8-KMaterial AgreementsExhibits & Filings

DARDEN RESTAURANTS INC 8-K Report, Agreement Terminated (Oct 19, 2007)

Filed October 19, 2007For Securities:DRI

Summary

This Form 8-K filing from Darden Restaurants, Inc. (DRI) reports the termination of its $1.15 billion 364-day credit facility, effective October 18, 2007. This interim facility was initially established on September 20, 2007, to partially finance the acquisition of RARE Hospitality International, Inc. The company has since repaid the full amount borrowed under this interim facility on October 16, 2007. The repayment was funded through the net proceeds of a $1.15 billion senior notes issuance on October 16, 2007, and additional borrowings from its existing $750 million revolving credit facility. Notably, Darden Restaurants incurred no early termination penalties for closing this interim credit agreement. The filing also confirms ongoing business relationships with Bank of America and its affiliates for various financial services.

Key Highlights

  • 1Termination of a $1.15 billion 364-day credit agreement, originally dated September 20, 2007.
  • 2The terminated credit facility was used to finance a portion of the RARE Hospitality International, Inc. acquisition.
  • 3The full $1.15 billion borrowed under the interim facility was repaid on October 16, 2007.
  • 4Repayment was funded by proceeds from a $1.15 billion senior notes issuance and existing revolving credit facility.
  • 5No early termination penalties were incurred by Darden Restaurants for the termination of the interim credit facility.
  • 6The filing clarifies the company's financing strategy following the RARE Hospitality acquisition, shifting from short-term debt to longer-term senior notes.
  • 7Confirms continued financial relationships and services provided by Bank of America and its affiliates.

Frequently Asked Questions

This filing announces the termination of Darden Restaurants' $1.15 billion 364-day credit facility. This facility was a temporary measure used to help finance the acquisition of RARE Hospitality International, Inc.

The company repaid the $1.15 billion borrowed under the interim facility on October 16, 2007. The repayment was accomplished using funds from the recent issuance of $1.15 billion in senior notes and additional borrowings from their existing $750 million revolving credit facility.

No, the filing explicitly states that Darden Restaurants did not incur any early termination penalties in connection with the termination of the interim credit facility.

This filing indicates a successful transition from short-term bridge financing (the 364-day facility) to a more permanent capital structure. The company replaced the interim debt with senior notes, demonstrating a strategic move to fund its acquisition with longer-term debt instruments.