SINGAPORE – Leading global food and agri-business Olam International Limited (“Olam’’) has continued to drive sustainable financing with the landmark issuance of a ¥7.0 billion (approximately US$67 million) 5-year sustainability-linked note, the first such transaction in Asia (ex-Japan). The Senior Notes due 2025 (the “Notes”) were issued to Development Bank of Japan (“DBJ”) via a private placement under Olam’s US$5,000,000,000 Euro Medium Term Note Programme.
Olam’s Managing Director and Group CFO N. Muthukumar said:
“We are proud to continue the momentum of pioneering sustainable financing in the region with this landmark ¥7.0 billion sustainability-linked note issuance, which is the first in Asia (ex-Japan). The unique transaction features a potential reduction in the coupon upon Olam achieving its sustainability targets linked to its Purpose of re-imagining global agriculture and food systems.
“This transaction clearly demonstrates that companies can do good and do well at the same time. We have found a partner in DBJ, who shares our belief that innovative financing solutions can create positive social and environmental impact and we thank them for their investment.”
The Notes complement Olam’s three existing sustainability linked loans* and is also DBJ’s first sustainability-linked investment which reflects the strategic focus by DBJ on sustainable investments.
Issued at a fixed coupon of 2.05% payable semi-annually in arrears, the Notes features a tiered, one-time step-down adjustment to the coupon based upon the achievement of agreed Sustainability Performance Targets (SPTs) by Olam. The SPTs are aligned with Olam’s Purpose outcomes:
- Prosperous Farmers and Food Systems,
- Thriving Communities, and
- Regeneration of the Living World.
Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited (“ANZ”) acted as the sole manager, sustainability co-ordinator and swap dealer for this transaction.
Proceeds from Notes will be used by Olam and its subsidiaries (the “Group”) for working capital purposes and general corporate purposes, including financing capital expenditure and potential acquisition opportunities which the Group may pursue in the future as part of its strategic objectives.
1. Olam secures US$250 million sustainability-linked loan, its third in 2 years;
2. Olam secures US$525m sustainability KPI-linked loan;
3. Olam International secures Asia’s first sustainability-linked club loan facility of US$500.0 million
