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EQSTRA HOLDINGS LIMITED - Rerating of the company

Release Date: 26/04/2016 17:48
Code(s): EQS EQS07 EQS09 EQS08A EQS06 EQS05     PDF:  
Wrap Text
Rerating of the company

Eqstra Holdings Limited 
(Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa) 
(Registration number 1998/011672/06) 
Share code: EQS(“securities”) 
ISIN: ZAE000117123 
(“Eqstra” or “the company”) 
 
Eqstra Corporation Limited (previously Eqstra Corporation (Proprietary) Limited) 
(Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa) 
(Registration No. 1983/009088/06)  
Company code: BIEQS 
Bond Codes: EQS05, EQS06, EQS07, EQS08A, EQS09 (“securities”) 
 
 
Rerating of the company 
 
Eqstra, the guarantor of Eqstra’s Domestic Medium Term Note Programme wishes to notify all 
holders of securities that Standard and Poor’s (“S&P”) has, on 26th April 2016, downgraded Eqstra’s 
long-term South African national scale issuer rating to zaB/zaB from zaBBB+/zaA-2. 
 
Eqstra management notes that whilst the timing of the review was anticipated, it was executed at a 
time when management is implementing actions outlined to the market over the past 12 months, 
including during the presentation of the Eqstra interim results on 1 March 2016 which can be found 
at http://www.eqstra.co.za/inv_interim_results.php.    
 
These actions are central to Eqstra’s strategy and operations and involve a number of 
interdependent components that require, inter alia, agreement with third parties. In particular, the 
process for disposing of excess assets has been underway for some months and the engagement 
with financial institutions with respect to the bank refinancing is well advanced. Management 
continues to pursue these initiatives with vigour.  
 
In addition, S&P’s report makes it clear that it has given no consideration to the anticipated 
proceeds of the aforementioned asset disposals. Management believes that the proceeds from the 
sale of excess assets, in conjunction with the debt refinancing, will contribute to the improvement of 
the company’s funding profile. The full report can be found by its subscribers at 
www.standardandpoors.com  
 
Further, S&P also acknowledges that Eqstra is in a transitional period and that conclusion of a 
number of activities would have an effect on the company’s rating and prospects.  
 
The company notes the cautionary announcements made on the 3rd February, 15th March and 8th 
April 2016 relating to disposal of assets and a non-binding expression of interest.  These 
announcements are still in force and under review, however are unrelated to the rerating of the 
company. 
 
In the opinion of the directors, the rating downgrade has no impact on the financial and trading 
position of the company, and further that the refinancing of certain bank debt communicated to 
shareholders on 1 March 2016 is progressing. Management will continue to keep investors apprised 
of developments. 
 
Kempton Park 
26 April 2016 
 
Equity and Debt Sponsor 
RAND MERCHANT BANK (A divisions of FirstRand Bank Limited)  

Date: 26/04/2016 05:48:00 Produced by the JSE SENS Department. The SENS service is an information dissemination service administered by the JSE Limited ('JSE'). 
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