Foundry JV Holdco LLC Announces Launch of Consent Solicitation to Holders of its Senior Secured Notes Due 2034

Rhea-AI Summary

Foundry JV Holdco initiates a consent solicitation for amendments to its 5.875% Senior Secured Notes due 2034, offering a Consent Fee of $1.00 per $1,000 in principal amount of Notes held by Consenting Holders.

Financial Analyst

When evaluating the consent solicitation by Foundry JV Holdco LLC, it's important to consider the ramifications of the Proposed Amendments to the indenture governing their Senior Secured Notes. The adjustment to the definition of Permitted Investment and the extension of maturity for certain investments may signal strategic shifts in the company's investment policy. These changes could potentially enhance the company's financial flexibility, allowing for more diverse and possibly higher-yielding investment options.

From a financial standpoint, the offer to pay a Consent Fee, although nominal, is an incentive mechanism to encourage Note Holders to consent quickly. This fee must be scrutinized against the potential impact of the amendments on the notes' risk profile. A higher degree of investment freedom can introduce varying levels of risk, which in turn could affect the notes' credit ratings and yield requirements. Investors should weigh the immediate benefit of the Consent Fee against the long-term implications on the security of their investment.

Lastly, the involvement of reputable financial institutions as solicitation agents adds a layer of credibility to the process. However, investors should conduct their own due diligence, as the agents do not make any recommendations about the consent. The success of this solicitation will depend on the company's ability to convince investors that the amendments are in their best interest, considering the broader market and economic conditions at the time.

Legal Expert

In legal terms, the consent solicitation process is a formal request for bondholders to allow changes to the terms of a bond indenture. The Proposed Amendments to the indenture require over 50% approval from the aggregate principal amount of the Notes outstanding, excluding those held by the company or its affiliates. This threshold ensures that a majority of independent Note Holders are in agreement, thus legitimizing the amendments.

The conditions set forth, including the execution of an amendment to the Note Purchase Agreement that aligns with the Proposed Amendments, demonstrate a structured approach to maintain contractual consistency across the company's financial instruments. The legal implications of these amendments are significant, as they could alter the rights and obligations of both the Note Holders and the company.

It is also important for investors to understand that the Consent Fee is contingent upon the satisfaction or waiver of conditions described in the Consent Solicitation Statement. This means that the fee is not guaranteed and its payment is subject to certain stipulations being met, which adds a layer of complexity to the decision-making process for investors.

Market Research Analyst

Market trends indicate that companies often engage in consent solicitations to proactively manage their debt covenants in response to changing market conditions or strategic pivots. Analyzing the industry landscape, it appears that Foundry JV Holdco LLC's move to amend the indenture could be in anticipation of or in response to shifts in the investment environment that necessitate greater agility in their investment strategy.

Investor reception to such solicitations can be mixed, depending on the perceived balance between increased corporate flexibility and the potential dilution of investor protections. Market participants will be observing the response to this solicitation closely, as it may reflect broader sentiment towards corporate debt management strategies amid current economic conditions. The outcome of this solicitation could also set a precedent for how similar companies may approach indenture amendments in the future.

It is important to monitor the uptake of the Consent Solicitation by the Note Holders, as a successful amendment could suggest confidence in the company's management and strategic direction, while a rejection might signal market apprehension or dissatisfaction with the proposed terms.

HOUSTON, April 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Foundry JV Holdco LLC (the "Company"), a Delaware limited liability company, today announced that it has commenced a consent solicitation (the "Consent Solicitation") in connection with its outstanding 5.875% Senior Secured Notes due 2034 (the "Notes") for amendments (the "Proposed Amendments") to the indenture dated as of May 19, 2023 (as supplemented through the date hereof, the "Indenture"), between the Company and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee, under which the Notes are governed.

AMENDMENT & CONSENT

The Company is pursuing the Consent Solicitation to adopt the Proposed Amendments to certain terms and provisions in the Indenture. The terms and conditions of the Consent Solicitation are set forth in a Consent Solicitation Statement, dated as of the date hereof (the "Statement"). The Proposed Amendments would amend the definition of Permitted Investment, and specifically extend the allowed maturity of certain types of permitted investments. Defined terms used and not defined herein have the meanings set forth in the Indenture.

The Consent Solicitation will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on April 8, 2024, or such later time and date to which the Consent Solicitation is extended (the "Expiration Time"). Consents with respect to the Proposed Amendments may not be revoked after the consent date, which is the earlier of (i) the date on which a supplemental indenture to the Indenture setting forth the Proposed Amendments is executed and (ii) the Expiration Time. Subject to the terms and conditions of the Consent Solicitation, the Company is offering each holder of the Notes (each a "Holder") that consents to the Proposed Amendments prior to the Expiration Time and whose consent the Company accepts (each such Holder, a "Consenting Holder") consideration equal to $1.00 per $1,000 in principal amount of Notes held by such Consenting Holder (the "Consent Fee").

The payment of the Consent Fee is conditioned upon satisfaction or waiver of the Conditions (as defined in the Statement) to the Consent Solicitation as described therein, including, among others, (i) the receipt of consents of holders of more than 50% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes outstanding (excluding any Notes held by the Company or its affiliates) and (ii) the execution of an amendment to that certain Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of April 27, 2023 (the "NPA Amendment"). The proposed amendments being sought in the NPA Amendment are substantially similar to the Proposed Amendments described herein, and holders of the notes subject to the NPA Amendment will receive the same consideration as the Consent Fee described herein ($1.00 per $1,000 in principal amount) if the NPA Amendment becomes effective. The complete terms and conditions of the Consent Solicitation are set forth in the Statement that is being sent to the holders of the Notes.

BNP Paribas Securities Corp. ("BNP Paribas") and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC ("Wells Fargo") are serving as solicitation agents in connection with the Consent Solicitation. D.F. King & Co., Inc. ("D.F. King") is serving as the information agent and tabulation agent in connection with the Consent Solicitation. Questions regarding the terms of the Consent Solicitation may be directed to BNP Paribas at (212) 841-3059 and (888) 210-4358 (toll free) and Wells Fargo at (704) 410-4235 and (866) 309-6316 (toll free), respectively. Questions or requests for assistance in completing and delivering a consent or requests for copies of the Consent Solicitation Statement may be directed to D.F. King at (800) 791-3320 (toll free) or by email to foundry@dfking.com.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or an offer to purchase, or a solicitation of an offer to purchase or sell, any security. No offer, solicitation, purchase or sale will be made in any jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation, purchase or sale would be unlawful. None of the Company, the solicitation agent or the information and tabulation agent, makes any recommendation as to whether holders should deliver consents to the Proposed Amendments. Each holder must make its own decision as to whether or not to deliver consents to the Proposed Amendments.

ABOUT FOUNDRY JV HOLDCO LLC

The Company, which is indirectly owned by Brookfield Infrastructure Partners L.P. (NYSE: BIP, TSX: BIP.UN), together with its institutional partners (collectively, "Brookfield Infrastructure"), was formed in connection with a partnership between Brookfield Infrastructure and Intel Corporation ("Intel") to jointly invest in Intel's previously announced manufacturing expansion at its Ocotillo campus in Chandler, Arizona. Intel indirectly owns a 51% interest in Arizona Fab LLC ("Arizona Fab") and Brookfield Infrastructure, through the Company, indirectly owns a 49% interest in Arizona Fab. The project consists of two semiconductor wafer fabrication buildings, Fab 52 and Fab 62, together with related structures and assets and equipment owned or leased by Arizona Fab in connection therewith.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release may contain certain statements that are, or may be deemed to be, "forward-looking statements." All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included herein are "forward-looking statements." Included among "forward-looking statements" are, among other things: (i) statements regarding the Company and Arizona Fab, including statements regarding Arizona Fab's abilities to issue dividends or make distributions; (ii) statements regarding the future debt levels and financial condition of the Company and Arizona Fab; (iii) statements regarding any financing transactions or arrangements, or ability to enter into such transactions; (iv) statements regarding the construction timeline and status of the Fabs; (v) statements regarding any semiconductor wafer purchase, sale or other agreement to be entered into or performed substantially in the future, including the anticipated amount and timing of any revenues to be received therefrom, and statements regarding the amounts of total semiconductor wafer production capacities that are, or may become subject to such agreements; (vi) statements regarding counterparties to, or guarantors under, the Company's or Arizona Fab's contracts, including the Material Project Documents; (vii) statements regarding the Company's, Intel's or Arizona Fab's business strategy, strengths, business and operation plans or any other plans, forecasts, projections or objectives, including anticipated revenues and capital expenditures, any or all of which are subject to change; (viii) statements regarding legislative, governmental, regulatory, administrative or other public body actions, requirements, permits, investigations, proceedings or decisions; and (ix) any other statements that relate to non-historical or future information.

These forward-looking statements are often identified by the use of terms and phrases such as "achieve," "anticipate," "believe," "contemplate," "develop," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "plan," "potential," "project," "propose," "strategy" and similar terms and phrases, or by the use of future tense. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, they do involve assumptions, risks and uncertainties, and these expectations may prove to be incorrect. Undue reliance should not be placed on these forward-looking statements, which are made and speak only as of the date of this Statement.

The Company's actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of factors. All forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on the Company's behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these risk factors. Other than as required under the securities laws, The Company assumes no obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements or provide reasons why actual results may differ.

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SOURCE Foundry JV Holdco LLC

FAQ

What is the purpose of the consent solicitation initiated by Foundry JV Holdco ?

The Company is pursuing the consent solicitation to adopt Proposed Amendments to certain terms and provisions in the Indenture.

What is the deadline for the Consent Solicitation by Foundry JV Holdco ?

The Consent Solicitation will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on April 8, 2024, or such later time and date to which it is extended.

What is the Consent Fee offered by Foundry JV Holdco to Consenting Holders?

Consenting Holders will receive consideration equal to $1.00 per $1,000 in principal amount of Notes held by them.

Who are the solicitation agents for Foundry JV Holdco in connection with the Consent Solicitation?

BNP Paribas Securities Corp. and Wells Fargo Securities, are serving as solicitation agents.

How can questions regarding the terms of the Consent Solicitation be addressed?

Questions can be directed to BNP Paribas at (212) 841-3059 and (888) 210-4358 (toll free) or Wells Fargo at (704) 410-4235 and (866) 309-6316 (toll free).