Trafigura locks with USD 650m rescue deal in Nyrstar
Bloomberg reported that by handing a USD 650 million lifeline to Nyrstar, Trafigura Group cemented its power over the troubled zinc producer and raised its standing in a possible restructuring. Trafigura granted extra cash to keep Nyrstar running smoothly as the company, the world’s second-largest zinc producer, faced a crisis over its massive debt burden. Analysts said the deal alleviates some of the short-term pressure on Nyrstar and makes a debt restructuring more likely in the future. Mr Philip Ngotho, an analyst at ABN Amro, said that “The liquidity situation seems very critical and this is indeed a lifeline. For the zinc market, this is good. But for bondholders and shareholders, it doesn’t really change the story."
Nyrstar bonds plunged after Trafigura said the money can’t be used to repay debt. Trafigura also secured the new lending against fixed assets of the zinc producer, potentially hurting the chance of bondholders recovering money in the event of a default.
The company’s bond due in September 2019 fell 6c on the euro to 48c, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. The shares had the opposite reaction, jumping 20c to 98 euro cents in Brussels trading.
Source : Bloomberg