(AOF) – Danone has completed the placement of a bond issue amounting to 700 million euros, with a maturity of 6 years and a coupon of 3.481%. As part of the active management of its liquidity, this issue allows the agri-food group to increase its financial flexibility while extending the maturity of its debt. Settlement and delivery is scheduled for May 3, 2024 and the bonds will be listed on Euronext Paris. Danone is rated BBB+, stable outlook, by Standard & Poor’s and Baa1, stable outlook, by Moody’s.
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Soaring energy prices and a call for help
In the past, energy represented a fixed cost of 3% of turnover. This year, this percentage rises to 5% or even 7% for VSE-SMEs, according to Ania (National Association of Food Industries. Professionals are very worried because until the end of 2022 they generally benefit from coverage to cushion these increases However, they are not renewed for 2023 and beyond. Consequently, 25 of the main inter-professional organizations (Intercéales, Inaporc, Semae, etc.) are calling on the State for help in the face of the erosion of their margins and their capacity to operate. investment.
The State has proposed several devices, including an “electricity shock absorber”, which are considered insufficient. The organizations also deplore the failure of European negotiations to achieve a price shield to avoid distortions of competition. Agriculture and agri-food demand a maximum ceiling price of €180/MWh while many companies buy at prices above €500/MWh on the French market.