MEXICO CITY, Feb 12 (Reuters) - Mexican breadmaker Grupo

Bimbo on Wednesday announced a bond issuance on the

local market for 15 billion pesos ($730 million), in two series

maturing in three and seven years.

Bimbo said it would use the proceeds from the debt offering,

which was met with a demand of some 22 billion pesos, for

regular operations including investments, working capital and

refinancing of liabilities.

"With this issuance, we strengthen our financial position,

which will allow us to continue advancing with our expansion

strategy," finance chief Diego Gaxiola said in a statement.

($1 = 20.5384 Mexican pesos)