8-KMaterial AgreementsFinancial EventsExhibits & Filings

Aon plc 8-K Report, Material Agreement (Sep 30, 2021)

Filed September 30, 2021For Securities:AON

Summary

Aon plc (AON) announced on September 29, 2021, the execution of a new $1,000,000,000 unsecured revolving credit facility (the "Revolving Credit Agreement") with Citibank, N.A. as administrative agent, effective September 28, 2021. This new facility replaces a prior $900,000,000 revolving credit facility that was set to mature in February 2022, providing Aon with increased borrowing capacity and extended maturity. The facility allows for borrowings in U.S. dollars, pounds sterling, and euros, with interest rates tied to various benchmarks plus applicable margins that are dependent on Aon's public debt ratings. The agreement includes financial covenants such as maintaining a consolidated adjusted EBITDA to consolidated interest expense ratio of no less than 4.0 to 1.0, and a consolidated funded debt to consolidated adjusted EBITDA ratio not exceeding 3.25 to 1.00, with certain exceptions. Additionally, Aon entered into Amendment No. 2 to its 2017 Revolving Credit Agreement to align its terms, including the adoption of SONIA as the benchmark for pound sterling loans and adjustments to applicable margins and facility fees, with the new Revolving Credit Agreement. This strategic move enhances Aon's financial flexibility and strengthens its credit arrangements.

Key Highlights

  • 1Aon plc entered into a new $1,000,000,000 unsecured revolving credit facility, increasing its borrowing capacity from the previous $900,000,000 facility.
  • 2The new credit facility has a maturity date of September 28, 2026, with options for two one-year extensions, providing longer-term financial flexibility.
  • 3Borrowings can be made in U.S. dollars, pounds sterling, and euros, offering Aon currency flexibility for its global operations.
  • 4Interest rates and facility fees are variable, linked to Aon's public debt ratings, incentivizing strong credit performance.
  • 5Key financial covenants include maintaining a minimum consolidated adjusted EBITDA to consolidated interest expense ratio (4.0:1.0) and a maximum consolidated funded debt to consolidated adjusted EBITDA ratio (3.25:1.00).
  • 6An amendment to the 2017 Revolving Credit Agreement aligns it with the new facility, including the adoption of SONIA for pound sterling loans and updated margins.
  • 7The termination of the prior $900,000,000 credit facility upon the establishment of the new agreement signifies a proactive management of Aon's debt structure.

Frequently Asked Questions

This filing announces Aon plc's entry into a new $1,000,000,000 unsecured revolving credit facility, which replaces an older, smaller facility. It also details an amendment to an existing credit agreement to align with the new terms, enhancing Aon's financial flexibility and credit arrangements.

The new facility is larger, at $1,000,000,000, compared to the prior $900,000,000 facility. It also has a later maturity date (September 2026, with extension options) and introduces updated terms and benchmarks, such as SONIA for pound sterling loans.

Aon must adhere to financial covenants, including maintaining a consolidated adjusted EBITDA to consolidated interest expense ratio of at least 4.0 to 1.0 and a consolidated funded debt to consolidated adjusted EBITDA ratio not exceeding 3.25 to 1.00, subject to certain exceptions. These ratios are crucial for Aon's ongoing compliance and access to credit.

The filing notes that Aon and certain affiliates have other commercial relationships with the lenders and agents involved in these agreements, and have also provided insurance brokerage and consulting services to them. While typical in such arrangements, investors should be aware of these intertwined relationships.