Some $35 million of the Eurobond has been exchanged so far, and the remainder of the issue will mature as intended in August this year. No target has been set for the new issue, but Putt says up to $50 million of the original bond could be exchanged. The option is also open for new investors to buy into the issue. 'With privatisation imminent, it gives JPMC more money at their disposal for investment, and the opportunity to tidy up their balance sheet. You could almost look at it as a housekeeping exercise.'

Five companies were prequalified in February to advise the government on the privatisation of JPMC. According to Jordan's executive privatisation commission, the government hopes to be in a position to privatise the company by the end of the year (MEED 15:2:02, Industry).