Genco Shipping & Trading Limited Announces Agreement to Acquire Six Drybulk Vessels
Company to Host Conference Call on Wednesday, August 15, 2007 at 8:30 a.m. ET
NEW YORK, Aug. 14 / -- Genco Shipping & Trading Limited (NYSE:GNK) today announced that it has agreed to acquire six drybulk vessels with an average age of approximately 2 years from affiliates of Evalend Shipping Co. S.A. for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $336 million. The acquisition is subject to the completion of customary additional documentation and closing conditions. Genco plans to finance the acquisition through borrowings under its $1.4 billion revolving credit facility.
The six vessels, comprised of three Supramax vessels and three Handysize vessels, are expected to be delivered to Genco during the fourth quarter of 2007. Upon completion of the acquisition, and including the nine Capesize vessels to be acquired from companies within the Metrostar Management Corporation group announced on July 18, 2007, Genco's fleet will consist of nine Capesize, seven Panamax, three Supramax, seven Handymax, and eight Handysize drybulk carriers, with a total carrying capacity of approximately 2,814,000 dwt and an average age of approximately 8 years.
Robert Gerald Buchanan, President, commented, "Once again, Genco has capitalized on an attractive opportunity to consolidate the drybulk industry and expand its modern, high-quality fleet. This latest acquisition further strengthens Genco's leading industry position and increases Genco's earnings power. We plan to continue to utilize management's expertise in taking advantage of the strong fundamentals for drybulk shipping and to secure the vessels in our expanded fleet on long-term time charters at favorable rates prior to their delivery. In accomplishing this important goal, we remain dedicated to providing leading international charterers with the highest quality vessels that adhere to stringent operational standards."
The following table sets forth information about the six vessels to be acquired by the Company:
Acquisition Summary
Vessel New Name DWT Built Expected Time Charter
Delivery Rate (1)
Predator Genco 55,435 2005 Q4 2007 $22,500 (2)
Predator
Innovator Genco 55,435 2005 Q4 2007 n/a
Warrior
Tomahawk Genco 57,982 Q3 2007(3) Q4 2007 n/a
Hunter
Captain Genco 28,428 2005 Q4 2007 n/a
Adams Charger
Orchid Genco 28,428 2003 Q4 2007 n/a
Bay Challenger
Stentor Genco 28,445 2006 Q4 2007 n/a
Champion
Total 254,153
o Time charter rate presented is the gross daily charter hire rate before the payment of a third-party brokerage commission of 4.50%. In a time charter, the charterer is responsible for voyage expenses such as bunkers, port expenses, agents' fees and canal dues.
o The Predator, to be renamed the Genco Predator, is currently on charter with Intermare Transport GmbH at a gross rate of $22,500 per day. The charter is due to expire between January 2008 and March 2008. The rate is below current market rates and therefore will result in a liability that will amortize as an increase to revenue. See our Summary of Significant Accounting Policies under the caption "Vessel acquisitions" in our footnotes in the June 30, 2007 Form 10-Q for disclosure of our policy.
o Built date for this vessel is an estimate based on guidance received from the seller and the shipyard.
John C. Wobensmith, Chief Financial Officer, commented, "With the acquisition of six drybulk vessels, combined with our recent agreement to acquire nine Capesize vessels, Genco is positioned to expand its deadweight tonnage by approximately 185% as the Company continues to establish itself as a leading consolidator and bellwether in the drybulk industry. The acquisition meets our strict return criteria related to earnings and cash flow accretion as well as return on capital hurdles. In addition, we expect this transaction to contribute to Genco's financial results in the near term, as all six vessels are scheduled to be delivered in the fourth quarter of 2007. We plan to finance our latest acquisition through borrowings under our $1.4 billion revolving credit facility. In maintaining our commitment to create significant long-term value through the successful execution of our growth strategy, we remain focused on seeking to provide shareholders with sizeable dividends."
Conference Call Announcement
Genco Shipping & Trading Limited plans to hold a conference call on Wednesday, August 15, 2007 at 8:30 a.m. ET to discuss the acquisition of the six drybulk vessels. The conference call will be simultaneously webcast and available on the Company's website, www.GencoShipping.com. To access the conference call, dial (800) 479-9001 or (719) 457-2618 and enter the passcode 8092344. A replay of the conference call can also be accessed through August 29, 2007 by dialing (888) 203-1112 or (719) 457-0820 and entering the passcode 8092344.
About Genco Shipping & Trading Limited
Genco Shipping & Trading Limited transports iron ore, coal, grain, steel products and other drybulk cargoes along worldwide shipping routes. Genco Shipping & Trading Limited currently owns a fleet of 19 drybulk vessels consisting of seven Panamax, seven Handymax and five Handysize vessels, with a carrying capacity of approximately 988,000 dwt. After the delivery of six vessels from affiliates of Evalend Shipping Co. S.A. and nine vessels from companies within the Metrostar Management Corporation group, Genco Shipping & Trading Limited will own a fleet of 34 drybulk vessels, consisting of nine Capesize, seven Panamax, three Supramax, seven Handymax and eight Handysize vessels, with a carrying capacity of approximately 2,814,000 dwt.
FCMN Contact: ssuhovsky@igbir.com
Source: Genco Shipping & Trading Limited
CONTACT:John C. Wobensmith, Chief Financial Officer, Genco Shipping & Trading Limited, +1-646-443-8555
Web site: http://www.gencoshipping.com/
