Monday, March 26, 2012

Carlyle Sets Up HDSupply Dividend Bleed?


Bloomberg reported:

HD Supply Inc., the industrial distribution company partly owned by Carlyle Group LP, Bain Capital LLC and Clayton, Dubilier & Rice LLC, is seeking to refinance both its asset-based credit line and senior secured term loan facility.

In addition to the refinancing the company is marketing a private offering of first-lien notes due 2019 and second-lien notes that mature in 2020, Atlanta-based HD Supply said today in a statement.

Proceeds from a new covenant-lite term loan B, along with drawings under a new $1.5 billion asset-based revolving line of credit and the new debt, will be used to refinance the company’s 12 percent senior notes due in 2014
HDSupply's 10-K stated:

The Senior Secured Credit Facility contains various restrictive covenants including limitations on additional indebtedness and dividend payments and stipulations regarding the use of proceeds from asset dispositions.

The 12.0% Senior Notes contain various restrictive covenants including limitations on additional indebtedness and dividend payments and stipulations regarding the use of proceeds from asset dispositions.
Carlyle's held HDSupply since 2007.  That's a long time to constrain a liquidity recap.  When it blows, it could be Macondo like.  Watch out for falling black gold.

Update 3-27-12:  HD Supply sold its Industrial Pipes division for $470 million.  Ramp up the monetization!