Microcell Telecommunications bank debt has been growing stronger in the market, ticking up into the high 90s over the last month. The bank debt was quoted in the 97-981Ž2 range, but no trades could be confirmed. Traders said the reasons for the recent rally could be attributed to everything from a general strong market for wireless names to investors hoping for a near-term refinancing. Thane Fotoboulos, Microcell's director of investor relations, could not comment on the possibility of a refinancing, but noted the recent telecom environment has been positive.
Fotoboulos pointed out that Microcell has reported its first full quarter of post-restructuring financials. The results include EBITDA of $25.2 million in the third quarter. The company has also seen subscriber growth, he added. Fotoboulos speculated that the increase in the bank debt levels has coincided with a shift in the lender base. There is a change from distressed debt investors to more traditional loan investors such as collateralized loan obligations, he said. Last year, Microcell's "B" loan had been trading in the 20s before popping to the 35-40 context (LMW, 11/02).