Chesapeake Lodging Trust (NYSE:CHSP) (the “Trust”) announced today that
it has amended its credit agreement by (1) converting it from a secured
to an unsecured credit facility, (2) increasing the maximum size of the
facility, (3) lowering the interest rate spread over LIBOR charged on
outstanding borrowings, and (4) extending the initial term. The facility
is led by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, JPMorgan
Chase Bank, N.A., as syndication agent, and Deutsche Bank Securities
Inc., as documentation agent.
The amended credit agreement increases the maximum amount the Trust may
borrow under the unsecured revolving credit facility from $250.0 million
to $300.0 million, and also provides for the possibility of further
future increases, up to a maximum of $450.0 million, in accordance with
the terms of the amended credit agreement. The actual amount that the
Trust can borrow under the unsecured revolving credit facility continues
to be based on the value of the Trust's hotels included in the borrowing
base, as defined in the amended credit agreement. The interest rate
spread over LIBOR for borrowings under the unsecured revolving credit
facility was reduced to LIBOR, plus 1.55% - 2.30% (the spread over LIBOR
based on the Trust’s consolidated leverage ratio). The initial term of
the amended credit agreement will now expire in March 2019, but the term
may be extended for one year subject to satisfaction of certain
customary conditions. The amended credit agreement has more favorable
financial covenants, including the leverage ratio and minimum tangible
net worth requirement, as compared to those in effect prior to the
amendment, and has additional financial covenants typically found in
similar unsecured revolving credit facilities, including a consolidated
secured debt ratio, an unsecured leverage ratio and an unsecured debt
service coverage ratio.
ABOUT CHESAPEAKE LODGING TRUST
Chesapeake Lodging Trust is a self-advised lodging real estate
investment trust (REIT) focused on investments primarily in
upper-upscale hotels in major business and convention markets and, on a
selective basis, premium select-service hotels in urban settings or
unique locations in the United States. The Trust owns 20 hotels with an
aggregate of 6,116 rooms in eight states and the District of Columbia.
Additional information can be found on the Trust’s website at www.chesapeakelodgingtrust.com.
Copyright Business Wire 2015