Tamweely makes its securitization debut: Local microfinance provider Tamweely has closed its first securitized bond issuance, raising some EGP 782 mn, it said in a press release (pdf). The issuance was backed by a portfolio of deferred financial rights for EGP 948.8 mn microfinance contracts and it came in five tranches with tenors ranging from six and 21 months, rated Prime 1 and A- by MERIS.

Kicking off a three-year program: The issuance is the first in a EGP 5 bn three-year securitization program part of the firm’s comprehensive plan to diversify funding sources, reduce costs, accelerate portfolio growth, and expand over the coming years, CEO Ahmed Khorched said.

High demand: The issuance was 2.6x oversubscribed “signaling robust investor confidence in Tamweely and setting the stage for further expansion.” Al Ahly Pharos, the National Bank of Egypt, and the Arab African International Bank were underwriters.

The advisors: Arab African International Bank served as the subscription recipient and the Suez Canal Bank played the role of custodian. Al Ahly Pharos acted as financial advisor, while Baker Tilly was auditor. Matouk Bassiouny & Hennawy was legal counsel, according to a separate press release (pdf).

It has been a busy year for Tamweely: A consortium of international investors including SPE Capital-run equity fund SPE PEF III, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, local private equity firm Tanmiya Capital Ventures, and the UK government’s British International Investment fully acquired Tamweely from the government in a EGP 2.8 bn transaction back in September.

DATA POINT: The transaction brings the total value of securitized bonds issued in Egypt so far this year to EGP 29.2 bn — 52% less than the amount raised in the same period last year — according to data tracked by EnterpriseAM.

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