(31 August 2012 – Japan) Mizuho Bank has received US$2 billion (A$1.9 billion) from the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) to finance more mergers and acquisitions abroad.The loan will go to low-interest loans, helping Japanese firms with M&As abroad. JBIC is the Japanese government’s export credit agency that also plays a major role in promoting Japanese exports and imports.
JBIC’s loans form part of a move from the Japanese government to capitalise on the yen’s strength. It has established similar lending facilities for six banks such as Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation and Mizuho Corporate Bank.
JBIC is making available to Japanese banks a total amount of US$51 billion (including the amount for Mizuho Bank) through its credit lines.