INTERFAX. Uraltransbank intends to raise a syndicated loan, whose arranger could be the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). As the lending institution’s board chairman Valery Zavodov told Interfax-Urals, EBRD is exploring the option of arranging a syndicated loan for the bank. «I suppose this issue will be settled in the near future» — he said without saying the amount of a would-be loan. According to him, Uraltransbank is looking to take a loan for quite a long period that exceeds the sector average. «Presently, the market virtually offers no money for more than 18 months» — the lender’s board chairman said.
Zavodov also noted that this May Uraltransbank signed an agreement with Kreditanstalt fur Wiederaufbau (KfW, Germany) to take a $20 mln 5-year loan. «In accordance with the agreement, Uraltransbank will allocate the funds to SME lending. As part of the document signed, KfW professionals should also provide us with technical support and train staff to master some specific features of lending operations in this segment» — Zavodov said.
According to him, this year Uraltransbank has plans to lift its portfolio of standardized credits granted under programs implemented by development institutions such as EBRD and KfW by 80%. «This means that the bank will be under obligation to issue loans for about €100 mln. At issue is an additional rise in the credit portfolio and, particularly, under standard products. Loan issues, definitely, will be more» — Zavodov pointed out.
In Q108, Uraltransbank ranked 140th in terms of assets in the Interfax-100 ranking, prepared by Interfax-CEA.
