Washington, DC, February 15, 2008 – The World Bank has issued its third World Bank Eco 3Plus note. This 6-year Euro 27.5 million note was offered through Fortis Retail Bank in collaboration with ABN AMRO Markets for investors in Belgium and Luxembourg.
The notes pay a floating rate annual coupon of at least 3% per year. The coupon is linked to an equity index, the ABN AMRO Eco Price Return Index, comprised of companies that produce alternative forms of energy, engage in water and waste management, or are involved in the production of catalysts used to reduce pollution.
The notes are the World Bank's third public offering linked to ABN AMRO's environmentally-focused equity index. This offering is part of the World Bank's strategy to provide customized, regionally focused investment products that combine financial and social returns. This is the World Bank’s first offer of such a sustainable investment product through Fortis Retail Bank, and the first time that Fortis offered an ABN AMRO investing product to its customers in Belgium and Luxembourg.
Issuer: International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD)
Rating: AAA/Aaa
Settlement date: February 21, 2008
Maturity Date: February 24, 2014
Issue price: 102%
Redemption: 100%
Coupon: 3% minimum, plus a possible additional amount based on the monthly performance of the ABN AMRO Eco Price Return Index as calculated by a formula described in the terms and conditions of the note (the coupon is subject to a maximum of 10%)
Denomination: EUR 100 and integral multiples thereof
Listing: None
Clearing systems: Euroclear/Clearstream
ISIN / Common Code: XS0339581612 / 0339581612
Sole Lead Manager: ABN AMRO
“Socially responsible investing” (SRI) or “ethical investing” describes an investing approach that is becoming increasingly popular, especially among retail investors. It integrates social and environmental concerns into investment decisions.
On Bloomberg, the ABN AMRO Eco Price Return Index is available at ABNZESEP Index.
For more information on the World Bank and World Bank debt securities, please visit http://www.worldbank.org/debtsecurities.
This press release is not an offer for sale of Notes of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development ("IBRD"), also known in the capital markets as “World Bank”. Any offering of the Notes will be made only by means of a prospectus containing detailed information that will made available through Fortis, the sole underwriter of the notes, and is subject to restrictions under the laws of several countries. Securities may not be offered or sold except in compliance with all such laws. The World Bank makes no representation, warranty or assurance of any kind, express or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of the Index, any data included therein, any data from which it is based, or any services provided by Fortis , ABN AMRO, Standard & Poor’s or Vigeo in connection with the index.
