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DARDEN RESTAURANTS INC 8-K Report, Agreement Terminated (Oct 3, 2024)

Filed October 3, 2024For Securities:DRI

Summary

Darden Restaurants, Inc. (DRI) announced on October 3, 2024, the successful issuance and sale of $750 million in aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes. This offering comprises $400 million of 4.350% Senior Notes due 2027 and $350 million of 4.550% Senior Notes due 2029. The proceeds from this issuance are primarily earmarked to finance the company's pending acquisition of Chuy’s Holdings, Inc., with any remaining funds allocated for general corporate purposes, including working capital, capital expenditures, and potential debt repayment. Notably, the 2029 Notes include a special mandatory redemption provision. Should the Chuy's acquisition not close by a specified date (currently February 17, 2025) or if Darden decides not to proceed with the acquisition, these notes must be redeemed at 101% of their principal amount plus accrued interest. The 2027 Notes do not have this redemption feature. This offering also led to the termination of a previously disclosed $600 million Term Loan Agreement, as no amounts were outstanding under it.

Key Highlights

  • 1Darden Restaurants issued $750 million in senior unsecured notes: $400 million due 2027 (4.350% coupon) and $350 million due 2029 (4.550% coupon).
  • 2Proceeds are intended to fund the acquisition of Chuy's Holdings, Inc. and for general corporate purposes.
  • 3The 2029 Notes are subject to a special mandatory redemption if the Chuy's acquisition does not close by February 17, 2025.
  • 4The special mandatory redemption for the 2029 Notes would be at 101% of the principal amount plus accrued interest.
  • 5The 2027 Notes are not subject to the special mandatory redemption provision.
  • 6Darden terminated a previously disclosed $600 million Term Loan Agreement, with no outstanding balance at termination.
  • 7The notes are senior unsecured obligations, ranking equally with existing and future unsecured and unsubordinated debt.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary purpose is to finance the pending acquisition of Chuy's Holdings, Inc. and cover associated fees and expenses. Remaining proceeds will be used for general corporate purposes, which may include working capital, capital expenditures, other acquisitions, and repayment of short-term debt.

The 2029 Notes have a special mandatory redemption provision. If the acquisition of Chuy's Holdings, Inc. is not completed by February 17, 2025 (or a later date if extended), or if Darden decides not to proceed with the acquisition, the company must redeem all of the 2029 Notes at 101% of their principal amount plus accrued interest.

No, the 4.350% Senior Notes due 2027 are not subject to the special mandatory redemption provision mentioned for the 2029 Notes.

In connection with the issuance and sale of these new notes, Darden terminated its previously disclosed $600 million senior unsecured 2-year Term Loan Agreement. There was no amount outstanding under that agreement at the time of termination.