8-KMaterial AgreementsFinancial EventsExhibits & Filings

DANAHER CORP /DE/ 8-K Report, Material Agreement (Jul 19, 2011)

Filed July 19, 2011For Securities:DHR

Summary

Danaher Corporation (DHR) announced on July 19, 2011, the execution of a new $2.5 billion unsecured, multiyear revolving credit facility, effective July 15, 2011. This new facility, which matures in July 2016, replaces the company's existing $1.5 billion revolving credit facility that was set to expire in April 2012. The company also reported a reduction in its previously announced $3.0 billion 364-day revolving credit facility to $1.5 billion, which was established in connection with the acquisition of Beckman Coulter, Inc. The new credit facility provides Danaher with significant financial flexibility and an extended maturity profile. It is intended to serve as credit support for the company's global commercial paper program and for general corporate purposes, including working capital needs. The terms of the new facility include variable interest rates tied to credit ratings, a facility fee, and a leverage ratio covenant of 0.65 to 1.00 or less.

Key Highlights

  • 1Danaher entered into a new $2.5 billion unsecured, multiyear revolving credit facility maturing in July 2016.
  • 2The new credit facility replaces a prior $1.5 billion facility that was scheduled to expire in April 2012.
  • 3The company reduced its $3.0 billion 364-day revolving credit facility to $1.5 billion.
  • 4The new credit facility will be used for working capital, general corporate purposes, and as credit support for its commercial paper program.
  • 5Borrowing costs under the new facility are variable, based on credit ratings, and include a facility fee.
  • 6The agreement includes a covenant requiring Danaher to maintain a consolidated leverage ratio of 0.65 to 1.00 or less.
  • 7The existing $1.5 billion credit agreement was terminated upon the effectiveness of the new agreement, with no outstanding borrowings.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary purpose of the new $2.5 billion credit facility is to provide Danaher with enhanced financial flexibility. It will be used as credit support for the company's global commercial paper program and for working capital and other general corporate purposes.

The new facility is for a larger amount ($2.5 billion vs. $1.5 billion) and has a longer term (5 years, expiring July 2016) compared to the previous facility, which was set to expire in April 2012. The new facility also replaces the prior one entirely.

Yes, the new credit agreement requires Danaher to maintain a consolidated leverage ratio of 0.65 to 1.00 or less. This ratio is defined within the Credit Agreement itself.

Upon entering the new $2.5 billion facility, Danaher terminated its prior $1.5 billion revolving credit facility. Additionally, the company reduced its separate $3.0 billion 364-day revolving credit facility to $1.5 billion.