T R O U B L E D C O M P A N Y R E P O R T E R
A S I A P A C I F I C
Tuesday, February 19, 2008, Vol. 9, Issue 35
Headlines
A U S T R A L I A
ACTION TILT: Commences Liquidation Proceedings
ADDEX PTY: Members Opt to Shut Down Business
ALL SITE: Taps Carter & Bettles as Liquidators
CENTRO PROPERTIE: Gets AU$4.9-Billion Debt Refinancing Extension
CHRYSLER LLC: Court to Decide Fate of Tooling Dispute Tomorrow
EDWARDS RESTAURANT: Members Appoint Lane & Peldan as Liquidators
GATT CONSTRUCTIONS: Members & Creditors Meeting Set for Today
GIBWAY PTY: Liquidator to Present Wind-Up Report on February 25
HINDMARSH MECHANICAL: Members Agree on Voluntary Liquidation
OXFORD YACHTS: Joint Meeting Slated for February 18
PAMRAE PTY: Undergoes Liquidation Proceedings
RICAR HOLDINGS: To Declare Dividend on March 6
ROCHE O'MAY: Members' & Creditors' Meeting Slated for March 7
C H I N A , H O N G K O N G & T A I W A N
CHINA EASTERN: Singapore Won't Revise Stake Bid
CKK INTERNATIONAL: Creditors' Proofs of Debt Due on March 14
DANA CORP: NewCo Registers Post-Bankruptcy Common Stock
DANA CORP: US$1.35 Billion Term Loan Trades on Secondary Market
FIAT SPA: Joint Venture With Credit Agricole Earns EUR119 Mil.
FOU WAH: Creditors' Proofs of Debt Due on March 17
GREAT SKY: Creditors' Proofs of Debt Due on March 15
INGRAM MICRO: Moody's Rates New US$275-Mln Credit Facility Ba2
LHI TECHNOLOGY: Creditors' Proofs of Debt Due on March 17
RASHTI: Members' Final General Meeting Fixed on March 31
SHOP OF GREEN: Members' Final Meeting Fixed on March 18
SICHUAN CHANG: Drops Bid for Wuxi Little
I N D I A
AFFILIATED COMPUTER: No Default Occurred Under Debenture
AXIS BANK: Committee of Directors to Meet on Feb. 18
GMAC LLC: Cerberus' Stephen Feinberg Warns of Difficulty Ahead
IFCI LTD: Doesn't Need Equity Infusion Yet, CEO Says
LOK HOUSING: Reports INR586.62 Mil. Profit in Oct.-Dec. 2007
TATA MOTORS: To Fund Development of Air-Powered Car
VISTEON CORP: Posts US$372 Million Net Loss in 2007
I N D O N E S I A
ANEKA TAMBANG: May Acquire Freeport Indonesia's 18.72% Stake
BANK MANDIRI: To Channel IDR11.7 Tril. in Home Ownership Loans
BANK DANAMON: Plans to Raise IDR1.5-Trillion Bonds in H1
BANK INTERNASIONAL: 2007 Net Profit Drops 36% to IDR404.76 Bil.
OWENS-ILLINOIS: Improved Cash Flow Prompts S&P's Rating Upgrade
J A P A N
IHI CORP: To Acquire Dutch Coating System Maker Hauzer Techno
INTERNATIONAL RECTIFIER: Names O. Khaykin & R. Dahl as Directors
STRATOS GLOBAL: Earns US$20 Million in Year Ended Dec. 31, 2007
K O R E A
DAEWOO: Morgan Stanley Unit Emerges as Preffered Bidder
M A L A Y S I A
INVENSYS PLC: Answers Speculations on Ongoing Debt
MALAYSIA AIRLINES: Anticipates to Earn MYR160MM in Annual MATF
MALAYSIA AIRLINES: Faces Earning Challenges in '09, Kenanga Says
SHAW GROUP: Cash Flow Improvement Cues S&P's Positive Outlook
WEMBLEY INDUSTRIES: Has Until June 30 to Sign DA w/ Datuk Bandar
N E W Z E A L A N D
APEX TRAINING: Subject to CIR's Wind-Up Petition
BRIDGE CLIMB: Placed Under Voluntary Liquidation
DUNLEAHY INVESTMENTS: Placed Under Voluntary Liquidation
COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY: Appoints Levin & Vance as Liquidators
GOLDEN CIRCLE: Creditors' Proofs of Debt Due on February 21
KINGSTON STREET: Undergoes Liquidation Proceedings
LAKE TIMBER: Wind-Up Petition Hearing Set for March 10
MONDRIAN PROPERTY: Wind-Up Petition Hearing Set for April 24
NELSON STREET: Commences Liquidation Proceedings
QT HOSPITALITY: Court to Hear Wind-Up Petition on February 27
JONESES REAL: Shareholder Places Firm in Liquidation
TAURUS HIRE: Subject to Taurus Hire's Wind-Up Petition
P H I L I P P I N E S
ALLIED BANKING: Moody's to Give Ba3 Rating to Subordinated Notes
MANILA ELECTRIC: Lowers Generation Charge in February Billing
MANILA ELECTRIC: Permitted to Continue Operations in 11 Sites
SITEL WORLDWIDE: Weak Liquidity Cues Moody's Negative Outlook
VITARICH CORP: Confirms Increased Revenue Projections in 2008
WENDY'S INT'L: S&P Ratings Unaffected by Trian's Board Expansion
S I N G A P O R E
AAR CORP: US$25MM Over-Allotment Option Exercised by Purchasers
BELIMO ACTUATORS: Creditors' Proofs of Debt Due on March 15
CHEMTURA CORP: Expects to Post US$2MM Net Income in 2007 4Q
DBS BANK: Moody's Affirms 'B' Bank Financial Strength Rating
ELEMECH ENGINEERING: Court to Hear Wind-Up Petition on Feb. 29
ONE GROUP: Court Enters Wind-Up Order
TARGUS GROUP: Improved Performance Cues Moody's Stable Outlook
T A I W A N
FAR EASTERN: Seeks Bankruptcy Protection for Three Months
T H A I L A N D
* Fitch To Hold Teleconference for Asia's Banks on Feb. 20
* BOND PRICING: For the Week 18 February to 22 February 2008
- - - - -
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A U S T R A L I A
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ACTION TILT: Commences Liquidation Proceedings
----------------------------------------------
Action Tilt Tray & Low Loader Services Pty. Ltd.'s members
agreed on December 20, 2007, to voluntarily liquidate the
company's business. In line with this goal, the company has
appointed Mark Conlan to facilitate the sale of its assets.
The liquidator can be reached at:
Mark Conlan
c/o RSM Bird Cameron Partners
Chartered Accountants
8 St Georges Terrace
Perth, Western Australia 6000
Australia
Telephone:(08) 9261 9100
Facsimile:(08) 9261 9340
About Action Tilt
Action Tilt Tray & Low Loader Services Pty. Ltd. provides
transportation services. The company is located at Subiaco, in
Western Australia, Australia.
ADDEX PTY: Members Opt to Shut Down Business
--------------------------------------------
Addex Pty. Ltd.'s members agreed on January 8, 2008, to
voluntarily liquidate the company's business. In line with this
goal, the company has appointed Martin David Lewis and David
William Kidman to facilitate the sale of its assets.
The liquidators can be reached at:
Martin David Lewis
David William Kidman
Level 6, 81 Flinders Street
Adelaide, South Australia 5000
Australia
About Addex Pty.
Addex Pty. Ltd. is a distributor of envelopes. The company is
located at Camden Park, in South Australia, Australia.
ALL SITE: Taps Carter & Bettles as Liquidators
----------------------------------------------
On December 14, 2007, the members of All Site Demolitions Pty.
Ltd. appointed Susan Carter and Jason Bettles as the company's
liquidators.
The liquidators can be reached at:
Susan Carter
Jason Bettles
Worrells Solvency & Forensic Accountants
50 Cavill Avenue, Level 6
Surfers Paradise
Queensland 4217
Australia
Telephone:(07) 5553 3407
Facsimile:(07) 5570 1884
About All Site
All Site Demolitions Pty Ltd is involved with wrecking and
demolition work. The company is located at Kurwongbah, in
Queensland, Australia.
CENTRO PROPERTIE: Gets AU$4.9-Billion Debt Refinancing Extension
----------------------------------------------------------------
Centro Properties Group has obtained an extension from its
lenders for the refinancing of AU$4.9 billion of debt, Bloomberg
News reports.
The same report says that Commonwealth Bank of Australia and
National Australia Bank Ltd. gave Centro Properties until April
30 to refinance AU$3.9 billion of debt, while also extending
payment for AU$1 billion of debt that became due Feb. 15.
As previously reported, the company accumulated debts as a
result of its two-year, AU$10 billion spending spree that made
Centro the second-largest shopping mall owner in Australia, and
fifth largest in the United States.
Bloomberg related that Centro Properties' shares plunged 89% as
a result of the global credit crunch, prompting it to announce
in December 2007 that it will have difficulty meeting debt
payments. The company's net worth is now AU$515 million, down
from its peak of AU$8.5 billion in May last year.
The Financial Times said that Centro Properties is the worst hit
among Australian companies as a result of the global credit
crisis. It defaulted on AU$1.3 billion of loans in December
2007. The company has about AU$17.9 billion of total debts. It
put assets on the auction block in January and is currenty
looking for buyers to its two unlisted funds: Centro Australia
Wholesale Fund with AU$2.6 billion of funds under management;
and Centro America Fund, with AU$1.1 billion.
"I suspect the company did what they had to but no more and the
market seems to be somewhat satisfied that they have prolonged
any entry to the cooking pot," Mark Wist, director at Property
Investment Research Ltd. in Melbourne, told Bloomberg. "Its
temporary reprieve extension may just be a case of lenders
trying to ascertain their rights to different assets, which will
be difficult given the complex ownership structure."
Centro's major creditors are: Commonwealth Bank of Australia,
Australia & New Zealand Banking Group Ltd., National Australia
Bank Ltd., JPMorgan Chase & Co., Royal Bank of Scotland Group
Plc, and BNP Paribas.
About Centro Properties
Centro Properties Group -- http://www.centro.com.au/-- is a
Melbourne, Australia-based company that comprises the operations
of Centro Property Trust and its entities, which are engaged in
property investment, property management, property development
and funds management.
The company operates in two business segments: property
ownership business and services business. The Company derives
income from retail property rentals of shopping center space to
retailers across Australasia and the United States. It also
derives income from its retail property investments in listed
and unlisted entities. Its services business activities include
incorporating funds management, property management and
development and leasing. During the fiscal year ended
June 30, 2007, the Company acquired New Plan Excel Realty Trust,
Heritage Property Investment Trust and Galileo Funds Management,
as well as assumed full ownership of its United States
management operations.
The Troubled Company Reporter-Asia Pacific reported on
Jan. 4, 2008, that Standard & Poor's Ratings Services lowered
its issuer credit, senior-unsecured debt and preferred stock
ratings to 'CCC+' with negative implications reflecting the
potential of the group's assets to be sold in softening market
conditions, particularly in the U.S.
CHRYSLER LLC: Court to Decide Fate of Tooling Dispute Tomorrow
--------------------------------------------------------------
The Honorable Phillip Shefferly of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for
the Eastern District of Michigan will rule on the tooling
dispute between Plastech Engineered Products Inc. and its
debtor-affiliates, and Chrysler LLC, on Feb. 19, 2008, Reuters
reports.
For the meantime, Judge Shefferly urged the parties to reach an
interim agreement for the next few days, since the last interim
tooling agreement expires today. He told the parties he would
be "very disappointed" if they do not reach a temporary accord
over the weekend, relates Reuters.
Chrysler said it was not sure when it could talk with Plastech
about extending the interim pact, Reuters says, citing Kevin
Frazier, a Chrysler representative.
As reported in the Troubled Company Reporter on Feb. 14, 2008,
the parties threw objection after objection against each other
in a two-day hearing before the Court, with Plastech challenging
Chrysler to prove its "ownership" of the tooling parts.
About Plastech Engineered
Based in Dearborn, Michigan, Plastech Engineered Products, Inc.
-- http://www.plastecheng.com/-- is full-service automotive
supplier of interior, exterior and underhood components. It
designs and manufactures blow-molded and injection-molded
plastic products primarily for the automotive industry.
Plastech's products include automotive interior trim, underhood
components, bumper and other exterior components, and cockpit
modules. Plastech's major customers are General Motors, Ford
Motor Company, and Toyota, as well as Johnson Controls, Inc.
Plastech is a privately held company and is the largest family-
owned company in the state of Michigan. The company is
certified as a Minority Business Enterprise by the state of
Michigan. Plastech maintains more than 35 manufacturing
facilities in the midwestern and southern United States. The
company's products are sold through an in-house sales force.
The company and eight of its affiliates filed for Chapter 11
protection on Feb. 1, 2008 (Bankr. E.D. Mich. Lead Case No. 08-
42417). Gregg M. Galardi, Esq., at Skadden Arps Slate Meagher &
Flom LLP, and Deborah L. Fish, Esq., at Allard & Fish, P.C.,
represent the Debtors in their restructuring efforts. The
Debtors chose Jones Day as their special corporate and
litigation counsel. Lazard Freres & Co. LLC serves as the
Debtors' investment bankers, while Conway, MacKenzie & Dunleavy
provide financial advisory services. The Debtors also employed
Donlin, Recano & Company as their claims and noticing agent.
An Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors has been appointed
in the Debtors' cases.
As of Dec. 31, 2006, the company's books and records
reflected assets totaling US$729,000,000 and total liabilities
of US$695,000,000.
About Chrysler LLC
Based in Auburn Hills, Michigan, Chrysler LLC --
http://www.chrysler.com/-- a unit of Cerberus Capital
Management LP, produces Chrysler, Jeep(R), Dodge and Mopar(R)
brand vehicles and products. The company has dealers worldwide,
including Canada, Mexico, U.S., Germany, France, U.K.,
Argentina, Brazil, Venezuela, China, Japan and Australia.
* * *
As reported in the Troubled Company Reporter on Nov. 12, 2007,
Standard & Poor's Ratings Services affirmed its 'B' corporate
credit rating on Chrysler LLC and DaimlerChrysler Financial
Services Americas LLC and removed it from CreditWatch with
positive implications, where it was placed Sept. 26, 2007. S&P
said the outlook is negative.
EDWARDS RESTAURANT: Members Appoint Lane & Peldan as Liquidators
----------------------------------------------------------------
During a general meeting held on January 8, 2008, the members of
Edwards Restaurant Pty. Ltd. appointed Morgan Lane and Michael
Peldan of Worrells as the company's liquidators.
The liquidators can be reached at:
Morgan Lane
Michael Peldan
c/o Worrells
102 Adelaide St, 8th Floor
Brisbane, Queensland 4000
Australia
Web site: http://www.worrells.net.au
About Edwards Restaurant
Edwards Restaurant Pty Ltd is a distributor of durable goods.
The company is located at Spring Hill, in Queensland, Australia.
GATT CONSTRUCTIONS: Members & Creditors Meeting Set for Today
-------------------------------------------------------------
Gatt Constructions Pty. Ltd., which is in liquidation, will hold
a joint meeting for its members and creditors at 10:00 a.m.
today, Feb. 19, 2008. During the meeting, the company's
liquidator, Ron Gamble at BDO Kendalls, will provide the
attendees with property disposal and winding-up reports.
The liquidator can be reached at:
Ron Gamble
c/o BDO Kendalls
256 St Georges Terrace, 8th Floor
Perth, Western Australia 6000
Australia
Telephone:(08) 9360 4200
About Gatt Constructions
Gatt Constructions Pty Ltd is a general contractor of industrial
buildings and warehouses. The company is located at Balcatta,
in Western Australia, Australia.
GIBWAY PTY: Liquidator to Present Wind-Up Report on February 25
---------------------------------------------------------------
Allan Davie, Gibway Pty. Ltd.'s appointed estate liquidator,
will meet with the company's members on February 25, 2008, to
provide them with property disposal and winding-up reports.
As reported by the Troubled Company Reporter-Asia Pacific, the
company commenced liquidation proceedings on January 3, 2008.
The liquidator can be reached at:
Allan Davie
Charts Partners Pty Ltd as Trustee
GPO Box 2168
Brisbane, Queensland 4001
Australia
About Gibway Pty.
Located at Brisbane, in Queensland, Australia, Gibway Pty. Ltd.
is an investor relation company.
HINDMARSH MECHANICAL: Members Agree on Voluntary Liquidation
------------------------------------------------------------
Hindmarsh Mechanical & Electrical Services Pty. Ltd.'s members
agreed on January 14, 2008, to voluntarily liquidate the
company's business. In line with this goal, the company has
appointed Martin David Lewis at Ferrier Hodgson to facilitate
the sale of its assets.
The liquidator can be reached at:
Martin David Lewis
Chartered Accountant
Ferrier Hodgson
81 Flinders Street, Level 6
Adelaide, South Australia 5000
Australia
About Hindmarsh Mechanical
Hindmarsh Mechanical & Electrical Services Pty Ltd provides
plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning services. The company
is located at Hindmarsh, in South Australia, Australia.
OXFORD YACHTS: Joint Meeting Slated for February 18
---------------------------------------------------
Oxford Yachts Pty. Ltd., which is in liquidation, will hold a
joint meeting for its members and creditors at 10:00 a.m. on
February 18, 2008. During the meeting, the company's
liquidator, W. J. Fletcher at Bentleys Chartered Accountants,
will provide the attendees with property disposal and winding-up
reports.
The liquidator can be reached at:
W. J. Fletcher
Bentleys Chartered Accountants
AMP Place, Level 26
10 Eagle Street
Brisbane, Queensland
Australia
About Oxford Yachts
Oxford Yachts Pty Ltd, which is alos trading as Southern
Hemispheare Shipyard, is a distributor of fabricated structural
metal. The company is located at Morningside, in Queensland,
Australia.
PAMRAE PTY: Undergoes Liquidation Proceedings
---------------------------------------------
Pamrae Pty. Ltd.'s members agreed on December 17, 2007, to
voluntarily liquidate the company's business. In line with this
goal, the company has appointed Robert Colin Parker at Freer
Parker & Associates to facilitate the sale of its assets.
The liquidator can be reached at:
Robert Colin Parker
Freer Parker & Associates
40 Sturt Street
Adelaide, South Australia
Australia
About Pamrae Pty.
Pamrae Pty. Ltd., which is also trading as Bute Hotel, operates
drinking places. The company is located at Bute, in South
Australia, Australia.
RICAR HOLDINGS: To Declare Dividend on March 6
----------------------------------------------
Ricar Holdings Pty. Ltd., which is in liquidation, will declare
dividend for priority creditors on March 6, 2008.
Only priority creditors who were able to file their proofs of
debt by February 6, 2008, will be included in the company's
dividend distribution.
The liquidator can be reached at:
Jennifer E. Low
Sheridans Chartered Accountants
40 St Georges Terrace, Level 6
Perth, Western Australia 6000
Australia
Telephone:(08) 9221 9339
Facsimile:(08) 9221 9340
About Ricar Holdings
Ricar Holdings Pty. Ltd., which is also trading as Majestic
Stairs, is constructor of public buildings. The company is
located at Maylands, in Western Australia, Australia.
ROCHE O'MAY: Members' & Creditors' Meeting Slated for March 7
-------------------------------------------------------------
Roche O'May Pty. Ltd., which is in liquidation, will hold a
joint meeting for its members and creditors at 10:30 a.m. on
March 7, 2008. During the meeting, the company's liquidator,
Paul Cook at Paul Cook & Associates, will provide the attendees
with property disposal and winding-up reports.
The company will also declare dividend final ordinary dividend
on February 20, 2008.
The liquidator can be reached at:
Paul Cook
c/o Paul Cook & Associates
105 Macquarie Street
Hobart, Tasmania 7000
Australia
Telephone:(03) 6223 2555
Facsimile:(03) 6223 2556
e-mail:info@pjc.com.au
About Roche O'May
Roche O'may Pty Ltd operates investment offices. The company is
located at Hobart, in Tasmania, Australia.
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C H I N A , H O N G K O N G & T A I W A N
================================================
CHINA EASTERN: Singapore Won't Revise Stake Bid
------------------------------------------------
Singapore Airlines said that its offer to buy a stake in China
Eastern Airlines Corporation Limited remains in place, and it
has no plans to revise its existing bid, Reuters News reports.
As reported in the Troubled Company Reporter-Asia Pacific on
Jan. 10, 2008, nearly 78% of China Eastern shareholders earlier
rejected a bid by Singapore Airlines and Temasek Holding Pte
Limited to buy a minority stake in China Eastern after rival Air
China and its parent, China National Aviation Corp., pledged a
higher offer.
Air China and China Aviation specifically vowed to pay at least
32% more (or at least HK$5.00 a share) than what Singapore
Airlines and Temasek agreed to pay for a 24% stake in China
Eastern. Singapore Air and Temasek had proposed to pay China
Eastern HK$3.80 per share, or HK$7.2 billion (US$923 million) in
aggregate.
Singapore Airlines Chief Executive Chew Choon Seng, in response
to a question on whether the airline will renew its bid said
they have no plans at the moment. However, they will continue
to engage China Eastern in commercial cooperation, beyond that
they have no other plans, Reuters notes.
Jan Dahinten and Melanie Lee at Reuters write that Mr. Chew said
Singapore Airlines' offer is still on the table but they will
not ignore the growth markets, like China and India.
About China Eastern
Headquartered in Shanghai, China, China Eastern Airlines
Corporation Limited's -- http://www.ce-air.com-- principal
activity is operation of domestic and international commercial
air transportation. The Group also is involved in the common
aircraft industry. Other activities include general aviation,
air catering, advertisement, import and export, equipment
manufacturing, real estate, hotel business, finance and
training. The fleet includes more than 60 large and medium size
airplanes, Airbus and Boeing mostly. Its operation centering
from Shanghai to the whole People's Republic of China and
linking to Asia, Europe, America and Australia.
On April 28, 2006, Fitch Ratings downgraded China Eastern's
foreign currency and local currency issuer default ratings to B+
from BB-. The outlook on the IDRs is stable.
Xinhua Far East China Ratings gave the company a BB+ issuer
credit rating.
CKK INTERNATIONAL: Creditors' Proofs of Debt Due on March 14
------------------------------------------------------------
The creditors of CKK International Limited are required to file
their proofs of debt by March 14, 2008, to be included in the
company's dividend distribution.
The commenced liquidation proceedings on January 21, 2008.
The company's liquidators are:
Kennic Lai Hang Lui
Frank Tsz Chun Yuen
5th Floor, Ho Lee Commercial Bldg.
38-44 D' Aguilar Street
Central, Hong Kong
DANA CORP: NewCo Registers Post-Bankruptcy Common Stock
-------------------------------------------------------
After their January 31, 2008, emergence from Chapter 11, Dana
Corporation, now named Dana Holding Corporation, registered new
set of common and preferred stock with the U.S. Securities and
Exchange Commission.
Pursuant to Dana's Third Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization,
the reorganized company would issue 500,000,000 shares of
capital stock, consisting of 450,000,000 shares of common stock
and 50,000,000 shares of preferred stock.
Of the Preferred Stock, 2,500,000 shares would be designated as
Series A Preferred Stock, and 5,400,000 shares would be
designated as Series B Preferred Stock.
Common Stock
Holders of Common Stock would be entitled to dividends declared
from time to time by the board of directors out of legally
available funds. Each holder of common stock is entitled to one
vote for each share except for the election of directors, which
is to be elected by the holders of Series A Preferred Stock.
Holders of common stock are not entitled to cumulative voting
rights.
Marc Levin, acting general counsel and secretary for Dana
Holding, says that in the event of the company's liquidation,
dissolution or winding up, holders of common stock would be
entitled to share equally and ratably in any assets remaining
after the payment of all debt and liabilities, subject to the
prior rights of holders of any outstanding preferred stock.
Preferred Stock
Dana Holding would issue US$250,000,000 in aggregate liquidation
preference of the Series A Preferred Stock to a private equity
firm, in consideration for the equity firm's investment to Dana
Holding. The company would also issue US$540,000,000 in
aggregate liquidation preference of the Series B Preferred Stock
to certain qualified investors in consideration for their
investment to Dana Holding.
The price at which each share of Preferred Stock would be
convertible into Common Stock would be 83% of its distributable
market equity value per share. If, as result of that
determination:
(i) the holders of the Preferred Stock would own, on an as-
converted, fully diluted basis, less than 32.0% of Dana
Holdings' issued shares of Common Stock plus the number
of shares of Common Stock that would be issued upon
conversion of the Preferred Stock, necessary adjustments
would be made so holders of Preferred Stock would own
32.0% of the Fully Diluted Shares; or
(ii) the holders of the Preferred Stock would own, on an as-
converted, fully diluted basis, more than 36.3% of the
Fully Diluted Shares, necessary adjustments would be made
so holders of Preferred Stock would own 36.3% of the
Fully Diluted Shares.
Referred percentages are subject to adjustment to the extent
that Dana Holding's net debt plus the value of its minority
interests as of the Effective Date is an amount other than
US$525,000,000.
Shares of Series A Preferred Stock having an aggregate
liquidation preference of not more than US$125,000,000 and the
Series B Preferred Stock would be convertible at any time at the
option of the applicable holder after the six-month anniversary
of the Effective Date.
In the event that the per share closing sales price of the
Common Stock exceeds 140% of the distributable market equity
value per share for at least 20 consecutive trading days
beginning on or after January 31, 2013, Dana Holding would be
able to cause the conversion of all of the Preferred Stock.
The price at which the Preferred Stock is convertible would be
subject to adjustment as a result of stock splits and
combinations, dividends and distributions and certain issuances
of common stock or common stock derivatives.
The Preferred Stock would be entitled to dividends at an annual
rate of 4%, payable quarterly in cash. The shares would have
equal voting rights and would vote together as a single class
with the Common Stock on an as-converted basis, except that the
Series A Preferred Stock would be entitled to vote as a separate
class to elect three directors.
At the first annual meeting of stockholders after the Effective
Date, and as the initial holder of the Series A Preferred Stock
owns at least US$125,000,000 of the Series A Preferred Stock,
Dana Holding's board of directors would be composed of nine
members, as follows:
(i) three directors designated by initial holder of the
Series A Preferred Stock and elected by holders of the
Series A Preferred Stock,
(ii) one independent director nominated by a special purpose
nominating committee composed of two designees of the
initial holder of the Series A Preferred Stock and one
other board member, and
(iii) five directors nominated by Dana Holding's board. With
the exception of the three directors elected by holders
of the Series A Preferred Stock, the remaining directors
would be elected by holders of Common Stock and any other
class of capital stock.
Holders of Preferred Stock would also have the right to elect
two directors in the event that six quarterly dividends on the
Preferred Stock are accrued but unpaid.
Additional Preferred Stock
Dana's Restated Certificate of Incorporation authorizes the
issuance of 50,000,000 shares of preferred stock. The Board is
authorized to provide for the issuance of shares of preferred
stock, in one or more series, and to fix for each series voting
rights.
The Board is authorized to issue shares of preferred stock and
determine its rights and preferences for the purpose of
eliminating delays associated with a stockholder vote on
specific issuances. "The issuance of preferred stock, while
providing flexibility in connection with possible acquisitions,
future financings and other corporate purposes, may discourages
or would make it more difficult for a third party to acquire a
majority of the outstanding voting stock of Dana Holding." he
concludes.
Mr. Levin, informs that the shares of preferred stock may also
be reissued by Dana Holding following redemption of their shares
or conversion of the holder's shares, as applicable.
Certain Anti-Takeover Effects
Certain provisions of the Restated Certificate of Incorporation
and Bylaws of Dana Holding, as well as the General Corporation
Law of the State of Delaware, may have the effect of delaying,
deferring or preventing a change in control of Dana Holding,
including those regulating the nomination of directors, limiting
who may call special stockholders' meetings and eliminating
stockholder action by written consent, together with the terms
of the Preferred Stock, may make it more difficult for other
persons, without the approval of Dana Holding's board of
directors to acquire substantial amounts of Common Stock or
other attempts for the stockholders' best interest.
About Dana
Based in Toledo, Ohio, Dana Corporation -- http://www.dana.com/
-- designs and manufactures products for every major vehicle
producer in the world, and supplies drivetrain, chassis,
structural, and engine technologies to those companies. Dana
employs 46,000 people in 28 countries. Dana is focused on being
an essential partner to automotive, commercial, and off-highway
vehicle customers, which collectively produce more than 60
million vehicles annually.
Dana has facilities in China in the Asia-Pacific, Argentina in
the Latin-American regions and Italy in Europe.
The company and its affiliates filed for chapter 11 protection
on March 3, 2006 (Bankr. S.D.N.Y. Case No. 06-10354). As of
Nov. 30, 2007, the Debtors listed US$7,131,000,000 in total
assets and US$7,665,000,000 in total debts resulting in a total
shareholders' deficit of US$534,000,000.
Corinne Ball, Esq., and Richard H. Engman, Esq., at Jones Day,
in Manhattan and Heather Lennox, Esq., Jeffrey B. Ellman, Esq.,
Carl E. Black, Esq., and Ryan T. Routh, Esq., at Jones Day in
Cleveland, Ohio, represented the Debtors. Henry S. Miller at
Miller Buckfire & Co., LLC, served as the Debtors' financial
advisor and investment banker. Ted Stenger from AlixPartners
served as Dana's Chief Restructuring Officer.
Thomas Moers Mayer, Esq., at Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel
LLP, represented the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors.
Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson, LLP served as counsel
to the Official Committee of Equity Security Holders. Stahl
Cowen Crowley, LLC served as counsel to the Official Committee
of Non-Union Retirees.
The Debtors filed their Joint Plan of Reorganization on
Aug. 31, 2007. On Oct. 23, 2007, the Court approved the
adequacy of the Disclosure Statement explaining their Plan.
Judge Burton Lifland of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the
Southern District of New York entered an order confirming the
Third Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization of the Debtors on
Dec. 26, 2007.
The Debtors' Third Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization was
deemed effective as of January 31, 2008. Dana Corp., starting
on the Plan Effective Date, operated as Dana Holding
Corporation.
(Dana Corporation Bankruptcy News, Issue No. 70; Bankruptcy
Creditors' Service Inc., http://bankrupt.com/newsstand/or
215/945-7000)
DANA CORP: US$1.35 Billion Term Loan Trades on Secondary Market
-------------------------------------------------------------
The US$1.35 billion term loan portion of Dana Holding Corp.'s
US$2 billion exit financing facility began trading on the
secondary market Feb. 7, with the price quoted at 90/91, William
Rochelle at Bloomberg News reports, citing Standard & Poor's.
As reported in the Troubled Company Reporter on Feb. 12, 2008,
Standard & Poor's Ratings Services assigned its 'BB-' corporate
credit rating to Dana Holding following the company's emergence
from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Feb. 1, 2008. The
outlook is negative.
"The ratings are based on the exit financing, capital structure,
and other terms and conditions under Dana's plan of
reorganization filed with the bankruptcy court, which has now
been consummated," said Standard & Poor's credit analyst Nancy
Messer.
At the same time, Standard & Poor's assigned Dana's US$650
million asset-based loan revolving credit facility due 2013 a
'BB+' rating -- two notches higher than the corporate credit
rating -- with a recovery rating of '1', indicating an
expectation of very high -- 90% to 100% -- recovery in the event
of a payment default.
The loan was priced at the London Interbank Offered Rate plus
375 basis points, Mr. Rochelle notes.
S&P also assigned a 'BB' bank loan rating to Dana's US$1.43
billion senior secured term loan -- one notch above the
corporate credit rating -- with a recovery rating of '2',
indicating an expectation of average -- 70% to 90% -- recovery.
The bank loan ratings assume that any remaining conditions that
predate the bank facility are satisfied or waived.
Dana had US$1.6 billion of balance sheet debt outstanding at
emergence from bankruptcy. The capital structure also includes
US$792 million of 4% cash-pay convertible preferred stock, held
by Centerbridge Partners L.P. and certain prior creditors, which
Standard & Poor's views as equity.
The ratings reflect Dana's weak business profile and aggressive
financial profile, S&P explained.
S&P said it could lower the ratings over the next year if Dana
fails to generate free cash flow, whether because of slower
restructuring efforts, more adverse market conditions, or
failure to install a strong executive leadership team. In
addition, S&P could lower the ratings if Dana's strategic or
financial policies take a more aggressive turn under the new
board of directors and executive management team. Any of these
occurrences could inhibit Dana's free cash flow and the
potential for reduced leverage in the near term.
S&P could revise the outlook to stable if market conditions
stabilize and Dana is able to modestly expand sales and EBITDA
in the next few years, and if restructuring activities produce
improved and sustainable adjusted EBITDA margin in 2008 and 2009
at 10% or better. The assignment of a stable outlook would also
require S&P's confidence that the financial policy and business
strategy of Dana's new owners would remain consistent with the
current rating and that the company would resolve prior
accounting issues. S&P would also need to see evidence, through
the achievement of profitable new business wins, that the
company is establishing itself as a credible long-term global
competitor in its markets.
About Dana
Based in Toledo, Ohio, Dana Corporation -- http://www.dana.com/
-- designs and manufactures products for every major vehicle
producer in the world, and supplies drivetrain, chassis,
structural, and engine technologies to those companies. Dana
employs 46,000 people in 28 countries. Dana is focused on being
an essential partner to automotive, commercial, and off-highway
vehicle customers, which collectively produce more than 60
million vehicles annually.
Dana has facilities in China in the Asia-Pacific, Argentina in
the Latin-American regions and Italy in Europe.
The company and its affiliates filed for chapter 11 protection
on March 3, 2006 (Bankr. S.D.N.Y. Case No. 06-10354). As of
Nov. 30, 2007, the Debtors listed US$7,131,000,000 in total
assets and US$7,665,000,000 in total debts resulting in a total
shareholders' deficit of US$534,000,000.
Corinne Ball, Esq., and Richard H. Engman, Esq., at Jones Day,
in Manhattan and Heather Lennox, Esq., Jeffrey B. Ellman, Esq.,
Carl E. Black, Esq., and Ryan T. Routh, Esq., at Jones Day in
Cleveland, Ohio, represented the Debtors. Henry S. Miller at
Miller Buckfire & Co., LLC, served as the Debtors' financial
advisor and investment banker. Ted Stenger from AlixPartners
served as Dana's Chief Restructuring Officer.
Thomas Moers Mayer, Esq., at Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel
LLP, represented the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors.
Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson, LLP served as counsel
to the Official Committee of Equity Security Holders. Stahl
Cowen Crowley, LLC served as counsel to the Official Committee
of Non-Union Retirees.
The Debtors filed their Joint Plan of Reorganization on
Aug. 31, 2007. On Oct. 23, 2007, the Court approved the
adequacy of the Disclosure Statement explaining their Plan.
Judge Burton Lifland of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the
Southern District of New York entered an order confirming the
Third Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization of the Debtors on
Dec. 26, 2007.
The Debtors' Third Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization was
deemed effective as of January 31, 2008. Dana Corp., starting
on the Plan Effective Date, operated as Dana Holding
Corporation.
(Dana Corporation Bankruptcy News; Bankruptcy Creditors' Service
Inc., http://bankrupt.com/newsstand/or 215/945-7000)
FIAT SPA: Joint Venture With Credit Agricole Earns EUR119 Mil.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Fiat Group Automobiles Financial Services, a 50-50 joint venture
of Fiat SpA and Credit Agricole, earned EUR119 million in its
first year of operations ending in Dec. 31. 2007, Forbes.com
reports, citing Thompson Financial.
According to Thompson Financial, the prospects for 2008 confirm
further growth, thanks to the growth in sales of autos by Fiat,
improvement of financial activities, and cross-selling with
Credit Agricole; and total financial activities grew 8% to EUR17
billion on a year to year basis from 2006.
The joint venture provides dealer finance as well as financing
for car purchases by Fiat customers, Thomson Financial relates.
About Fiat S.p.A.
Headquartered in Turin, Italy, Fiat S.p.A. --
http://www.fiatgroup.com/-- is one of the largest industrial
groups in Italy and the fourth largest European-based automobile
manufacturer, with revenues of EUR33.4 billion in the first nine
months of 2005. Fiat's creditors include Banca Intesa, Banca
Monte dei Paschi di Siena, Banca Nazionale del Lavoro,
Capitalia, Sanpaolo IMI, and UniCredito Italiano.
Fiat operates in Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil,
Bulgaria, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany,
Greece, Hungary, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Lituania,
Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Singapore,
Spain, among others.
* * *
As reported in the TCR-Europe on Nov. 6, 2007, Moody's Investors
Service changed the outlook on Fiat S.p.A. and subsidiaries' Ba3
Corporate Family Rating to positive from stable and affirmed its
Ba3 long-term senior unsecured ratings as well as the short-term
non-Prime rating.
On Oct. 4, 2007, Fitch Ratings affirmed Fiat S.p.A.'s Issuer
Default and senior unsecured ratings at BB- and Short-term
rating at B.
The company carries Standard & Poor's Ratings Services' BB long-
term corporate credit rating. The compay also carries B short-
term rating. S&P said the outlook is stable.
FOU WAH: Creditors' Proofs of Debt Due on March 17
--------------------------------------------------
The creditors of Fou Wah Weaving Mills Limited are required to
file their proofs of debt by March 17, 2008, to be included in
the company's dividend distribution.
The company's liquidator is:
Man Mo Leung
34th Floor, The Lee Gardens
334th Hysan Avenue, Causeway Bay
Hong Kong
GREAT SKY: Creditors' Proofs of Debt Due on March 15
----------------------------------------------------
The creditors of Great Sky Limited are required to file their
proofs of debt by March 15, 2008, to be included in the
company's dividend distribution.
The commenced liquidation proceedings on February 8, 2008.
The company's liquidators are:
Ching Kwok Ho, Samuel
Li Lau Lai Hing, Joanna
12th Floor, New World Tower II
18 Queen's Road
Central, Hong Kong
INGRAM MICRO: Moody's Rates New US$275-Mln Credit Facility Ba2
--------------------------------------------------------------
Moody's has affirmed Ingram Micro Inc.'s Ba1 corporate family
rating and assigned a Ba2 (LGD-5, 75%) rating to the company's
five-year US$275 million senior unsecured revolving credit
facility due 2012. The rating outlook is stable. Proceeds from
the credit facility, which was put in place in August 2007, are
intended to be used for working capital needs and general
corporate purposes. It replaces an unrated US$175 million
revolver that was set to expire in July 2008. The new credit
facility includes an accordion feature under which total
commitments may be increased up to US$450 million, subject to
approval by the bank syndicate, at any time prior to maturity
date.
The rating for the US$275 million senior unsecured revolver
reflects the overall probability of default of the company, to
which Moody's assigns a PDR of Ba1 based on a 50% expected
corporate family recovery rate. Under Moody's loss given
default methodology, the senior unsecured credit facility is
rated one notch below the Ba1 CFR due to higher expected loss
given its junior position in the company's capital structure
relative to a disproportionately large accounts payable balance
that is likely to persist. The facility contains financial
covenants requiring the maintenance of certain financial ratios.
Moody's expects the company to remain in compliance with these
covenants over the next twelve months.
This new rating was assigned:
-- US$275 million Senior Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility
due 2012 -- Ba2 (LGD-5, 75%)
These ratings were affirmed:
-- Corporate Family Rating -- Ba1
-- Probability of Default Rating -- Ba1
Approximately US$275 million of new debt rated.
Ingram Micro's Ba1 corporate family rating reflects its leading
position as the largest global technology distributor,
increasing scale and geographic breadth, solid performance in
core North American markets, expanded presence in the fast
growing Asia-Pacific region, solid liquidity position and
moderate leverage profile. The CFR is also constrained by the
challenges associated with the company's high volume, low margin
business profile. Importantly, the rating incorporates the very
thin, low single digit operating margins, significant supplier
concentration, limited pricing power, heightened competitive
environment, volatile cash flow generation trends and potential
further acquisition spending and/or share repurchase activity.
The stable outlooks reflects Moody's expectation that Ingram
Micro will continue to maintain its current gross profit and
operating margins and continue to receive support from its high
growth Asia-Pacific markets and improving EMEA operations, while
maintaining stable market share in its core North American
markets. The stable outlook also considers Moody's expectation
that the company will maintain a strong liquidity position
evidenced by ample cash balances, sufficient availability across
its various credit facilities and minimum retained cash flow to
debt ratio of 20%.
The company's revenues and adjusted EBITDA for the last twelve
months ended Sept. 30 2007, were US$33.9 billion and US$661
million, respectively.
Headquartered in Santa Ana, California, Ingram Micro Inc. (NYSE:
IM) -- http://www.ingrammicro.com/-- together with its
subsidiaries, distributes information technology products and
supply chain solutions worldwide. Its IT products include
peripherals, networking, software, and systems. The company has
Latin America operations in Brazil, Chile and Mexico.
LHI TECHNOLOGY: Creditors' Proofs of Debt Due on March 17
---------------------------------------------------------
The creditors of Lhi Technology (HK) Company Limited are
required to file their proofs of debt by March 17, 2008, to be
included in the company's dividend distribution.
The company's liquidator is:
Man Mo Leung
34th Floor, The Lee Gardens
334th Hysan Avenue, Causeway Bay
Hong Kong
RASHTI: Members' Final General Meeting Fixed on March 31
--------------------------------------------------------
Robin Harris and Fok Pui Ling Linda, Rashti & Rashti (Hong Kong)
Limited's appointed estate liquidator, will meet with the
company's members on March 31, 2008, to provide them with
property disposal and winding-up reports.
The liquidator can be reached at:
Robin Harris
Fok Pui Ling Linda
31st Floor, The Center
99 Queen's Road Central
Hong Kong
SHOP OF GREEN: Members' Final Meeting Fixed on March 18
-------------------------------------------------------
Au Yan Alfred, The Shop of Green and Found Limited's appointed
estate liquidator, will meet with the company's members on
March 31, 2008, to provide them with property disposal and
winding-up reports.
The liquidator can be reached at:
Au Yan Alfred
24th Floor, Hang Wai Commercial Bldg.
231-233 Queen's Road East
Wanchai, Hong Kong
SICHUAN CHANG: Drops Bid for Wuxi Little
----------------------------------------
Sichuan Changhong Electrical Co. withdrew its bid to buy a 24%
stake in washing-machine maker Wuxi Little Swan Co. due to cost
concerns, ShanghaiDaily reports.
Citing a government regulation, Sichuan Changhong told
ShanghaiDaily that the 24% stake, or 87.67 million shares, can't
be sold for less than CNY1.65 billion (US$230 million) and that
the buyer also must pay the full amount in cash.
Earlier reports indicated that Changhong showed interest to gain
a controlling stake in Wuxi Little as the television maker plans
to expand its business into the washing-machine industry.
Based in Mianyang, Sichuan Province, China, Sichuan Chang Hong
Electric Co., Ltd. -- http://www.changhong.com/-- is
principally engaged in the manufacture and sale of televisions,
air conditioners, mobile phones, refrigerators and other
household electrical appliances. The company offers its
products under 13 categories, including military products,
digital televisions, digital display panels, information
technology products, air conditioners, digital audio/video
products, digital network products, molding products, digital
electronic components, environment-friendly power supply
systems, electrical equipment, electric engineering products and
chemical materials. The company distributes its products in 90
countries/regions, including Russia, the United States, France,
and South America.
Xinhua Far East China Ratings gave the company a B+ issuer
credit rating on February 24, 2006.
=========
I N D I A
=========
AFFILIATED COMPUTER: No Default Occurred Under Debenture
--------------------------------------------------------
Affiliated Computer Services Inc. disclosed that on
Feb. 12, 2008, the United States District Court for the Northern
District of Texas, Dallas Division, granted the company's Motion
for Summary Judgment in a declaratory relief action and entered
a judgment that no default occurred under Section 4.03(a) of its
indenture with certain noteholders.
The company filed the lawsuit because certain holders of its
4.70% Senior Notes due June 1, 2010, and its 5.20% Senior Notes
due June 1, 2015, sent various notices alleging that the company
was in default of its covenants under the related Indenture
dated June 6, 2005, along with any Supplemental Indentures, as
the result of the company's failure to timely file its Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the period ending June 30, 2006, by
Sept. 13, 2006.
Subsequently, those noteholders declared an acceleration of the
Senior Notes, as a result of the company's failure to remedy the
purported default set forth in their earlier notices and
demanded payment of all amounts owed in respect of the Senior
Notes.
About Affiliated Computer Services
Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, Affiliated Computer Services
Inc. (NYSE:ACS) -- http://www.acs-inc.com/-- provides business
process outsourcing and information technology services to
commercial and government clients. The company has two segments
based on the clients it serves: commercial and government. The
company provides services to a variety of clients including
healthcare providers and payers, manufacturers, retailers,
wholesale distributors, utilities, entertainment companies,
higher education institutions, financial institutions, insurance
and transportation companies. The company has global operations
in Brazil, China, Dominican Republic, India, Guatemala, Ireland,
Philippines, Poland, and Singapore.
* * *
As reported in the Troubled Company Reporter-Latin America on
Jan. 30, 2008, Moody's Investors Service confirmed Affiliated
Computer Services' Ba2 corporate family rating with a stable
rating outlook. The rating confirmation concluded a review for
possible downgrade initiated on March 20, 2007. The ratings of
ACS remained under review for possible downgrade.
AXIS BANK: Committee of Directors to Meet on Feb. 18
----------------------------------------------------
AXIS Bank Ltd's Committee of Directors will hold a meeting on
Feb. 18, 2008, a filing with the Bombay Stock Exchange says.
According to the bank, the Committee will be considering the
allotment of equity shares under ESOP.
Headquartered in Mumbai, India, Axis Bank Ltd, formerly known as
UTI Bank Limited, -- http://www.axisbank.com/-- is engaged in
treasury and other banking operations. The treasury services
segment undertakes trading operations on the proprietary
account, foreign exchange operations and derivatives trading.
Revenues of the treasury services segment primarily consist of
fees and gains or losses from trading operations and interest
income on the investment portfolio. Other banking operations
principally comprise the lending activities (corporate and
retail) of the bank. The corporate lending activity includes
providing loans and transaction services to corporate and
institutional customers. The retail lending activity includes
raising of deposits from customers and providing loans and
advisory services to customers through branch network and other
delivery channels.
* * *
The bank's Foreign Long Term Bank Deposits carry Moody's
Investors Service's Ba2 rating, which was placed on
July 1, 2005.
GMAC LLC: Cerberus' Stephen Feinberg Warns of Difficulty Ahead
--------------------------------------------------------------
Jason Kelly and Katherine Burton of Bloomberg News report that
the founder of private-equity firm Cerberus Capital Management
LP warned investors of possible "substantial difficulty" in GMAC
LLC, the auto and mortgage lender controlled by Cerberus.
Stephen Feinberg wrote in a Jan. 22 letter to investors, a copy
of which was obtained by Bloomberg News, that while Cerberus has
"detailed contingency plans in a continuing worsening
environment . . . if the credit markets continue to decline and
we find ourselves in a prolonged environment of capital market
shutdown, GMAC could run into substantial difficulty."
The letter outlines worst-case scenarios for investors, Cerberus
partner Tim Price told Bloomberg.
As reported by Troubled Company Reporter on Feb. 8, 2008, for
the full-year 2007, GMAC reported a net loss of US$2.3 billion,
compared to net income of US$2.1 billion for the full-year 2006.
Profitable results in the automotive and insurance businesses
were more than offset by a US$4.3 billion loss at its
Residential Capital mortgage unit.
Comparisons of full-year results are affected by the fourth
quarter significant items previously noted well as goodwill
impairments of US$455 million at ResCap in the third quarter
of 2007 and US$695 million at Commercial Finance in the third
quarter of 2006.
Liquidity and Capital
GMAC's consolidated cash and certain marketable securities were
US$22.7 billion as of Dec. 31, 2007, up from US$18.3 billion at
Dec. 31, 2006. Of these total balances, ResCap's consolidated
cash and cash equivalents were US$4.4 billion at year-end, up
from US$2 billion on Dec. 31, 2006.
During the fourth quarter, GMAC purchased in the open market
US$740 million of ResCap debt that was subsequently contributed
to ResCap and retired as a measure to support the capital
position at the mortgage unit.
As of Dec. 31, 2007, ResCap's equity base was $6 billion,
above the minimum tangible net worth requirements in its credit
facilities, and above the amount expected to be needed to
support its ongoing operations.
In addition, GMAC and ResCap may from time to time continue to
purchase outstanding GMAC or ResCap debt in open market
transactions or otherwise, as part of its liquidity and cash
management strategy.
Strategic Initiatives
GMAC and ResCap continue to investigate strategic alternatives
related to all aspects of ResCap's business. These strategic
alternatives include potential acquisitions as well as
dispositions, alliances, and joint ventures with a variety of
third parties with respect to some of ResCap's businesses.
GMAC and ResCap are in various stages of discussions with
respect to certain of these alternatives, including, in some
cases, execution of confidentiality agreements, indications of
interest, non-binding letters of intent and other exploratory
activities such as preliminary and confirmatory due diligence
and conceptual discussions.
GMAC and ResCap also have engaged advisers to explore the sale
of certain parts of ResCap's operations. There are no
substantive binding contracts, agreements or understandings with
respect to any particular transaction. Further, there can be no
assurances that any of these strategic alternatives will occur,
or if they do, that they will achieve their anticipated
benefits.
At Dec. 31, 2007, the company's total debt amounted to
US$193.15 billion compared to US$236.99 billion in 2006.
About GMAC
GMAC LLC -- http://www.gmacfs.com/-- formerly General Motors
Acceptance Corporation, is a global, diversified financial
services company that operates in approximately 40 countries in
automotive finance, real estate finance, insurance and other
commercial businesses. GMAC was established in 1919 and employs
approximately 26,700 people worldwide.
* * *
As reported in the Troubled Company Reporter on Nov. 27, 2007,
Moody's Investors Service placed GMAC LLC's Ba2 senior unsecured
rating on review for possible downgrade. The action was in
response to GMAC's affirmation of support for Residential
Capital LLC, as disclosed in ResCap's Nov. 21, 2007 debt tender
announcement. ResCap's ratings and outlook (Ba3 senior
unsecured, negative outlook) were not affected by the tender
announcement or this GMAC rating action.
As reported in the Troubled Company Reporter on Nov. 16, 2007,
Fitch Ratings placed GMAC LLC and its related subsidiaries
'BB+' long-term Issuer Default Ratings on Rating Watch Negative.
This action reflects the ongoing pressures in the company's
residential mortgage subsidiary, Residential Capital LLC
(ResCap, IDR 'BB+' by Fitch with Rating Watch Negative).
IFCI LTD: Doesn't Need Equity Infusion Yet, CEO Says
----------------------------------------------------
IFCI Limited doesn't need any equity infusion as of now with
capital adequacy requirement at over 18% and positive net owned
funds, Atul Kumar Rai, IFCI CEO and MD told CNBC-TV18 in an
interview.
Mr. Rai told the the television station that with the company
meeting the capital requirement at the end of December, it is
not in need of funds in at least the equity part of its
structure. However, the company is not closing its doors for
alliances with "an investor who would provide th[e] organization
what it takes to reinvent itself, rejuvenate itself," he added.
On the possibility of inducting a strategic equity partners this
year, Mr. Rai is still unsure saying that the company might look
at an Indian investor in an appropriate point of time.
Mr. Rai also mentioned of the company's INR923-crore debt with
the government that the latter could convert to equity, which
introduces the possibility that the government could later on
become a majority stockholder.
Additionally, the CEO & MD makes it clear that IFCI becoming a
bank or acquiring a one is too far a cry, at least for now.
When the situation improves and if the company is able to build
up sufficient results, this is something, which would have to be
looked at in the context of how the industry is shaping up, he
added.
IFCI Limited -- http://www.ifciltd.com/-- is established to
cater the long-term finance needs of the industrial sector. The
principal activities of IFCI include project finance, financial
services, non-project specific assistance and corporate advisory
services. Project finance involves providing credit and other
facilities to green-field industrial projects (including
infrastructure projects), as well as to brown-field projects.
Financial services covers a range of activities wherein
assistance is provided to existing concerns through various
schemes for the acquisition of assets, as part of their
expansion, diversification and modernization programs.
Non-project specific assistance is provided in the form of
corporate/short-term loans, working capital, bills discounting,
etc to meet expenditure, which is not specifically related to
any particular project. Its investment portfolio includes
equity shares, preference shares, security receipts and
government securities.
* * *
As reported in the Troubled Company Reporter-Asia Pacific on
April 3, 2007, India's Credit Analysis & Research Ltd. retained
a CARE D rating to IFCI's Long & Medium Term Debt aggregating
INR91.36 crore. The amount represents the outstanding non-
restructured amount under the Bonds series, which have been
rated by CARE.
Fitch Ratings, on June 29, 2006, affirmed IFCI's support rating
at '4'. Fitch said the outlook on the rating is stable.
LOK HOUSING: Reports INR586.62 Mil. Profit in Oct.-Dec. 2007
------------------------------------------------------------
Lok Housing & Constructions Ltd. reported a net profit of
INR586.62 million in the quarter ended Dec. 31, 2007, more than
twice the INR241.99-million profit booked in the same quarter in
2006.
The improved bottom line is brought about by soaring sales and
lesser interest charges. In Oct.-Dec. 2007, total income
increased 39% to INR1.14 billion, which includes net sales of
INR1.13 billion. Operating expenditures of INR491.42 million
brought the company an operating profit of INR649.02 million.
Interest charges slid from INR184.83 million in Oct.-Dec. 2006,
to INR52.72 million in the latest quarter under review.
The company also booked depreciation of INR9.52 million and
INR160,000 in fringe benefit taxes.
A copy of the company's financial results for the quarter ended
Dec. 31, 2007, is available for free at:
http://ResearchArchives.com/t/s?2822
Headquartered in Mumbai, India, Lok Housing and Constructions
Ltd constructs residential buildings. Apart from housing
construction, the company manufactures concrete blocks catering
to in-house needs. The company is also involved in the
construction of railway quarters, railway bridges and slum
rehabilitation programs through its associate companies.
Credit Rating Information Services of India Ltd., on
June 27, 2007, reaffirmed its 'D' rating on Lok Housing's
INR170-million non-convertible debentures. The rating continues
to indicate that the instrument is in default. The arrears on
interest and principal payments have not been entirely cleared.
TATA MOTORS: To Fund Development of Air-Powered Car
---------------------------------------------------
Tata Motors Limited has given financial backing to French
inventor Guy Negre for the development of a car powered by
compressed air, according to an article at Cleantech Network
LLC's Web site.
The OneCAT five-seater car, weighing just 350kg and could cost
just over US$5,000, will have a glass fiber body powered by
compressed air stored in carbon-fiber tan, Cleantech relates.
Cleantech, however, failed to get the amount of the funding.
Tata Motors Managing Director confirmed the move in an interview
with the Financial Times. According to the FT report, the
company signed last year an agreement with private French
company MDI, who develops the cars driven by compressed air.
"It's a very exciting concept, this way of running a car. We
hope something will come out of it," the report quoted Mr. Kant
as saying.
According to FT, MDI plans to launch the OneCAT by the end of
this year or early 2009.
The company is also considering applying the technology for both
mobile and stationary function, Mr. Kant added. FT noted that
MDI also owns a patent on a compressed air device that can be
applied to emergency generators.
Cora Nucci, writing for CMP United Business Media, said that the
OneCat "may be the cleanest car ever invented."
As previously reported in the Troubled Company Reporter-Asia
Pacific, Tata Motors launched last month Tata Nano, dubbed as
the world's cheapest car.
About Tata Motors
India's largest automobile company, Tata Motors Limited --
http://www.tatamotors.com/-- is mainly engaged in the business
of automobile products consisting of all types of commercial and
passenger vehicles, including financing of the vehicles sold by
the Company. The Company's operating segments consists of
Automotive and Others. In addition to its automotive products,
it offers construction equipment, engineering solutions and
software operations.
Tata Motors has operations in Russia and the United Kingdom.
* * *
On Jan. 7, 2008, Standard & Poor's Ratings Services placed its
'BB+' long-term corporate credit ratings on India-based
automaker Tata Motors Ltd. on CreditWatch with negative
implications. At the same time, Standard & Poor's placed its
'BB+' foreign currency rating on all of Tata Motor's rated debt
issues on CreditWatch with negative implications.
As reported in the TCR-Asia-Pacific on Jan. 8, 2008, Moody's
Investors Service placed the Ba1 Corporate Family Rating of Tata
Motors Ltd. on review for possible downgrade.
VISTEON CORP: Posts US$372 Million Net Loss in 2007
---------------------------------------------------
Visteon Corp. has released its fourth quarter and full-year 2007
results. For fourth quarter 2007, the company reported a net
loss of US$43 million on sales from continuing operations of
US$2.9 billion. The fourth quarter net loss includes US$30
million of non-cash asset impairments and US$32 million of
restructuring expenses that were not eligible for reimbursement
from the escrow account. For fourth quarter 2006, the company
reported a net loss of US$39 million on sales from continuing
operations of US$2.8 billion.
EBIT-R for fourth quarter 2007 was US$15 million, an improvement
of US$52 million over the same period of 2006.
The company generated US$331 million of cash from operating
activities during fourth quarter 2007, an increase of US$92
million or 38 percent compared to fourth quarter 2006. Free
cash flow was US$187 million for fourth quarter 2007, an
increase of US$56 million over fourth quarter 2006.
"For the fourth quarter and full year 2007, Visteon delivered on
the financial guidance we provided," said chairperson and chief
executive officer, Michael F. Johnston. "We continue to
progress with our restructuring activities as planned, and have
now completed 18 of the 30 items that are part of our three-year
plan. By implementing our restructuring and continuing to
improve our operations and global capabilities, we are
positioning Visteon for long- term success."
Restructuring and Business Improvements
During the fourth quarter 2007, Visteon completed the closure of
its climate facility in Connersville, Indiana, and notified
workers at its interiors facility in Bellignat, France, of its
intention to exit the facility during the first quarter 2008.
The company plans to address eight facilities during 2008,
including closing its Bellignat, France, and Bedford, Indiana,
facilities and selling its non-core chassis facility located in
Swansea, Wales -- the completion of which is subject to the
negotiation and execution of definitive agreements and customary
approvals. Additionally, during January 2008, the company
announced plans to close the Concordia, Missouri, fuel tank
assembly plant, with closure expected to be completed during the
third quarter 2008. Upon completion of these items, 22 of the
30 facility restructuring actions included in the company's
three-year improvement plan will have been addressed.
On Feb. 1, 2008, the company announced the sale of its non-core
North American-based aftermarket underhood and remanufacturing
operations, including a manufacturing plant in Sparta, Tennessee
and two facilities in Reynosa, Mexico. The Sparta facility
manufactures starters and alternators for aftermarket customers
and the two Reynosa facilities manufacture aftermarket climate
products including radiators, compressors and condensers, and
also remanufacture steering pumps and gears. These facilities
had revenues totalling about US$130 million in 2007.
New Business Wins
Visteon continues to win new business from a diverse group of
customers across each of its core product lines. For the full
year 2007, the company had wins of nearly US$1 billion; about 25
percent of these wins were in Asia and the balance in North
America and Europe. In addition, the company's non-consolidated
affiliates won approximately US$370 million of business,
primarily in Asia.
"Winning nearly US$1 billion for the second consecutive year
demonstrates that our customers recognize the strength of
Visteon's product capability and our global engineering and
manufacturing footprints," said president and chief operating
officer, Donald J. Stebbins.
Fourth Quarter 2007 Results
Fourth quarter 2007 sales from continuing operations were US$2.9
billion, a slight increase over the US$2.8 billion recorded in
the fourth quarter 2006. Fourth quarter 2007 product sales of
US$2.7 billion included US$168 million of favorable foreign
currency, which offset the impact of facility closures and
divestitures. Product sales to Ford Motor Co. declined 10
percent, or US$108 million, to US$960 million, reflecting lower
North American production volumes, divestitures, sourcing
actions and product mix. Product sales to other customers
increased 10 percent, or US$154 million, to US$1.76 billion and
represented 65 percent of total product sales.
The fourth quarter 2007 net loss of US$43 million compares to a
fourth quarter 2006 net loss of US$39 million. Fourth quarter
2007 results include US$30 million of non-cash asset impairments
and US$32 million of restructuring expenses that were not
reimbursed from the escrow account, as the company is now in the
50 percent reimbursement phase of the Escrow Agreement.
EBIT-R of US$15 million for the fourth quarter 2007 was an
improvement of US$52 million over the negative US$37 million
EBIT-R reported in fourth quarter 2006. These improvements were
driven by favorable cost performance resulting from the
company's ongoing restructuring and cost-reduction efforts.
Cash provided by operating activities totaled US$331 million for
fourth quarter 2007, increasing US$92 million from US$239
million a year ago. Capital expenditures for fourth quarter
2007 were US$144 million compared with US$108 million for fourth
quarter 2006. Free cash flow was US$187 million for fourth
quarter 2007 compared with US$131 million for the same period in
2006.
Full Year 2007 Results
Sales from continuing operations were US$11.3 billion for both
full-year 2007 and 2006.
Product sales for the full year 2007 were US$10.7 billion,
including favorable foreign currency of approximately US$570
million, which offset the impact of facility closures and
divestitures. During 2007, product sales to customers other
than Ford increased 11 percent, or US$674 million, to US$6.6
billion and represented 61 percent of total product sales.
Product sales to Ford in 2007 declined 14 percent, or US$659
million, to US$4.1 billion, reflecting lower North American
production volumes, divestitures, sourcing actions and product
mix.
Visteon reported a net loss of US$372 million for the full year
2007. The net loss for 2007 includes US$107 million of non-cash
asset impairments and US$32 million of restructuring expenses
that were not reimbursed from the escrow account. For full year
2006, the company recorded a net loss of US$163 million, which
included US$22 million of non-cash asset impairments. EBIT-R
was negative US$49 million for full year 2007 compared with
positive US$27 million in the same period of 2006. Lower 2007
EBIT-R primarily reflects lower customer volumes and unfavorable
product mix, principally in North America, and the non-
recurrence of certain 2006 benefits including relief of employee
retirement benefit obligations and favorable commercial
agreements, partially offset by improved cost performance.
For full year 2007, cash provided from operations totaled US$293
million, compared with US$281 million for full year 2006.
Capital expenditures for full year 2007 were US$376 million,
resulting in free cash flow of negative US$83 million compared
with free cash flow for full year 2006 of negative US$92
million.
Cash and Liquidity
As of Dec. 31, 2007, the company had cash balances totaling
US$1.76 billion, of which approximately US$1.2 billion was
located in the United States. Total company debt was US$2.84
billion as of Dec. 31, 2007. Additionally, no amounts were
drawn on the company's US$350 million asset-based U.S. revolving
credit facility, and the company had availability of about
US$150 million under its US$325 million European receivables
securitization facility.
Full Year 2008 Outlook
The company expects EBIT-R for full year 2008 to be in the range
of negative US$25 million to positive US$25 million on product
sales of about US$9.7 billion. Free cash flow is projected to
be in the range of negative US$350 million to negative US$250
million.
"The progress Visteon is making, combined with what we will
execute in 2008, lays the foundation for Visteon to be free cash
flow positive in 2009," Mr. Johnston concluded. "With almost
US$1.8 billion of cash as of year-end 2007 and additional
available liquidity, Visteon has flexibility to execute its
plans."
About Visteon Corporation
Based in Van Buren Township, Michigan, Visteon Corp. (NYSE: VC)
-- http://www.visteon.com/-- is a global automotive supplier
that designs, engineers and manufactures innovative climate,
interior, electronic, and lighting products for vehicle
manufacturers, and also provides a range of products and
services to aftermarket customers.
With corporate offices in the Michigan (U.S.); Shanghai, China;
and Kerpen, Germany; the company has facilities in 26 countries,
including Argentina, Brazil, Mexico and India, and employs
approximately 41,500 people.
* * *
On March 26, 2007, Moody's affirmed Visteon Corp.'s Corporate
Family Rating of B3, term loan rating of Ba3, and Speculative
Grade Liquidity rating of SGL-3, but changed the ratings outlook
to negative from stable.
=================
I N D O N E S I A
=================
ANEKA TAMBANG: May Acquire Freeport Indonesia's 18.72% Stake
------------------------------------------------------------
PT Aneka Tambang Tbk plans to buy up to 18.72% of Freeport
McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc.'s Indonesian unit PT Freeport
Indonesia for about US$3 billion, various reports say.
Antam told Reuters that it planned to acquire a 9.36% stake in
Freeport Indonesia from the Indonesian government, and buy the
remaining 9.36% from the parent firm.
According to Tempo Interactive, the state-owned enterprises
state ministry supported Antam's acquisition plan in Freeport
Indonesia. SOEs Minister, Sofyan Djali was quoted by Tempo as
saying, "I heard that Freeport wanted to divest 9.36% of its
shares. If Antam is interested, why not?"
Mr. Djali, Tempo relates, sent a letter to the Finance and
Energy and Mineral Resources Minister, which contained the
request of giving the first rights of refusal for mining SOEs.
The government can appoint an SOE as the divested shares buyer,
the report adds.
However, Antam said the government has not awarded it the rights
to buy a stake in Freeport Indonesia, contrary to media reports,
Antara News notes. The rights would have given Antam the first
priority in the stake acquisition.
Antam explained to Antara that what it has obtained was just
"verbal support from Mr. Djalil in the acquisition of the 9.36%
stake in Freeport Indonesia held by PT Indocopper Investama.
Reuters says that Freeport had apparently indicated it was ready
to sell the stake and had yet to receive any offers. Antam did
not say how much the stake is worth, but Rania Rahmundita, an
analyst at CIMB-GK, said 9.36% of Freeport Indonesia could be
around US$1.5 billion, the report says.
Harry Suhartono and Fitri Wulandari of Reuters writes that Ms.
Rahmundita said Freeport Indonesia forms 46% of Freeport
McMoRan's operating income. Using its parent's current market
value, we estimate Freeport Indonesia is worth US$16.7 billion,
she added.
About Aneka Tambang
PT Aneka Tambang Tbk -- http://www.antam.com/-- mines,
processes, develops, and explores natural deposits. The company
operates six mines. They are located in Riau (bauxite),
Sulawesi and Maluku (nickel), Central Java (iron sand), and
WestJava (gold). The company also operates a precious metal
refinery and a geology unit in Jakarta.
* * *
The Troubled Company Reporter-Asia Pacific reported on Jan 17,
2008, Moody's Investors Service has upgraded PT Aneka Tambang
(Persero) Tbk's corporate family rating to Ba3 from B1. This
concludes the review for possible upgrade which commenced on
October 22, 2007.
On Dec. 4, 2006, that Standard & Poor's Ratings Services raised
its long-term corporate credit rating on Indonesian state-owned
miningcompany PT Antam Tbk. to 'B+' from 'B'. The outlook is
stable. At the same time, Standard & Poor's also raised to
'B+', from 'B', the rating on the senior unsecured notes issued
by Antam Finance Ltd. and guaranteed by Antam.
BANK MANDIRI: To Channel IDR11.7 Tril. in Home Ownership Loans
--------------------------------------------------------------
PT Bank Mandiri has set itself the target of channelizing home-
ownership loans totaling IDR11.7 trillion this year, a 30%
increase from the previous year, Antara News reports.
Bank Director Omar S. Anwar told the news agency that the home
ownership loans accounted for 64% of the total consumer credits
in 2007, which reached IDR11.2 trillion.
Mr. Anwar, the report relates, said in order to boost the growth
of home ownership loans, the bank would strengthen its
cooperation with around 200 real estate developers.
About Bank Mandiri
PT Bank Mandiri -- http://www.bankmandiri.co.id/-- is
Indonesia's largest and best capitalized bank in terms of
assets, loans and deposits, and provides comprehensive financial
services to more than six million corporate and individual
consumers, as well as small and medium-sized enterprises in
Indonesia.
The Troubled Company Reporter-Asia Pacific reported on
Dec. 7, 2007, that Fitch Ratings upgraded the Individual Rating
of PT Bank Mandiri (Persero) Tbk (Mandiri) to 'C/D' from 'D',
and its National Long-term rating to 'AA+ (idn)' from 'AA
(idn)'. The outlook on the national rating remains stable. At
the same time, all other ratings are affirmed, as follows:
-- Long-term foreign and local currency Issuer Default
ratings at 'BB-' with a Positive Outlook
-- Short-term IDR at 'B'
-- Support at '4', and
-- Support Floor at 'B+'
On Oct. 19, 2007, Moody's Investors Service raised the foreign
currency long-term debt and foreign currency long-term deposit
ratings of Bank Mandiri.
-- The foreign currency senior/subordinated debt ratings were
raised to Ba2/Ba2 from Ba3/Ba3 and foreign currency long-
term deposit rating to B1 from B2.
-- The Not Prime foreign currency short-term deposit rating,
Baa2 global local currency deposit rating and D- BFSR were
unaffected.
BANK DANAMON: Plans to Raise IDR1.5-Trillion Bonds in H1
--------------------------------------------------------
PT Bank Danamon Tbk plans to raise IDR1.5 trillion in bonds in
the first half of this year to fund loan growth, Reuters
reports, citing Bank Danamon President Director Sebastian
Paredes.
According to the report, Mr. Paredes said he was optimistic the
bank would be able to raise the funds in the first half of the
year despite turbulence in global financial markets.
The bank, the report relates, aims to boost its lending by 22%
this year from IDR53.33 trillion at the end of 2007, slightly
slower than loan expansion of 24% last year. Bank Danamon's
target was largely in line with the central bank and analysts'
estimates for banking sector loan growth this year, the report
says.
Bank Danamon reported a 60% rise in its 2007 net profit due to
strong loan growth and an improvement in its net interest
margins, Harry Suhartono at Reuters writes.
About Bank Danamon
Headquartered in Jakarta, Indonesia, PT Bank Danamon Indonesia
Tbk provides a range of products and services, including
Consumer Banking, Small to Medium-Sized Enterprise and
Commercial, Trade Finance, Treasury Product, Cash Management,
Other Services, Financial Planning and e-Banking. Danamon
Syariah is the Bank's business unit that provides its customers
with syariah banking products and services. The bank also
operates Danamon Simpan Pinjam, which caters to micro banking
customers. DSP is divided into two groups: DSP to serve and
help enterprises in micro and small-scale banking, and DSP for
individual customers with fixed income. Bank Danamon is
supported by 86 domestic branch offices, 325 domestic supporting
branch offices, 25 domestic cash office, 739 supporting branches
for DSP, six personal banking branch offices, 10 syariah branch
offices and one overseas branch.
The Troubled Company Reporter-Asia Pacific reported on
Oct. 19, 2007, that Moody's Investors Service raised the foreign
currency long-term debt and foreign currency long-term deposit
ratings of PT Bank Danamon Indonesia Tbk:
-- The foreign currency subordinated debt rating was raised
to Ba2 from Ba3
-- Foreign currency long-term deposit rating to B1 from B2.
-- The Not Prime foreign currency short-term deposit rating,
Baa3 global local currency deposit rating and D BFSR were
unaffected.
On Aug. 15,2007, Fitch Ratings upgraded the National Long-term
rating of PT Bank Danamon Indonesia Tbk to 'AA(idn)' from 'AA-
(idn)') while affirming all its other ratings as follows:
* Long-term foreign currency Issuer Default Rating
'BB-' with a Positive Outlook,
* Short-term foreign currency IDR at 'B',
* Individual Rating 'C/D',
* Support Rating '4' and
* Support Rating Floor 'B'.
BANK INTERNASIONAL: 2007 Net Profit Drops 36% to IDR404.76 Bil.
---------------------------------------------------------------
PT Bank Internasional Indonesia Tbk's 2007 net profit dropped
36% to IDR 404.76 billion from IDR633.71 billion a year earlier,
Reuters reports.
According to the report, the decrease in the net profit was
partly due to lower net interest income and smaller margins.
BII's outstanding loans expanded by 23% last year but its net
interest margin fell to 5.03% in 2007 from 5.14% in the previous
year, the report relates.
PT Bank Internasional Indonesia Tbk -- http://www.bii.co.id/--
engages in general banking services and in other banking
activities based on Syariah principles. The bank's services are
divided into three categories: Personal Services, consisting of
Funding, Credit Card Services, Loan, Reksadana and
Bancassurance; Corporate Services, consisting of Funding, Credit
Card Services, Loan and Investment Banking, and Platinum
Services, consisting of Platinum Access, Syariah Platinum Access
and Platinum MasterCard. The bank is headquartered in Jakarta,
Indonesia.
With a total customer deposit base of more than IDR34 trillion
and over IDR47 trillion in assets, Bank Internasional is one of
the largest banks in Indonesia with an international network
that comprises over 230 branches and 700 ATMs across Indonesia,
as well as a banking presence in Mauritius, Mumbai and the
Cayman Islands.
The Troubled Company Reporter-Asia Pacific reported on
October 19, 2007, that Moody's Investors Service raised the
foreign currency long-term debt and foreign currency long-term
deposit ratings of PT Bank Internasional Indonesia Tbk.
-- The issuer/foreign currency subordinated debt ratings were
raised to Ba2/Ba2 from Ba3/Ba3 and foreign currency long-
term deposit rating to B1 from B2
-- The Not Prime foreign currency short-term deposit rating,
Baa3 global local currency deposit rating and D BFSR were
unaffected.
On Aug. 15, 2007, that Fitch Ratings affirmed all the ratings of
Bank Internasional as follows:
* Long term foreign currency IDR at 'BB-' with a Positive
Outlook,
* Short term foreign currency IDR at 'B',
* Individual Rating 'C/D',
* Support Rating '4', Support Rating Floor 'B' and
* National Rating 'AA-(idn)'.
OWENS-ILLINOIS: Improved Cash Flow Prompts S&P's Rating Upgrade
---------------------------------------------------------------
Standard & Poor's Ratings Services raised its ratings on Owens-
Illinois Inc., including the corporate credit rating to 'BB'
from 'BB-'. The outlook is stable.
"The upgrade follows the company's improved operating results
and better-than-expected free cash generation in 2007, which
coupled with proceeds from the sale of its plastics packaging
business resulted in about US$1.9 billion of debt reduction in
2007," said S&P's credit analyst Liley Mehta.
Credit measures have improved substantially with funds from
operations to total debt at 22% at year-end 2007. These
improvements, together with management's commitment to preserve
improved credit metrics and adequate liquidity, should enable
the company to maintain a financial profile commensurate with
the higher rating. Total debt was about US$4.8 billion at
Dec. 31, 2007.
The ratings on the company and related entities reflect the its
satisfactory business position and attractive profitability,
offset by an improving, but still aggressive financial profile
and concerns regarding its asbestos liability. In July 2007,
the company sold its plastics packaging business to Rexam PLC
for a total consideration of about US$1.82 billion, with sale
proceeds used to repay senior secured notes maturing in 2009,
2011, and 2012.
Solid business prospects, an expected continuation of earnings
and cash flow improvement, and management's focus on continued
productivity improvements and cost reduction support the
ratings. Improved earnings and cash generation should support
continued strengthening of the company's credit measures despite
ongoing pressures of asbestos-related liabilities. S&P expects
the company to maintain a balanced approach toward potential
acquisitions to preserve an appropriate financial profile.
While not expected at this time, S&P could revise the outlook to
negative if large acquisitions or other strategic actions result
in a deterioration of the financial profile such that FFO to
total adjusted debt declines to below 15%. The company's still
aggressive financial profile limits further upside ratings
potential.
Based in Perrysburg, Ohio, Owens-Illinois Inc. (NYSE:OI) --
http://www.o-i.com/-- is a manufacturer of packaging products
and glass containers with operations in Europe, North America,
Asia Pacific and South America. The company is also a
manufacturer of healthcare packaging, including plastic
prescription containers and medical devices, and plastic closure
systems, including tamper-evident caps and child-resistant
closures, with operations in the United States, Mexico, Puerto
Rico, Brazil, Hungary, Malaysia and Singapore.
=========
J A P A N
=========
IHI CORP: To Acquire Dutch Coating System Maker Hauzer Techno
-------------------------------------------------------------
IHI Corp. will acquire Dutch vacuum-coating system maker Hauzer
Techno Coating BV as part of an effort to bolster its industrial
furnace business, Antara News reports.
According to the report, the purchase price is estimated at
several billion yen. At the end of March, IHI will acquire all
40 outstanding shares of Hauzer Techno from the Dutch firm's
holding company, the report notes.
Hauzer Techno is a leading manufacturer of equipment used to
coat autoparts and other products with a metallic or ceramic
layer for wear resistance.
Based in Tokyo, Japan, IHI Corporation, -- http://www.ihi.co.jp
-- formerly Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries Co., Ltd., is a
Japan-based company engaged in six business segments. The
Logistics and Steel segment offers concrete products, automated
storages, loaders and others. The Machinery segment offers
plastic processing machines, industrial boilers, pumps and
others. The Energy Plant segment develops waste incineration
facilities, nuclear power plants, thermal power plants and
process plants, water treatment plants, renewable power plants
and other facilities. The Aerospace segment produces aircraft
engine parts and provides aircraft maintenance services. The
Ship and Offshore segment builds container ships, bulk carriers,
tankers and other ships, as well as develops marine equipment
and machinery and provides design and engineering services. The
Others segment provides real estate, financial and insurance
services.
The Troubled Company Reporter-Asia Pacific reported on
Feb 14, 2008, that Standard & Poor's Ratings Services revised
its outlook on the long-term corporate credit rating on IHI
Corp. to negative from stable, reflecting growing expectations
that the company's steady earnings recovery would be delayed,
following the Tokyo Stock Exchange's announcement that it will
place the company's stock on "alert status." The outlook change
also reflects concerns that the company's financial flexibility
will be constrained to some extent by this action. At the same
time, Standard & Poor's affirmed its 'BB+' long-term corporate
credit and 'BBB-' long-term senior unsecured issue ratings on
the company.
INTERNATIONAL RECTIFIER: Names O. Khaykin & R. Dahl as Directors
----------------------------------------------------------------
International Rectifier Corporation has elected Oleg Khaykin,
the company's newly appointed Chief Executive Officer, and
Richard J. Dahl to its Board of Directors.
Mr. Dahl has since 2004 served as a Director of the NYSE listed
IHOP Corporation where he presides as Chairman of the Audit
Committee and was Chairman of the Special Committee of the Board
formed to oversee IHOP's successful bid to acquire Applebee's
International. From 2002 to 2007, he was employed by the Dole
Food Company. He held various executive level positions with
Dole including President, Chief Operating Officer and Director
from 2004 to 2007 and Senior Vice President, Chief Financial
Officer and Director positions from 2002 to 2004. Prior to his
work at Dole, Mr. Dahl was President and Chief Operating Officer
of NYSE listed Bank of Hawaii Corporation.
"As an accomplished leader with extensive managerial and
financial experience and expertise, Richard will be a strong
addition to our board," said International Rectifier's Lead
Director Jack Vance. "His unique and broad perspective on
driving operational excellence and international growth, and his
deep understanding of finance and audit will greatly benefit
the Board in addition to the entire IR organization."
Mr. Dahl was elected to serve with a Board term expiring at the
company's 2008 annual meeting. Mr. Khaykin, 43, appointed Chief
Executive Officer effective March 1, 2008, was elected to serve
with a Board term expiring at the company's 2009 annual meeting.
International Rectifier Corporation (NYSE:IRF) --
http://www.irf.com/-- provides power management technology.
IR's analog, digital, and mixed signal ICs, and other advanced
power management products, enable high performance computing and
save energy in a wide variety of business and consumer
applications. Manufacturers of computers, energy efficient
appliances, lighting, automobiles, satellites, aircraft, and
defense systems rely on IR's power management solutions to power
their next generation products. The company has manufacturing
facilities in the U.S., Mexico, United Kingdom, Germany and
Italy; and has subsidiaries in Japan and Singapore.
* * *
In September, 2007, Standard & Poor's Ratings Services said that
its 'BB' corporate credit rating on International Rectifier
Corp. remains on CreditWatch with negative implications.
STRATOS GLOBAL: Earns US$20 Million in Year Ended Dec. 31, 2007
---------------------------------------------------------------
Stratos Global Corporation released its financial results for
the year ended Dec. 31, 2007. On Dec. 11, 2007, CIP Investments
Inc. (CIP Canada) acquired beneficial ownership of 100 percent
of the Corporation's common shares.
Net earnings for 2007 were US$2.0 million compared with a net
loss of US$26.8 million in 2006. The results for 2007 were
negatively impacted by US$16.7 million of after-tax financial
advisory, legal, and other costs related to the transaction with
CIP Canada, which were partially offset by an after-tax gain of
US$3.8 million related to the previously described insurance
settlement during the second quarter and an after-tax gain on
sale of certain aeronautical assets of US$1.0 million. Results
for 2006 were adversely influenced by after-tax write-offs of
US$22.4 million related primarily to the acquisition of Xantic.
For the year ended Dec. 31, 2007, the Corporation achieved
revenue of US$594.3 million, an 11 percent increase compared
with US$537.8 million in 2006. This improvement primarily
reflects the growth in newer generation Inmarsat products and
the acquisition of Xantic, which was completed on Feb. 14, 2006.
Segment earnings for 2007 increased by 35 percent to
US$101.0 million compared with US$74.7 million for 2006. The
significant improvement in segment earnings was driven by the
increased revenue, higher volume discounts earned from Inmarsat
and cost reductions resulting from the integration of Xantic and
other initiatives to improve operating efficiencies.
Cash flow from operations (including working capital changes) in
2007 totaled US$57.3 million, compared with US$26.9 million
generated in 2006. The improvement primarily reflects higher
segment earnings, decreased investment in working capital,
increased interest costs related to the Xantic acquisition
financing and costs related to the transaction with CIP Canada.
Stratos Global Corporation -- http://www.stratosglobal.com/--
is a provider of a range of advanced mobile and fixed-site
remote telecommunications solutions for users operating beyond
the reach of traditional networks. The company serves the voice
and high-speed data connectivity requirements of a diverse array
of markets, including government, military, energy, industrial,
maritime, aeronautical, enterprise, media and recreational users
throughout the world. Stratos operates in two segments: Mobile
Satellite Services, which provides mobile telecommunications
services, primarily over the Inmarsat plc satellite system, and
Broadband Services, which provides very small aperture terminal
services, sourced on a wholesale basis from a number of the
fixed satellite system operators.
The company has offices in Italy, Germany, Norway, Spain, United
Kingdom, India, Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia, Japan and
Brazil.
* * *
As reported in the Troubled Company Reporter-Latin America on
Feb. 4, 2008, Moody's Investors Service affirmed Stratos Global
Corporation's B1 Corporate Family Rating, B1 Probability of
Default Rating, Ba2 Senior Secured Bank Rating and B3 Unsecured
Bonds Rating.
=========
K O R E A
=========
DAEWOO: Morgan Stanley Unit Emerges as Preffered Bidder
-------------------------------------------------------
Morgan Stanley's private equity unit has emerged as the
preferred bidder to acquire Daewoo Electronics Corporations,
various reports say.
As reported in the Troubled Company Reporter-Asia Pacific on
Nov. 28, 2007, Daewoo Electronics is put up for sale a second
time as the US$746-million Videocon-Ripplewood bid fails.
Videocon and bid partner Ripplewood Holdings, LLC, the TCR-AP
recounted, submitted the winning bid for a controlling stake in
Daewoo. The deal started to hit obstacles after the buyers
completed due diligence, the report said. Expectations were out
of line with what the asset was worth and creditors were not
prepared to make the significant concessions necessary to
progress discussions, the report points out, the report noted.
According to Bloomberg News, creditors own 97.5% of Daewoo
Electronics, according to the company's annual report for 2006.
Woori Bank, the company's leading creditor, told Business
Standards that the final contract with Morgan Stanley Private
Equity is expected to be signed by May-end. The bidding anount
was not disclosed.
About Daewoo Electronics
Headquartered in Chung-Gu, Seoul, Daewoo Electronics Corporation
-- http://www.dwe.co.kr/-- is the third largest Korean consumer
electronics company. It manufactures and sells a variety of
products including televisions, DVD players, refrigerators, air
conditioners, washing machines, microwaves, vacuum cleaners and
car audio systems in over 105 countries.
According to the Troubled Company Reporter-Asia Pacific, Daewoo
Electronics has been under a debt workout program since January
2000, months after its parent group -- the Daewoo Group --
collapsed under debts of nearly US$80 billion in 1999.
Daewoo Electronics Corp. posted a KRW94-billion loss in 2005
after sales declined 6.4%. The net loss compares with the
KRW30-billion profit the company posted in 2004. Sales fell to
KRW2.2 trillion from KRW2.3 trillion in 2004.
The TCR-AP reported on Nov. 14, 2005, that creditors of Daewoo
Electronics placed the firm for sale for US$1 billion. ABN
Amro, PricewaterhouseCoopers and Woori Bank were appointed to
find a buyer for the business. In September 2006, the
consortium led by Videocon Industries submitted a bid for a
controlling stake in Daewoo.
===============
M A L A Y S I A
===============
INVENSYS PLC: Answers Speculations on Ongoing Debt
--------------------------------------------------
In relation to Invensys Plc's announcement that it has exercised
a call option on its 9.875% US dollar and Euro bonds due
March 15, 2011, that will lead to their cancellation on
March 17, 2008, the company has received questions about the
ongoing debt of, or guaranteed by, the group's parent company
Invensys Plc.
Based on the group's debt position at Dec. 31, 2007, excluding
the above bonds, the principal debt facilities available to the
group are the credit facilities due Dec. 15, 2010 and
Jan. 15, 2011, in the name of Invensys International Holdings
Limited and Invensys USA Finance Inc.
The company wished to make it clear that these facilities are
not guaranteed by Invensys Plc.
A schedule of the group's debt position as at Dec. 31, 2007, is
available at: http://ResearchArchives.com/t/s?2812
About Invensys Plc
Based in London, United Kingdom, Invensys Plc --
http://www.invensys.com/-- is a global automation, controls and
process solutions Group operating in more than 60 countries
worldwide. The company operates through six units: Controls,
Process Systems, Rail Systems, APV, Wonderware, and Eurotherm.
As reported in the TCR-Europe on May 28, 2007, at March 31,
2007, the Company's balance sheet GBP2 billion in
total assets and GBP2.1 billion in total liabilities, resulting
in a GBP140 million stockholders' deficit.
* * *
As of Feb. 13, 2008, Invensys Plc carries Moody's long-term
corporate family rating at Ba3, senior unsecured debt rating at
B2 and probability of default of Ba3.
Standard and Poor's rates the company at long-term foreign
issuer credit BB and long-term local issuer credit of BB with
stable outlook.
Fitch Ratings gives long-term issuer default rating at BB,
senior unsecured debt rating at BB and short-term rating at B
with stable outlook.
MALAYSIA AIRLINES: Anticipates to Earn MYR160MM in Annual MATF
--------------------------------------------------------------
Malaysia Airlines Bhd is confident in achieving MYR160 million
ticket sales from its annual Malaysia Travel Fair to be held
from Feb. 22 to Feb. 24, Yong Yen Nie wrotes for the EdgeDaily.
"Looking at the last four years, we have generated between RM140
million and RM160 million in sales from the MATF and these are
very encouraging figures," says the airline's senior general
manager in network and revenue management, Datuk Bernard Francis
says, as quoted by the EdgeDaily.
According to Mr. Francis, the company had gained about MYR500
million sales from the fair for the past four years, the report
added.
Malaysia Airlines' commercial director Datuk Rashid Khan also
declared that international airfares were expected to contribute
about 80% of the anticipated total sales, with the rest coming
from domestic airfares, notes the EdgeDaily.
Headquartered in Selangor, Malaysia, Malaysia Airlines --
http://www.malaysiaairlines.com/-- services domestic and
international flights. Its global network comprised 32 domestic
and 86 international destinations. Of the 86 international
destinations, 17 were operated in collaboration with airlines
partners.
The carrier posted a loss after tax of MYR1.3 billion for fiscal
year 2005, due to high fuel and operating costs, and
unprofitable routes. In late February 2006, it unveiled a
radical rescue plan to raise MYR4 billion to stay afloat and
return to profitability by 2007. Under the restructuring plan,
the airline pledged to cut its budget by 20% across the board,
terminate many unprofitable routes, freeze recruitment except
for front-line staff, crack down on corruption by encouraging
whistle-blowing and stop corporate sponsorship.
MALAYSIA AIRLINES: Faces Earning Challenges in '09, Kenanga Says
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Malaysian Airlines System Bhd's earnings for FY08 are relatively
insulated due to various headwinds and other one-off provisions
made in 2007, the EdgeDaily reports, citing Kenanga Investment
Bank Research. However, the real challenge for the airlines
could come in 2009 when the sky is finally free for all.
Global economic slowdown, further liberalization, emergence of
low-cost carriers and aggressive capacity expansion are some of
the headwinds the aviation industry would likely face this year,
claims the Kenanga Research.
The Research also notes that the major risk to its earnings
forecast was a sharp drop of business and leisure travels
following massive job cuts in global banks and a more cautious
economic outlook. Persistent high oil price was another serious
threat to the airline's earnings.
"Lastly, we suspect the government could consider increasing
airport landing charges after strong lobby from Malaysia
Airports Holdings Bhd, premised on the fact that Kuala Lumpur
International Airport's current landing charges are amongst the
cheapest in the world and Malaysia Airports' restructuring is
still pending the government's approval," the EdgeDaily quotes
Kenanga Research as saying.
Headquartered in Selangor, Malaysia, Malaysia Airlines --
http://www.malaysiaairlines.com/-- services domestic and
international flights. Its global network comprised 32 domestic
a