CIFI issues its first green bond of US$300 million in Hong Kong

July 15, 2020 - 05:30
CIFI issues its first green bond of US$300 million in Hong Kong

To promote sustainable development and environment friendly property projects

 

HONG KONG,CHINA - Media OutReach - 15 July 2020 - CIFI Holdings (Group) Co. Ltd. ("CIFI" or the"Group", HKEx stock code: 884), a leading real estate developerengaged in the property development and investment business in the first-,second- and robust third-tier cities in China, is pleased to announce that theGroup has successfully issued its first green bond (the "Green Bond") in HongKong with an issuance size of US$300 million, 5.95% coupon and a tenor of 5.25 years. Standard Chartered Bank, ChinaCITIC Bank International, Credit Suisse, Deutsche Bank, Goldman Sachs (Asia)L.L.C., Haitong International, HSBC, Morgan Stanley and UBS are the jointglobal coordinators, joint bookrunners and joint lead managers in respect ofthe offer and sale of the Notes as well as the initial purchasers of the Notes.

 

HSBC and Standard Chartered Bank as GreenStructuring Advisors to develop a CIFI Green Bond Framework which is inalignment with ICMA's Green Bond Principles (GBP). In addition, CIFI hasengaged with Sustainalytics to issue a Second Party Opinion to serve as anindependent external review.

 

Despite the recent financial market volatility, the Green Bond sawstrong demand from international investors, attracting total orders at peaktime exceeding US$2.4 billion, which was over 8 times the issuance size. Theinvestors consisted of 67% from Asia and 33% from Europe.

 

The Group plans to use the proceeds of the green bond to refinanceits existing debts. The Notes are being issued as ''Green Bonds'' under a GreenBond Framework and the Group extends its green strategy as a large proportionalof the Group's existing projects provide tangible environment benefit and canbe classified as "Eligible Projects" as per its green bond framework.

 

There were 15 CIFI's projects obtained China Green Building Label2 stars or above, 2 projects obtained China Health Building Label. In terms ofnew construction area in 2019, 23.9% of area were certified with 2-star orabove. Going forward, the Group will continue its commitment to all projects atleast 1-star and target to have 2-star or above accounted for one third of itsnewly constructed area. In addition, all commercial properties and high-endresidential property projects of CIFI are required to achieve 2-star or above.

 

Mr. Lin Zhong, Chairman of CIFI Holdings' Board of Directors,said: "We are pleased to see such strong demand for the Green Bond. Thefavourable response from international investors indicates not only theirrecognition of CIFI's positive business outlook, but also the support of ourdetermination and efforts in promoting sustainable development and environmentfriendly property projects."


About CIFI (Group):

Headquarteredin Shanghai, CIFI is one of China's top real estate developers. CIFIprincipally focuses on developing high-quality properties in first-, second-and selective third-tier cities in China. CIFI develops various types ofproperties, including residential, office and commercial complexes.

 

Tolearn more about the Company, please visit CIFI's website at:https://www.cifi.com.cn

E-paper