Switzerland

Swiss franc bond investors have the opportunity to buy paper with a longer maturity on Wednesday, as telecoms company Swisscom launched a Sfr150m 16 year trade, but bankers say that despite the positive reception to the deal, longer dated primary issuance in the currency will remain rare.

Lonza, the Swiss medical firm, is sounding the market for a $100m seven year loan, following a €870m-equivalent Schuldschein transaction in August.

Swiss coffee company Sucafina has signed its first syndicated loan for $300m with 11 banks.

Just three months after Nestlé last extended its corporate bond curve, the Swiss food group was back in the market. Last Friday it pushed its range of maturities even further out.

In an otherwise quiet week with many companies in corporate close periods, there were two large equity block trades on Monday night, in Moncler, the Italian designer of luxury coats and jackets, and VAT Group, the Swiss maker of vacuum valves.

Ringier, the Swiss media company, launched a €50m Schuldschein on Tuesday that is expected to attract a wider range of investors than its first outing in the market last December, a successful €50m issue.

Ineos, the Anglo-Swiss chemicals manufacturer, cut costs on its term loans for the second time this year on Tuesday, after S&P joined Moody's in upgrading the rating of the new facility on Monday.

Just three months after Nestlé last extended its corporate bond curve, the Swiss food group is back in the market. On Friday it pushed its range of maturities even further.

Swiss boutique investment fund Fisch Asset Management,has hired a new senior credit analyst for its high yield desk by raiding Barings.

Swiss food and drinks company Nestlé extended and replaced €11bn worth of one and five year loans on Wednesday.

UPC Holding, the telecoms company owned by Liberty Global, and UK car glass specialist Belron announced multi-currency term loan offerings on Tuesday.

Europe’s leveraged loan market was set for more than €4bn of offerings this week, as borrowers revel in friendly pricing conditions. Large facilities such as the €1bn loan for DomusVi that was launched on Monday could achieve the tightest prices, said bankers.