08/04/2002

NTL reported to be close to securing debt deal

Media reports are suggesting that cable company NTL is close to agreeing a deal with bondholders which would allow it to escape forced liquidation.

The reports suggest that banking sources are believed to be on the verge of approving a debt-for-equity swap for the debt-ridden cable firm. A debt-for-equity swap became more likely last Friday when potential buyer Liberty Media pulled out of talks with the company.

While NTL is expected to make an announcement on the package before the end of this week, the deal is likely to give bondholders a stake of at least 95 per cent in the company. NTL have been in talks with creditors as it tries to draw up a rescue plan in the face of debts of around £12 billion.

At April 1, bondholders agreed to allow NTL to withhold £66 million in interest that was due on Monday April 8 to give the company more time to come up with a rescue plan.

The cable company had warned that it might run out of money before it could complete its debt restructuring.

(MB)

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02 April 2002
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04 July 2001
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18 April 2002
NTL plan recapitalisation of debt into equity
NTL Incorporated has announced that it has reached an agreement in principle on a comprehensive recapitalisation of the company following consultation with an unofficial committee of its public bondholders. The members of the committee hold in the aggregate over 50 per cent of the face value of NTL and its subsidiaries’ public bonds.
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Bondholders may have NTL chief replaced
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