OREANDA-NEWS. On June 22, 2007 OJSC MMC Norilsk Nickel (“Norilsk Nickel” or the “Company”) signed loan agreements for an aggregate amount of US$6 billion with Original Mandated Lead Arrangers BNP Paribas and Sociйtй Gйnйrale for purpose of funding the acquisition by a Norilsk Nickel Group company of all of the outstanding common shares of LionOre Mining International Ltd.

According to the press service of “Norilsk Nickel”, the facilities were arranged and fully underwritten by BNP Paribas and Sociйtй Gйnйrale.

The acquisition financing package is structured in the form of a US$2 billion five-year pre-export finance facility, a US$1,5 billion three-year dual-tranche unsecured term loan and revolving facility as well as a US$2,5 billion one-year unsecured facility.

Norilsk Nickel is the world’s leading producer of nickel and palladium, one of the largest producers of platinum and one of the top ten producers of copper in the world. For the full year 2006 Norilsk Nickel recorded revenues of US$11,5 billion with net profit reaching US$5,9 billion. The Company is rated Baa2 by Moody's Investors Service and BBB- by Standard & Poor's and Fitch Ratings.