IFC Launches Its First Canadian Dollar–Denominated Global Bond

IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, today launched its inaugural Canadian dollar global bond transaction, issuing a five-year, CAD$500 million note to raise funds that will support IFC’s work to reduce poverty by strengthening the private sector in developing countries.

The notes, which have a final maturity of December 12, 2012, carry a coupon rate of 4.70 percent a year, payable semi-annually, and were priced today to yield 32.5 basis points over the benchmark Canadian government bond.

The proceeds of the issue were swapped into floating rate U.S. dollar funds and will be used to finance IFC’s lending operations. IFC provides loans, equity, structured finance, and risk management products, as well as advisory services to private enterprises in developing countries.

The issue, launched under IFC’s global medium-term note program, was placed with over 20 local and international institutions. IFC achieved a balanced distribution with 70 percent sold to domestic investors and 30 percent to international investors. IFC achieved its objectives of reaching an untapped investor base and diversifying its currency funding basis.

“IFC is delighted with the strong reception for the issue. The growth of our lending operations in developing countries has increased our funding needs, and it is IFC’s intention to follow-up with similar benchmark-sized transactions in the future,” said IFC Deputy Treasurer John Borthwick.

The Joint Lead Managers of this transaction are CIBC World Markets and TD Securities. Co-Lead Managers are HSBC Securities and RBC Capital Markets.

IFC’s funding activities focus on two key goals: raising and securing funds to meet IFC’s annual funding requirements as well as stimulating growth in emerging capital markets by issuing bonds in local currencies. For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008, IFC has a planned borrowing program of up to US$5 billion equivalent. IFC’s long-term debt is rated triple-A by both Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s Investors Service.