ADNOC to Raise $2.25 Bln Pre-IPO Loan for Distribution Unit

Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) plans to raise a $2.25 billion loan for its distribution unit prior to selling a stake of up to 20 percent in the unit in an initial public offering (IPO), sources familiar with the matter said.

The loan is the latest of a number of fundraisings that state-owned ADNOC, which manages almost all of the proven oil reserves in the United Arab Emirates, is carrying out as part of an overhaul of its capital structure.

On Monday, ADNOC said it might sell as much as a 20 percent stake in ADNOC Distribution, its fuel distribution unit, potentially raising up to $2.8 billion.

Analysts value the unit between $11 billion and $14 billion, sources have told Reuters.

The $2.25 billion loan, which includes a $1.5 billion term loan and a $750 million revolving credit facility, is aimed at “establishing a well-structured balance sheet for the company” ahead of its IPO, said a source close to the deal.

ADNOC started discussions with banks about the loan and other financing facilities earlier this year.

The plan comes after ADNOC received commitments earlier this month for a $6 billion club loan from a group of 13 banks, according to sources close to the situation.

One source said that deal was signed last week.

The oil major also recently sold its first public debt bond, a $3 billion issue raised by Abu Dhabi Crude Oil Pipeline, one of its subsidiaries.

By Davide Barbuscia, Stanley Carvalho and Tom Arnold