Icelandair Group recently entered into a binding agreement with the Pension Fund of Commerce (PCF), receiving a ISK 1 billion investment in return for a 12 percent share in the Company. PCF will subscribe to new shares in the nominal amount of ISK 400 million at a price of 2.5, for a total of ISK 1 billion.
The agreement follows in the wake of an agreement with FSI announced recently on the acquisition by FSI of ISK 3 billion in shares in Icelandair Group. Both transactions will take place at the same price. The agreement with PCF was concluded with the normal reservations regarding the results of due diligence.
With the new agreement Icelandair has obtained a total of ISK 4 billion in cash through the sale of new shares in the space of two days. In addition, the Group’s largest creditors have undertaken to convert debts in the amount of ISK 3.6 billion into shares based on a share price of ISK 5, which corresponds to a subscription to 720 million new shares.
The financial restructuring of the Company will reduce its debt by over ISK 10 billion through the transfer and sale of certain assets which formerly formed a part of the company’s core business, as announced in a notice to the Stock Exchange last 25 March.
There are plans to invite investors and the public to inject new share capital into the Company in share offers to be held later this year.
Bjorgolfur Johannsson, CEO of Icelandair Group explained, “I am extremely pleased with PCF’s investment in Icelandair Group. In two days we have managed to broaden the Company’s investor base significantly, as the vast majority of Icelandic wage-earners have a stake in PFC and FSI through their pension savings. PCF’s investment will increase the Company’s strength still further and enhance its ability to boost still further the position of the Icelandic tourist industry, one of the country’s most important economic sectors.”
Pension Fund of Commerce CEO, Gudmundur Thorhallsson added, “PCF sees tremendous possibilities for Icelandair Group. We have faith in the Company’s management and the business model built by the Company. Icelandic tourism will continue to grow, and through our investment we will support the further growth of the Company. The opportunities are there, and with its investment PCF is taking a decisive step forward and seizing an excellent opportunity that opened up in the market.”
For further information visit www.icelandairgroup.com and for additional enquiries , please contact:
Bjorgolfur Johannsson CEO, Icelandair Group, tel. +354-896-1455
Gudmundur T. Thorhallsson, CEO of the Pension Fund of Commerce, tel. +354-898-8012
