In Brief: GMAC, Tokheim Issue Debt in Euros

Two large bond issues denominated in euros priced Tuesday.

BT Alex. Brown, the securities subsidiary of Bankers Trust Corp., priced the first junk bonds ever denominated in euros, as part of a $210 million, 10-year issue for Tokheim Corp.

Deutsche Bank and Merrill Lynch & Co. priced a $870 million 7-year bond for GMAC Tuesday denominated in euros, with a yield of 4%.

The deal for Tokheim, a Fort Wayne, Ind. gas pump manufacturer, includes two tranches, one for $123 million in U.S. dollars, and one for $87 million denominated in euros. Both tranches yield 11 3/8%.

The issue was initially slated for $210 million in U.S. dollars. But because Tokheim operates in Europe, it chose to avoid hedging costs by issuing in euro, said Art Penn, BT Alex. Brown's head of global fixed- income capital markets.

GMAC will use the proceeds for "general corporate purposes."

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