Diageo launches 3.25bn-dollar fixed-rate bonds

FTSE 100-listed drinks business Diageo has launched and priced a 3.25bn-dollar bond transaction.

The dollar-denominated bonds consist of $750m 0.625% notes due April 2016, $650m 1.13% notes due April 2018, $1.35bn 2.63% notes due April 2023 and $500m 3.88% notes due April 2043 under its US Debt Issuance Programme.

The issuer of the bonds is Diageo Capital, with payment of principal and interest fully guaranteed by Diageo, the group said.

Diageo, which produces well-known brands such as Guinness, Johnnie Walker and Captain Morgan, reported that proceeds from the issuance would be used primarily for general corporate purposes, including repayment of maturing long-term debt and outstanding commercial paper.

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