Capital/Financing Update • Oct 28, 2019
Capital/Financing Update
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The European expert in the circular economy www.recylex.eu
October 28, 2019 6:30 pm (GMT+1) Press release
Recylex S.A. (Euronext Paris: FR0000120388 - RX) reports today that the technical studies and trials currently conducted by Weser-Metall GmbH (WMG) as well as the resulting update of the German subgroup's financial assumptions and forecasts for the period 2020 to 20241 cannot be finalized in the coming weeks.
As a matter of fact, these technical studies and trials aiming at recovering the metals contained in a wider range of materials, in particular electronic waste, as a complement to and not as a substitute for the lead-rich materials usually treated, will require more time than initially planned.
As a reminder3 , the results of these studies as well as the resulting update of these financial assumptions and forecasts will be decisive for the Group. These two elements will determine in particular:
It is only in the light of these elements that the financial partners will agree to resume discussions in order to determine whether or not to continue the financing of the German subgroup.
In addition, WMG will carry out a short eight-day maintenance shutdown in November 2019 (initially planned2 at the end of the second quarter of 2019).
Press & Investor contact: Gabriel Zeitlin | T +33 (0)158 47 29 89 | E [email protected]
Postponement of the timetable for the discussions with the financial partners of the German subgroup | Press release | October 28, 2019 | Page 2 of 4
Considering the extension beyond November 30, 2019 of the timetable necessary for the discussions with the financial partners, the German subgroup has initiated discussions with Glencore International AG in the aim of obtaining a further additional financing to cover its cash requirements identified for the period from December 1, 2019 to January 31, 2020 (estimated to date at €19.2 million).
In addition, the German subgroup is forced to request:
If this additional financing and postponements were not obtained, the financial situation of the German subgroup would be jeopardised. Considering this risk, Recylex S.A. will examine any alternative option that would allow it to preserve the activities of the Group's various entities. Recylex will keep investors informed of the reaction and position of the German subgroup's financial partners.
Despite the non-fulfilment of the initial timetable, the short-term financings granted by Glencore International AG in February 2019 and July 2019 (currently due on November 30, 2019) are maintained.
The cash position of the German subgroup remains very tight to date. Indeed, the activity of the German perimeter is currently highly cash consuming, particularly due to:
Press & Investor contact: Gabriel Zeitlin | T +33 (0)158 47 29 89 | E [email protected]
Postponement of the timetable for the discussions with the financial partners of the German subgroup | Press release | October 28, 2019 | Page 3 of 4
quarter of 2019, severely impacting the activities of the entire Zinc segment;
The slowdown in Norzinco GmbH's activity in the third quarter of 2019 due to unexpected maintenance shutdowns and the temporary "force majeure" incident of one of its main customers.
Thus, over the first nine months of 2019, the German subgroup consumed €39.2 million in cash flow, including approximately €11.0 million for investments aiming at improving its industrial performance, mainly at the Nordenham smelter. These needs were financed by drawings on the two short-term financings provided by Glencore International AG3 .
As at October 18, 2019, the German sub-group's net debt amounted to €138.6 million, mainly comprising:
As at October 18, 2019, the net debt of the parent company Recylex S.A. amounted to €43.9 million and included:
Postponement of the timetable for the discussions with the financial partners of the German subgroup | Press release | October 28, 2019 | Page 4 of 4
As a reminder5 , since WMG is Recylex S.A.'s main customer regarding its used lead-acid battery treatment operations, any deterioration of the cash position of WMG (which is part of the cash pooling system at the level of the German sub-group) will immediately negatively impact Recylex S.A.'s cash position.
The Group's consolidated net debt as at October 18, 2019 amounted to €162.5 million.
As a reminder, given the significant liquidity risks currently facing the Group, Recylex S.A. is not in a position to close its 2018 annual and consolidated financial statements or close its 2019 half-year financial statements on a going concern basis until a global agreement on the financing of the German subgroup has been reached.
In this context, Recylex S.A. has obtained a postponement from the Chairman of the Paris Commercial Court until February 29, 2020 of the date of its general meeting called to approve the 2018 annual and consolidated financial statements.
Recylex S.A. will publish its quarterly financial information at September 30, 2019 on Thursday, November 7, 2019.
1 See in particular the press releases dated December 5, 2018, March 26, 2019, June 17, 2019, July 15, 2019 and July 31, 2019.
2 See the press release dated July 25, 2019.
3 See the press release dated July 15, 2019.
4 See Note 2.7 of the notes to the parent company financial statements at December 31, 2017.
5 See Note 32 to the consolidated financial statements as at December 31, 2017.
Disclaimer: This press release is a non-official translation into English of the press release of the same date issued in French language and is provided solely for the convenience of English-speaking users. This press release should be read in conjunction with and construed in accordance with French law.
The Recylex Group, based in France and Germany, is a European specialist in the recycling of lead, zinc, polypropylene and in the production of high-purity special metals. As a key player in the circular economy and thanks to its long-standing know-how, Recylex achieved consolidated sales of €365 million in 2018 and employs more than 730 employees.
For more information about the Recylex Group: www.recylex.eu
Press & Investor contact: Gabriel Zeitlin | T +33 (0)158 47 29 89 | E [email protected]
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