The Philippine Competition Commission approved A.P. Møller Capital’s move to buy around 40 percent of AC Logistics, clearing the way for the joint venture to proceed.
Big picture
The clearance comes as Ayala is in the middle of a broader reset of AC Logistics, moving away from fragmented, loss-making standalone businesses toward integrated logistics solutions built around customer needs.
Under new leadership, the group has been exiting areas where it cannot compete on cost or scale, while leaning on A.P. Møller Capital’s global logistics expertise to help turn the platform into a sustainable, top-tier player over the next few years.
Key points
• AC Logistics operates freight forwarding, warehousing, and contract logistics through subsidiaries including Air21, Cargohaus, and U-Freight.
• A.P. Møller Capital is part of the A.P. Møller Group, the owner of global shipping giant Maersk, bringing deep expertise in international transport and supply chains.
• Erry Hardianto, AC Logistics’ chief executive officer, previously led Maersk’s Asia Pacific business before joining the Ayala group.
PCC review
The PCC reviewed whether the deal could weaken competition in freight, logistics, or shipping-related services.
It found that these markets remain highly competitive, with many players and customers that regularly use more than one service provider.
Because of this, regulators concluded the transaction is unlikely to limit competition or hurt consumers.
—Edited by Miguel R. Camus
