Summary
On February 11, 2016, Centene Corporation (CNC) announced the issuance of $2.4 billion in aggregate principal amount of senior notes through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Centene Escrow Corporation. This offering comprises $1.4 billion of 5.625% Senior Notes due 2021 and $1.0 billion of 6.125% Senior Notes due 2024. The net proceeds from these notes, along with borrowings from a new senior credit facility, are earmarked to finance the cash consideration for the proposed acquisition of Health Net, Inc., as well as related fees and general corporate purposes. The notes were issued in reliance on Rule 144A and Regulation S, meaning they were sold to qualified institutional buyers and non-U.S. persons, and are not registered under the Securities Act of 1933. The funds from the note issuance have been placed into an escrow account. These proceeds will be released to Centene upon the satisfaction of certain conditions related to the Health Net merger. In the event the merger is not consummated, Centene Escrow Corporation is obligated to redeem the notes at par, plus accrued interest.
Key Highlights
- 1Centene Corporation issued $2.4 billion in aggregate principal amount of senior notes through its subsidiary, Centene Escrow Corporation, on February 11, 2016.
- 2The issuance includes $1.4 billion of 5.625% Senior Notes due 2021 and $1.0 billion of 6.125% Senior Notes due 2024.
- 3Proceeds are intended to fund the acquisition of Health Net, Inc., pay related fees, and for general corporate purposes.
- 4The notes were issued privately to qualified institutional buyers and non-U.S. persons under Rule 144A and Regulation S, and are unregistered.
- 5Funds are held in escrow and will be released upon the successful closing of the Health Net acquisition.
- 6If the acquisition does not close, Centene Escrow Corporation must redeem the notes at 100% of the principal amount plus accrued interest.
- 7The notes are unsecured senior obligations of Centene and rank equally with existing and future unsecured senior indebtedness, but are not guaranteed by subsidiaries under normal circumstances.