Amprion successfully issues its first green hybrid bonds

The transmission system operator Amprion GmbH (“Amprion”) today issued two green hybrid bonds for the first time, with a total volume of €1.0 billion, thereby further diversifying its portfolio of financing instruments. The funds will be used to finance sustainable projects for the expansion and upgrading of the transmission grid.

The subordinated bonds were issued in two tranches of €500 million each, both with a maturity of 30 years, and are listed on the Euro MTF Market of the Luxembourg Stock Exchange:

• The first tranche has a coupon of 4.250% p.a. with a first redemption option in 2031
• The second tranche has a coupon of 4.750% p.a. with a first redemption option in 2034

The bonds were issued under Amprion’s €25 billion debt issuance programme and met very strong demand from a broad range of international investors.

Diversification of financing instruments

Hybrid bonds represent an important new instrument in Amprion’s capital structure. They are each recognised as 50% equity by the rating agencies Moody’s Ratings (Moody’s) and Fitch Ratings (Fitch), thereby supporting Amprion’s rating-relevant credit metrics.
Amprion holds solid investment-grade ratings from Moody’s (Baa2, outlook stable) and Fitch (BBB+, outlook stable). The subordinated bonds themselves are rated Baa3 by Moody’s and BBB by Fitch.

“This first successful issuance of hybrid bonds is an important strategic step to diversify our financing options and thus towards implementing our ambitious investment programme,” said Peter Rüth, CFO of Amprion. “Hybrid bonds give us financial flexibility and strengthen our balance sheet. Together with our bond issuance in January this year, we have now already covered a major part of our funding needs dedicated to being financed via the capital market for this year.”

Use of proceeds in accordance with the Green Finance Framework

The proceeds will be used exclusively for sustainable projects that meet the criteria of the Amprion Green Finance Framework. The framework was drawn up in accordance with the international Green Bond Principles and confirmed by the renowned ESG rating agency Sustainalytics by means of a second-party opinion.

Amprion executed the issuance jointly with ING and UniCredit, both acted as Global Coordinators. Commerzbank, Landesbank Baden-Württemberg, Morgan Stanley and SEB acted as active bookrunners.