Finance Lebanon bondholders pick US bank for debt talks By Reuters March 27, 2025, 9:59 AM Unsplash/Rashid Khreiss Zaytouna Bay, Beirut. Lebanon has Eurobonds with a face value of $31.3 billion outstanding Lebanon’s bondholders have hired US investment bank Houlihan Lokey as financial adviser for eventual debt talks, two sources familiar with the situation told Reuters. Lebanon has been engulfed in a severe economic crisis since 2019, when its financial system collapsed under the weight of massive state debts, which prompted a sovereign default in 2020. In early February, the country formed a new government with Nawaf Salam as prime minister, spurring hopes that the country might make progress to emerge from its protracted default. Houlihan declined to comment. Economy in Lebanon remains severely depressed, IMF says Lebanon bonds rally to near-5-year high with new government Half a dozen firms pitched to the ad hoc group of bondholders in a process that saw Houlihan and GSA shortlisted, according to one of the sources. Lebanon has Eurobonds with a face value of $31.3 billion outstanding. The debt trades at deeply distressed levels of around 16-17 cents in the dollar, according to Tradeweb data. Register now: It’s easy and free AGBI registered members can access even more of our unique analysis and perspective on business and economics in the Middle East. Why sign uP Exclusive weekly email from our editor-in-chief Personalised weekly emails for your preferred industry sectors Read and download our insight packed white papers Access to our mobile app Prioritised access to live events Register for free Already registered? Sign in I’ll register later
