BlackRock takes to the blue-chip bond market for Preqin deal funding

BlackRock takes to the blue-chip bond market for Preqin deal funding
The world's largest asset manager is issuing three tranches of debt to help fuel its venture into the private-markets data space.
JUL 17, 2024
By  Bloomberg

A unit of BlackRock Inc. is selling $2.5 billion of US investment-grade bonds on Wednesday to help fund a portion of the firm’s $3.2 billion acquisition of private-markets data business Preqin.

BlackRock Funding Inc. is selling notes in three parts, according to a person familiar with the matter. The longest portion of the deal matures in 30 years and will yield one percentage point above Treasuries, the person said, asking not to be identified as the details are private, after initial talks in the area of 1.25 percentage points.

A spokesperson for BlackRock declined to comment.

The bond sale comes less than a month after the world’s largest money manager agreed to acquire London-based Preqin, expanding its reach within the fast-growing world of private markets investing. It would be the second such major acquisition for BlackRock this year, after announcing in January that it agreed to buy Global Infrastructure Partners for about $12.5 billion.

The Preqin acquisition is expected to close by the end of this year. Bank of America Corp., JPMorgan Chase & Co., Morgan Stanley and Wells Fargo & Co. are leading the bond sale. 

The three-year portion of the offering comes with a so-called special mandatory redemption clause, meaning if the acquisition fails to close by Sept. 2, 2025, BlackRock will buy back the notes at 101%. 

Earlier this month, Moody’s Corp. lowered its outlook on BlackRock to negative from stable due to concerns over the firm’s increased debt and leverage ratios as a result of its GIP and Preqin acquisitions.

Latest News

Social Security COLA for 2026 set to rise modestly following latest inflation data
Social Security COLA for 2026 set to rise modestly following latest inflation data

Experts flag potential risks for seniors as headline readings for July obscure higher jumps in key price categories.

Trump mocks Goldman CEO, says bank made bad call on tariffs
Trump mocks Goldman CEO, says bank made bad call on tariffs

The President's comments on social media came after analysts sounded notes of caution on the impact on consumer prices.

The president’s executive order on alts for 401(k)s is absurd
The president’s executive order on alts for 401(k)s is absurd

The order from the White House would bend fiduciary principles to benefit the alternative investments industry alone, argues the Institute for the Fiduciary Standard.

FINRA accuses Old Slip Capital CEO of $1.1M in unauthorized trades; request for preliminary injunction denied
FINRA accuses Old Slip Capital CEO of $1.1M in unauthorized trades; request for preliminary injunction denied

A federal judge denied CEO and managing principal James Lukezic's urgent bid to halt FINRA discipline over $1.1 million in trades, putting industry compliance under the microscope.

Labor Department withdraws annuity safe harbor rule after industry pushback
Labor Department withdraws annuity safe harbor rule after industry pushback

Industry group IRI hails regulator's reversal as a win for financial professionals, plan sponsors, and retirement savers.

SPONSORED How advisors can build for high-net-worth complexity

Orion's Tom Wilson on delivering coordinated, high-touch service in a world where returns alone no longer set you apart.

SPONSORED RILAs bring stability, growth during volatile markets

Barely a decade old, registered index-linked annuities have quickly surged in popularity, thanks to their unique blend of protection and growth potential—an appealing option for investors looking to chart a steadier course through today's choppy market waters, says Myles Lambert, Brighthouse Financial.