Cancun airport owner seeks to buy Banamex

Businessman Fernando Chico Pardo, the main shareholder of Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste (ASUR) and owner of Cancún Airport , has expressed interest in acquiring Banamex, one of the country's most iconic banks. The transaction, if completed, would place him at the helm of one of the most important financial institutions in the Mexican banking system.

In his column "Tiempo de Negocios" (Business Time) published in El Heraldo, renowned analyst Darío Celis stated that Chico Pardo's intention is to pursue a direct transaction, given the complexity and potential infeasibility of an Initial Public Offering (IPO), the mechanism Citi initially considered for selling its subsidiary. The magnate's strategy is based on his extensive capital, his network of contacts in the financial system, and, above all, the strength of his advisory team.

One of the key names bolstering his potential bid is Guillermo Ortiz Martínez, former Secretary of the Treasury and former governor of the Bank of Mexico . According to the economic columnist, Ortiz represents an "ace up Chico Pardo's sleeve" in an environment where financial decisions are heavily influenced by figures with political and technical experience.

He emphasizes that, in addition to his liquidity, Chico Pardo has the kind of advice that would allow him to make a robust offer with a high chance of success.

"He is assembling a strong group of advisors to pursue the Citi-owned bank, chaired by Jane Fraser," Celis wrote.

This potential acquisition takes on greater relevance following the recent publication of Forbes magazine's 2025 ranking of billionaires , where Fernando Chico Pardo appears among the 10 richest Mexicans, with an estimated fortune of $2.8 billion . His economic rise is largely due to his stake in ASUR, which operates several strategic airports in Mexico and abroad.

Interest in Banamex is not new among Mexican major players. In 2023, Germán Larrea of ​​Grupo México also tried unsuccessfully to acquire the bank. At the time, Larrea surrounded himself with figures such as Pedro Aspe and Javier Arrigunaga. Now, Chico Pardo is pursuing a similar strategy with high-profile figures, which once again places the operation at the center of national financial interest.

Although other players could compete again—such as Larrea himself or new players—Chico Pardo's financial and strategic strength makes it a serious contender. Banamex represents not only a brand deeply rooted in Mexican society, but also a network of assets that includes branches, works of art, historical heritage, and clients with decades of relationships with the institution. Any buyer will also face federal government scrutiny and regulatory conditions.