Corporate bonds have remained remarkably resilient, tightening steadily over the week, but supply was restricted to Roche's Eu750m five year bond as borrowers continue to assess the feasibility of issuing in a market focused on war. Prime quality debt stayed on the top of investors' wish lists, enabling ERAP to increase the size of its five year debut bond from Eu3bn to Eu4bn, having built a book in excess of Eu6.2bn. The issue will be priced today (Friday) at 8bp over OATs or around 5.5bp-6bp through mid-swaps.
March 28, 2003