ANZ

A large financing for the acquisition of Tesco’s South Korean asset, Homeplus, has created a stir in the market, coming amid a dearth of private equity-backed leveraged deals in Asia. But the role of foreign banks may be limited by abundant onshore liquidity and the presence of domestic funds, which are keen to take on junior debt, writes Shruti Chaturvedi.

Financing for three rival bids to acquire Tesco’s South Korean asset Homeplus feature a senior-junior split, according to market sources. One of the contenders is also said to have secured a letter of commitment from a local pension fund, considered unusual as such funds usually throw their weight behind bidders once they have emerged as the winner.

Tata Power's subsidiary Khopoli Investments is making a quick return to the loan market, mandating six lenders to arrange a $300m refinancing.

International Container Terminal Services (ICTSI) provided a breath of fresh air to Asia’s bond market with its $450m perpetual deal. The lack of issuance this year from Philippine borrowers worked in the company’s favour, but SMC Global Power Holdings Corp’s quick follow-up had to endure a turn of sentiment in the market.

Bank of Communications (BoCom) Financial Leasing braved a cautious market on Tuesday August 18 to price a dual tranche trade. The borrower succeeded in making its debut in euros, while strong demand allowed the dollar tranche to come inside its existing curve.

Bank of Communications (BoCom) Financial Leasing and International Container Terminal Services (ICTSI) were back in the offshore bond market on August 18.

Dongfeng Peugeot Citroën Auto Finance Co has increased the size of its latest loan to Rmb1bn ($158m) from a launch size of Rmb800m, after 14 lenders came in during general syndication. The borrower’s strong market position helped whip up interest, said bankers.

San Miguel Corporation’s SMC Global Power Holdings Corp has mandated eight banks as the company hopes to return to the dollar bond market with perpetual subordinated notes.

Korea EximBank launched a dual tranche 2021 Kangaroo bond on Wednesday, its first deal in the format this year.

Dongfeng Peugeot Citroën Auto Finance Co has increased the size of its latest loan to Rmb1bn ($158m) from a launch size of Rmb800m, as 14 banks piled in during general syndication. The borrower’s strong market position helped whip up interest, according to bankers.

A $550m borrowing for Bank Rakyat Indonesia’s (BRI), which is due to be prefunded by a club of 11 banks, is expected to go into general syndication. Lenders are waiting for Bank Indonesia approval and are targeting signing by the end of August, with the first drawdown in the first week of September.

A Standard Chartered led borrowing for automobile parts maker Zhongding Hong Kong will see the company fully exercise a greenshoe, taking the loan size to €150m ($165m). Eight banks have committed to the facility during general syndication and two more are processing their approvals.