8-KMaterial AgreementsFinancial EventsExhibits & Filings

CBRE GROUP, INC. 8-K Report, Material Agreement (Mar 10, 2011)

Filed March 10, 2011For Securities:CBRE

Summary

CB Richard Ellis Group, Inc. (CBRE) filed an 8-K on March 10, 2011, to disclose material agreements related to financing its acquisition of a majority of ING Group N.V.'s real estate investment management business. The company entered into Amendment No. 1 to its existing Credit Agreement and an Incremental Assumption Agreement. These amendments and agreements are crucial as they enable the acquisition by adding specific exceptions to covenants, permitting certain guarantees related to the acquired business, and facilitating the integration of the acquired securities investment management operations. Most importantly, the company secured new term loan facilities totaling up to $800 million to finance the acquisition. These new loans, split into Tranche C and Tranche D facilities with varying maturities and interest rates, demonstrate the company's commitment to funding this significant strategic move.

Key Highlights

  • 1CBRE Group, Inc. amended its Credit Agreement (dated November 10, 2010) to facilitate the acquisition of ING Group's real estate investment management business.
  • 2The amendment allows for the acquisition, permits up to $110 million in guarantees from acquired ING subsidiaries, and enables equity repurchases related to CBRE Clarion Securities LLC.
  • 3An Incremental Assumption Agreement was signed, providing CBRE Services, Inc. with up to $400 million in seven-year senior secured term loans (Tranche C) and up to $400 million in eight-and-one-half-year senior secured term loans (Tranche D).
  • 4The New Term Loans, totaling up to $800 million, are intended to partially finance the acquisition of ING's real estate investment management business.
  • 5Interest rates on the new loans vary based on the borrowing option (Base Rate or LIBO Rate) and tranche, with applicable rates ranging from 2.25% to 3.50% plus the relevant benchmark.
  • 6The agreements include upfront fees of 0.5% for the new term loans, quarterly principal repayments of 1% of the original principal amount, and commitment fees on unused portions of the facilities.
  • 7The filing confirms the registrant's intent to integrate its existing securities investment management business with the acquired operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary purpose of this 8-K filing is to report material definitive agreements related to CBRE Group, Inc.'s acquisition of the real estate investment management business of ING Group N.V. Specifically, it details amendments to the company's existing credit facility and the establishment of new term loans to finance the acquisition.

CBRE is securing up to an aggregate of $800 million in new senior secured term loans to partially finance the acquisition. This includes up to $400 million under a seven-year Tranche C facility and up to $400 million under an eight-and-one-half-year Tranche D facility.

Amendment No. 1 to the Credit Agreement allows for the acquisition, permits up to $110 million in guarantees from acquired ING entities, allows restricted payments for equity repurchases in CBRE Clarion Securities LLC, permits additional subsidiaries to be borrowers, maintains the availability of an $800 million incremental facility, and facilitates the integration of acquired securities investment management businesses.

The interest rates vary depending on whether the borrowing is based on the Base Rate or LIBO Rate, and the specific tranche. Applicable rates range from 2.25% for the Base Rate Tranche C to 3.50% for the LIBO Rate Tranche D. There are also upfront fees of 0.5% on the principal amount, quarterly principal repayments of 1% annually, and commitment fees on unused portions of the facilities.