Manila: Maharlika Investment Corporation (MIC) has announced its intention to acquire up to 11.2 percent of shares in Asian Terminals Inc. (ATI), as part of its strategy to ensure a resilient cash flow and align with its mandate to invest in strategic real-economy assets. The acquisition will involve a direct purchase of shares and a tender offer to existing public shareholders, facilitating ATI's voluntary delisting from the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE), according to a statement released by MIC.

According to Philippines News Agency, MIC president and CEO Rafael Consing emphasized the importance of the port sector in the Philippine economy, describing it as the nation's "circulatory system." Drawing from his experience as a senior vice president and chief financial officer at International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI), Consing highlighted the strategic significance of port infrastructure beyond mere business operations, recognizing it as a crucial national asset.

Consing elaborated on the investment strategy, stating, "We are deploying the Fund to capture value from critical utilities that possess high barriers to entry and a direct correlation to the country's GDP growth. This ensures that our portfolio is resilient, cash-generative, and aligned with national progress." He further noted that securing a position in such utilities enhances the nation's capability to generate sustainable wealth, which is vital for long-term economic security.

In a press release, MIC emphasized that acquiring a minority stake in ATI ensures that the Philippine government maintains a permanent economic interest in the infrastructure vital to the national supply chain. MIC views this move as a strategy of "Sovereign Stewardship," ensuring that as this key asset privatizes, the state retains a passive stake to benefit from the economic yield generated by Philippine trade flows.