BRUSSELS, Sept 4 (Reuters) - Belgian crude oil transporter Euronav said on Friday it had launched up to $200 million of convertible bonds due 2015.
The senior unsecured bonds will be issued at 100 percent of their principal amount and are expected to bear interest between 6 percent and 6.50 percent per annum, payable semi-annually, Euronav said in a statement.
The initial conversion price is expected to be set at a premium of between 25 and 30 percent to the volume-weighted average price of Euronav's ordinary shares on Euronext Brussels on the day prior to the launch of the offering.
Euronav shares closed on Thursday at 13.05 euros. Trading would be suspended until after the announcement of the final terms.
Euronav will use the proceeds to diversify its funding sources, strengthen its balance sheet liquidity, for general corporate and working capital purposes as well as to fund potential acquisitions that may arise in the future, it said.
HSBC Bank plc is lead manager of the offering, with ING Belgium acting as co-manager and Clarkson Investment Services Limited acting as placing agent.

(Reporting by Philip Blenkinsop; Editing by Rupert Winchester) Keywords: EURONAV/ (philip.blenkinsop@thomsonreuters.com; +32 2 287 6838; Reuters messaging: philip.blenkinsop.reuters.com@reuters.net)

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