NEOM secures $ 3 billion SACE guaranteed financing under a multicurrency untied facility from nine international banks
NEOM has announced the successful closing of a landmark export credit agency (ECA) financing transaction, with Italy’s SACE, securing approximately $ 3 billion under a long-term multicurrency untied facility.
The deal, which marks NEOM's first corporate ECA financing, will support various projects across NEOM and is backed by a syndicate of nine prominent international banks, including HSBC, Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, Bank of China, Crédit Agricole CIB, Agricultural Bank of China, Citibank N.A., China Construction Bank, JP Morgan Chase Bank and Bank of America.
The partnership will enable NEOM to leverage supplies from Italian businesses, particularly SMEs, to support the project’s development across key sectors, such as infrastructure, urban development, construction and transport (rail, road and maritime). To date, Italian suppliers and contractors have supported NEOM on a range of projects, with contracts worth $ 6.3 billion, and the deal aims to further strengthen and develop these important international business relationships.
Rayan Fayez, Deputy CEO, NEOM said: "NEOM is committed to working with global partners who share our passion for visionary projects and initiatives that will advance human progress. This deal will support us in delivering our significant portfolio of developments. It also advances the aim of generating capital investment in line with Saudi Vision 2030, with foreign investment being instrumental in diversifying the economy. This partnership with SACE and the consortium of leading international banks also creates strong ties with major Italian companies that will enhance trade and investment flows. Securing this SACE untied facility not only diversifies our funding sources, but also provides us with the financial agility to execute our strategic initiatives. This deal enhances our financial stability and positions us well to further tap into the international ECA, loan and capital markets. We anticipate this will be the first of many deals with international lenders."
Alessandra Ricci, CEO of SACE said: “We are glad to play our part alongside NEOM in this cutting-edge project, which generates opportunities in a wide range of sectors for Italian SMEs and supply chains. Opening new routes to ‘Made in Italy’ is a priority to allow a long-term growth for Italian exports, matching their potential. Our Riyadh office supports Italian companies and their potential partners and counterparties, by providing experience and insurance financial solutions combined with the added value of a physical presence in the area.”
The SACE untied facility expands and diversifies NEOM’s existing funding pool, supporting its long-term financing requirements as NEOM moves forward in the development of major projects and regions – including THE LINE, Enowa, Oxagon, Trojena, Magna and the newly-opened luxury island destination, Sindalah.