Insights

Inside the Philippines: May 2025

Macro Movements: Fitch Ratings reaffirms PH’s BBB credit rating; PEZA investment approvals soar by 112%

Fitch Ratings reaffirm the Philippines BBB credit rating

PEZA investment approvals soar 112% to PHP63.5B in 4 months

Market Movers: PCC raises M&A thresholds amid economic growth; Hotel101 Global on track for USD2.3B Nasdaq listing

PCC raises M&A notification thresholds to streamline oversight and encourage mid-sized deals

Hotel101 Global on track for USD2.3B Nasdaq listing expected within the second quarter of 2025

Deal Spotlight: GCash acquires 23.5% stake in AB Capital Securities; Mitsui & Co. Ltd eyes 20% stake in Metro Pacific

GCash owner Mynt acquires 23.5% stake in AB Capital Securities

Mitsui & Co. Ltd eyes 20% stake in Metro Pacific Tollways ahead of merger talks with San Miguel

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Inside the Philippines: April 2025

Macro Movements: Philippine economy poised for robust growth in 2025; IMF urges ASEAN economic reforms

Moody’s ratings and BPI project accelerated economic expansion driven by consumer spending and public investment.

IMF calls on ASEAN to implement bold economic reforms, outlining key strategies for economic advancement.

Investment Impacts: Philippines gains edge as firms shift from China; Major food hubs to rise in Clark and Quezon

PEZA reports increasing interest from companies seeking expansion in Southeast Asia.

Government aims to stabilize produce prices and enhance agricultural distribution through strategic infrastructure.

Deals Spotlight: EEI CEO Leads Buyout of Romualdez Firm’s stake; Maynilad targets July for IPO

EEI CEO leads buyout of Romualdez firm’s 20% stake.

Maynilad plans record-breaking PHP 49.15 bn IPO on July 10.

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Inside the Philippines: March 2025

Macro Movements: Philippines expects steady growth amid continued easing inflation

Economists forecast 5.9% to 6.1% Philippine GDP growth vs government target of 6% to 8% growth in 2025.

Philippine inflation expected to ease to 2.6% in February 2025.

Market Signals: Investor confidence rises as SMIC secures international capital and PH exits FATF grey list

SMIC’s US$500M bond signals strong investor confidence in the Philippines./strong>

Philippines exits FATF grey list, improving country’s position as a destination for foreign direct investments (FDI).

Deals Spotlight: Emperador acquires Mexican brand; PH startup Parkwise secures US$250 million in funding

Emperador expands global footprint with premium mezcal acquisition.

Parkwise secures US$250 million to build sustainable EV-integrated parking facilities.

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Inside the Philippines: February 2025

Macro Movements: PH economy posts 5.6% GDP growth in 2024; UN projects faster PH GDP growth in 2025, 2026

Philippine GDP expands by 5.2% in 4Q24, bringing 2024 full-year growth to a steady 5.6% amid challenges

United Nations (UN) forecasts higher 6.1% and 6.2% GDP growths for the Philippines in 2025, 2026

Industry Insights: IT-BPM revenues reach $38 billion in 2024; DOE expects additional 6,841 MW of power in 2025

IT-BPM industry generates $38 billion in revenues and 1.84 million in headcount amid strong demand from global firms

Department of Energy (DOE) reports an additional 6,841 MW of power plant capacity to go live in 2025

Deals Spotlight: Maynilad hires banks for $500+ million IPO; KKR hires Goldman to sell over 20% stake in Maya

GoTyme Bank to benefit from US$250 million Series D capital raise

Growtheum Capital invests US$121M in Mets Logistics to support cold chain expansion

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Inside the Philippines: January 2025

Macro Movements: DOF reports all-time high non-tax revenue; PH Investments surpass 2024 target

DOF records all-time high collections for non-tax revenue

Philippine investment agencies surpass 2024 Targets

Industry Insights: Philippines extends foreign land leases to 99 years; BOI green lane projects reach PHP4.5T

Philippines extending foreign land lease to 99 years from 75 years

BOI projects for green lane processing amount to PHP4.5T

Deal Spotlight: GoTyme stakeholder raises U$250M; Growtheum Capital invests US$121M in Mets Logistics

GoTyme Bank to benefit from US$250 million Series D capital raise

Growtheum Capital invests US$121M in Mets Logistics to support cold chain expansion

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Inside the Philippines: December 2024

Macro Movements: BSP may hold rates at 6%; Philippine internet economy growth tops SEA

BSP may hold off further rate cuts if inflationary pressures persist

The Philippines leads Southeast Asia with fastest internet economy growth

Region in Focus: CREATE MORE signed into law

President Marcos signs the CREATE MORE Act, roadshow being planned for 2025

Industry Insights: World’s largest solar battery facility breaks ground in the Philippines

President Marcos leads ground breaking of Meralco Terra Solar Project

Deal Spotlight: Jollibee acquires Tim Ho Wan; GCash to weigh record Philippine IPO

Jollibee Foods Corporation takes full ownership of Tim Ho Wan

GCash to potentially raise $1.5 billion in 2025

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