TBC and EIB sign a EUR 70 mln loan agreement

TBC and EIB sign a EUR 70 mln loan agreement

TBC Bank Group PLC ("TBC PLC") announces that its subsidiary, JSC TBC Bank ("TBC Bank"), has signed a loan agreement in the amount of EUR 70 million with the European Investment Bank (EIB). The multicurrency loan bears a maturity of up to seven years and will be dedicated to finance small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and mid-caps in Georgia, with special focus on climate related investments and female entrepreneurs. The facility is complemented by support under the Greening the Financial Systems technical assistance programme, funded by the German government's International Climate Initiative.

Vakhtang Butskhrikidze, CEO of JSC TBC Bank, said: "We are proud to have built such a successful relationship with the EIB, spanning already over a decade. Completion of this benchmark transaction is another testament to the well-established, strong partnership between our organizations and our shared values to promote sustainable development of Georgian economy. The facility will enable TBC to continue supporting Georgian SMEs, by providing more affordable, long-term financing, aiming to stimulate economic growth and job creation; moreover, the special focus on climate related investments and female entrepreneurs will improve the sustainable business environment in the country."

EIB Vice-President Teresa Czerwińska, responsible for the Bank's activities in Georgia, remarked: "The EIB is pleased to support Georgian SMEs with this innovative loan intermediated through one of Georgia's leading banks, TBC Bank. It is innovative because a substantial portion of the loan is specifically allocated to green and inclusive finance focusing on gender equality. The commitment to supporting small businesses, coupled with a strong focus on green and inclusive financing in very close cooperation with the European Union, aligns seamlessly with the priorities of the EIB."

European Union Ambassador to Georgia Paweł Herczyński said: "The EU's Economic and Investment Plan for the Eastern Partnership is the backbone of EU-Georgia cooperation for the years to come. It sets ambitious targets and identifies important flagship initiatives including our support to 80,000 Georgian SMEs. The EU is pleased to support today's loan agreement, which takes a sustainable and inclusive approach to ensuring access to finance and job creation. A more inclusive, greener economic sector is crucial for the development and resilience of Georgia's economy and society. Working on these EU priorities -a more inclusive, greener economy- will help Georgia on its EU path."

About the EIB and EIB Global

The European Investment Bank (EIB) is the long-term financing institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. It provides long-term finance for sound investments in pursuit of EU policy goals, supporting projects in four priority areas: infrastructure, innovation, climate and environment, and SMEs.

EIB Global is the EIB Group's specialised arm devoted to increasing the impact of international partnerships and development finance, contributing to the three overarching priorities of the European Union: the European Green Deal, the Global Gateway and jobs, and sustainable and inclusive growth. Within Team Europe, EIB Global fosters strong, focused partnerships alongside fellow development finance institutions and civil society in close cooperation with other multilateral development banks. EIB Global brings the EIB Group closer to local people, companies and institutions through our offices around the world.

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About TBC Bank Group PLC ("TBC PLC")

TBC Bank Group PLC ("TBC PLC") is a public limited company registered in England and Wales. TBC PLC is the parent company of JSC TBC Bank ("TBC Bank") and a group of companies that principally operate in Georgia in the financial sector. TBC PLC also offers non-financial services via TNET, the largest digital ecosystem in Georgia. Since 2019, TBC PLC has expanded its operations into Uzbekistan by operating fast growing retail digital financial services in the country. TBC PLC is listed on the London Stock Exchange under the symbol TBCG and is a constituent of the FTSE 250 Index. It is also a member of the FTSE4Good Index Series and the MSCI United Kingdom Small Cap Index.

TBC Bank, together with its subsidiaries, is a leading universal banking group in Georgia, with a total market share of 39.1% of customer loans and 37.5% of customer deposits as of 30 September 2023, according to data published by the National Bank of Georgia on the analytical tool Tableau.