NewLead Holdings Ltd. to acquire two eco-type 2012-built Handysize vessels
NewLead Holdings Ltd. today announced that it has executed definitive agreements for the acquisition of two eco-type 31,800 dwt, Handysize bulk carriers built in 2012 for a total acquisition price of $37.0 million, the company said in its press release.
The two eco-type vessels are expected to be delivered in NewLead by the end of June and July this year. Upon completion of this acquisition, NewLead will own five dry-bulk vessels, consisting of three Handysize and two Panamax vessels.
The Company expects to finance the acquisition of the two vessels through the combination of proceeds from its recent preferred shares issuance along with the 75% debt financing, as previously announced. On March 11, 2014, NewLead paid a deposit of $1.85 million to the acquisition price, and the remaining $7.4 million, not subject to the debt financing, is expected to be paid in installments upon delivery of the two vessels.
Michael Zolotas, President and Chief Executive Officer of NewLead, stated, "We are pleased to bring into NewLead two more eco-type dry bulk Handysize vessels at a competitive price with a upside in market value, a 23 year employment lifetime, unlimited trading flexibility and projected EBITDA and OPEX of $4.0 million and $1.73 million, respectively, per year per vessel as per current market levels."
About NewLead Holdings Ltd.
NewLead Holdings Ltd. is an international, vertically integrated shipping and commodity company that manages product tankers and dry bulk vessels. NewLead currently owns two dry bulk vessels and has agreements to acquire three eco-type Handysize dry bulk vessels, one of which is a newbuilding. NewLead owns a wash plant and a mine in Kentucky, USA. NewLead's common shares are traded under the symbol "NEWL" on the NASDAQ Global Select Market.