’s deep Philippine market leadership, while reinforcing economic ties between the Philippines and Japan. Both sides expect the strengthened alliance to drive further cross-border investment, knowledge exchange and joint opportunities benefiting stakeholders in both nations.
