EMEA loans hit hard by pandemic

摘要

Syndicated lending in Europe, the Middle East and Africa totalled US$144bn in the first three months of 2020, the lowest volume recorded for any quarter for a decade, as many borrowers are left reeling from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. Volume was nearly 40% lower in the first quarter than the US$239bn a year earlier, according to Refinitiv LPC data, as the virus took a grip, leaving much of Europe in lockdown. Companies in beleaguered sectors such as leisure, travel and tourism are in survival mode while many other businesses are unable to operate normally. "We are still underwriting deals, but we are being more circumspect," a senior banker said.