Summary
Biogen Idec Inc. (BIIB) announced on May 29, 2007, a significant capital return initiative through a modified "Dutch Auction" tender offer to repurchase up to approximately $3 billion of its common stock. This offer, which represents about 16% of outstanding shares, allows shareholders to tender shares at prices between $47.00 and $53.00, commencing May 30, 2007, and expiring on June 26, 2007. The company plans to fund this substantial share repurchase with a combination of existing cash and new debt financing. To support the tender offer, Biogen Idec has secured commitments for a $1.5 billion term loan and a $400 million revolving credit facility. The term loan, available for a single draw and maturing 364 days after draw, is specifically earmarked to finance a portion of the tender offer. The revolving credit facility will be available post-repurchase for general corporate purposes and working capital needs. The availability of these credit facilities is contingent upon the successful completion of a minimum $1.5 billion share purchase in the tender offer and other customary conditions.
Key Highlights
- 1Biogen Idec is launching a $3 billion modified "Dutch Auction" tender offer to repurchase approximately 16% of its outstanding common stock.
- 2The tender offer period runs from May 30, 2007, to June 26, 2007, with shareholders able to tender shares at prices between $47.00 and $53.00.
- 3The $3 billion repurchase will be funded by up to $1.5 billion in cash and up to $1.5 billion in debt financing.
- 4Biogen Idec has secured a commitment for a $1.5 billion term loan to help finance the tender offer.
- 5A $400 million revolving credit facility has also been committed, intended for working capital and general corporate purposes after the share repurchase.
- 6Both debt facilities are conditioned on the successful purchase of at least $1.5 billion in shares through the tender offer.
- 7The company expects to maintain a maximum leverage ratio and potentially a minimum interest coverage ratio under the terms of the new credit facilities.