METRO Group's short- and medium-term funding compri-ses typical capital markets' permanent issuance pro-grammes. Among these are the "Euro Commercial Paper Programme" and the "Commercial Paper Programme" specifically geared to French investors. The drawdown on both programmes in the reporting period amounted on average to €1.7 billion (Q1 2008: €1.7 billion). In addition, bilateral and syndicated credit facilities amounting to €5.5 billion with durations up to 2013 are available. As at 31 March 2009 utilised bilateral bank credit facilities amounted to €1.4 billion.
The issuance of a €1 billion bond in March 2009 with a maturity of six years relieves the drawdown on short-term financing and thus optimises the term structure. Moreover, a promissory note amounting to €156 million was issued.