Companies from the USA purchased key ports around Panama Channel

Blackrock agreed to buy two large ports on the Panama Canal from their Hong Kong owner for $ 22.8 billion against Donald Trump’s pressure, which declared China’s excessive influence on the strategic waterway.

Financial Times writes about it.

According to the agreement, the Hong Kong company CK Hutchison will sell a business consortium, which includes Blackrock, Global Infrastructure Partners and Terminal Investment Limited. They will receive 90% of the shares of a company that owns and manages two ports in Panama.

Trump has repeatedly stated that “China controls the Panama Channel,” and at the beginning of the year he even threatened “return it” under US administration. His administration also demanded that the Panama reduce China’s impact on the channel.

In addition to the Panama ports, the agreement also provides for the sale of 80% of CK Hutchison portal shares, which control 43 ports in 23 countries, including in the United Kingdom, Germany, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Mexico and Australia.

The remaining 20% ​​of the shares will be owned by the PSA port operator, which is owned by the sovereign TEMASEK Singapore Fund.

CK Hutchison expects more than $ 19 billion in cash as a result of an agreement, including repayment of part of share loans. The company’s market capitalization is $ 19 billion.

Following the announcement of the CK Hutchison Agreement, 22% during the morning auction in Hong Kong increased.

Trump’s victory in November’s elections and his calls to return the Panama Channel under US control pushed CK Hutchison to the decision to sell ports.

Blackrock CEO Larry Fink informed Trump’s high -ranking officials, including the President himself to enlist their support of the agreement. According to two sources, the consortium would not have taken this step if he had not been convinced of the approval of an agreement by the US government.

Recall:

In his speech on inauguration, talking about foreign policy, Trump promised Return control over the Panaman Channel, which is “operating China” and rename the Gulf of Mexico into the Gulf.

President Panama Jose Raul Mulino In response to the position of US President Donald Trump “turn” Panama Channel statedthat the key waterway will remain under the control of the lords.