CK Hutchison eyeing major Chinese investor in Panama ports deal

The firm announced in March 2025 the plan to sell its portfolio of 43 ports in 23 countries.

CK Hutchison said in a bourse filing on 28 July that it wants to invite a major strategic investor from China to join as a significant member of the BlackRock-led consortium bidding for it US$22.8b ports business 

The group also confirmed that the 145-day exclusivity period for talks between the parties has already expired.

CK Hutchison said in its statement that the changes to the membership of the consortium and the structure of the transaction are needed for the transaction to secure approval from relevant authorities. It said that it intends to allow as much time as is required to achieve that. 

The sale includes a total of 43 ports comprising 199 berths in 23 countries, together with all Hutchison Port Holdings’ management resources, operations, and terminal operating systems. These include two Panama ports. 

The company said on several occasions that it will not proceed with any transaction that does not have the approval of all relevant authorities.