19 February 2024
Bangkok Expressway and Metro Public Company Limited (“BEM” or the “Company”) successfully offered THB senior and unsecured sustainability debentures to Institutional and/or High Net Worth Investors with 5.2 times oversubscription. The company decided to upsize the issue to THB 5 billion from its original plan of THB 3 billion. The transaction marked Thailand’s FIRST sustainability bond issuance in 2024. The debentures consist of 5 series with tenor(s) ranging from 3 – 12 years with fixed coupon of 3.07% - 4.05% p.a. While the debentures have been rated at “A-” from Tris Rating co., Ltd on 8 January 2024, Bank of Ayudhya Public Company Limited and Government Savings Bank acted as the Joint Lead Underwriters.
Dr. Sombat Kitjalaksana, Managing Director said “The company is grateful for all investors including asset management companies, insurance companies, banks, and cooperatives who continued to support and invest in BEM's sustainability debentures in relation to the Company's ongoing projects which provide social and environmental benefits. The tremendous demand of BEM’s sustainability debentures reflects that investors are willing to support the Company's future projects. BEM aims to operate its business under ESG principles and pursue sustainable growth for the organization, society and environment. This issuance marked the fourth sustainability debentures issued by BEM under BEM’s Sustainable Financing Framework, in which aligns with the technical screening criteria of Phase 1 of the Thailand Taxonomy published in June 2023 with DNV (Thailand) Co., Ltd. acting as Second Party Opinion provider. The proceeds will be used to refinance debt and/or equity investment portion of the MRT Blue Line Project, which is a public transport system that operates on clean energy and thus helps reduce greenhouse gas along with Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions, and helps people to access transportation infrastructure with convenience.”
Mr. Kenichi Yamato, Krungsri President and Chief Executive Officer, said “As a trusted partner bank, Krungsri is honored to have collaborated with BEM again on the issuance of sustainability debentures to support BEM’s mission of driving the business as a service provider of the nation’s transportation system towards long-term sustainability. Additionally, the debentures received great interest and sizable demand, reflecting investors’ confidence in BEM’s underlying credit and strengths in terms of robust performance as well as financial standing. Krungsri provides continuous financial support for social and sustainable business projects, and also promotes the growth of the financial market for the sustainable strength of Thailand. This contributes to driving Thailand's economy towards sustainable growth.”
Mr. Vitai Ratanakorn, President & CEO of Government Savings Bank, said “The Government Savings Bank is very pleased have acted as a Joint Lead Underwriter in the issuance and offering of Bangkok Expressway and Metro Public Company Limited or BEM sustainability debentures once again. This is the project that is beneficial to the society and environment and also a mechanism to drive the country’s economy. In addition, it complies with the Government Savings Bank’s operational direction that focuses on sustainable growth of business and society in the long run by adhering to ESG principles which encompasses caring for the environment coupled with social development, while taking into account good governance and sustainability which is considered an important operation that supports the overall society.”