Deutsche Leasing and Helaba close sustainable financing transaction with a volume of EUR 50 million

The Deutsche Leasing Group has successfully closed its first-ever sustainable financing transaction together with Helaba Landesbank Hessen-Thüringen. The pilot project involved providing a use-of-proceeds loan of EUR 50 to refinance environmentally or socially sustainable assets.

The sustainable finance framework recently introduced by the Deutsche Leasing Group determines how the loan proceeds are utilised. During the term of the loan, Deutsche Leasing will report annually on the allocation of funds and specific indicators on the impact and benefits of the financed assets will be disclosed.

Tim Austrup, Head of Corporate Banking at Helaba, commented: "Not only are we delighted to have advised Deutsche Leasing on the development of the framework, but also to have extended the first sustainability term loan in line with its provisions".

"With more than 60 years of experience in financing transformation and innovation, we want to play an active role in advancing the economy’s transition towards sustainability while offering our customers comprehensive, end-to-end solutions. This also encompasses sustainable financing instruments aligned with recognised market standards ", adds Jörn van Rossum, Head of Group Treasury at Deutsche Leasing.

Sustainable finance framework awarded top rating of "Excellent" in Second-Party Opinion by Sustainable Fitch

Through the implementation of its sustainable finance framework, Deutsche Leasing has expanded its financing strategy to include sustainability aspects. It is focused on refinancing transactions in the business segment of Partner Solutions and on supporting mainly German manufacturers and their customers in international sales and investment financing. Specifically, this involves refinancing assets related to energy efficiency (energy-efficient industrial trucks with lithiumion batteries), healthcare (medical devices) and clean transportation (electric vehicles).

The framework was developed in close cooperation with Helaba's Sustainable Finance Advisory team and awarded the highest rating of "Excellent" in a Second-Party Opinion by Sustainable Fitch. It is aligned with the Green and Social Bond Principles of the International Capital Market Association (ICMA) and the Green and Social Loan Principles of the Loan Market Association (LMA).