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The Public Debt Management Office has announced the issuance of 5 government bonds for a total nominal amount of €3,19 billion maturing between 5 to 53 months with private placement towards the Cyprus Cooperative Bank (CCB).

It concerns bonds to be transferred to the Hellenic Bank in the framework of the agreement between the state-owned CCB and Hellenic. 

The Public Debt Management Office has announced on Monday that the value date of the government bonds is the 13th
of July 2018.

Following the issuance of the government bonds, public debt rises by an additional €840 million reaching € 21.67 billion, with the debt-to-GDP ratio at 111% at the end of the first quarter.

However, repayments expected to be made in July, will lead to a fall of public debt to € 20.8 billion or 107%.

It is recalled that officials from Hellenic Bank and the CCB have kickstarted the process for the transfer of business of the CCB to Hellenic, following the agreement announced last month.
 
Officials from both banks told CNA that division directors began meetings to prepare the transfer which is expected to be completed by the coming September.
 
According to the agreement reached between the state-owned CCB and Hellenic, Hellenic Bank will acquire a balance sheet of €10.3 billion, comprising a portfolio of primarily performing loans (net loans: €4.6bn), Cyprus Government Bonds (€4.1bn), cash (€1.6bn), customer deposits (€9.7bn) and certain other current liabilities and assets. Hellenic will also absorb 1,100 from the CCB’s total 2,700 employees, as well as approximately 73 branches.
 
In August Hellenic Bank in August will convene an extraordinary Annual General Meeting which will approve a €150-million capital raise, expected to take place during the fourth quarter of 2018.

Hellenic has announced it received irrevocable undertakings by its major shareholders to approve the capital increase which is essential to obtain the green light by the ECB’s Single Supervisory Mechanism.

Banking officials from both banks said they aim at a smooth transition especially for the customers of the CCB. Officials are examining issues concerning system integration and the branch network of the consolidated entity.
 
Last week Moody’s rating agency announced it place Hellenic Bank and the CCB on review for upgrade following the Cypriot authorities approval of Hellenic`s offer to acquire CCB`s balance sheet consisting of healthy assets, all of its customer deposits, some other liabilities and equity.

Source: Stockwatch