In Brief: 3 Banks Lead Facility For Developer of Malls

INDIANAPOLIS - Union Bank of Switzerland, Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York, and Chemical Bank are leading a $400 million loan that will enable Simon Property Group to consolidate its existing corporate credit facilities into one.

The $400 million unsecured, revolving credit facility, which is an increase in capacity of $150 million over the existing facilities, bears interest at the London interbank offered rate plus 150 basis points and matures in three years. The agreement calls for step-downs in the interest rate to become available as Simon Property Group achieves investment grade ratings from the various rating agencies. $134 million was drawn down on the loan at closing to repay the existing secured and unsecured facilities.

Union Bank and Morgan are joined by co-agents Dresdner Bank, First National Bank of Chicago, and NationsBank of Texas.

Simon Property Group Inc. is the sole general partner and 60.9% owner of Simon Property Group L.P., which owns, develops, manages, leases, expands, and acquires regional malls, community shopping centers, and specialty and mixed-use properties throughout the United States.

Simon Property Group L.P. currently owns or has an interest in 118 such properties, and has four superregional malls under construction.