Deals of the year 2003: Making brave moves into new markets

War, epidemics and political uncertainty dominated the financial landscape in 2003, interrupting roadshows, delaying deals and making it difficult to predict market movements. Some issuers pulled their deals. But others found ways to meet new types of investor demand. Volatile equity markets sparked unusual convertibles. Warmer sentiment towards Russia produced a whole range of deals. Hostile takeovers returned. And high-yield bonds and LBOs enjoyed a resurgence. Antony Currie, Julian Evans, Deborah Kimbell, Chris Leahy and Katie Martin report.

Western Europe  | Emerging Europe | Asia | Latin America | North America

Western Europe

Best sovereign bond issue

United Kingdom

Deal size: $3 billion

Date: June 2003

Joint bookrunners: Deutsche Bank, Citigroup, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley The UK Treasury last entered the offshore capital markets in 1996. However, last year careful monitoring of the markets showed that there was a window to refinance foreign currency reserves more cheaply in the international markets than through gilts.

The Bank of England sought advice from lead managers with a good record.

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