Brussels – 17 February 2015 – Euronext Brussels announces the successful admission to listing of the 15 years benchmark Government bonds issued by the Belgian Debt Agency, responsible for public debt management in Belgium.
The Debt Agency’s main objective is to minimize the financial costs related to the federal debt, taking into account market and operational risks in line with the general objectives of the budgetary and the monetary policy. They are a specific entity within the General Administration of the Treasury and were created to better cope with the challenges of financing the sovereign in the context of the European Monetary Union. The Agency executes the financial operations, which consist mainly of issuing loans and managing the Belgian cash position. They are also active on the market of derivatives.
The bonds (OLO 75) are issued as a syndicated transaction joint lead managed by four major banks and admitted to listing on Euronext Brussels on payment date. They were issued for an amount of € 4 billion, bear a 1% coupon and mature on the 22nd of June 2031.
Anne Leclerq, Director Treasury & Capital Markets of the Belgian Debt Agency, added: “Our bonds are bought by a diversified group of institutional investors spread all over the world. However, as 42% of OLOs are held by Belgian investors, we believe that listing on Euronext Brussels is important and contributes to the promotion of the Belgian debt instrument.”
Vincent van Dessel, CEO of Euronext Brussels, said: “Euronext historically built up strong ties with the Federal Government of Belgium in providing services to the General Treasury Administration. The capital markets enable governments to address their debt funding needs, both short and long term. The listing of its bonds by the Belgian Debt Agency highlights Euronext’s position as a leading stock exchange and financing centre in Europe.”
Alain Baetens, Head of Listings of Euronext Brussels, added:“Our partnership with the General Treasury Administration is rooted in strong execution and market access deliverables, providing first class debt services to support managing the Belgian cash and funding position. We are very honoured that all public authority levels in Belgium, whether national, regional or local, actively use our markets to manage their financial strategies, provide connection with international investors and ultimately drive the country’s prosperity and welfare.”
Today, to celebrate the introduction of the new bonds, Anne Leclerq, Director Treasury & Capital Markets of the Belgian Debt Agency, rang the bell in Brussels to open the trading on Euronext’s European markets. She was accompanied by Vincent Van Dessel, CEO of Euronext Brussels, and Johan Verschelden, Head of Brussels Market Development, Euronext Brussels.
BNP Paribas Fortis, Crédit Agricole CIB, JP Morgan et SG CIB acted as Joint Book Runners.