BBVA leads a $483 million green loan for Shandong Hi-Speed

The bank has acted as Joint Mandated Lead Arranger, Bookrunner, and Underwriter (MLAUB), as well as Joint Green Loan Coordinator, for this three-year loan. The transaction was successfully oversubscribed by 9 banks and reinforces BBVA’s active role as a bookrunner in the Asian syndicated loans market. It also marks a milestone as the first time BBVA has led a syndicated loan deal for a Chinese client in the infrastructure & construction sector.

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The $483 million transaction will enable Shandong Hi-Speed Group (SDHS) to support its growth through a financing structure linked to sustainable projects. The funds have been channeled through its international investment platform, Shandong Hi-Speed Holdings Group Limited (SDHG, 00412.HK), which is responsible for developing renewable energy projects and computing infrastructure, with "electricity-computing synergy” as its core industrial axis, coordinated efforts to strengthen existing assets, optimise incremental assets, expand total scale, and extend long-term layout, achieving the systematic deployment of strategic emerging industries..

Shandong Hi-Speed Group is the largest toll road operator in Shandong province, China, managing over 80% of its network, which spans 9,240 kilometers nationwide. Globally, the Group has completed over 200 projects across 106 countries and regions, including highway, municipal, and educational infrastructure projects in Latin America and Europe. This is one of the few syndicated transactions of its kind recently undertaken by a Chinese state-owned enterprise of this magnitude.

The financing reflects BBVA's strength in structuring tailor-made solutions, mobilizing its global and local teams in a coordinated manner, and building long-term, trust-based relationships with strategic clients in highly competitive markets.

"This transaction consolidates our role as the leading financial bridge between Asia and global markets. The strong appetite this deal has generated among local and international banks validates our structuring capabilities and reaffirms our positioning with large Chinese corporates to accelerate their green transition," stated Pep Ferrís, Head of CIB Asia at BBVA.

"We are delighted to partner with BBVA on this transaction and it remarks deepening of our relationship upon signing of a memorandum of understanding this year. The financing enhances our financial flexibility to continue our investments in green energy and digital infrastructure," stated Mr. Liu Zhijie, the Executive Director and CFO of SDHG.

This deal is part of BBVA's global strategy to support large corporate clients in international markets, channeling capital into projects with a positive environmental impact.