Erste to Improve Equity Base

Businessn.a. ♦ Published: April 16, 2012; 15:48 ♦ (Vindobona)

Austrian Erste Group will ask shareholders for permission to sell bonds that automatically convert into shares to cover potential capital shortfalls.

Erste to Improve Equity Base / Picture: © Erste Group / Christian Wind

Erste wants to have the right to sell so-called contingent convertible bonds, known as CoCos, that convert into equity should its capital ratio fall below 7 percent, among other scenarios, the Austrian lender said in an invitation to its May 12 annual general meeting. A subsequent bond sale may help the bank meet European Banking Authority capital requirements by the end of June, Erste…