Contact Energy establishes USD2 billion EMTN programme and debuts EUR500m green bond with A&O Shearman support

A&O Shearman advised a group of global financial institutions on matters of English law in connection with both the programme establishment and the issuance.

This issuance positions Contact Energy as a new entrant in the European debt capital markets, while also supporting its ongoing funding strategy and commitment to sustainable financing. The proceeds of the green bonds are intended to finance and/or refinance eligible green assets and projects in line with Contact Energy’s green financing objectives, supporting the company’s long-term decarbonization strategy.

“We are proud to have supported our clients on the establishment of Contact Energy’s EMTN platform and inaugural green bond issuance which marks a significant milestone for New Zealand issuers’ ability to successfully price a transaction in the international debt capital markets,” said Minesh Patel, partner at A&O Shearman.

“The transaction reflects the continued depth of investor demand for credible, transition-oriented green financing and underscores the importance of robust programme architecture in attracting investment from the international debt capital markets. It has been a landmark year for new issuers from New Zealand tapping offshore markets and it is a trend that we expect to continue in 2026.”

The A&O Shearman team was led by partner Minesh Patel and senior associate Yin Lim.

This represents another transaction where A&O Shearman supported New Zealand issuers in accessing international capital markets, including advising the New Zealand Local Government Funding Agency Limited (LGFA) on its first five deals within the initial 12 months of establishing its EMTN programme this year.