Danaos Corporation Refinances USD 2.2bln in Debt
Danaos Corporation, a leading international owner of containerships, has reached an agreement with certain of its lenders currently holding approximately $2.2 billion of debt maturing on December 31, 2018, that will significantly strengthen the Company's capital structure and result in a debt reduction of approximately $551 million.
Pursuant to a comprehensive debt re-financing agreement (RA) with certain of its lenders, as well as Danaos Investment Limited as Trustee of the 883 Trust (DIL), its largest stockholder, and its manager, Danaos Shipping Co. Ltd., the Company will strengthen its financial position through a significant debt reduction, resetting of financial and certain other covenants in credit facilities, modified interest rates and amortization profiles and an extension of existing debt maturities by approximately five years to December 31, 2023.
The closing of the transaction is subject to definitive documentation and certain closing conditions and commitments by the Company and DIL.
Danaos' CEO Dr. John Coustas commented: "This comprehensive debt re-financing agreement is the culmination of a lengthy negotiation process we have undertaken with our lenders to position Danaos for long-term success. I would like to thank all of our lenders for their support, as well as our financial and legal advisors for their assistance. The Danaos management team looks forward to the completion of this transaction and moving forward as a stronger company."
"Danaos continues to be a leader in the container shipping industry as a result of our intense focus on continuously enhancing our operations and leveraging technical innovation to provide the highest quality service to our customers. Our industry has undergone significant changes during the past few years, and with the improved capital structure contemplated by this agreement, we will be well positioned to take advantage of the growth opportunities in the container sector."
In connection with this debt refinancing, the Company will issue 99,342,271 new shares of Danaos common stock to certain of the Company's lenders, which will represent 47.5% of the Company's outstanding common stock after giving effect to such issuance and will dilute existing shareholders ratably.
DIL has made various financial and operational commitments as part of the contemplated refinancing transactions, including a commitment to make a further capital contribution to the Company at completion for which it will receive no additional shares. Danaos Investment Limited, will remain the Company's largest stockholder following completion of the transaction.
The transactions contemplated by the RA, which are subject to final documentation and other conditions, are expected to be consummated by July 31, 2018.
