8-KMaterial Agreements

DANAHER CORP /DE/ 8-K Report, Agreement Terminated (Dec 22, 2011)

Filed December 22, 2011For Securities:DHR

Summary

Danaher Corporation (DHR) announced the termination of its $3.0 billion 364-day unsecured revolving credit facility. This facility, originally established in June 2011 in connection with the acquisition of Beckman Coulter, Inc., had its commitments progressively reduced throughout the latter half of 2011. The company has now elected to reduce the commitments to zero, with the facility officially terminating on December 29, 2011. Importantly, there were no outstanding borrowings under this credit facility at the time of its termination, and importantly, no early termination penalties will be incurred by Danaher. This action suggests a strong liquidity position and a proactive approach by management in managing its debt facilities. Investors should view this as a positive sign of financial health and efficient capital structure management.

Key Highlights

  • 1Danaher Corporation (DHR) is terminating its $3.0 billion 364-day unsecured revolving credit facility.
  • 2The facility was put in place on June 17, 2011, to support the acquisition of Beckman Coulter, Inc.
  • 3Commitments under the facility were reduced multiple times throughout 2011, from $3.0 billion down to $1.0 billion.
  • 4The company has now provided notice to reduce commitments to zero.
  • 5The facility will officially terminate on December 29, 2011.
  • 6There were no outstanding borrowings under the facility at the time of termination.
  • 7No early termination penalties will be incurred by Danaher.

Frequently Asked Questions

Danaher is terminating the 364-day unsecured revolving credit facility as part of its proactive capital structure management. The progressive reduction in commitments throughout the year indicates it was likely no longer needed at its initial size, and the company has decided to fully eliminate it.

No, the termination itself does not mean Danaher is paying off debt. The filing explicitly states there were no outstanding borrowings under this specific facility at the time of termination. It signifies the closure of a credit line that was not being utilized.

No, the company has stated that there are no outstanding borrowings and the termination does not trigger any early termination penalties. This indicates a cost-free closure of the facility.

The ability to terminate a credit facility without outstanding borrowings and without incurring penalties suggests Danaher has a strong liquidity position and is managing its financial resources efficiently. It implies they have sufficient internal cash flow or other financing sources available, and this particular credit line is not essential.