Prospector Offshore secure finance for delivery of 'Prospector 5'
Prospector Offshore Drilling S.A. (the "Company" or "PROS") announces that its newly formed subsidiary, Prospector Finance II S.à r.l. has secured a fully committed Senior Secured Credit Facility (the "Senior Credit Facility"), subject to documentation, in the amount of US$270 million. Prospector Finance II S.à r.l. is also contemplating the issuance of a US$100 million second lien bond (the "Bond Loan") in the amount of US$100 million. The net proceeds from the Senior Credit Facility and the contemplated Bond Loan will be used to fully finance the delivery of ‘PROSPECTOR 5’, (expected early June 2014), refinance existing debt secured by ‘PROSPECTOR 1’, and for general corporate purposes. ‘PROSPECTOR 1’ is currently on a special standby rate while Total E&P UK Limited's Franklin Location is being prepared to accept the rig and is expected to commence full operations in May 2014. The Senior Credit Facility is being arranged by ABN AMRO Capital USA LLC and DNB Bank ASA. The Senior Credit Facility will be secured by a first mortgage on ‘PROSPECTOR 1’ and ‘PROSPECTOR 5’ and will be guaranteed by the Company. All other terms will be customary for this type of facility. DNB Markets, Pareto Securities and Swedbank have been appointed as joint lead managers and bookrunners of the contemplated Bond Loan. The term of the contemplated Bond Loan will be five-years and the Bond Loan will be secured by a second lien mortgage on ‘PROSPECTOR 1’ and ‘PROSPECTOR 5’ and guaranteed by the Company. This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. You are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements because actual events and results may differ materially from the expected results described by such forward-looking statements. Prospector Offshore Drilling S.A. disclaims any obligation to update and revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.