Number 15/01

BHP Billiton today announced the successful completion of a US$2.5 billion syndicated multicurrency revolving facility.

The facility is BHP Billiton's first financing transaction post merger and represents its cornerstone credit facility. It will replace the US$1.2 billion credit facility previously implemented by BHP Limited and the US$1.5 billion and US$1.25 billion credit facilities previously implemented by Billiton Plc.

BHP Billiton Chief Financial Officer Chris Lynch said the new facility would be available in various currencies and jurisdictions, reflecting BHP Billiton's global diversity.

"The consolidation of the three facilities into one is consistent with BHP Billiton's stated capital management policies. In addition, the terms and conditions of the facility represent the enhanced risk profile and creditworthiness of the merged Group," he said.

Invitations were targeted at an international group of banks, all of which were identified as having the willingness and capability to support and assist BHP Billiton's ongoing financial requirements.

The facility is divided between a US$1.25 billion 364-day revolving credit component and a US$1.25 billion five-year revolving credit component.

The syndicate of financiers comprises: Bank of America Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi Ltd, Barclays Bank PLC, Citibank NA, CSFB, Deutsche, HSBC, JP Morgan, Mizuho, National Australia Bank, Royal Bank of Canada, UBS, ABN-Amro Bank NV, ANZ Banking Group, BNP-Paribas, The Royal Bank of Scotland PLC and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation.


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