The A1/A+ rated lender has mandated Citi, Deutsche Bank, HSBC, National Bank of Abu Dhabi and Standard Chartered to lead the tap, which was expected to price intraday.
Guidance on the Reg S re-opening was set at 2.7% area but the deal size was still to be determined as EuroWeek Emerging Markets went to press.
The original $400m 3.875% November 2016 is UNB’s only outstanding global note and was issued in testing market conditions in November 2011, causing it to be downsized from an expected minimum of $500m.
UNB’s strong ratings reflect its 50% ownership by the Abu Dhabi government via the Abu Dhabi Investment Council.
Moody’s, however, changed the outlook on its A1 rating on UNB to negative on December 6, citing concerns about the bank’s asset quality and franchise growth.
According to the agency, problem loans stood at 8.9% of the total at end-September — well above the average for the jurisdiction. Coverage levels were also low, at 45% as of the end of 2011.
Moody’s also highlighted the bank’s susceptibility to further turmoil in Egypt via its local subsidiary and the fact that its compound annual growth rate of 3.5% was half the Abu Dhabi average.