Natixis

Natixis has hired Christophe Muyard as head of M&A and capital management for financial institutions.

SNCF Réseau sold its largest ever benchmark on Tuesday, showing it had little problem tempting investors back to its paper after rebranding from Réseau Ferré de France (RFF).

The rally in government bonds since the European Central Bank announced its sovereign quantitative easing programme at the end of January has restored relative value in core European covered bonds. Though yields remain low, BPCE and Belfius Bank this week issued benchmark deals that enjoyed exceptionally good demand that was boosted by the return of real money rates investors to covered bonds.

Eiffage, the French construction company, is refinancing a €3.3bn term loan and revolving facility for its subsidiary Autoroutes Paris-Rhin-Rhône (APRR). Seven banks are underwriting the loan and syndication is planned to close next week.

SNCF Réseau had little problem tempting investors back to its paper after a rebranding from Réseau Ferré de France, as it sold its largest ever benchmark on Tuesday.

French investment company Wendel sold a €500m 12 year bond on Friday, having increased the deal in response to strong demand and favourable pricing.

Indonesian oil and gas company Pertamina, which is in the market for $1.8bn five year loan, has received $380m in commitments in general. Bankers on the deal said they expect to close soon with allocations likely to be out in the next couple of weeks.

Egypt is preparing to follow Tunisia’s landmark return to the international bond market as investors shrug off conflict in Syria and the oil price’s collapse to regain appetite for Middle Eastern credits. Underscored by this week’s $1bn deal, confidence in the region has rebounded to levels last seen before the Arab Spring in 2011, writes Virginia Furness

A strong reception to a 10 year Eurobond from Tunisia this week — its first conventional bond since the Arab Spring —is proof that the country is on the right path in terms of financial autonomy, according to bankers.

Syndication for Dutch grain trader Nidera’s $800m revolving credit facility will close on February 17, according to a banker on the deal.

A strong reception to a 10 year Eurobond from Tunisia this week — its first conventional bond since the Arab Spring — marks a large step towards Tunisia’s political and economic rehabilitation, said emerging markets bankers.

Republic of Tunisia made its standalone return to the capital markets on Tuesday with its first non-agency guaranteed bond since the Arab Spring.