Golden Ocean announces acquisition of two modern Capesize vessels and termination of waiver restrictions
Golden Ocean Group Limited has agreed to acquire two modern Capesize vessels from affiliates of Hemen Holding Limited, a company indirectely controlled by trusts established by Mr John Fredriksen for the benefit of his immediate family ("Hemen"), Golden Ocean's largest shareholder, at a purchase price of USD 43.0 million per vessel, the company said in its press release.
As settlement of the purchase price for the vessels, Golden Ocean will enter into a non-amortizing seller's credit loan with an affiliate of Hemen for 50% of the purchase price, which bears interest at LIBOR + 3.00% per annum and matures three years after delivery of the vessels. The remaining part of the purchase price will be settled on delivery of the vessels with an estimated USD 9.0 million of cash and an estimated USD 34.0 million of newly-issued common shares of Golden Ocean at a per-share price equal to the offer price in an expected equity offering. Following completion of the acquisition and expected equity offering, Hemen, together with certain of its affiliates, will maintain its current ownership percentage of approximately 34.2% of Golden Ocean's issued and outstanding common shares.
Completion of the vessel acquisition is subject to completion of an equity offering and entry into the seller's credit loan, as described above, and other customary closing conditions. The vessels are expected to be delivered within four months of the date hereof.
About Golden Ocean
Golden Ocean, a leading dry bulk shipping company, owns or controls a modern fleet of 73 vessels and five Capesize newbuilding contracts, on a fully-delivered basis, and reflecting the acquisitions announced above. Golden Ocean's fleet will have an aggregate carrying capacity of approximately 10.7 million deadweight tons ("DWT") and an average age of less than 5 years. Golden Ocean's significant scale is further enhanced by its commercial platform, which manages 41 additional vessels on behalf of third parties. Golden Ocean is listed on the NASDAQ and Oslo Stock Exchange under the symbol 'GOGL'.
