EIB increases SEC Shelf Registration to USD 5 billion

The European Investment Bank has filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission a Shelf Registration Statement of up to USD 5 billion. This is the largest SEC shelf registration since EIB's inception. 

The EIB's USD funding program is a major building block of the Bank's presence in the international capital markets. The Bank has issued USD 28 billion of benchmark bonds to-date of which USD 17 billion are in global format. Whilst ensuring wide geographic distribution for its global transactions, targeting the size and breadth of the U.S. investor base is key to the EIB's strategic approach to the USD market. Penetration into this important segment of the market has been increasing with each offering. With 40% of its latest USD 3 billion global benchmark due 30 August 2005 placed into the United States, the EIB will continue its efforts in maintaining and, indeed, improving its access to U.S. investors. To accommodate future sales of its bonds within the United States, the EIB regularly reviews the size of its shelf registration with the SEC. Accordingly, the shelf is now being increased to USD 5 billion. 

"The EIB underlines furthermore its strategic approach to the USD market, consistent with the overall funding policy. We devote great importance to the U.S. market. The increase in the shelf registration is a reflection of successful distribution within the United States and an endeavour to continue to do so", said René Karsenti, Director General Finance at the EIB.

The European Investment Bank is the European Union's international financing institution - the EU member states are its shareholders. With an AAA/Aaa credit rating, the EIB raises funds in the capital markets to provide long-term funds in support of projects furthering EU economic objectives.