AstraZeneca PLC (LON:AZN), the FTSE100 pharma group, is to issue US$1.2bn of bonds with a rate of interest of just 0.7%.
The issue is part of a three-tranche global bond offering totalling $3bn that is expected to close on 6 August.
The 0.7% bonds mature in April 2026 and are being issued alongside a tranche of US$1.3bn notes that mature in 2030 with a coupon of 1.375% and US$0.5bn of 2.125% long term debt maturing in 2050.
AstraZeneca became the UK’s largest listed company earlier this year on the back of its strong pipeline of drugs in development.