King & Wood Mallesons (KWM) has advised the International Finance Corporation (IFC), lead transaction advisor to the Department of Transportation of the Government of the Philippines (DOTr), on the review, negotiation and procurement of an unsolicited proposal submitted by Aboitiz InfraCapital for the expansion, operation and maintenance of the Bohol-Panglao Airport in the Philippines.
Aboitiz Infra Capital was awarded a 30-year concession to expand, operate and maintain the Bohol-Panglao Airport, which will cater to growing passenger traffic and provide a gateway for increased tourism.
The agreement was executed between the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines and DOTr (as ‘grantor’) and a project company established by Aboitiz InfraCapital (as ‘concessionaire’). The IFC acted as the lead transaction advisor to DOTr.
This follows KWM’s previous advisory role for the IFC and DOTr on the Laguindingan International Airport PPP earlier in 2024.
The KWM team was led by Australian Partner Gilles Cardonnel, with key contributions from Hong Kong Senior Associate Gallien Lefevre and Singapore Associate Diksha Maheshwari.
Reflecting on the importance of the deal, Gilles said:
“It is an honour to advise the IFC and DOTr on a second PPP for an international airport in the Philippines. Successfully navigating two high-profile PPPs within a few months underscores our team's extensive experience and expertise in these transactions.
“The Bohol-Panglao Airport PPP will expand and modernise airport facilities, enhancing regional tourism and serving as a gateway for global trade and business.”
KWM was assisted by Philippine-based law firm, Romulo Mabanta Buenaventura Sayoc & de los Angeles, on local law aspects.
