NEW YORK & SAO PAULO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Fitch has assigned a rating to the reopening of Itau Unibanco Holdings S.A. (IUH) 2021 subordinated notes of 'BBB-'. The notes will be issued by IUH's Grand Cayman branch, for an amount to be determined. Principal will mature in 2021, and interest payments will be made semi-annually. The notes, part of a USD10 billion global medium-term note will carry a fixed interest rate to be set at time of issuance.
The rating of the subordinated notes is two notches below the bank's long-term currency IDR of 'BBB+', reflecting the issue's subordinated status. The notes rank at least equally with similar subordinated debts.
IUH's long-term local currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) of 'BBB+', with a Positive Outlook by Fitch and its long-term foreign currency IDR of 'BBB' are above the IDRs of Brazil, while the foreign currency IDR is constrained by the country ceiling. The ratings reflect its broad and diversified franchise, placing it among the leaders in various segments of the Brazilian financial system; its strong management team, which has demonstrated agility in promptly reacting to economic fluctuations; its track record for solid performance and good asset pricing; and its robust risk controls. They also consider its ample liquidity and greater diversification compared with local peers due to its overseas presence.
Controlled by the Egydio de Souza and Moreira Salles families, IUH is the largest private financial conglomerate in Brazil and Latin America and its main subsidiary is one of Brazil's leading retail banks in auto loans and credit cards, among other segments.
Additional information is available at 'www.fitchratings.com'.
Applicable Criteria and Related Research:
'Equity Credit for Hybrids & Other Capital Securities', dated Dec. 29, 2010
'Rating Hybrid Securities', dated Dec. 29, 2010 and 'Global Financial Institutions Rating Criteria', dated Aug. 16, 2010.
Applicable Criteria and Related Research:
Equity Credit for Hybrids & Other Capital Securities - Amended
http://www.fitchratings.com/creditdesk/reports/report_frame.cfm?rpt_id=493112
Rating Hybrid Securities
http://www.fitchratings.com/creditdesk/reports/report_frame.cfm?rpt_id=493086
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