PHILIPPINE conglomerate leader Ramon S. Ang is expanding his influence across the country’s business landscape by acquiring a 25.7 percent stake in Lopez Inc., the private holding firm that controls one of the nation’s largest corporate groups.
The transaction involves the purchase of shares held by Crème Investment Corp., representing the family branch led by former ABS-CBN chairman Eugenio “Gabby” Lopez III.
With Lopez Inc. valued at ₱45 billion for 100 percent of its shares, Ang’s purchase carries an estimated price tag of ₱11.6 billion.
The deal marks one of the most substantial ownership shifts within the Lopez Group in recent years.
Lopez Inc. serves as the ultimate parent company for key listed entities, including Lopez Holdings Corp., First Philippine Holdings Corp., First Gen Corp., Rockwell Land Corp., and media firm ABS-CBN Corp.
Together, these five publicly traded entities command a combined market valuation of ₱155 billion.
Through First Philippine Holdings, the group also retains a nearly 4 percent stake in Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), valued at roughly ₱22 billion.
Ang, who serves as chairman and CEO of San Miguel Corp., confirmed the purchase and noted that shares held by the remaining three Lopez family branches were “not for sale.”
While the existing branches maintain overall control, Ang’s sizable entry provides him with a potential swing vote on major corporate decisions where family factions might differ.
Lopez Inc. President Federico “Piki” Lopez formally welcomed Ang’s entry, citing their longstanding relationship and Ang’s extensive track record in managing critical power, infrastructure, food, and beverage operations.
“We welcome Mr. Ramon Ang to Lopez Inc. with deep appreciation,” Lopez stated, emphasizing that the partnership aligns with the family’s history of collaborating with prominent industry figures.
Furthermore, Lopez characterized the entry as a strategic step toward resolving internal matters that have affected both the family and its broader enterprise portfolio, paving the way for future collaborative growth across their joint operational sectors.
