OQ announces inaugural bond issuance in international capital markets

Business Saturday 01/May/2021 16:40 PM
By: Times News Service
OQ announces inaugural bond issuance in international capital markets

Muscat: In efforts to diversify funding sources, OQ recently announced its inaugural bond issuance in the international debt capital markets. This is a further step towards enhancing OQ’s presence in the international markets and amongst its investors.

On this occasion, Talal Al Awfi, OQ’s Group Chief Executive Officer said “The execution of the bond is a great success for both OQ and Oman. It comes in line with the best global investment practices and aims to meet OQ’s funding requirements. It also emphasises OQ’s presence as a global energy player and the trust we have amongst the global investors.”

Nazar Al Lawati, OQ’s Chief Financial Officer stated, "In line with our financial strategy for 2021, we are very pleased to announce that OQ has successfully executed its inaugural bond issuance in the international debt capital markets, with strong participation from investors and financial institutions from around the world.”

Al Lawati added, "Despite overwhelming demand, OQ decided to limit its initial issuance under the newly-established bond programme to $750 million in a 7 years’ bond for general corporate purposes.”

Al Awfi further stated, “While diversifying its funding source and improving its debt profile, OQ is also focused on executing its divestment strategy which will seek to privatise certain assets to reduce the organisation’s current leverage levels. I would like to sincerely thank all those who participated in achieving this momentous milestone for the company.”

The group believes that OQ’s inaugural bond will further enhance Oman’s presence in the international market as one of the main global players in the energy sector through providing investment opportunities for global investors, help to diversify its funding sources and will contribute to the Omani economy.