Access Bank Redeems $350m Eurobond

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

Access Bank Plc has announced the final redemption of the $350 million Eurobond Notes due July 25, 2017.

The securities were issued in 2012 by Access Finance B.V.- a direct, wholly owned subsidiary of the Bank – on the back of an unconditional and irrevocable guarantee of the Bank.

In October 2016, holders of $113million of this note elected to exchange same for a new 5 year bond issued by the bank at the time.

Upon maturity of the Eurobond in July 2017, the outstanding portion of $237,003,000 as well as the final coupon value of $8,698,010.00 was redeemed from the bank’s available cash reserves.

Access Bank has continued to maintain a robust balance sheet, supported by its strong liquidity position.

The implementation of a disciplined capital and liquidity plan ensured that the Bank was proactive and focused in raising capital in the International market. Key successful Eurobond transactions from the market include: $350 million (2012), $400 million Subordinated Notes and the $300 million Senior Notes comprising $113 million exchange and $187 million new notes (2016).

The latter was issued at an extremely difficult macro–economic condition in 2016.

Nonetheless, the success of the transaction, the first during the period, repositioned the Nigerian market in a positive light, following a year of volatile market conditions, and paved the way for other corporates to gain access to the market.

According to the Group Managing Director/CEO, Mr Herbert Wigwe, “Access Bank’s ability to redeem the $350 million Eurobond Notes highlights the resilience of our balance sheet and the efficiency of our asset and liability management process, especially in the face of a macro underlined by FX illiquidity, double digit inflation and currency devaluation.

“By building a robust risk management culture and sustainable capital & liquidity management strategy, the bank has positioned itself to compete and win in the challenging, but recovering macro condition.”

Access Bank has continued to leverage its corporate strategy and an experienced Board and Management, to consistently deliver solid performance.

The recent re-affirmation of its credit ratings by several credit rating agencies as well as an upgrade to Aa- from A+ by Agusto, reinforces the bank’s strong fundamentals.