ChemChina Seeks $35 Billion Loan to Fund Syngenta Takeover
ChemChina is looking to borrow a total of $35 billion to help finance its purchase of Syngenta, a potential record for a Chinese acquisition, according to a Bloomberg report.
The company has hired China Citic Bank International to arrange a $15 billion loan which will be fully guaranteed by ChemChina, and likely syndicated in Asia.
A separate loan of $20 billion is also being planned which will not be guaranteed by the Beijing-based firm. This facility, which is expected to be finalized by early April, will be split between a $15 billion bridge loan and $5 billion to support Syngenta’s existing borrowings. The funds will eventually be replaced with debt and equity in a way that lets Syngenta retain an investment-grade rating.
China Reform Holdings, an investment firm charged with revamping the country’s state-owned enterprises, is reported to be in advanced talks to join the acquisition.
ChemChina agreed to pay $43 billion for Syngenta last month in a deal that will transform it into the world’s largest agrochemicals company.
The proposed financing would be the largest syndicated loan worldwide this year, according to Bloomberg data, surpassing the $18 billion raised last month by Irish drug maker Shire for its purchase of Baxalta.
ChemChina also sought funds of €625 million last month to help finance its purchase of German machinery maker KraussMaffei. This follows a €6.8 billion loan the Chinese company raised last year to buy Italian tiremaker Pirelli.
