EU launches dual-tranche bond sale to raise €10b

The European Union (EU) is launching a dual-tranche bond sale to raise up to €10 billion ($11 billion) as it seeks to secure the first funds of the fourth quarter.

The bonds, maturing in December 2027 and October 2039, are expected to price at approximately 14 basis points over comparable swaps for the three-year security and around 68 basis points over for the 15-year note, according to sources.

This method of debt syndication, while typically more expensive than auctions, allows the EU to quickly raise large sums and diversify its investor base.

The bookrunners for the deal include Barclays Plc., BNP Paribas SA, Goldman Sachs Group Inc., LBBW, and Nordea Bank Abp, with a co-lead group comprising several other major banks.

In related news, Bloomberg Index Services Limited (BISL) has initiated a client consultation on potentially reclassifying the EU from a “supranational” to a “treasury” issuer.

This move, aimed at attracting a larger pool of investors, has already faced rejection from Intercontinental Exchange Inc. and MSCI Inc.