(By Balaseshan) NGL Energy Partners LP (NYSE:NGL) said it has completed its merger with High Sierra Energy LP and High Sierra Energy GP LLC. Following the completion of merger, the company entered into a new debt financing.
The aggregate merger consideration of $693 million, including working capital of about $38 million, was financed with a combination of $153 million in cash, assumed indebtedness of $95 million and $445 million in equity.
Concurrent with the completion of the mergers, NGL entered into a new senior secured revolving credit facility with Deutsche Bank Securities, as agent, providing for bank commitments of up to $650 million.
NGL successfully completed the private placement of $250 million in aggregate principal amount of 6.65% senior secured notes with a final maturity in 2022 with four insurance companies and their affiliates.
Commitments under the senior credit facility expire in June 2017. The senior credit facility also contains a $50 million accordion feature.
Deutsche Bank Securities, Royal Bank of Canada, BNP Paribas Securities Corp., PNC Capital Markets LLC and RBS Securities Inc. acted as joint lead arrangers under the senior credit facility.
NGL used the proceeds from the senior notes and initial bank borrowings under the new senior credit facility to finance the mergers, pay transaction expenses and repay in full amounts outstanding under NGL's prior revolving credit facility and High Sierra's credit facility.
Following completion of the mergers, about $75 million of capacity remains undrawn under the working capital component of NGL's new senior credit facility, and about $200 million remains undrawn and available under the acquisition component of NGL's new senior credit facility.
NGL management anticipates recommending an increase in the annual distribution from $1.45 to $1.65 per annum to the board of directors for the quarter ending June 30, 2012.
Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated served as financial advisor to NGL in the transactions, while Winston & Strawn LLP served as its legal counsel. Tudor, Pickering, Holt & Co. served as financial advisor to High Sierra in the transactions, while Locke Lord LLP served as its legal counsel.
NGL is trading up 1.69% at $22.87 on Tuesday. The stock has been trading between $18 and $27.61 for the past 52 weeks.