Tata Steel raises $ 1.3 bn via bonds in international markets

Tata Steel has raised $1.3 billion (approx Rs 8,282 crore) through issuance of unsecured bonds in international markets.

"The issue comprises $300 million 4.45% unsecured bonds due on July 24, 2023 and $1 billion 5.45% unsecured bonds due on January 24, 2028 by Abja Investment Co Pte Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tata Steel incorporated in Singapore," Tata Steel said a regulatory filing.

Tata Steel ED and CFO Koushik Chatterjee said proceeds of the bonds will be "used to refinance the offshore obligations of the Group, which will help de-risk the balance sheet, enhance financial flexibility, diversify the investor base and improve the overall debt maturity profile".

The bonds are rated 'BB-' by S&P and will be listed on the Singapore Exchange (SGX).  Shares of Tata Steel were trading 0.08% up at Rs 752.45 on BSE.

Facing investor pressure, Thyssenkrupp pledges to refine strategy

FRANKFURT/BOCHUM (Reuters) - Thyssenkrupp will review its strategy following a planned tie-up with India's Tata Steel, its chief executive said on Friday, fuelling hopes for more restructuring that sent shares to a four-month high.

Hiesinger, at the helm since 2011, has already cut the number of business units, slashed debt and embarked on a mission to transform Thyssenkrupp into a group focused on technology and less on the steel business for which it is famous.

It agreed to merge its European steel business with that of Tata Steel in September, saying global overcapacity had made a restructuring of the mainstay business necessary. That has not stopped investors from asking for more changes.

 
"Naturally Thyssenkrupp will look different with the establishment of the joint venture in the steel area," Hiesinger said at the group's annual general meeting. "We will hone our strategic vision and also adapt our financial targets accordingly."

The company's future development would be discussed at an annual strategy dialogue in May and more changes to the group's structure could follow if they made sense.

"If we can improve a business ourselves within the group, we will do it. Wherever we see a better future for a business outside the group, we pursue this solution consistently."

Shares in Thyssenkrupp rose as much as 4.9% to 26.41 euros apiece, their highest level in four months, also helped by comments that dividends could rise again in the future. They traded 4.1% higher at 1320 GMT.

Cevian, Thyssenkrupp's second-largest shareholder with an 18 percent stake, has been the most vocal supporter of a further break-up of the group, saying it had underperformed the market and should be worth twice its current share price.

Its co-founder Lars Foerberg this week told Reuters that Thyssenkrupp's complex structure was the "root cause" of its underperformance, suggesting spin-offs, listings and joint venture for the other business areas.

Cevian declined to comment on Friday.

"Hiesinger has said that he cannot rule out changes in the company's structure. Activist investor Cevian is raising the pressure in this area," said Frederik Altmann, equity trader at Frankfurt-based Alpha.

"And the reiteration that Foerberg sees potential for the share price to double if Thyssen breaks up the overly complex structure fuels speculation."