Bladex Closes Syndicated Loan

Bladex, the Panama-based LatAm multilateral bank, has closed syndication on a $130m 3-year loan, according to a banker with knowledge of the transaction. The transaction was launched in December, through Mizuho, after investor meetings in Taipei, Tokyo and Hong Kong, and was syndicated to Asian banks. The multilateral had originally planned to borrow $75m, but expects to sign for $130m as a result of strong demand, the banker says. Commitments are heard to have come from 10 banks. Signing is expected on 18 January, adds the banker.