Mechel reports selling Elga coal complex and completing restructuring process with state-controlled lender banks

Moscow, April 22 – Neftegaz.RU. Mechel, one of the leading Russian mining and metals companies, reports closing the deal on the sale of companies comprising Elga Coal Complex, and signing agreements with Gazprombank and VTB Bank prolonging the debt maturity of the credit lines by 10 years.

In accordance with this agreement, Mechel has sold its 51% of the shares of Elgaugol, Elga-Doroga and Mechel Trans Vostok to A-Property. The consideration amounted to 89 billion rubles, including the control premium. The buyer also fully settled Mechel’s liabilities to the state development corporation VEB.RF, totaling $107 million.

At the same time, Mechel signed debt restructuring agreements with Gazprombank and VTB Bank, with proceeds from the sale of the 51% share in Elga Coal Complex used to repay the debt to the 2 banks in proportion to their share in Mechel’s debt leverage. As such, 57.4% of the transaction amount will be used for early debt repayment to VTB Bank and 42.6% for repayment to Gazprombank. As a result of this and the waiver of the option to buy Gazprombank’s 49% share in Elga, the company’s overall debt leverage will go down by approximately 145 billion rubles.

The loans’ debt maturity is extended by seven years to March 2027 with the option of an additional 3-year extension. Other essential terms, including interest rates and loan collateral, remain unchanged. The overall restructured debt to Gazprombank and VTB Bank will total 237 billion rubles after Mechel repay part of its debt with proceeds received from selling Elga.