Sy companies lead Phl firms in Forbes Global 2000

Companies owned by the Sy family led seven Philippine firms that made it to this year's list of the largest public companies in the world, according to Forbes.

- Richmond Mercurio

Forbes' Global 2000 list included Sy-owned SM Investments Corp. and BDO Unibank Inc., Top Frontier Investment Holdings Inc., Ty-owned Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co., power giant Manila Electric Co., Ayala Corp. and International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) of tycoon Enrique Razon Jr.

SM Investments, which operates as a holding company engaged in financial services, retail, banking and properties, was the highest-ranked Filipino company in the list at No. 811.

It was followed by its subsidiary, BDO, the country's biggest bank, which ranked No. 846.

"Being named the country's top company on the Forbes Global 2000 list reflects the broader story of a resilient and evolving Philippine economy — driven by strong fundamentals, vibrant local enterprise and consumption and the enduring optimism of our people," SM Investments president and chief executive officer Frederic DyBuncio said.