FDJ Announces Its First Bond Issue
Summary
La Fran\xe7aise des Jeux (FDJ), one of Europes leading betting and gaming operators, will meet investors over the next days with a view to launching its first bond issue, subject to market conditions.FDJ recall that, on 7 November, Moodys assigned the Group a long-term credit rating of Baa1 - stable outlook.With a total value of 1.5 billion, in 3 tranches with maturity of 6, 9 and 12 years, the bond issue would be used to refinance most of the 2 billion bridging loan, drawn on 7 October to finance the acquisition of Kindred shares for nearly 2.5 billion. The bonds will be listed on the Euronext regulated market in Paris.Furthermore, FDJ is finalising a 400 million syndicated loan with top-tier French and international banks, which will be repaid over 5 years. This financing is also intended to repay the bridging loan which will be settled with Groups cash.This press release does not contain or constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to invest in securities in France, the United States or any other jurisdiction.FDJ Group is one of Europes leading betting and gaming operators, with a vast portfolio of iconic brands and a reputation for technological excellence. With almost 6,000 employees and a presence in around 15 regulated markets in Europe, the Group offers a diversified, responsible range of games, both under exclusive rights and open to competition: lottery games in France and Ireland, via an extensive point-of-sale network and online; sports betting at points of sale in France; and online games open to competition (sports and horse-race betting, poker and online casino games, in markets where these activities are authorised). The FDJ Group has placed responsibility at the heart of its strategy and promotes recreational betting.