AD Ports Group signs agreements to refinance $2.25 billion debt

AD Ports Group has signed agreements with two UAE banks to refinance its syndicated loan of US$2.25 billion at more favourable terms, which would enable the Group to save up to Dhs44 million (US$12 million) in finance costs over the next 12 months.

The new facilities will give the Group flexibility to optimally time its return to the debt capital markets in line with its stated strategy to utilise bonds as the predominant long-term funding vehicle.

Under the agreements, the Group’s $2.25 billion syndicated loan obtained in April 2023 has been replaced by an Dhs9.2 billion ($2.5 billion equivalent) medium-term facility with a 2.5 years maturity, and an Dhs1.0 billion ($273 million equivalent) short-term facility with a 1.5 years tenor.

The refinancing transactions followed Wednesday’s US Federal Reserve Bank decision to start its interest rate easing cycle, which was the first-rate cut since March 2020.

The two new lending facilities also extend debt maturity to 2026 and beyond.

Martin Aarup, AD Ports Group Chief Financial Officer, said, “The new refinancing agreements not only give the Group greater financial flexibility and allow us to significantly lower our financing costs, but also they give us the timing flexibility and ability to optimally take advantage of the easing interest rates cycle to eventually refinance the Company’s needs in the debt capital markets at longer tenors and at competitive rates in line with our capital structure.”

AD Ports Group is rated “A+” & “gcAAA” by S&P and “AA-” with Outlook stable by Fitch.

WAM