The deal, which still requires regulatory approvals, pairs Ayala’s local reach with A.P. Moller’s global transport experience, potentially strengthening AC Logistics’ market position.
Founded in 2021, AC Logistics has grown its operations across cold chain, contract, cross-border, and project logistics, with a portfolio that includes Air21, founded by the late businessman Alberto “Bert” Lina, and CargoHaus. Last year, it underwent reorganization with the shutdown of Entrego.
Maersk connection
AC Logistics is led by CEO Erry Hardianto, who was Maersk’s top Asia Pacific executive before he joined the company in July last year.
A.P. Moller Capital is owned by A.P. Moller Holding, the parent company of Maersk.
Management’s view
“This potential transaction with A.P. Moller Capital reflects Ayala’s strong commitment to growing AC Logistics into an industry leader that will deliver high-quality logistics solutions for the Philippines. We are confident A.P. Moller Capital is the best partner for unlocking the many opportunities in this sector,” Hardianto said in a joint statement.
“AC Logistics has, in a short period, grown to be an important player in the logistics sector in the Philippines,” added Lars Reno Jakobsen, senior partner of A.P. Moller Capital.
“We are proud and looking forward to working alongside AC Logistics and Ayala Corp. to accelerate growth and continue to provide customers with market-leading supply chain solutions – in short, doing well while doing good,” he said.
A.P. Moller Capital’s global footprint
The investment firm is an active player in logistics and transport, taking stakes in businesses such as HAU Logistics in Egypt and cold storage firm Vector Logistics in South Africa, Zambia and Botswana.
Ayala bets on logistics in the long term
If completed, the partnership could help AC Logistics expand in key areas like food security and cost-efficient supply chains, as demand for logistics services grows.
Ayala, the country’s oldest conglomerate, will still own a majority stake, strengthening its position in the domestic logistics sector.
“A country of 7,000 islands requires considerable logistics infrastructure, and we would like to help address this need. Working together with partners like A.P. Moller Capital, we believe we can provide real solutions,” said Cezar P. Consing, president and CEO of Ayala.
Miguel R. Camus has been a reporter covering various domestic business topics since 2009.
