By Rob McKay – www.lloydslistdcn.com.au
With $2.66 billion of debt due to be paid down this financial year, the decision came after Asciano had examined a range of sale and recapitalisation offers.
"It’s effectively at an end – there will be no sale," chief executive Mark Rowsthorn said of the company’s "monetisation process".
The other offers had been rejected after consultation with major shareholders and the issue backed as a "cleaner, quicker and more compelling" choice.
The rights issue would be fully underwritten by UBS and Royal Bank of Scotland, in an agreement sealed just days ago.
It would have a positive effect on capital expenditure, especially given Pacific National’s (PN) entry into the Queensland coal haulage, Rowsthorn said, by allowing the company to talk to investors without the distraction of its looming debt payments.
Chairman Tim Poole said the company had been fortunate in having a number of alternative proposals on the table.
"The decision to raise new equity was made only after considering the full range of factors," Poole said.
"The board of Asciano believes that this transaction represents the best overall outcome for security holders.
"It also provides the platform for Asciano to undertake a comprehensive restructuring of its capital base.”
Rowsthorn will take up $151 million in new shares to retain a 10.92 per cent holding in the company.
Asciano expected to achieve earnings growth before significant items and before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of three per cent-seven per cent for the 2009/10 financial year, resulting in reported EBITDA of $675 million-$700 million.
"This expectation reflects an assumption by Asciano that the macro operating environment will remain difficult, particularly in the first half of 2010, with gradual improved conditions in second half of next year," the company said.
Source: Lloyd’s List Daily Commercial News – www.lloydslistdcn.com.au
 
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