Cirtek wrapping up P2.5-B perpetual preferred shares offer

Electronics manufacturer Cirtek Holdings Philippines Corp. is set to conclude today, Dec. 3, the public offering of as much as P2.5 billion worth of perpetual preferred shares, proceeds from which will be used to refinance debt and fund the expansion of key subsidiaries.

Cirtek’s preferred shares have two series: one with a synthetic maturity of three years carrying an interest rate of 6.5864 percent per annum, and another with a synthetic maturity of five years carrying an interest rate of 7.7506 percent per annum.

Higher divident rate

The synthetic maturity means that while the preferred shares have perpetual tenor, if Cirtek does not redeem the securities within a certain period—in this case, the third and fifth year, respectively—it will have to pay a higher dividend rate.

The base offer size is P1.5 billion consisting of up to 30 million preferred shares. Investors will pay P50 apiece.

In the event of oversubscription, the sole issue manager, lead underwriter and sole book runner, PNB Capital & Investment Corp. will have the right to upsize the offering by 20 million shares.

The preferred shares are targeted to be listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange on Dec. 14.

Net proceeds will be used to finance the additional capital expenditure, equipment and working capital and partial payment for the maturing preferred shares and debt of subsidiaries Quintel USA Inc., Cirtek Electronics Corp. and Cirtek Advanced Technologies and Solutions Inc.

—DORIS DUMLAO-ABADILLA