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Published on 1/27/2017 in the Prospect News Convertibles Daily.

New Issue: Virtus sells $100 million mandatory convertible preferreds at 7.25%, up 20%

By Stephanie N. Rotondo

Seattle, Jan. 27 – Virtus Investment Partners Inc. priced $100 million of 7.25% three-year series D mandatory convertible preferred stock at par with an initial conversion premium of 20%, the company said in an FWP filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Friday.

The dividend came at the middle of the 7% to 7.5% yield talk and in the middle of talk for an initial conversion premium of 17.5% to 22.5%.

Barclays, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, BofA Merrill Lynch and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC are the joint bookrunners.

There is a $15 million over-allotment option.

Dividends on the $100-par preferreds will be payable on the first day of February, May, August and November, beginning May 1. Dividends will be paid in cash, common stock or a combination.

Each convertible preferred will automatically convert on the third business day immediately following the settlement period. The settlement period will commence on the 22nd trading day immediately preceding Feb. 1, 2020.

Prior to Feb. 1, 2020, holders can convert the preferreds at the minimum conversion rate of 0.7576 shares. Holders can also convert upon a fundamental change at the fundamental change rate.

The maximum conversion rate is 0.9091 shares.

The initial reference price is $110, equal to $100 divided by the maximum conversion rate. The threshold appreciation price is $132, equal to $100 divided by the minimum conversion rate.

Concurrently with the convertible preferred sale, Virtus is offering $100.1 million of common stock. Neither offering is contingent upon the other.

Proceeds will be used for the acquisition of RidgeWorth Investments.

To that end, the company can redeem the issue in whole on Sept. 30 if the acquisition is not completed, or prior to that date that an acquisition termination event occurs.

The new convertible preferreds will be listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the sumbol VRTSP.

Virtus is a Hartford, Conn.-based investment management company.

Issuer:Virtus Investment Partners Inc.
Securities:Series D mandatory convertible preferred stock
Amount:$100 million
Greenshoe:$15 million
Maturity:Feb. 1, 2020
Bookrunners:Barclays, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, BofA Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC
Dividend:7.25%
Price:Par of $100
Yield:7.25%
Call options:In whole on Sept. 30 if the acquisition of RidgeWorth Investments is not completed, or upon an acquisition termination event at par plus a make-whole premium
Conversion premium:20%
Threshold appreciation price:$132
Initial price:$110
Conversion rate:0.7576 shares to 0.9091 shares
Pricing date:Jan. 27
Settlement date:Feb. 1
Talk:7% to 7.5% dividend, with an initial conversion premium of 17.5% to 22.5%
Stock symbol:Nasdaq: VRTS
Stock price:$111.15 as of Jan. 26 close
Market capitalization:$645.43 million

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