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27.08.2024
Grifols Bond Yield Drops Amid Brookfield's Takeover Plans
Grifols Bond Yield Drops Amid Brookfield's Takeover Plans
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Grifols 3.875% October 2028 bond experiences a notable decline in yield, driven by potential refinancing plans linked to Brookfield Asset Management's possible acquisition of the pharmaceutical giant.

The Grifols 3.875% October 2028 EUR bond (XS2393001891) has seen a remarkable decrease in its yield, dropping by 187 basis points to 5.9% within the past week.

Yield curve illustration showing the performance of the Grifols bond (XS2393001891), with a 3.875% coupon, due on October 15, 2028, in Euros.

The substantial decrease in the bond's yield is primarily attributed to news that Brookfield Asset Management is in advanced discussions to raise approximately €9.5 billion ($10.6 billion) to finance a potential take-private deal for Grifols. The Canadian investment giant has reportedly sought backing from major banks, including Bank of America and UBS, to secure the necessary funds to refinance Grifols' existing debt as part of this transaction. This potential takeover has invigorated the market, leading to a significant uptick in Grifols' bond and share prices.

The takeover bid follows a challenging period for Grifols, marked by a series of reports from short-seller Gotham City Research accusing the company of financial misstatements, which have wiped out 40% of its market value since January. In response, Grifols has made significant management changes and revised its financial reporting, which, coupled with Brookfield's interest, has helped restore some market confidence.

If Brookfield and the Grifols founding family proceed with their plans, the debt package could include €8 billion in drawn debt and an additional €1.5 billion in revolving credit. This deal, if realized, would represent one of the largest take-private transactions in Europe in recent years. Despite the risks associated with Grifols' high leverage and recent downgrades by credit rating agencies, investors seem optimistic that new ownership could stabilize and potentially rejuvenate the company's financial health.

Grifols' leverage levels have been under scrutiny, leading to downgrades in its credit rating to 'B' by S&P and 'B+' by Fitch since March, with Moody’s ultimately dropping coverage in July.

About Grifols

Grifols SA, headquartered in Spain, specializes in the manufacturing of biopharmaceuticals. The company operates across four main business segments: Bioscience, Hospital, Diagnostic, and Raw Materials. The Bioscience division is dedicated to researching, developing, manufacturing, and marketing products derived from human plasma for therapeutic purposes. The Hospital division provides non-biological pharmaceutical products and medical supplies to hospital pharmacies. The Diagnostic division supplies clinical analysis and laboratory testing tools to laboratories, hospitals, and blood banks. The Raw Materials division encompasses the sale of intermediate biological products and manufacturing services to third parties. Grifols SA has production facilities in various locations, including Spain, the United States, Mexico, and Australia, and controls several subsidiaries. Grifols SA has a market capitalization of €6.11 billion as of August 27, 2024.

This article does not constitute investment advice or personal recommendation. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Bondfish does not recommend using the data and information provided as the only basis for making any investment decision. You should not make any investment decisions without first conducting your own research and considering your own financial situation.