WASHINGTON, D.C., June 17 -- The International Finance Corporation (IFC)
has signed an agreement with Politeno Indústria e Comércio S.A. (Politeno),
a producer of polyethylene in Brazil, to finance a program of plant modernization
and short-term debt reduction.
The program will enable Politeno and its subsidiary, Politeno Linear Indústria
e Comércio S.A. (Politeno Linear) to expand their product range and improve
their financial structure thereby improving their ability to better meet
the growing demand for polyethylene. Politeno produces low density polyethylene
and its subsidiary produces linear low density and high density polyethylene.
"IFC's support to Politeno illustrates IFC's commitment to the economic
development of the northeastern region of Brazil," said Jean-Philippe
Halphen, Director of IFC's Chemicals, Petrochemicals and Fertilizers Department.
"IFC is pleased to have another opportunity to collaborate with Banco
Nacional de Desenvolvimento Economico e Social (BNDES) in extending long-term
finance to Politeno."
Mr. Max Feffer, Chairman of Cia. Suzano de Papel e Celulose S.A., a major
shareholder of Politeno, added, "We are pleased to see IFC's renewed
involvement in the petrochemical sector in Brazil after the difficult years
the industry went through. We are particularly pleased with IFC's continuing
support to Politeno."
IFC is providing US$19 million of long-term finance toward the US$55 million
project, with the balance to be provided by BNDES, FINAME and shareholders'
equity. In 1989, IFC provided long-term financing for the construction
of Politeno Linear's plant. Politeno's shareholders are Cia Suzano de Papel
e Celulose S.A., Companhia Nordeste de Participaçoes S.A., Itochu Corporation
and Sumitomo Chemical Company Ltd.
IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, is the largest multilateral source
of equity and loan financing for private sector projects in developing
countries.
|