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Stolt-Nielsen S.A. (Nasdaq:SNSA) LONDON, August 6, 2008 - Stolt-Nielsen S.A. (Oslo Børs: SNI) announced today that it has received commitments in excess of the $625 million required for the financing of eight 43,000 dwt K-43 class parcel tankers currently on order from SLS Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. in Korea.
The approximately 16-year pre- and post- delivery financing covers 80% of the cost of the ships, and will benefit from 95% comprehensive insurance from the Korean Export Insurance Corporation (KEIC). The financing was arranged by joint bookrunners Citi (as coordinator), Deutsche Bank and Fortis, and represents the largest financing ever undertaken by Stolt-Nielsen.
Commenting on the financing, Mr. Jan Chr. Engelhardtsen, Chief Financial Officer of SNSA, said, "We are pleased to have arranged this loan transaction in an exceptionally difficult credit market worldwide. This KEIC-guaranteed financing is a testament to SNSA's excellent credit standing and strong balance sheet." This new facility completes SNSA's existing newbuilding financing requirements, which total $1.24 billion.
Stolt-Nielsen currently operates a fleet of 158 sophisticated parcel tankers, product tankers, river tankers and barges, ranging in size from approximately 1,000 to 44,000 dwt. The K-43 class acquisitions represent a cornerstone of the Company's newbuilding strategy, enabling Stolt-Nielsen to continue to meet the growing demands of its sophisticated global client base.
Contacts:
Jan Chr. Engelhardtsen Chief Financial Officer U.K. +44 (0) 20 7611 8972 j.engelhardtsen@stolt.com
About Stolt-Nielsen S.A. Stolt-Nielsen S.A. (SNSA or the "Company") is one of the world's leading providers of transportation services for bulk liquid chemicals, edible oils, acids, and other specialty liquids. The Company, through the parcel tanker, tank container, terminal, rail and barge services of its wholly owned subsidiary Stolt Tankers & Terminals and Stolt Tank Containers, provides integrated transportation solutions for its customers. Stolt Sea Farm, wholly owned by the Company, produces and markets high quality turbot, sole, sturgeon, and caviar. Stolt-Nielsen is currently listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange
Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These statements may be identified by the use of words like "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "plan," "project," "will," "should," "seek," and similar expressions. The forward-looking statements reflect the Company's current views and assumptions and are subject to risks and uncertainties. The following factors, and others which are discussed in the Company's public filings and submissions with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, are among those that may cause actual and future results and trends to differ materially from the Company's forward-looking statements: the general economic conditions and competition in the markets and businesses in which the Company operates; changes in the supply of and demand for parcel tanker, tank container and terminal capacity in the markets in which the Company operates; changes in the supply of and demand for the products we transport, particularly the bulk liquids, chemicals and other specialty liquids that form the majority of the products that we transport; prevailing market rates for the transportation services that the Company offers and the fish products that the Company sells; changes in bunker fuel prices; the cost and feasibility of maintaining and replacing the Company's older ships and building or purchasing new ships; uncertainties inherent in operating internationally; fluctuations in currency exchange rates; the outcome of legal proceedings; the Company's relationship with significant customers; the outcome of discussions with customers concerning potential antitrust claims; the impact of negative publicity; environmental challenges and natural conditions facing the Company's aquaculture business; the impact of laws and regulations; operating hazards, including marine disasters, spills or environmental damage; the conditions and factors that may influence the decision to issue future dividends; and the market for long-term debt. Many of these factors are beyond the Company's ability to control or predict. Given these factors, you should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties occur, or should management's assumptions or estimates prove incorrect, actual results and events may vary materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements.
