A $1.3 billion asset sale has reportedly pushed up levels for J.C. Penney Funding Corp.'s bank debt to the mid-90s in two trades last week, dealers said. It could not be determined by how much levels have risen. "Buyers like the liquidity of the company, while sellers are getting out of the retail name," a trader noted. The company is selling its direct marketing business to Aegon, a Dutch insurance company. J.C. Penney, based in Plano, Texas, is in the retail and distribution business.
J.C. Penney has a $1.5 billion revolving credit facility that expires this year. Bank of America, J.P. Morgan Chase, Credit Suisse First Boston, Deutsche Bank andCitibank are the lead arrangers, according to Capital DATA Loanware. Pricing is 17 basis points over LIBOR.