SMBC Group supports EPH in securing JPY80 Billion Samurai Loan
17. 2. 2025
Energetický a průmyslový holding, (“EPH” or the “Company”), a leading European multi-utility company, has successfully raised its debut Japanese term loan credit facility (the “Samurai Loan”) totalling JPY80.0 billion (equivalent USD528 million at current exchange rate). The Samurai Loan marks the largest debut samurai transaction for a global corporate borrower since the global financial crisis.
A samurai loan is a predominantly yen-denominated loan issued in Japan by a non-Japanese company. Samurai loans can be attractive to issuers because they allow access to Japan’s large pool of investors. For investors, these loans provide an opportunity to diversify their portfolios with foreign issuers while still dealing in their local currency, the yen.
The Samurai Loan comprises a JPY80.0 billion equivalent 5-year credit facility, maturing February 2030. The loan pays an interest margin of 160bps over TONAR, offering a highly attractive rate for the borrower. It was arranged by SMBC Group which acted as the Sole Coordinator, Sole Bookrunner, and Mandated Lead Arranger.
With Samurai loan volumes rising to their highest level in over 15 years, non-Japanese companies are increasingly tapping into the Japanese currency, with some borrowers making their debuts in the Samurai loan market and others returning to raise larger amounts. SMBC continues to solidify its position as a leading arranging bank in the market. Leveraging its extensive global operations and unparalleled distribution capabilities in Japan, SMBC is uniquely equipped to assist non-Japanese borrowers in navigating the complexities of the Samurai market.
Pavel Horsky, EP Group CFO and Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors of EPH, said: “We are delighted to have raised our debut Samurai loan, which is an important milestone in the further diversification of EPH’s funding model. The transaction is the largest debut for a corporate borrower in the Samurai loan market since the global financial crisis. We are very grateful to the syndicate of banks who participated in this transaction, in particular to SMBC Group who acted as Sole Global Coordinator, Sole Bookrunner and Mandated Lead Arranger.”
Daniel Johar, SMBC Head of Origination, Co-Deputy Head of Loan Capital Markets, commented: “We are proud to celebrate the signing of this landmark transaction in support of EPH. As sole Coordinator and sole Bookrunner, SMBC continues to demonstrate its leading position to assist borrowers globally to navigate and successfully raise financing in the Samurai loan market.”
About SMBC Group
Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation is a core member of Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group (SMBC Group), a Tokyo-based bank holding company that is ranked among the largest banks globally by assets under management.