(Ecopetrol, 2.Aug.2021) — By means of Resolution 1824 of 30 July 2021, the Ministry of Finance and Public Credit authorized the execution of a contingent credit line (“Committed Credit Line”) up to an amount of $1.2bn for Ecopetrol S.A. (BVC: ECOPETROL; NYSE: EC).
The proceeds from this facility may be used for general corporate purposes in the ordinary course of business, including the strengthening of Ecopetrol’s liquidity position in case of eventual organic growth opportunities, risk mitigation in connection with unexpected fluctuations in oil prices, as well as to reduce specific refinancing needs in the coming years with flexibility and competitive borrowing costs.
The Committed Credit Line will be subscribed with Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria S.A. New York Branch, Banco Santander, S.A., JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA, Mizuho Bank, Ltd., Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation and The Bank of Nova Scotia, each participating with an amount of up to $200mn.
Under the Committed Credit Line, the banks commit to disburse funds when Ecopetrol requires it, under the terms and conditions previously agreed between the parties. This facility would only increase the company’s indebtedness levels at the time disbursements are made.
The Committed Credit Line will have a 2-year availability period for disbursements, starting on the signing date, subject to the following conditions: (i) principal payable at maturity (3 years from the agreement’s date); (ii) an interest rate of 6-month LIBOR + 125 basis points; (iii) an up-front and structuring fee of 40 basis points; and (iv) a commitment fee of 37 basis points per year on the undisbursed principal during the availability period.
To obtain the Committed Credit Line, the company complied with all the procedures and internal and external approvals required, including the corresponding authorization resolution by the Ministry of Finance and Public Credit.
____________________
