Summary
Danaher Corporation (DHR) filed an 8-K on June 6, 2016, to report that its subsidiary, Fortive Corporation, has agreed to sell $2.3 billion in aggregate principal amount of senior notes across four different maturities. These notes, guaranteed by Danaher until Fortive's separation, are being issued in a private placement to qualified institutional buyers and non-U.S. persons. The proceeds from this significant debt offering are intended for payments to Danaher as consideration for asset contributions related to the planned separation of Fortive, as well as for general corporate purposes and expenses. This debt issuance is a crucial step in Danaher's strategic plan to separate its industrial and professional equipment segments into two independent companies, with Fortive being the entity comprising the industrial businesses. Investors should note the substantial capital being raised, which will facilitate the separation process and impact the capital structures of both Danaher (post-spin) and the new Fortive entity. The specific terms, including interest rates ranging from 1.800% to 4.300%, indicate Danaher's access to capital markets and its strategy for funding significant corporate actions.
Key Highlights
- 1Fortive Corporation, a Danaher subsidiary, is issuing $2.3 billion in senior notes across four tranches with maturities in 2019, 2021, 2026, and 2046.
- 2Danaher Corporation is providing a guarantee for these notes until the planned separation of Fortive.
- 3The notes are being sold via a private placement under Rule 144A and Regulation S, indicating they are intended for sophisticated investors.
- 4Proceeds from the note offering will be used by Fortive to make payments to Danaher as consideration for asset contributions related to the spin-off.
- 5Interest rates on the notes range from 1.800% to 4.300% depending on the maturity.
- 6The offering is expected to close on June 20, 2016, subject to customary conditions.
- 7This debt issuance is a key component of Danaher's strategy to separate its businesses into two independent companies.