Sime Darby is the First Asian Conglomerate To Establish USD1.5 Billion Multi-Currency Sukuk Programme

Sime Darby has been assigned corporate ratings of A, A and A3 by Standard & Poor’s Rating Services (S&P), Fitch Ratings Ltd. (Fitch) and Moody’s Investor Service, Inc. (Moody’s). These are higher or at par with Malaysia’s sovereign rating of A-/A-/A3 by S&P, Fitch and Moody’s respectively. The ratings are a reflection of Sime Darby’s position as one of the world’s largest plantation player, its diversified business portfolio, size and scale, track record, and robust financial profile.

Sime Darby’s President & Group Chief Executive, Dato’ Mohd Bakke Salleh said “Sime Darby, as the leading multinational conglomerate in Malaysia, is proud to be the first Asian conglomerate to establish this inaugural multi-currency Sukuk Programme. This represents Sime Darby’s continuing commitment to support the Government’s ongoing initiatives and efforts to position Malaysia as an international Islamic financial centre.”

The Sukuk Programme provides Sime Darby with the financial agility to meet its funding requirements moving forward as it expands its business portfolio globally. In addition to being a multi-currency programme, the Shariah-compliant structure will allow Sime Darby to tap a wider pool of investors, both conventional and Islamic, from Asia, the Middle East and Europe.

Citigroup Global Markets Limited, HSBC Amanah Malaysia Berhad and Maybank Investment Bank Berhad and Standard Chartered Bank are the Joint Lead Arrangers for the Sukuk Programme.

Disclaimer 
This announcement does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities in the United States or any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, purchase or sale would be unlawful. 

Any securities to be issued under the Sukuk Programme have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933 (as amended) (Securities Act), the securities laws of any state of the United States or other jurisdiction and may not be offered, sold, pledged or otherwise transferred within the United States except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state or local securities law. 

In connection with the issue of any securities, the Dealer or Dealers (if any) named as the Stabilising Manager(s) (or any person acting on behalf of any Stabilising Manager(s)) in the applicable Pricing Supplement or, as the case may be, Offering Circular, may over-allot or effect transactions with a view to supporting the market price of the securities and/or any associated securities at a level higher than that which might otherwise prevail. In doing so, such Dealer or Dealers shall act as principal and not as agent of the Issuer. There is no obligation on the Stabilising Manager(s) (or persons acting on behalf of a Stabilising Manager) to undertake stabilisation action. Any stabilisation shall be conducted in accordance with all applicable laws, regulations and rules. Any loss resulting from over-allotment and stabilisation shall be borne, and any net profit arising therefrom shall be retained, by any Stabilisation Manager for its own Account.