The trade war is already sending merger troops to the front line. BlackRock shook hands on a deal to buy ports along the Panama Canal and beyond from CK Hutchison for $23 billion. It helps boss Larry Fink shore up his infrastructure strategy and provides the Hong Kong-based conglomerate a useful escape from political crosshairs.

After significant pressure was exerted by President Donald Trump, Chinese company CK Hutchison has agreed to sell its two ports on the Panama Canal to U.S. investment company BlackRock per a ...

BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager with a portfolio of investments valued at $11.5 trillion, has agreed to purchase majority stakes in ports on both sides of the Panama Canal from Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison in a multipart transaction worth $22.8 billion, the companies announced on Tuesday.