Excel Agreements Strengthen Financial Foundation

Excel Maritime Carriers Ltd., an owner and operator of dry bulk carriers and an international provider of worldwide seaborne transportation services for dry bulk cargoes, has announced that it has reached an agreement in principle with a steering committee of its senior lenders on the terms of a financial restructuring to strengthen its balance sheet.

Through this agreement, Excel Maritime expects to reduce its funded indebtedness and enhance its liquidity profile with the support of its senior lenders as it continues to provide first class service as a premier provider of dry bulk transportation services.

Under the terms of the agreement Excel will receive up to $50 million infusion of capital as a result of an agreement between the senior lenders and an entity affiliated with the family of Gabriel Panayotides, Excel Maritime's Chairman of the Board of Directors. Under the terms of that agreement the entity affiliated with the family of Mr. Panayotides will receive a majority of the equity in Excel and the release of an additional $30 million of currently restricted cash.

As part of the agreement, the company's senior lenders' steering committee has agreed to an extension of the maturity of the company's senior secured facility through 2018 as well as significant amortization and covenant relief in line with the current outlook of the market. The senior lenders will receive an equity stake in the company, while current management continues to operate the business.

Mr. Panayotides said, "Like other companies in our industry, Excel Maritime has been impacted by macro-economic conditions that have led to volatility and overall declines in charter rates. Securing up to $80 million of additional liquidity significantly strengthens our financial profile and positions Excel Maritime for future growth and success."

Excel and certain of its subsidiaries are commencing solicitation of senior secured lenders and other creditors in order to implement the restructuring through a court supervised prepackaged plan of reorganization.