Star Cruises Unit Sells $1b Stake to Apollo

Star Cruises Ltd unit NCL Corporation Ltd (NCL) is selling a 50 percent stake to a global private equity group, Apollo Management LP, for $1b. Star Cruises said the proceeds of the Apollo investment would be used to refinance existing NCL indebtedness, greatly increasing the liquidity available to fund a continuation of the dramatic new shipbuilding program.

Under the agreement, Star Cruises and the New York-based Apollo — which manages more than $33b in funds — would each hold 50 percent of NCL. The transaction is expected to be completed early in the fourth quarter of 2007 and is subject to regulatory approval, Star Cruises’ shareholder approval, and Star Cruises and NCL lender consent. (Source:http://www.theedgedaily.com/)