TELUS details inaugural Sustainability-Linked Bond structure
A Sustainability-Linked Bond would be the first of its kind in Canada, further demonstrating TELUS’ commitment to environmental sustainability by linking financing to achieving science-based greenhouse gas reduction targets
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 17, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TELUS Corporation (the “Company”) announced today that it has filed a preliminary prospectus supplement to its short form base shelf prospectus dated May 25, 2021 detailing the structure of a potential Sustainability-Linked Bond. The offering of any such Sustainability-Linked Bond may follow subject to market conditions. TELUS has mandated RBC Capital Markets, as Lead Structuring Agent and Joint Bookrunner, and Scotiabank, as Co-Structuring Agent and Joint Bookrunner, together with BMO Capital Markets as Joint Bookrunner for any offering that may follow.
Any potential offering of Sustainability-Linked Bonds would be issued pursuant to TELUS’ Sustainability-Linked Bond Framework announced on June 14, 2021 (the “Framework”) and if successfully completed will be TELUS’ first offering under the Framework. As part of the Framework, TELUS has committed to reducing absolute Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas (“GHG”) emissions by
Should an offering be completed, it would be the first of its kind in Canada and supports TELUS’ commitment to environmental sustainability by linking financing to the achievement of ambitious environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) targets. The Sustainability Performance Target set out in the Framework was approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (“SBTi”), further demonstrating TELUS’ global sustainability leadership and support of the world’s fight against climate change. The Sustainability Performance Target is consistent with reductions required to limit global warming to 1.5°C and, at the time of publication of the Framework, is considered the most ambitious designation available through the SBTi process.
TELUS will report annually on its performance against the Sustainability Performance Target and will also obtain an annual independent and external verification of its performance against the Sustainability Performance Target in the form of a limited assurance report. TELUS’ performance as well as the limited assurance report will be included in its annual Sustainability Report, or other similar report(s) as the case may be, and will be available on TELUS’ website.
Sustainalytics, a leading independent ESG research, ratings and analytics firm, issued a Second Party Opinion confirming that the Framework aligns with the International Capital Markets Association's Sustainability-Linked Bond Principles, 2020.
There is no assurance that an offering of Sustainability-Linked Bonds will follow or be completed or be on the terms detailed in the preliminary prospectus supplement.
This media release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the securities in any jurisdiction. The securities being offered have not been approved or disapproved by any Canadian securities regulatory authority, nor has any authority passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of the short form base shelf prospectus or the preliminary prospectus supplement.
The preliminary prospectus supplement and related short form base shelf prospectus dated May 25, 2021 has been filed with the securities regulatory authorities in each of the provinces of Canada. Any potential offering, if and when launched, would be only made by way of prospectus and would be made pursuant to a final prospectus supplement to the short form base shelf prospectus of TELUS dated May 25, 2021. The short form base shelf prospectus and preliminary prospectus supplement contain important detailed information about the securities. Copies of the short form base shelf prospectus and the preliminary prospectus supplement may be obtained from the Chief Legal and Governance Officer of TELUS at 510 W. Georgia St., 23rd Floor, Vancouver, British Columbia V6B 0M3 (telephone 604-695-6420). Copies of these documents are available electronically on the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval of the Canadian Securities Administrators (“SEDAR”), at www.sedar.com. Investors should read the short form base shelf prospectus and preliminary prospectus supplement, or any final prospectus supplement, before making an investment decision.
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains statements about future events, including the Framework, the Sustainability-Linked Bonds including the anticipated terms thereof, TELUS’ commitment to reduce its absolute Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by
About TELUS
TELUS (TSX: T, NYSE: TU) is a dynamic, world-leading communications technology company with
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Investor Relations
Ian McMillan
(604) 695-4539
ir@telus.com
Media Relations
Steve Beisswanger
(514) 865-2787
Steve.Beisswanger@telus.com