6. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 6.3. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 6.3.9. Subsequent events Bond issue On 9th February 2004, the Group issued a £250 million fixed-rate bond maturing on 16th June 2009 with a view to lengthen the profile and significantly reduce the cost of the Group's existing debt. The all-in cost of this financing, which was swapped to floating rate, amounts to 23 basis points over Libor. This bond does not contain any financial covenant nor material uncustomary provision which may lead to an early redemption. On 12nd February 2004, the Group used part of the proceeds from the bond issue to fully repay the outstanding £150 million syndicated banking loan set up in November 2001 in connection with the acquisition of LIFFE (Holdings) plc.