Gimv NV announces that it has successfully issued its first sustainable bond for an aggregate amount of 100 million EUR (8 years at 2.25%). The issue of this bond is enabled by the creation of a sustainable finance framework, a logical next step to confirm Gimv’s ambitions as a responsible investor. The response to the issue was substantial, it was largely oversubscribed and finally placed with a wide range of investors, of which an important majority are sustainable investors.
In order to match its funding policy with its sustainable investment ambitions and to further increase its impact on society, Gimv pioneers as a listed investment company with the creation of a sustainable finance framework. Next to this first sustainable bond issue, this framework will allow Gimv to continue to attract sustainable funding in the future.
Gimv’s sustainable finance framework was reviewed and approved by Sustainalytics, the Morningstar owned leading independent ESG analyst.
Koen Dejonckheere, CEO: “Sustainability is an important cornerstone for Gimv as a responsible investor. The creation of a sustainable financial framework is in line with our long-term strategy and challenges us to screen the sustainability of our funding in addition to the companies we invest in. This also underlines how we want to be a real partner in sustainability for our portfolio companies.”
Kristof Vande Capelle, CFO: “Sustainable bonds are an important trend in the financing market. As an investment company Gimv is taking the lead in matching the traditional requirements of a sustainable bond with its strategy by allocating funding to companies that actively contribute to the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Today’s successful bond issue is proof that institutional investors value our ambitions, and we look forward to launching more future initiatives resulting from the design of our new and futureproof framework.”
This bond marks an important next step in Gimv’s continued efforts to create leading companies. Gimv currently oversees a portfolio of 55 companies in four different investment platforms active in sectors that are essential for the future of our economy and society. Gimv’s portfolio includes ambitious companies focusing on promoting healthy sustainable food, providing wide access to care, contributing to the active integration and advancement in the digital society or developing eco-efficient technologies for a circular economy.
The bond was issued in private placement and primarily offered to institutional investors. ING and Belfius were mandated as joint lead managers.
