3 April 2023
Bangkok Expressway and Metro Public Company Limited (“BEM”) successfully offers THB senior and unsecured sustainability debentures to Institutional and/or High Net Worth Investors with total issuance included greenshoe of THB 6,500 million, or 1.6 times oversubscription from initial target issue size of THB 5,500 million. The debentures are divided into 4 series of 3 – 12 years with fixed coupon of 2.79% - 4.07% p.a. which received rating at “A-” from Tris Rating co., Ltd on 23 February 2023. Bank of Ayudhya Public Company Limited and Government Savings Bank are appointed as the Joint Lead Underwriter for this offering.
Dr. Sombat Kitjalaksana, Managing Director, said “The company has continued to succeed in issuing sustainability bonds. The issuance is the third sustainability debentures issued by BEM under BEM’s Sustainable Financing Framework. DNV Business Assurance Australia Ltd is the Second Party Opinion provider. The proceed will be used to re-finance debt and/or equity investment portion in its MRT Blue Line Project, which is a public transport system that runs on clean energy, reduces greenhouse gas and Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions, and helps people to access transportation infrastructure with convenience. BEM continues achieving strong demand from various group of investors including life insurance companies, asset management companies, banks, and cooperatives, reflecting the investors’ confidence on BEM’s solid business profile and strong financial position amidst the market volatility, interest rate adjustment and inflation. This has proven investors’ intention in supporting projects with environmental and social benefits. Moreover, these sustainability debentures have echoed and reiterated on BEM’s mission to create the Path to Happiness for Better Travelling Mode.”
Mr. Seiichiro Akita, Krungsri President and Chief Executive Officer, said “Krungsri aims to promote sustainable finance through various sustainability-linked products, in order to achieve the goal of a social and sustainable finance portfolio, and to become a trusted partner to its customers. As Joint Lead Underwriter, we feel truly honored to collaborate with BEM again on the issuance of sustainability debentures. In addition, 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 continually supports BEM’s mission to drive the business as a service provider of the country’s vital transportation system towards long-term sustainability.”
Mr. Vitai Ratanakorn, President & CEO of Government Savings Bank, said “The Government Savings Bank is very pleased to be 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 society and environment and also is 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, including taking into account good governance and sustainability which is considered an important operation that supports the overall society.”