Axpo further diversifies financing with sustainability-linked Samurai loan

20.09.2024 - Axpo Holding AG has secured financing totalling JPY 42 billion (around CHF 250 million) through a so-called ‘Samurai loan’ with a syndicate of more than 20 banks in Japan and Samurai investors. The facility, which includes a sustainability component, diversifies the company’s financing structure and increases its financial flexibility.

The transaction was well received by the Japanese loan market, which is reflected by the large number of banks involved and the fact that the transaction was significantly oversubscribed. The new facility is for a three-year term and available to the company for financing current business and growth initiatives, such as renewable energy projects in Switzerland and abroad.

Axpo Group CFO Harald Gauck said: "Financing the energy transition is one of the biggest challenges of our time, so every additional source of financing expands our flexibility to invest in a greener future. This loan underscores the confidence of the stable Japanese financial market in Axpo's business model, strategy and robust financial situation.  I am particularly pleased that the loan’s sustainability targets demonstrate our continuing commitment to a sustainable future.” 

The Samurai loan structure is aligned with Axpo’s sustainability-linked revolving credit facility which was established in February 2024. It includes three key sustainability performance indicators: the expansion of renewable energies, the proportion of women in management positions, and the number of apprentices employed.

With the fourth-largest economy in the world, Japan’s financial market is one of the most stable. Japan’s banks are among the largest globally and offer access to robust and attractive financing for international companies.