Argentina’s Banco Nacion Will Fight Vicentin Debt Restructuring

  • State-owned lender takes a tougher stance under new government
  • Shareholders asked to sell assets before seeking debt relief

Pedestrians walk past a Banco de la Nacion Argentina branch in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Photographer: Erica Canepa/Bloomberg
Lock
This article is for subscribers only.

Argentina’s biggest bank plans to oppose any attempt by Vicentin SAIC to restructure its $900 million of debt, saying the agricultural company must sell assets to pay down its obligations before seeking relief, according to people familiar with the matter.

Officials installed at state-owned Banco de la Nacion by new President Alberto Fernandez have told Vicentin it needs to raise the cash now. They’re also investigating a loan made to the company for irregularities, the people said, asking not to be identified discussing the private matter.