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    Reference: 20210793
    Release date: 31 May 2022

    Promoter – Financial Intermediary

    UNICREDIT BULBANK AD

    Location

    Description

    Operation under the European Guarantee Fund (EGF) aimed to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Bulgaria. The EIB will guarantee the first loss piece (FLP) tranche of a synthetic securitisation of a portfolio of loans and/or leases originated by UniCredit Bulbank. The operation is expected to facilitate the access to finance of SMEs and mitigate the negative economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Additionality and Impact

    The proposed transaction consists of an EGF operation, in the form of a first loss piece guarantee on an SME and Midcap portfolio originated by UniCredit Bulbank AD (Bulgaria) in order to support new lending to SMEs. Bulbank is well-known to the Bank, one of the three systemic banks in Bulgaria. The quick mobilisation of SME financing is strategic considering their high contribution to the country's growth and employment. The proposed operation addresses a market failure related to SMEs access to finance in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine. The operation is expected to mitigate the financial constraints for this market segment and help viable companies to sustain their economic recovery and to relaunch their business activity severely hit by the pandemic. The operation also supports the strengthening of the EU's economic, social and territorial cohesion by tackling the disparities in the regional development and by helping companies located in the less developed regions to grow there. EIB contribution is notable as it offers a guarantee for a subordinated (junior) tranche (novel product in the market). The EIB participation will have a positive signalling effect to the market and reduce risk perceptions. 

    Objectives

    EGF guarantee instrument to support new lending to SMEs.

    Sector(s)

    Proposed EIB finance (Approximate amount)

    EUR 90 million

    Total cost (Approximate amount)

    EUR 920 million

    Environmental aspects

    Final beneficiaries will be requested to comply with applicable national and EU legislation, as appropriate.

    Procurement

    Final beneficiaries will be requested to comply with applicable national and EU legislation, as appropriate.

    Status

    Signed - 29/06/2022

    Disclaimer

    Before financing approval by the Board of Directors, and before loan signature, projects are under appraisal and negotiation. The information and data provided on this page are therefore indicative.
    They are provided for transparency purposes only and cannot be considered to represent official EIB policy (see also the Explanatory notes).

    Related tags

    Bulgaria Credit lines