Beirut has raised $500 million through the issue of two sovereign eurobonds, a $250 million, five-year instrument carrying a coupon of 7.375 per cent and a $250 million, eight-year bond with a coupon of 8.625 per cent. BLOM Bankand Credit Suisse First Boston acted as lead managers. Roadshows were held in London and the arrangers reported strong international interest, although the majority was placed with local banks. The paper was rated B- by Fitch. Beirut is a regular issuer of eurobonds (MEED 3:12:04).