He is peerless and one of the world’s finest in investment banking, private equity (PE) and infrastructure financing. Born in Sagamu, Bayo Ogunlesi rose to the pinnacle of global finance at a really fast pace, making and crystalling deals, which have seen his private equity firm, Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), to become one of the most important PEs in this century.
Now, he wants to take some cash: “BlackRock Inc., the world’s largest money manager, has announced its ambitious acquisition of Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) for a staggering $12.5 billion, per Bloomberg.”
The GIP acquisition aligns seamlessly with the vision of BlackRock’s CEO, Larry Fink, who aims to position the firm as a major player in the swiftly expanding market for private and alternative assets. With this move, BlackRock is set to enter the top echelons of investors specializing in long-term bets on energy, transportation, and digital infrastructure.
The third-quarter closure of the deal will see 70 year-old Adebayo Ogunlesi, GIP’s esteemed Chairman and CEO and a former executive at Credit Suisse, joining BlackRock’s board and global executive committee. Ogunlesi, currently serving as Goldman Sachs Group Inc.’s lead director, brings a wealth of experience and strategic insight to BlackRock’s leadership.
Congrats Mr. Ogunlesi. You have demonstrated the greatness of America, that a Sagamu kid can come here, and within years, build an empire. We #salute because you inspire. You push us to think more of our character and capabilities over our color, because you have shown that excellence has dates in the palace of greatness.
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