Aryzta sale prospects downplayed; changes to capital structure more likely - report
15 MAY 2020
Aryzta’s [SWX:ARYN] share price fell on Thursday, 14 May on speculation that the Switzerland-based food company will be sold or restructured, The Irish Times reported. However, the newspaper went on to cite company sources who said Arzyta is more likely to amend its complex financial structure than pursue a sale, as the COVID-19 pandemic has depressed asset prices.
The sale speculation followed the company’s
announcement on 13 May that it has appointed investment bank
Rothschild & Co to advise on financial and strategic options, the report said.
Aryzta has cut its net debt to between EUR 400m (USD 432m) and EUR 500m by selling non-core assets, the item noted.
However, Aryzta has an additional EUR 1bn in hybrid instruments which is booked as equity for accounting purposes, the report continued. The market takes a different view, seeing the instruments as debt held off Aryzta’s balance sheet, the item said, adding that the market view has depressed Aryzta’s share price.
Company sources cited by the report suggested that Aryzta could convert the financial instruments to regular equity as part of a restructuring. Doing so would dilute the holdings of current shareholders but could lead to an eventual recovery in Aryzta’s share price, the newspaper explained.
The report went on to note speculation that Aryzta might sell its US arm, which has suffered from the effects of the lockdown in the US.