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Telegram hopes to raise $1bn with a convertible bond private placement

The super secure UAE-based Telegram messenger service, developed by Russian-born software icon Pavel Durov, is looking to raise $1bn through a bond placement to a limited number of investors from Russia, Europe, Asia and the Middle East, the Kommersant daily reported citing unnamed sources on February 18, 2021.The issue reportedly comprises exchange bonds that could be converted into equity in the messaging service that is currently 100% owned by Durov and his brother Nikolai.Kommersant reports that the price of the conversion would be at a 10% discount to a potential IPO should it happen within five years.The minimum bond placement is said to be set at $50mn, but could be lowered to $10mn. Five-year bonds could carry an annual coupon of 7-8%.

If riding a bucking bronco is your idea of fun, you’re going to love what the stock market has in store. Consider this past week’s ride a preview.The week’s action didn’t look like much, if you didn’t know better. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 213.12 points or 0.6%, while the S&P 500 advanced 0.5%, and the Nasdaq Composite ended little changed.