Sponsors
Gold Sponsor - UniCredit
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UniCredit Markets & Investment Banking is the competence centre for global financial markets and investment banking services within UniCredit Group, the third largest European banking group by market capitalisation. The division leverages the investment banking business strengths of Bayerische Hypo- und Vereinsbank AG (HVB), Bank Austria Creditanstalt AG (BA-CA) and Capitalia S.A. With core presence in 23 European countries and about 9,700 branches, UniCredit Group's 40 million customers provide the backbone of an unrivalled distribution franchise throughout Europe. UniCredit Group ranks first in the Austrian and Emerging Europe banking markets, second in the Italian market and third in Germany.
Being one of the top international covered bond houses, UniCredit (HVB) has been voted No. 1 in both Covered Bonds Research and Sub-Sovereigns & Agencies by investors in the 2007 Euromoney Poll. UniCredit (HVB) therewith asserts its long-lasting position of ranking continuously amongst the top internationally-awarded research houses.
From a historical perspective, UniCredit (HVB) is one of the few houses that has been active in the covered bond market since its inception in the 19th century, continues showing ongoing commitment since that date, and remains one of the first addresses in the market when it comes to inaugural transactions in new, as well as in already-established jurisdictions.
In Germany, home to the biggest EUR covered bond market and the role model for most newly established covered bond markets with specific legal frameworks, Bayerische Hypo- und Vereinsbank AG was the No. 1 bookrunner for Jumbo covered bonds 3 years in a row from 2004 to 2006. In Spain, UniCredit (HVB) has been one of the top-notch underwriters since the inception of the Cédulas segment having been significantly involved in the development of the Cédulas market and instrumental in creating the multiseller structure.
UniCredit (HVB) has also played a crucial role in firmly establishing the different covered bond markets in the Nordic region in its own right. The bank has been instrumental in opening the EUR covered bond market for Sweden and has managed to hold its leading position to date. UniCredit's (HVB) dedication to the Nordic region is furthermore underpinned by its continuing involvement in new issuances from Norwegian and Finnish covered bond issuers. UniCredit (HVB) is the only underwriter involved in all Nordic EUR Jumbo issuances either as a joint lead or as a co-lead.
While UniCredit (HVB) is first and foremost a EUR covered bond house, the bank also has substantial capabilities in other currencies where the Swiss Franc is most dominant. With steadily growing market share in this important niche market, UniCredit (HVB) reached a number of important milestones over the last few years. This achievement been recognised within the market by UniCredit (HVB) being awarded – twice in a row – the IFR Award for Swiss Franc Bond of the Year: in 2006 for the inaugural Swiss Franc structured covered bond for Bradford & Bingley (dual currency, dual tranche, CHF 550 mn and EUR 3 bn), and in 2007 for the largest ever initial volume for the Republic of Poland (CHF 1.5 bn, dual tranche). UniCredit (HVB) acted as joint bookrunner in both transactions.
UniCredit's (HVB) commitment to the covered bond segment is represented by its active membership in the two major covered bond committees: the European Covered Bond Council (ECBC) and the Verband Deutscher Pfandbriefbanken (VDP).
Besides covered bonds, UniCredit (HVB) is also a specialist in structured capital market-oriented financing and risk management solutions across all asset classes. The bank is also a leading provider in Leveraged and Project Finance, where the innovative bond issues for the wind park industry have been a groundbreaking development in the shape of the "Breeze" transactions.
UniCredit Markets & Investment Banking services large multinational firms as well as domestic SME companies, financial institutions and the public sector in the Euromarkets via connecting the value chain between issuers, capital markets and investors. Outside the market for liquid benchmark issues, the bank has also become one of the most prominent providers of EUR-denominated private placements for European financial institutions, mostly in the form of Structured Medium Term Notes, Schuldscheindarlehen and Registered Covered Bonds.
Silver Sponsor - Danske Bank
Danske Bank is the largest bank in Denmark and a leading player in the Nordic financial markets. The Danske Bank Group – which includes Danske Bank, Realkredit Danmark, Danica Pension, Östgöta Enskilda Bank, Fokus Bank, Sampo Bank, National Irish Bank, Northern Bank and a number of other subsidiaries and branches – offers a wide range of financial services covering, insurance, mortgage financing, asset management, brokering, real estate and leasing.
Danske Bank is the first full service bank to issue covered bonds according to the revised Danish
Mortgage Act. Covered bonds from Danske Bank have Aaa/AAA/AAA ratings from Moody’s/S&P/Fitch.
Realkredit Danmark is a major mortgage credit institution in Denmark with a market share of above 30% of outstanding mortgages in Denmark at the end of 2007. Covered bonds from Realkredit Danmark have Aaa/AAA ratings from Moody’s/S&P.
Danske Markets is in charge of the Group’s foreign exchange, equity and fixed income trading and serves corporate clients in connection with their issuing of equity and debt. Danske Markets includes Danske Research, the central unit responsible for economic and financial research.
www.danskebank.com
Lunch Sponsor - Société Générale Corporate & Investment Banking
A leading player present in over 45 countries across Europe, the Americas and Asia-Pacific, Société Générale Corporate & Investment Banking ranks third in the euro zone in terms of NBI.
It is the bank of reference for:
• Euro capital markets. A top 5 player across euro debt capital markets (bonds, securitisation, loans), and a leader in French Equity Capital Markets with European reach.
• Derivatives. A world leader in equity derivatives, and with forefront positions in many interest rate, credit, foreign exchange and commodities derivatives.
• Structured finance. A worldwide leader in export, project and structured commodity finance with global expertise in energy, infrastructure, real estate and media & telecom finance.
Tailoring solutions in terms of capital raising, financing, risk management and investment, Société Générale Corporate & Investment Banking combines expertise, innovation and advisory skills coupled with quality of execution to both issuers and investors clients across debt and equity.
www.sgcib.com