Standard Bank dominates Banker Deals of the Year Awards

Standard Bank, Africa’s largest lender by assets, scooped five regional deal accolades in The Banker Deals of the Year Awards 2015.

These awards recognise excellence for deals completed across Africa, taking into account the various categories for deal submissions. “We are delighted to have been the recipient of these awards,” said Bill Blackie, Deputy Head: Investment Banking and Head of Client Coverage (South Africa) Standard Bank. “Winning in these various regional categories demonstrates our capability and experience in supporting clients in key sectors that are vital for the continued growth and development of the continent,” he added. Standard Bank was recognised by the awards for deals in the following categories: Islamic Finance: Standard Bank issued a $500m Sovereign Sukuk in South Africa on behalf of the National Treasury as a means of diversifying funding sources. Mergers and Acquisitions: Standard Bank acted as joint financial and debt advisor, lead debt provider, transaction sponsor, joint book runner and underwriter to Woolworths Holdings Limited, on the A$2.1bn acquisition of the iconic Australian retailer, David Jones. High Yield Leverage Finance: Standard Bank was involved in arranging Metair’s R1.4bn in Preferential shares and R750million senior revolving credit facility. Infrastructure and Project Finance: Standard Bank acted as co-arranger for funding $623m for the Lake Turkana wind farm, potentially Africa’s largest single wind power project to be constructed. Securitisation and Structured Finance: Standard Bank enabled a US$800million multi-draw syndicated loan facility for INT Towers. These loans comprise a US$560million term loan facility ‘A’ and a US$240million-equivalent term loan facility ‘B’ in Nigerian Naira. The judges used a wide range of criteria in selecting the winning deals, with a strong emphasis on the degree to which client objectives were met as well as the deal complexity, innovation, speed of execution and pricing performance. “These awards underscore Standard Bank’s innovative approach within the respective sectors and products, with real value derived for our clients and investors. Our deals demonstrate how we are partnering our clients to bringing about a transformational change in the markets in which we operate,” said Blackie.