BBI 0.00% $3.98 babcock & brown infrastructure group

Ann: Euroports - Co-investors take 29.7% interest, page-3

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  1. 713 Posts.
    re: Ann: Euroports - Co-investors take 29.7% ... ASX RELEASE
    24 December 2008
    Co-investors take 29.7% interest in BBI Europe Holdings (Lux) S.À
    R.L. (“Euroports”)
    Babcock & Brown Infrastructure (ASX: BBI) announces today that it has signed a
    Subscription Agreement pursuant to which a consortium of investors consisting of
    Antin Infrastructure Partners SAS (acting in its capacity as manager of Antin
    Infrastructure Partners FCPR) (“Antin IP”) and Babcock & Brown European
    Infrastructure Fund (“BBEIF”) have agreed to subscribe for new shares in
    Euroports, representing 19.9% and 9.8% of the Company respectively.
    Antin IP and BBEIF will subscribe €121.5 million for the 29.7% interest in
    Euroports, implying an equity value of €409.1 million and an EV of €718 million to
    BBI's interest in Euroports prior to this transaction (implying an EV of €1.015
    billion for the 100% consolidated interest in Euroports, or 12.0x FY08 EBITDA
    and 10.9x FY09 EBITDA). In addition, an earn-out of €4.1 million is payable to
    BBI contingent upon the business meeting certain performance milestones..
    Under the terms of the transaction, after funding of BBI's share of growth capex
    and the acquisition of remaining minority positions within the Euroports portfolio,
    BBI will receive €35 million upon close, which it will use for repayment of a shortterm
    facility.
    Under the terms of the transaction, Antin IP and BBEIF have the right within 18
    months to increase their aggregate interest in Euroports to approximately 49%.
    Discussions are continuing with further parties to take additional stake(s) in
    Euroports, with BBI looking ultimately to sell down to a residual holding of
    between 25% and 50%. This is consistent with BBI’s intention of introducing coinvestors
    to the overall Euroports group in order to preserve both the value and
    promote the existing Euroports growth strategy, rather than selling individual port
    assets within the Euroports group.
    BBI Managing Director, Jeff Kendrew said "We have previously indicated an
    emphasis on a co-investment and partnering strategy to strengthen our balance
    sheet and provision for non-discretionary growth capex within our portfolio. It is
    particularly pleasing to follow up the Powerco partnership announcement with a
    Euroports co-investment in what is a difficult market to transact in. We look
    forward to working closely with Antin IP and BBEIF as future partners to support
    the growth of Euroports as a vibrant and growing business with strong market
    fundamentals."

    Antin IP’s Managing Partner, Mark Crosbie said “This investment fits well with
    Antin IP's continental European focus and provides an excellent opportunity to
    acquire a material stake in a unique and well diversified port portfolio across our
    targeted geographic footprint.”
    The transaction is subject to a number of conditions precedent including approval
    from the European Commission and financial close is targeted for late Q1 or early
    Q2 CY09.
    Euroports
    Euroports is one of the largest port operators in Europe and owns a portfolio of
    port concession businesses in over twenty strategic locations throughout Europe.
    The portfolio operates in an unregulated economic environment, with long term
    concession agreements and with a mixture of long-term and short term customer
    contracts, derives strong and stable cash flows which present good potential for
    ongoing growth.
    Euroports handles circa 65 million tonnes per annum of widely diversified port
    traffic with a focus on the bulk product sector. It has in excess of 2700
    employees, 31km of quays, and 485 hectares of freehold/leased port land.
    EBITDA (economic ownership level) for the 12 months ending 30 June 2008 was
    €59.6 million, with this anticipated to increase significantly in 2008/09 as recently
    acquired ports make a full year contribution.
    Antin Infrastructure Partners (Antin IP)
    Antin Infrastructure Partners is the infrastructure fund sponsored by BNP Paribas
    with a focus on investing in infrastructure assets substantially in Continental
    Europe. BNP Paribas committed €300 million of investment in the fund which is
    targeted to raise €1 billion. The fund is managed by a Management Company
    that maintains independent governance and that is owned as to 60% by its
    partners and 40% by BNP Paribas. The investment team brings together
    expertise from infrastructure strategics, mergers and acquisitions, banking and
    private equity.
    Babcock & Brown European Infrastructure Fund (BBEIF)
    BBEIF is a Babcock & Brown managed wholesale infrastructure fund focusing on
    European based infrastructure investment opportunities.
    BBEIF closed in November 2007 with €2.2 billion of commitments.
    ENDS
    Further Enquiries
    Russell Smith
    Chief Operating Officer
    (Transport Infrastructure)
    Babcock & Brown Infrastructure
    +61 2 9229 1800
    Helen Liossis
    Investor Relations Manager
    Babcock & Brown Infrastructure
    +61 2 9229 1800
 
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