The Boto loan deal finally saw the light of the day last week. HSBC, the sole mandated arranger, launched the transaction into general syndication, which is slated for close on September 20. The transaction comprises of two facilities - a $104 million acquisition financing and a $50 million working capital facility. HSBC is the sole lender for the working capital facility.
The borrower for the $104 million acquisition financing is Greenland Far East. A few days ago, shareholders of Boto voted in favour of the controversial HK$1.06 billion sale of the core artificial Christmas tree and leisure furniture businesses to the Carlyle Group. Carlyle will own 75%, while the balance 25% will remain with Boto.
The margin on the acquisition financing is 225bp. Banks can join the transaction on two tiers as lead managers and senior managers. Lead managers will receive management fees of 60bp (all-in of 240bp) for commitments of $10 million or above. Senior managers committing $5 million or above will receive management fees of 50bp (all-in of 237.5bp).
The tenor of the facility is six years, with an average life of four years. Repayments start in September 2003 and comprises of eleven semi-annual instalments. The transaction marks the borrower's debut in the loan markets.
