Tenneco Automotive's bank debt traded up to 85 from 77-80 last week on a more active distressed market and an improved sector. Approximately $5-10 million changed hands. Dealers reported that the automotive sector is stronger and that Tenneco's levels are up 15 points from where they bottomed out when the automotive sector crashed late last year. The Lake Forest, Ill.-based company manufactures shocks and struts as well as exhaust systems.
Earlier this year, dealers reported an upward trend for the automotive credits, with Tenneco's levels creeping up to the 75-76 range (LMW, 4/11). The company has a $1.55 billion deal that breaks down into four tranches. Pricing ranges from LIBOR plus 23/4 % to LIBOR plus 31/4 %. J.P. Morgan, Citibank, Bank of America, and Commerzbank are the lead arrangers, according to Capital DATA Loanware.