Rayonier Advanced Materials (RYAM), a global company in high purity cellulose, raised $700 million in aggregate principal amount of secured term loan financing from funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management as lead lender, as well as certain affiliates and managed funds of Silver Point Capital and Blue Torch Capital. Proceeds from the term loan, along with cash from the company’s balance sheet are expected to be used to purchase, defease and redeem RYAM’s existing 2026 senior secured notes, to repay RYAM’s existing 2027 secured term loan financing in full and to pay related fees and expenses._x000D_
_x000D_
“We are pleased to have completed this important financing step for RYAM, which strengthens our capital structure and preserves the flexibility to execute our long-term business strategy,” De Lyle Bloomquist, president and CEO of RYAM, said. “Importantly, this new debt structure allows us to meet our obligations while also providing the flexibility to deleverage and to opportunistically make strategic investments that will fuel the growth of our biomaterials strategy.”_x000D_
_x000D_
The term loan will initially accrue interest at an annual rate equal to three-month term SOFR plus an initial spread of 7%, subject to adjustment based on the company’s consolidated net secured debt to covenant EBITDA ratio. The term loan will mature in five years. The company may, with modest call premiums, voluntarily prepay the Term Loan, subject to an additional make-whole premium for the first eighteen months, followed by a 2% premium during the next six months and a 1% premium for the twelve months thereafter. The company may prepay the term loan at par after 36 months. The company will be required to maintain an initial consolidated net secured debt to covenant EBITDA ratio of no greater than 5.00 times through fiscal 2025, 4.75 times during fiscal 2026 and 4.50 times during fiscal 2027 and thereafter._x000D_
_x000D_
“The term loan allows RYAM to benefit from declining interest rates, as expected in the near-term. The interest rate will further decline as our net secured leverage moves below 2.50 times covenant EBITDA,” Bloomquist said. “The spread will decrease by half of a percent once this condition is met. With modest call premiums, we will also have the flexibility to repay the debt in the medium term as financial metrics continue to improve and markets recognize the value of RYAM. This successful financing transaction reinforces our commitment to creating long-term value for our shareholders and further establishes RYAM as a leader in the sustainable materials sector.”_x000D_
_x000D_
Houlihan Lokey served as financial advisor and Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz served as legal counsel to RYAM on this transaction. Sullivan & Cromwell acted as legal counsel to the lead lender.
Forward for Specialty Finance
