Group planning sukuk issue

Saudi Binladin Group has begun marketing a 364-day sukuk issue to local investors in the kingdom which could raise up to one billion riyals ($265 million) for the construction firm. The transaction is being managed by BNP Paribas' Saudi unit and the investment banking arm of Gulf International Bank. Funds from the deal will be used to finance costs related to its work at the King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. The last time Binladin Group was in the bond market was in July 2013, when it sold a 1bn riyal 364-day sukuk, which carried a profit rate of 2.5 per cent. That transaction was arranged by the same two banks appointed for the current issue.