CI Financial, one of Canada's largest wealth-management and mutual fund companies, has signed a deal to issue $550 million in debt securities for the first time.

The company said the offering includes $100 million in two-year floating rate debentures due December 16, 2011; $250 million in three-year 3.3 per cent debentures; and $200 million in five-year 4.19 per cent debentures.

The company said it will use the proceeds of the offering to repay amounts owing under its credit facility and for general corporate purposes.

The debentures have been rated BBB high by Standard and Poor's and A low by DBRS.