How Bayer reopened the Eurobond market

When Bayer's $200 million financing hit the Eurobond market in the second week of January it met a guarded welcome. The scarcity value of German corporate paper combined with the weight of lead manager Deutsche Bank seemed to ensure a smooth path for the issue. But was this the time, given the reluctance of investors, to spring such a deal?

The decision was taken at a management board meeting of Bayer on January 9. Three days later telexes were on their way from Deutsche Bank inviting underwriting in $200 million of 10-year bonds in the name of Bayer International Finance NV, Curação. The coupon was set at 7¼% with an indicated par pricing, and each $1,000 bond would have warrants attached entitling the holder to subscribe for 13 shares of the Bayer parent company.

The chemical concern had been waiting offstage for some time.

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