Europe’s Largest Retailer Signs $1.8 Billion Private Debt Deal

Schwarz Groupis set to raise about $1.8 billion through a privately-placed bond sale, people with knowledge of the matter said.

Europe’s largest supermarket retailer, which owns chains Lidl and Kaufland, is issuing the debt in dollars, euros and sterling, said the people, who requested anonymity when discussing private matters. The bonds carry maturities of seven, 10, 12 and 15 years.

It’s the latest instance of a European company opting to raise money with US private placements, a form of debt that allows blue-chip firms to directly tap institutional investors and bypass the lengthy process of raising publicly-traded bonds. The ...