Fri 10 Jul 2009 07:34

Vopak announces agreement for EUR 110 million growth capital


Investors agree to participate in cumulative financing preference shares program.



Royal Vopak (Vopak) has announced that it has reached agreement with a group of investors on their participation in a renewed cumulative financing preference shares program of EUR 110 million. The proceeds of the renewed program will be used to finance the further expansion of the company.

Four out of the five investors in the existing program, ASR Nederland, Delta Lloyd, HAL Investments, and ING AM Insurance Companies, have agreed to participate in this renewed program.

In connection with this transaction, an Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders will be convened on 27 August 2009 to approve the proposed changes to the existing cumulative financing preference shares program with effect from 31 August 2009 whereby:

* The outstanding amount will be increased with EUR 84 million to EUR 110 million;

* The dividend percentage will be set at 7.45% (current dividend percentage is 4.73%) and will be reset every five years;

* The aggregate voting rights on the renewed cumulative financing preference shares program will be determined taking into account the Dutch Corporate Governance Code, but in no event will exceed the aggregate voting rights attached to the existing cumulative financing preference shares program;

* Other terms and conditions will be included to reflect current market standards;

* The cumulative financing preference shares (‘Preference Shares’) will continue to qualify as equity under the current IFRS standards.

The increase of the outstanding amount from EUR 26 million to EUR 110 million will be effectuated partly by the issuance of new Preference Shares and partly by an increase in the paid in share premium account for the Preference Shares. The non participating investor in the existing program will be taken out by Vopak as part of the transaction. As a result of the transaction the number of outstanding Preference Shares will increase to approximately 20.7 million.

As is the case under the terms of the existing cumulative financing preference shares program, Vopak will have the option to repay a certain percentage of the outstanding amount of Preference Shares on a yearly basis as well as the option to redeem all outstanding Preference Shares on the occasion of a dividend reset.

Commenting on developments, Jack de Kreij, CFO and member of the Executive Board: ‘Vopak continues its growth strategy, supported by a strong balance sheet, financial flexibility and good access to debt-funding. Vopak’s ordinary shareholders have recently contributed to this strategy by having 73% accepting stock dividends instead of expressly requesting payment in cash. Now we are also pleased to announce that four out of the five current holders of cumulative financing preference shares have agreed to participate in a renewed cumulative financing preference shares program of EUR 110 million.’

ING acted as financial advisor to the company for the transaction.


Christian Vandvig Finnerup, Dan-Bunkering. Dan-Bunkering appoints Christian Vandvig Finnerup as US managing director  

Finnerup transitions from Singapore role to lead American operations.

Hai Gang Wei Lai vessel. SIPG orders Wärtsilä systems for new LNG bunker vessel  

Shanghai International Port Group orders integrated cargo handling and fuel systems from Wärtsilä.

Chris Seide, Integr8 Fuels and William Kanavan, Pentarch Offshore Solutions. Integr8 Fuels signs MOU with Pentarch for bunker services at Port of Edrom  

Integr8 Fuels and Pentarch Offshore Solutions have signed an agreement to develop bunker fuel services.

Eagle Vellore vessel. MISC orders two LNG dual-fuel Suezmax tankers as part of fleet renewal  

Malaysian shipowner expands dual-fuel fleet with newbuilds backed by long-term charters.

Eunice Low, Oilmar DMCC. Oilmar DMCC appoints Eunice Low as marine fuels trader in Singapore  

Low joins firm's Singapore trading department with a decade of industry experience.

HMM container ship. HD Hyundai secures $1.46bn order for eight LNG dual-fuel container ships  

South Korean shipbuilder reports highest container ship order volume since 2007 supercycle.

Arctic black carbon emissions urgency graphic. Clean Arctic Alliance urges IMO action on black carbon after 'disappointing' COP30  

Environmental coalition calls for Arctic shipping fuel regulations ahead of December 5 deadline.

Egypt's Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources and Suez Canal Authority MOU Signing Ceremony. Egypt's petroleum ministry and Suez Canal Authority sign MOU for LNG bunkering facility  

Ministry and canal authority to develop LNG supply station in Port Said.

Legend of the Seas main engine startup. Meyer Turku starts first main engine on Legend of the Seas cruise ship  

Finnish shipbuilder fires up Wärtsilä engine ahead of 2025 Royal Caribbean delivery.

Malik Energy Leadership Development Programme group photo. Malik Energy launches internal leadership development programme  

Marine fuel supplier rolls out training initiative for managers across its supply and energy divisions.





 Recommended