The new issue for institutional investors will deliver better terms compared to those potentially obtainable through euro denominated bonds
Telecom Italia today successfully completed the bookbuilding and setting of conditions for a fixed-rate, 10-year bond issue, offered to institutional investors, for a total of 500 million sterling.
The issue on the sterling market, aimed at refinancing debt at a lower cost, will deliver better terms compared to those potentially obtainable through euro denominated bonds and lower the average cost of debt.
With this new operation, Telecom Italia continues its strategy of debt diversification, both in terms of currency and investors. The success of the operation confirms the confidence of capital markets in Telecom Italia credit.
The main features of the issue are as follows:
• issuer: Telecom Italia S.p.A.
• amount: 500 million sterling
• issue date: 29 june 2005
• maturity: 29 december 2015
• tenor: 10 years
• coupon: 5,625% paid annually
• issue price: 99,878%
• yield to maturity: 5,646%
The sterling issue is part of Telecom Italia’s 10 billion euro EMTN (Euro Medium Term Notes) Programme and was jointly arranged by ABN Amro, Barclays Capital, HSBC and Royal Bank of Scotland, as Lead Arrangers and Book Runners.
The bond will be listed on the Luxembourg stock exchange.
The securities referred to in this press release have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933 and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirements.
Milan, 16 June 2005