Owens Corning has tapped Citigroup and Banc of America Securities for a $2.4 billion exit financing. The deal consists of a $1 billion revolver and a $1.4 billion delayed-draw term loan, both maturing in 2011, according to a banker. Pricing could not be determined. Standard & Poor's rated the facility BBB-.
Owens Corning's bonds have fallen because of continued concerns of a slowdown in the housing sector and because the notes will be converted into equity when the company emerges from bankruptcy later this year (CIN, 6/23).
The company entered voluntary bankruptcy protection in October 2000 to resolve asbestos claims and mounting asbestos-litigation costs. The facility, along with a $2.2 billion rights offering and $1.5 billion of cash on hand, will be used to pay pre-bankruptcy liabilities and fund contributions to the company's asbestos personal injury trust. A spokesman for Owens Corning would not comment on the facility.
Owens Corning's $250 million revolver is trading between 157 5/8 159 5/8. Its 7 1/2% '18 bonds are at 79 3/4 from 82 1/4 July 10, according to Markit.