Announcement no. 31 / 2 October 2012
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“The restructuring agreement secures TORM substantial deferral of bank debt, new liquidity and savings from the restructured time charter book. This will enable TORM to become cash flow positive even at the current rate levels. The Company now has time to further secure the future, long-term capital structure. It has taken extraordinarily long time to reach this agreement and inflicted very high costs on the Company, but TORM will now be able to continue its business even in a continued difficult market,” says Chairman of the Board N. E. Nielsen.
“I am extremely satisfied that an out-of-court agreement has been signed. It has been a long process, but I am very pleased that our long-standing time charter partners and the banks have been supportive. TORM's organization now looks forward to devoting all of its focus solely on the customers and operations again,” says CEO Jacob Meldgaard.
* * *
Highlights of the restructuring
• Current shareholders retain 10.0% ownership, compared to 7.5% communicated earlier
• USD 100 million in new working capital facility available until 30 September 2014
• Maturities for the existing bank debt of USD 1.8 billion are extended until 31 December 2016 with new uniform covenants and terms, and are divided into three tranches
• Deferral of installments on the entire bank debt until 30 September 2014 and reduced repayments until 31 December 2016
• Interest on existing debt is only paid if TORM has sufficient liquidity until at least 30 June 2014 with potential extension to 30 September 2014
• Interest margin will be approximately 240 basis points on average for the existing bank debt
• Mark-to-market savings estimated at approximately USD 270 million from amended time charter agreements
• TORM expects to be cash flow positive even at the current rate levels
• TORM anticipates technical completion of the agreement within approximately four weeks subject to certain common closing conditions
• TORM forecasts a loss before tax of USD 350-380 million for the financial year of 2012 excluding accounting effects from the execution of the restructuring, further vessel sales and potential impairment charges
* * *
Announcement no. 31 / 2 October 2012 TORM signs restructuring agreement with
its banks and time charter partners
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Context
Since 2010, TORM has worked on improving the Company’s capital structure and liquidity position
e.g. by seeking to tap into different corporate bond markets. Due to the Company’s capital structure,
its strategic position as a spot-oriented company and the generally challenging conditions in the
capital markets, TORM was unable to obtain this type of financing. With the continuously low freight
rates and cyclical low vessel values since fall 2011, TORM’s Board of Directors has not found it
prudent to inject new equity in the Company as planned without substantial amendments to the
existing credit facilities. In October 2011, TORM presented a proposal to the banks that combined an
equity injection of USD 100 million with subscription rights for existing shareholders and a bank
moratorium supported by TORM’s largest shareholders. The proposal was not accepted, but the
Company achieved a standstill agreement with the banks, which has been extended several times
during 2012 to secure that a long-term, comprehensive financing solution was found and
implemented.
Throughout the whole process, TORM's Board of Directors and Executive Management have worked
on avoiding bankruptcy or other in-court solutions in Denmark or abroad in order to best preserve
value and put all stakeholders in the best possible position. However, as a precautionary measure a
US "chapter 11" filing has also been negotiated and prepared in detail as part of the process. In the
spring of 2012, TORM succeeded in obtaining conditional offers from reputable, international shipping
investors as well as institutional investors, who were prepared to make new investments in the
Company provided that substantially amended bank terms were agreed. However, the banks chose
not to enter into substantive negotiations on the basis of any of these offers as they did not find the
investor proposals sufficiently attractive.
Since fourth quarter of 2011 the Company’s liquidity situation has been tight, and the total bank debt
could be called at any time at the banks’ discretion due to breaches of certain financial covenants.
Through negotiations with the bank group during 2012 it became clear that the only achievable
solution with the bank group would not provide immediate debt relief in the balance sheet nor any new
equity contribution. However, the only solution that could be found was one where TORM gained time
for a potential market improvement in order to best preserve shareholder value. Therefore, TORM
signed a conditional agreement in principle with the banks and the major time charter partners
regarding a long-term financing solution as stated in announcement no. 14 dated 4 April 2012 and
elaborated in announcement no. 20 dated 23 April 2012. This agreement in principle forms the basis
for the signed restructuring agreement, which has become very comprehensive and includes a
number of supplementary agreements with certain counterparts, including amendments to TORM’s
existing finance documentation. The banks have been advised by the international financial advisor
Lazard & Co. ltd.
Content of the restructuring
Banks
As part of the restructuring TORM has secured a new working capital facility of USD 100 million until
30 September 2014 with first lien in the majority of the Company’s vessels.
The Company’s group of banks will through the implementation of the restructuring align key terms
and conditions and financial covenants across all existing debt facilities, and all maturities on existing
credit facilities will be adjusted to 31 December 2016.
The existing bank debt remains unimpaired at USD 1,793 million as of 30 June 2012. The book value
of the fleet excluding financial lease vessels as of 30 June 2012 was USD 2,193 million. TORM’s
quarterly impairment test as of 30 June 2012 supported the book value of the fleet based on the same
test and principles as used by the Company since the Annual Report for 2009. Based on broker
valuations, TORM’s fleet excluding financial lease vessels had a market value of USD 1,370 million as
of 30 June 2012. The book value of the equity amounted to USD 435 million as of 30 June 2012.
Announcement no. 31 / 2 October 2012 TORM signs restructuring agreement with
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Interest on the existing debt will only be paid if the Company has sufficient liquidity and otherwise the
remainder will be rolled up until at least 30 June 2014 with potential extension until 30 September
2014. On average the interest margin will increase to approximately 240 basis points across the
existing bank debt. The Company will pay interest on the new working capital facility until 30
September 2014.
The new financing agreements provides for a deferral of installment on the existing bank debt until 30
September 2014, in which period rescheduled principal amortizations will only fall due if the Company
has sufficient liquidity. Provided that the Company generates sufficient cash, certain cash sweep
mechanisms will apply. Annualized minimum amortizations of USD 100 million will commence with
effect from 30 September 2014 until 31 December 2016. If vessels are sold, the related debt will fall
due.
New financial covenants will apply uniformly across the bank debt facilities and will include:
• Minimum liquidity: Cash plus available part of the USD 100 million working capital facility must
exceed USD 50 million to be tested from 31 December 2012. This will later adjust to a cash
requirement of USD 30 million by 30 September 2014 and USD 40 million by 31 March 2015
• Loan-to-value ratio: A senior loan tranche of USD 1,020 million has been introduced out of the
total bank debt of USD 1,793 million as of 30 June 2012. The senior tranche must have an
initial agreed ratio of loan to TORM’s fleet value (excl. financial lease vessels) below 85% to
be confirmed from 30 June 2013. This will gradually step down to 65% by 30 June 2016. The
remaining bank debt of USD 773 million will be divided into additional two debt tranches both
also have collateral in the vessels
• Consolidated total debt to EBITDA: Initial agreed ratio of maximum 30:1 to be tested from 30
June 2013 and gradual step down to a 6:1 ratio by 30 June 2016
• Interest cover ratio: Agreed EBITDA to interest ratio of initially minimum 1.4x by 30 June 2014
and gradual step up to 2.5x by 31 December 2015
The terms of the credit facilities will include a catalogue of additional covenants, including amongst
others:
• A change-of-control provision with a threshold of 25% of shares or voting rights
• No issuance of new shares or dividend distribution without consent from the lenders
As part of the restructuring documentation, certain specific option rights have been agreed that may
result in a sales process to be defined by TORM prior to 31 January 2013 for up to 22 vessels and
repayment of the related debt. The options given to three bank facilities, which are subject to certain
agreed terms and conditions, have a duration until 31 July 2014. One bank facility has given notice on
five of the vessels. TORM will seek to maintain the vessels’ association with the Company.
Chartered-in tonnage
As part of the restructuring agreement, the time charter-in partners have accepted that the existing
time charter-in contracts will either be permanently changed and rates will be aligned to market level
with upside/downside split or allow for termination of the contracts with redelivery of vessels. These
amendments result in a significant reduction of the Company's future time charter commitments.
TORM estimates that the changes in time charter contracts correspond to a total positive nominal
mark-to-market impact on TORM of approximately USD 270 million. A small number of time charter
Announcement no. 31 / 2 October 2012 TORM signs restructuring agreement with
its banks and time charter partners
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partners are not part of the restructuring. As part of the restructuring, TORM will redeliver 22 vessels
ahead of original contract schedule to the time charter partners.
With this agreement, the Tanker Division has reduced the estimated average time charter-in costs for
the first quarter of 2013 from USD/day 18,848 to USD/day 12,141. This is equal to a reduction in costs
of -36%. In the same period, the Bulk Division has reduced the average time charter-in costs from
USD/day 16,286 to USD/day 13,755. This is equal to -16%.
Expected ownership structure
The outstanding amount that the time charter partners have as a consequence of the amended
contractual conditions as well as a fee to the banks are estimated at a total net present value of USD
200 million that will be converted into shares in the Company. The conversion to new share capital will
take place in connection with the completion of the restructuring. The future ownership structure is
hereafter expected to be as follows:
Shareholders Expected ownership share
Existing shareholders 10.0%
Certain banks 72.7%
Time charter partners 17.3%
Total 100.0%
The equity allocation between the banks and the time charter-in partners has been separately agreed
between them and is part of the Restructuring Agreement.
With the conversion of the consideration of USD 200 million in aggregate and the expected issuance
of 655.2 million new shares, the implied subscription price for the new shares will be DKK 1.79
(approximately USD 0.31 per share). The Company will apply to have the new shares admitted to
trading and official listing on NASDAQ OMX Copenhagen after the completion of all conditions to the
restructuring and following the preparation and publication of a listing prospectus. The new
shareholders have not undertaken any lock-up obligations with respect to the Company. However, the
new shareholders are responsible for compliance with local securities laws including applicable
transfer restrictions under U.S. law and other relevant jurisdictions as well as restrictions for deposit of
the new shares in exchange for American Depositary Shares ("ADSs") listed on NASDAQ Capital
Market under TORM’s ADS program.
The basis of the Board of Directors’ decision
Since September 2011, TORM has retained the assistance of the international, financial advisor
Evercore Group LLC. In addition, the Board of Directors has obtained a valuation opinion letter from
the international investment advisor Moelis & Company UK LLP and a preliminary valuation report
from the accounting firm Ernst & Young PS with respect to the debt conversion and the issue of the
new shares to be issued to the banks and the time charter partners in connection with the
restructuring. The valuation report will be finally confirmed on the date of completion.
Having carefully considered the financial and operational position of the Company and the opinion
letter from Moelis & Company UK LLP, it is the Board of Directors’ assessment that it is in the best
interests of the Company, its shareholders, creditors, other stakeholders and other interested parties
to issue the new shares in the Company against conversion of the consideration of USD 200 million
from time charter partners and banks to allow TORM to continue its operations without an in-court
reconstruction or similar proceedings.
The issuance of the new shares will take place pursuant to an authorization granted to the Board of
Directors at the Annual General Meeting on 23 April 2012. The Board of Directors was among others
authorized to increase the share capital by issuance of new shares at a rate discounted to the market
Announcement no. 31 / 2 October 2012 TORM signs restructuring agreement with
its banks and time charter partners
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price against payment in cash, conversion of debt or contribution of assets other than cash without
pre-emptive subscription rights.
Conditions and time plan
The technical completion of the restructuring is subject to certain conditions and terms including
among others completion of loan documentation and documentation required for issuance of new
shares and that no termination event has occurred including no occurrence of a material adverse
change. In addition, the restructuring is subject to an exemption from the Danish mandatory takeover
rules following completion of the restructuring. In this regard, the banks have obtained a positive nonbinding
statement from the Danish Financial Supervisory Authority. The completion date is anticipated
to take place within approximately four weeks. The exact date will be announced later.
In connection with completion of the restructuring, the Board of Directors intends to implement the
Annual General Meeting’s decision to decrease the share capital of the Company by decreasing the
nominal amount per share (denomination) from DKK 5.00 to DKK 0.01.
As part of the restructuring, TORM will make substantial changes to the internal legal group structure
of the Company to align it with the individual loan facilities. This involves transfer of vessels to
separate legal entities in Denmark and Singapore. All legal entities will ultimately be owned by TORM
A/S.
At a later stage, TORM will convene an Extraordinary General Meeting with the purpose of i) adopting
changes to the Articles of Association, including certain minority protection rights pursuant to which
the Company cannot issue shares against conversion of debt or issue shares without pre-emptive
rights for existing shareholders without the consent of shareholders representing at least 90% of the
share capital and voting rights at the general meeting, as well as ii) electing new Board members.
Outlook 2012
TORM has until now not provided financial guidance for 2012 given the considerable uncertainty
about TORM’s situation and the potential changes to the Company’s business model that may have
followed from the restructuring. Assuming completion of the restructuring and a continuation of the
current freight rate levels, TORM forecasts a loss before tax of USD 350-380 million for the financial
year 2012 excluding accounting effects from the execution of the restructuring, further vessel sales
and potential impairment charges. The guidance includes special items of USD -107 million derived
from impairment losses of USD 42 million related to FR8 and USD 65 million in restructuring costs –
primarily fees to advisors of the Company’s creditors and TORM. The accounting effects of the
restructuring will be described in the listing prospectus. TORM forecasts to draw down approximately
USD 50 million on the new working capital facility upon completion. The Company expects to comply
with the minimum liquidity covenant of USD 50 million by end of 2012.
As approximately 5,637 earning days for 2012 are unfixed as at 30 September 2012, a change in
freight rates of USD/day 1,000 will impact profit before tax by USD 6 million.
Contact TORM A/S
N. E. Nielsen, Chairman, tel.: +45 4243 3343
Jacob Meldgaard, CEO, tel.: +45 3917 9200
Roland M. Andersen, CFO, tel.: +45 3917 9200
C. Søgaard-Christensen, IR, tel.: +45 3076 1288
Tuborg Havnevej 18
DK-2900 Hellerup, Denmark
Tel.: +45 3917 9200 / Fax: +45 3917 9393
www.torm.com
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About TORM
TORM is one of the world’s leading carriers of refined oil products as well as a significant player in the dry bulk market. The Company operates a
fleet of approximately 120 modern vessels in cooperation with other respected shipping companies sharing TORM’s commitment to safety,
environmental responsibility and customer service.
TORM was founded in 1889. The Company conducts business worldwide and is headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark. TORM’s shares are
listed on NASDAQ OMX Copenhagen (ticker: TORM) and on NASDAQ in New York (ticker: TRMD). For further information, please visit
www.torm.com.
Safe Harbor statements as to the future
Matters discussed in this release may constitute forward-looking statements and may be more detailed than regular practice. Forward-looking
statements reflect our current views with respect to future events and financial performance and may include statements concerning plans,
objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and statements other than statements of historical facts.
The forward-looking statements in this release are based upon various assumptions, many of which are based, in turn, upon further assumptions,
including without limitation, management’s examination of historical operating trends, data contained in our records and other data available from
third parties. Although TORM believes that these assumptions were reasonable when made, because these assumptions are inherently subject to
significant uncertainties and contingencies which are difficult or impossible to predict and are beyond our control, TORM cannot guarantee that it will
achieve or accomplish these expectations, beliefs or projections.
Important factors that, in our view, could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward- looking statements include the
conclusion of definitive waiver documents with our lenders, the strength of the world economy and currencies, changes in charter hire rates and
vessel values, changes in demand for “tonne miles” of oil carried by oil tankers, the effect of changes in OPEC’s petroleum production levels and
worldwide oil consumption and storage, changes in demand that may affect attitudes of time charterers to scheduled and unscheduled dry-docking,
changes in TORM’s operating expenses, including bunker prices, dry-docking and insurance costs, changes in the regulation of shipping operations,
including requirements for double hull tankers or actions taken by regulatory authorities, potential liability from pending or future litigation, domestic
and international political conditions, potential disruption of shipping routes due to accidents and political events or acts by terrorists.
Risks and uncertainties are further described in reports filed by TORM with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, including the TORM
Annual Report on Form 20-F and its reports on Form 6-K.
Forward-looking statements are based on management’s current evaluation, and TORM is only under an obligation to update and change the listed expectations to the extent
Announcement no. 31 / 2 October 2012 TORM signs restructuring agreement with
its banks and time charter partners
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Appendix 1: Coverage table as of 30 September with new time charter rates:
2012 2013 2014 2012 2013 2014
Ow ned days
LR2 799 2,824 2,904
LR1 637 2,509 2,509
MR 3,427 14,037 14,075
Handysize 1,001 3,975 3,944
Tanker division 5,864 23,344 23,432
Panamax 180 726 694
Handymax - - -
Bulk division 180 726 694
Total 6,044 24,070 24,126
T/C in days at f ixed rate T/C in costs, USD/day
LR2 - - - - - -
LR1 785 75 - 17,914 11,000 -
MR 242 1,049 726 13,188 14,046 15,145
Handysize - - - - - -
Tanker division 1,027 1,124 726 16,800 13,843 15,145
Panamax 580 1,964 1,817 14,177 12,880 12,386
Handymax 278 - - 13,059 - -
Bulk division 858 1,964 1,817 13,815 12,880 12,386
Total 1,885 3,088 2,543 15,441 13,230 13,174
T/C in days at f loating rate
LR2 182 726 725
LR1 - - -
MR 91 363 363
Handysize - - -
Tanker division 273 1,089 1,088
Panamax 91 726 411
Handymax 147 363 363
Bulk division 238 1,089 774
Total 511 2,178 1,862
Total physical days Covered days
LR2 981 3,550 3,629 176 391 337
LR1 1,422 2,584 2,509 236 365 175
MR 3,760 15,449 15,164 634 743 -
Handysize 1,001 3,975 3,944 30 - -
Tanker division 7,164 25,557 25,246 1,076 1,499 512
Panamax 851 3,416 2,922 1,161 720 25
Handymax 425 363 363 566 1,177 869
Bulk division 1,276 3,779 3,285 1,727 1,897 895
Total 8,440 29,336 28,531 2,803 3,397 1,407
Coverage rates, USD/day
LR2 18% 11% 9% 15,687 16,650 16,617
LR1 17% 14% 7% 14,228 15,666 15,666
MR 17% 5% 0% 13,759 13,932 -
Handysize 3% 0% 0% 5,378 - -
Tanker division 15% 6% 2% 13,944 15,063 16,292
Panamax 137% 21% 1% 11,599 14,873 20,070
Handymax 133% 324% 240% 11,073 13,709 16,508
Bulk division 135% 50% 27% 11,427 14,151 16,609
Total 33% 12% 5% 12,393 14,553 16,494
Fair value of f reight rate contracts that are mark-to-market in the income statement (USD m):
Contracts not included above 0.0
Contracts included above 8.4
Notes
Actual no. of days can vary f rom projected no. of days primarily due to vessel sales and delays of vessel
deliveries. T/C in days at f ixed rate do not include ef fects f rom prof it split arrangements. T/C in days at f loating
rate determine rates at entry of each quarter, and then TORM w ill recieve approx. 10% prof it/loss compared to
this rate.
Covered, %
