MUFG is delighted to have advised Anheuser-Busch Inbev SA/NA (ABInBev), the global beer company, on the successful signing of a new USD 10.1 billion Sustainability Linked Revolving Credit Facility (RCF), which replaces a USD 9 billion RCF. MUFG acted as Mandated Lead Arranger and Bookrunner on the milestone facility, which is the largest Sustainability Linked RCF in history, as well as being the first syndicated facility of its kind amongst publically listed companies in the alcohol beverages sector.

The facility incorporates a pricing mechanism that incentivises improvement in the following four key performance areas, aligned with ABInBev's 2025 sustainability goals:

  • Further improving water efficiency in breweries globally, supporting the Water Stewardship Goal
  • Increasing PET recycled content in PET primary packaging, contributing to the Circular Packaging Goal
  • Sourcing purchased electricity from renewable sources as outlined in the RE100 commitment
  • Reducing GHG emissions as part of the science based Climate Action Goal

Alexandre Bueno, Global Treasurer of ABInBev commented:

"We are delighted to have partnered with MUFG and our whole bank group in a great spirit to deliver this good result.

"MUFG engaged with us early on in this financing and provided us with valuable advice throughout the process as they have done in the past.

"We are excited by the further integration of sustainable finance principles into our financing activities and the broader company."

Simon Lello, Managing Director at MUFG, said:

"We have a long history of working with ABInBev, and we were extremely pleased to have supported on this innovative transaction, which heralded many firsts.

"The inclusion of sustainable financing into the RCF was particularly welcomed, as it chimes with our commitment as a financial institution to ESG initiatives."

Geraint Thomas, Head of Green Loans and Bonds at MUFG EMEA, added:

"Our ambition to work with or our clients and support them in incorporating meaningful and challenging sustainability principles in their financing is perfectly reflected in this transaction that aligns ABInBev's leadership in Sustainability with MUFG's own sustainability commitments."

2020 was a record year for issuance of Green, Social, Sustainability and Sustainability-Linked Bonds, and MUFG have been working with and arranging a number of deals for clients who are prioritising sustainability. MUFG will continue to contribute to a sustainable society by supporting clients' efforts to address environmental and social issues through instruments such as this one, utilising know-how accumulated both in EMEA and globally.