MUMBAI, India, May 27 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Axis Bank Limited (“Axis Bank”) today announced that it priced US$500 million 2.875% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2021 (the "Notes"). The Notes are issued by Axis Bank’s DIFC branch, Dubai and are rated Baa3 by Moody's, BBB- by S&P and BBB- by Fitch. The deal was launched at initial price thoughts at T +175 bps but the final pricing was 15 bps tighter at T +160 bps.
The transaction is significant for the following reasons:
Commenting on the green bond issue,
V Srinivasan, Deputy Managing Director, Axis Bank, said, “It’s a very proud moment for us, as Axis Bank is not only India’s first internationally listed Green Bond issuer, but also India’s first Green Bond to be certified and truly aligned with supporting environment-friendly development. The encouraging response to our successful Green Bond issuance, attractively priced, is reflective of the realisation and recognition of the global need to encourage and support eco-friendly sustainable development. This success is also reflective of Axis Bank’s confirmed commitment to supporting green ventures in overall infrastructure development in the country.”
Nikhil Rathi, CEO, London Stock Exchange plc & Director of International Development, London Stock Exchange Group,
said, “Axis Bank is a long-standing and distinguished equity issuer on London Stock Exchange and has been an instrumental partner in the IFC’s masala bond programme devoted to developing infrastructure in India. It is therefore no surprise that Axis Bank is taking a global leadership role today, with the successful issuance of the first internationally listed certified green bond from India. We are honoured to welcome this landmark issuance, which builds on the far-reaching announcements made during the Indian Prime Minister’s visit strengthening financial ties between the UK and India.”
The Notes have been issued at a price of 99.479 to yield 2.988%. The Notes will be denominated in US dollars and will bear fixed interest of 2.875% per annum, with interest payable semi-annually in arrears. Axis Bank will apply the net proceeds for financing or refinancing high quality green assets.
Axis Bank – Singapore Branch, BAML, Citi, Credit Agricole CIB, HSBC, J.P. Morgan and Standard Chartered acted as joint book-runners and lead managers.
Contacts
Axis Bank
Parminder Panesar
+91-2224255619
parminder.panesar@axisbank.com
or
Anand Mugad
+91-2224255614
anand.mugad@axisbank.com
or
Ketchum Sampark
Faizan Aboli
+91-9819110224
faizan.aboli@ketchumsampark.com
or
Shruti Muddup
+91-9820651056
shruti.muddup@ketchumsampark.com
Source: Axis Bank Limited
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http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160526005640/en
--BERNAMA