Ecopetrol S.A. obtains authorization from the Financial Superintendency of Colombia to amend its Local Public Bond and Commercial Paper Issuance and Placement Program

Core Viewpoint - Ecopetrol S.A. has received authorization from the Financial Superintendency of Colombia to amend its bond issuance program, aligning it with the company's decarbonization and energy transition strategy while expanding capital market alternatives [1][2]. Group 1: Bond Issuance Program - The amendment formalized through Addendum No. 5 will be incorporated into the prospectus of Ecopetrol's local public bonds and commercial paper [2]. - Since the initial bond issuance in August 2013, totaling COP 900 billion, no additional issuances have occurred, allowing for potential future issuances up to COP 2.1 trillion [3]. - The company will inform the market of any future issuances under the program [3]. Group 2: Company Overview - Ecopetrol is the largest company in Colombia and a major integrated energy company in the Americas, employing over 19,000 people [4]. - The company is responsible for over 60% of Colombia's hydrocarbon production and holds leading positions in petrochemicals and gas distribution [4]. - Ecopetrol has expanded its operations internationally, with interests in strategic basins in the U.S., Brazil, and Mexico, and holds significant positions in power transmission in Brazil, Chile, Peru, and Bolivia [4]. Group 3: New Bond Features - The updated program will allow for the issuance of local public bonds linked to sustainable performance, including green, social, sustainable, and blue bonds [6]. - It will also enable bonds that allow in-kind payments by investors and the reopening of previous bond issuances [6]. - Additional features include bonds indexed to the UVR (Real Value Unit) and TRM (Representative Market Exchange Rate), as well as securities allocation through a book-building process [6].