11 Aug 2009 10:20

Sistema to start placing 20 bln rubles in second series bonds Aug 18

MOSCOW. Aug 11 (Interfax) - The Sistema holding plans to start placing 20 billion rubles in second series bonds on August 18, the company said in a statement.

The placement of series two bonds is aimed at further optimization of Sistema's debt portfolio structure in order to increase the share of ruble-denominated financial instruments and to extend its maturity.

"We have largely resolved Sistema's debt financing needs for 2009. This bond placement is not tied to the refinancing of our short and medium term debt obligations. In line with our corporate debt management strategy we intend to issue ruble-denominated bonds in order to optimize the Group's debt portfolio structure and expect to benefit from favorable market conditions which currently exist for financial instruments issued in rubles," said Alexey Buyanov, Senior Vice President and Head of Sistema's Finance and Investment Group.

The bonds will have a five-year maturity and will be callable in three years following the sixth coupon payment. The Board of Directors has canceled its previous decision which was made in February 2009 to call the bonds in one year following the second coupon payment. The bonds will be placed on the Moscow Interbank Currency Exchange (MICEX).

Furthermore, the placement of 19 billion rubles in third series bonds with a seven year maturity is planned in the fourth quarter of 2009 or thereafter, Sistema said.