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Kuwait International Bank K.S.C. has successfully closed a debut syndicated Murabaha financing facility. The Facility was signed today 24 August 2015.
Bahrain-based Bank ABC and Bank ABC Islamic acted as the Initial Mandated Lead Arrangers and Coordinating Banks for the Facility.
The Facility was initially launched for US$100 million, and following strong interest from the market KIB decided to utilise the significant oversubscription to increase the Facility size to US$320 million.
The Facility carries a tenor of 3 years and will be used by KIB for general funding purposes.
Commenting on the successful closure of the transaction, Sheikh Mohammed Jarrah Al-Sabah, Chairman of KIB, said: "The overwhelming participation by the regional and international financial institutions in the syndicated facility affirms the strong position of Kuwait International Bank. This not only confirms the trust and reputation of KIB in the international financial arena backed by the resilient and robust economy of Kuwait, but also the increasing global acceptance of Sharia compliant products and structures. We are happy to acknowledge the confidence placed in our expertise and capacity to tap the capital markets with such deals. 2015 will be a milestone year for KIB. The resources garnered through the deal are in line with the bank's strategy to diversify its additional funding sources required for pursuing the asset growth plans."
He added: "The tremendous success of this syndication, particularly given the challenging global financial environment, is a definite endorsement of KIB's track record, financial position and growth prospects. We thank all the banks who participated in the deal for their trust and support and hope to continue the mutually profitable and beneficial relationship with them."
Mr Ray Ferguson, Executive Vice President and Group Chief Banking Officer said: "We are delighted that Kuwait International Bank appointed Bank ABC to be the sole Initial Mandated Lead Arranger and Coordinator for its debut syndication. It is a landmark transaction where we have been able to demonstrate our commitment and meet the requirements of one of our important clients."
John McWall, Group Head of Syndications at Bank ABC, added: "The syndication received a significant oversubscription supported by a high quality group of 13 regional and international based banks reflecting strong relationship support for Kuwait International Bank and confidence in the Kuwait banking market. We wish to thank these banks for their professionalism and cooperation in successfully closing the syndication."
Company Overview
KIB is a sharia-compliant retail and commercial bank with a network of 26 branches spread across the State of Kuwait. KIB was established in 1973 (as Kuwait Real Estate Bank) and is listed on the
Kuwait Stock Exchange and regulated by the Central Bank of Kuwait. KIB offers a range of sharia-compliant retail and commercial banking products, including Murabaha (cost-plus asset finance), Ijarah (leasing) and Istisna'a (construction finance) facilities. The bank also engages in trade finance, investments, credit cards and property management.
Bukhamseen Holding through its subsidiaries & affiliated companies (none of which holds more than 5%) is the largest shareholder of KIB with a 20.85% stake and Public Institution for Social Security (Government of Kuwait) is the second-largest shareholder with a shareholding of 9.13%. Al-Huda Hotels & Tourism Company has a shareholding of 7.25% followed by Al-Baraka Kuwait General Trading & Contracting Co. who owns 5.83%. The remaining shareholders all have a stake of less than 5%.
KIB is well capitalised with CAR at 24% as of December 2014, which is mostly tier 1 capital. The equity base grew year-on-year reaching USD 822 million in FY2014 (USD806 million in FY2013). KIB's Net Profit for FY2014 was in line with that recorded in FY2013 at USD 47 million.
KIB is rated A+ (stable) by Fitch Ratings.
© Press Release 2015
