Cologne

LANXESS, a specialty chemicals company has now agreed a new syndicated credit facility with 12 banks, whose interest conditions depend, among other things, on the successful reduction of its greenhouse gas emissions, scope 1, and the increase in the proportion of women on the top three management levels.

The specialty chemicals company, has taken an innovative approach to group financing and has linked its main revolving credit facility to the fulfillment of ESG (environment, social and governance) criteria.

With a volume of EUR 1 billion, it replaces the syndicated loan of EUR 1.25 billion expiring in May 2023. The sustainable revolving credit facility has an initial term of five years as well as two options for one-year extensions.

Michael Pontzen, Chief Financial Officer, LANXESS, said, “We are convinced that sustainable criteria are also becoming increasingly important for the capital markets. We have therefore developed this innovative financing concept together with our banking partners. With the 'sustainable' revolving credit facility, we are also underlining our commitment to achieving our ambitious climate targets.”

In November, LANXESS announced that it will go climate neutral and eliminate its greenhouse gas emissions of currently around 3.2 million metric tons of CO₂ by 2040.

The revolving credit facility is intended to secure the company’s liquidity in the long term and thus to provide financial backup for growth. “We have used the good capital market environment and our solid investment grade rating to secure LANXESS’ long-term financing on attractive terms,” said Pontzen.

The transaction was coordinated by Deutsche Bank and UniCredit.