LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM and CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwire - May 28, 2012) -
NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES
Ithaca Energy Inc. (AIM:IAE)(TSX:IAE) announces that it has mandated BNP Paribas ("BNPP") as Lead Arranger for the provision of a fully underwritten US$400 million Senior Secured Borrowing Base Facility ("the Facility").
The Company has executed a term sheet and mandate agreement with BNPP for the provision of a fully underwritten facility of US$400 million, plus a US$30 million cost overrun tranche. BNPP has obtained full credit approval for the Facility and in excess of US$380 million will be available for immediate drawdown upon execution of the Facility agreements, which is anticipated in the coming weeks.
This Facility replaces the current undrawn US$140 million debt facility and is on similar conventional oil and gas industry borrowing base financing terms, with a loan term of up to five years.
The Facility is available to fund ongoing development activities and future asset acquisitions.
The Facility, combined with an existing cash balance of US$110.6 million (end Q1-2012) and the Company's projected cashflow from operations profile, means that Ithaca has the financial capacity to continue delivering material growth from both its existing asset portfolio and from new asset additions. More specifically, the enhanced size of the debt facility increases the Company's ability to build upon its track record for completing accretive asset acquisitions and creating long term shareholder value.
Graham Forbes, Chief Financial Officer, commented:
"Establishment of the significantly increased debt facility highlights the intrinsic value of Ithaca's existing portfolio of assets and the immediate availability of over 95% of the Facility provides substantially enhanced financial resources with which to continue driving forward the Company's growth plans. The financial strength of the Company has been transformed over recent years and establishment of the new facility marks the start of the next phase".
Xavier Venereau, Global Head of Structured Debt, Upstream Oil & Gas BNP Paribas commented:
"We are delighted to support Ithaca Energy's growth plans with the provision of this new facility. Thanks to its attractive portfolio combining producing fields and highly promising development assets, we are confident the Company will continue to grow its production and deliver attractive returns. The full underwriting of this Facility demonstrates our confidence in Ithaca's management team to further grow the Company and more generally is a good example of BNP Paribas' commitment to the UK North Sea Oil and Gas industry."