EMGS in Refinancing Deal
Cash-strapped Norwegian survey player Electromagnetic Geoservices (EMGS) has launched a refinancing exercise as the geophysical services company seeks to alleviate a liquidity squeeze.
An independent board of directors of EMGS in cooperation with the company’s three largest shareholders, developed a comprehensive refinancing proposal.
The Comprehensive Refinancing consists of two elements; (i) a rights issue with gross proceeds of up to USD 12.5 million, whereof USD 10.0 million is underwritten; and (ii) issuance of a new, fully underwritten convertible bond loan with a total nominal amount of up to USD 32.5 million.
The underwriting will be regulated by way of underwriting agreements, with fully termed underwriting agreements expected to be executed on or about 5 March 2018.
The rights issue will provide the Company with financing for general corporate purposes.
The net proceeds from the Bond Issue will be used to refinance the Company's existing bond issue. The proposed terms of the Bond Issue include a reduction of the free cash covenant (USD 2.5 million compared with USD 10 million under current bond loan), denomination in USD (new interest rate based on 3M USD LIBOR plus a margin of 5.5 per cent, compared with 3M NIBOR plus a margin of 6.0 per cent under current bond loan), an extension of the maturity (2023 compared with 2019 under current bond loan) and a conversion price equal to 135% of the subscription price in the Rights Issue.
The Independent Board is firmly of the opinion that the Comprehensive Refinancing will secure and maintain shareholder value going forward, by providing the Company with a significantly improved financial runway, stability and flexibility.
