Vedanta Resources accepts bids worth $800 million for dollar bonds, bankers say – EQ

In Short : Vedanta Resources has accepted bids worth $800 million for its dollar-denominated bonds, according to bankers. The company, a major player in the natural resources sector, is seeking to raise funds to support its operations and growth initiatives. The bond issuance is part of Vedanta’s ongoing efforts to diversify its funding sources and strengthen its financial position.

In Detail : UK-based Vedanta Resources, parent of India’s Vedanta, has accepted bids worth $800 million for two planned dollar bonds to refinance outstanding debt due in 2028, two bankers said on Tuesday.

The company will pay a coupon of 10.25% on three-year and six-month bonds and 11.25% on seven-year bonds, the bankers said, compared with the initial price guidance of 10.375% and 11.375%, respectively. The notes also have call options.

The sources did not wish to be identified because they were not authorised to speak with the media.

Vedanta, which has interests ranging from oil and gas to mining and metals, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The dollar bond issue was being closely watched as it was the first by an Indian company since Adani Group’s top officials were indicted by U.S. prosecutors over allegations of fraud and bribery.

“The success of this bond issue was crucial as the Indian debt market was eyeing whether there would be any contagion impact from the Adani crisis,” one of the bankers said.

Adani Group, led by billionaire Gautam Adani, has said the allegations made by the U.S. authorities are “baseless”.

In September, Vedanta Resources raised $900 million in its first dollar bond issue in more than two years at a coupon of 10.875%.

Citigroup, Barclays, Deutsche Bank, JPMorgan, and Standard Chartered Bank were the joint global coordinators and lead managers for Vedanta’s dollar bond.