MNT-Halan’s microfinance subsidiary Tasaheel has closed a USD 150 mn (c.EGP 2.8 bn) securitized bond issuance as part of a wider USD 600 mn securitization program with CIB, backed by Tasaheel’s loan book, according to a press release (pdf). MNT-Halan did not disclose the total value of Tasaheel’s loan book when asked by Enterprise.

The details: The issuance was 2x oversubscribed, and is being billed as the largest securitization in Egypt’s microfinance sector to date. Proceeds from the bonds will be used to finance “the company’s accelerated growth across multiple lending business lines and MNT-Halan’s expansion into new verticals,” the press release said.

MNT-Halan will issue the rest of the program through Tasaheel and its consumer finance arm over the next three years, Andre Valavanis, vice president of investments and corporate strategy, told Enterprise.

Who bought in? Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait, Al Baraka Bank, Agricultural Bank of Egypt and the Housing and Development Bank.

What they said: “This transaction marks our first securitization and ensures our continued growth as we expect our loan book to exceed USD 2 bn over the next couple of years,” MNT-Halan CEO Mounir Nakhla said.

By our count, MNT-Halan’s offering takes the total value of securitized bonds sold this year to almost EGP 14.3 bn. That’s just north of 90% of the total value of EGP 15.8 bn taken to market last year.

Advisors: CIB acted as financial advisor and general arranger of the transaction, while the National Bank of Egypt acted as co-financial advisor and underwriter. Arab African International Bank and NI Capital served as underwriters, and Matouk Bassiouny & Hennawy served as counsel.