In a testament to Ecobank Transnational Incorporated’s (ETI) financial strength, the firm has successfully repaid its maturing $500 million 5-year Eurobond today. This bond, which marked our inaugural Eurobond issuance in April 2019, was warmly received by a diverse group of global investors, including our esteemed long-term development partners, FMO and Proparco, who acted as anchor investors to the issuance.
It was listed on the main market of the London Stock Exchange with a coupon rate of 9.5%. The principal and interest repayment, totalling $524 million, was distributed to bondholders through the transaction agent on the bond maturity date of April 18, 2024.
Speaking on the repayment, Ecobank’s Group CFO, Ayo Adepoju, noted,
“This inaugural bond we are retiring today was critical in introducing our firm to a wider array of global investors and contributed to the increased visibility of our brand in the capital markets. When viewed against the backdrop of the difficult operating environment that characterized most of 2023 and is still being felt today, particularly the disruptions in the world supply chain and global financial markets, the Group continues to show resilience through strong liquidity, a robust balance sheet, and a solid leadership team.”
What You Should Know
The $500 million Eurobond which has been repaid is Ecobank’s inaugural bond to be listed on the London Stock Exchange. However, the group’s first bond issuance was in 2014, when it issued a $200 million bond that was listed on the Irish stock exchange.
In 2021, Ecobank also issued a $300 million 5-year bond at a fixed coupon rate of 7.125%. This bond, which will mature in 2026, is also listed on the London Stock Exchange.
