{"id":12766,"date":"2024-10-23T10:13:46","date_gmt":"2024-10-23T15:13:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/1reason.com\/re\/uniti-group-inc-announces-pricing-of-windstream-refinancing-transactions\/12766\/"},"modified":"2024-10-24T05:13:46","modified_gmt":"2024-10-24T10:13:46","slug":"uniti-group-inc-announces-pricing-of-windstream-refinancing-transactions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/1reason.com\/re\/uniti-group-inc-announces-pricing-of-windstream-refinancing-transactions\/12766\/","title":{"rendered":"Uniti Group Inc. Announces Pricing of Windstream Refinancing Transactions"},"content":{"rendered":"
(\u201cUniti\u201d) (Nasdaq: UNIT) today announced the pricing of $800 million aggregate principal amount of new 8.250% Senior First Lien Notes due 2031 (the \u201cNew Windstream Notes\u201d) by Windstream Services, LLC and Windstream Escrow Finance Corp. (collectively, the \u201cWindstream Co-Issuers\u201d), each a subsidiary of Windstream Holdings II, LLC (\u201cWindstream\u201d). The indenture governing the New Windstream Notes will contain provisions that allow for the collapse of Uniti\u2019s and Windstream\u2019s debt silos (the \u201cPost-Closing Reorganization\u201d) upon the closing of the planned merger between Uniti and Windstream. The offering of the New Windstream Notes is expected to close on October 4, 2024, subject to customary closing conditions. <\/p>\n

Concurrently with the pricing of the New Windstream Notes, the Windstream Co-Issuers agreed to a $500 million incremental first lien term loan facility (the \u201cFirst Lien Incremental Term Facility\u201d) under Windstream\u2019s existing credit agreement (the \u201cWindstream Credit Agreement\u201d). Loans under the First Lien Incremental Term Facility will bear interest based on a floating rate (which, at Windstream\u2019s election, may be the Base Rate plus 3.75% or the Adjusted Term SOFR Rate plus 4.75% (each as defined in the Windstream Credit provided that the Adjusted Term SOFR Rate \u201cfloor\u201d shall be 0%)) and will mature on October 1, 2031. In addition, Windstream agreed to amend the terms of the Windstream Credit Agreement to permit the Post-Closing Reorganization. The incremental term loan borrowings and amendments to the Windstream Credit Agreement are expected to close on October 4, 2024, subject to customary closing conditions. Upon the amendments becoming effective at closing, all outstanding Windstream indebtedness will permit the Post-Closing Reorganization.<\/p>\n

Windstream intends to use the net proceeds from the offering of the New Windstream Notes and borrowings under the First Lien Incremental Term Facility to repay, refinance and reduce certain loans outstanding under the Windstream Credit Agreement and pay any related premiums, fees and expenses, including accrued and unpaid interest, if any. Any remaining proceeds will be used for general corporate purposes, which may include investments in Windstream\u2019s network and other capital expenditures, such as expansion and acceleration of its Kinetic fiber-to-the-home buildout.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe successful Windstream refinancing transactions, combined with the amendments to Windstream\u2019s credit agreement, will provide a clear path to collapsing the dual debt silos upon closing of the merger between Uniti and Windstream. In addition, Windstream plans to use a portion of the proceeds from these financing activities to expand and accelerate their Kinetic fiber-to-the-home buildout, further strengthening their position within the residential fiber market,\u201d commented Paul Bullington, Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer.<\/p>\n

The Windstream Notes were offered and sold only to persons reasonably believed to be qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A and in offshore transactions to non-U.S. persons pursuant to Regulation S, each under the Securities Act.<\/p>\n

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, the New Windstream Notes issued pursuant to the offering of New Windstream Notes described above.<\/p>\n

ABOUT UNITI<\/strong><\/p>\n

Uniti, an internally managed real estate investment trust, is engaged in the acquisition and construction of mission critical communications infrastructure, and is a leading provider of fiber and other wireless solutions for the communications industry. As of June 30, 2024, Uniti owns approximately 142,000 fiber route miles, 8.6 million fiber strand miles, and other communications real estate throughout the United States. Additional information about Uniti can be found on its website at www.uniti.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

NO OFFER OR SOLICITATION<\/strong><\/p>\n

This communication and the information contained in it are provided for information purposes only and are not intended to be and shall not constitute a solicitation of any vote or approval, or an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy, or an invitation or recommendation to subscribe for, acquire or buy securities of Uniti, Windstream orWindstream Parent, Inc., the proposed combined company following the closing of the Merger (as defined below) (\u201cNew Uniti\u201d) or any other financial products or securities, in any place or jurisdiction, nor shall there be any offer, solicitation or sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offer of securities shall be made inthe United Statesabsent registration under theU.S.Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the \u201cSecurities Act\u201d), or pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, such registration requirements.<\/p>\n

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND WHERE TO FIND IT<\/strong><\/p>\n

In connection with the contemplated Merger, New Uniti has filed a registration statement on Form S-4 with theSECthat contains a proxy statement\/prospectus and other documents, which has not yet become effective. Once effective, Uniti will mail the proxy statement\/prospectus contained in the Form S-4 to its stockholders. This communication is not a substitute for any registration statement, proxy statement\/prospectus or other documents that may be filed with theSECin connection with the Merger.<\/p>\n

THE PROXY STATEMENT\/PROSPECTUS AND OTHER DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC IN CONNECTION WITH THE MERGER CONTAINS IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT UNITI,WINDSTREAM, NEW UNITI, THE MERGER AND RELATED MATTERS. INVESTORS SHOULD READ THE PROXY STATEMENT\/PROSPECTUS AND SUCH OTHER DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY, AS WELL AS ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS TO THE PROXY STATEMENT\/PROSPECTUS AND SUCH DOCUMENTS, BEFORE THEY MAKE ANY DECISION WITH RESPECT TO THE MERGER.<\/p>\n

The proxy statement\/prospectus, any amendments or supplements thereto and all other documents filed with theSECin connection with the Merger will be available free of charge on the SEC\u2019s website (atwww.sec.gov<\/a>). Copies of documents filed with theSECby Uniti will be made available free of charge on Uniti’s investor relations website (athttps:\/\/investor.uniti.com\/financial-information\/sec-filings<\/a>).<\/p>\n

PARTICIPANTS IN THE SOLICITATION<\/strong><\/p>\n

Uniti,Windstreamand their respective directors and certain of their executive officers and other employees may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from Uniti\u2019s stockholders in connection with the Merger. Information about Uniti\u2019s directors and executive officers is set forth in the sections titled \u201cProposal No. 1 Election of Directors\u201d and \u201cSecurity Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management\u201d included in Uniti\u2019s proxy statement for its 2024 annual meeting of stockholders, which was filed with theSEConApril 11, 2024(and which is available athttps:\/\/www.sec.gov\/Archives\/edgar\/data\/1620280\/000110465924046100\/0001104659-24-046100-index.htm<\/a>), the section titled \u201cDirectors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance\u201d included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year endedDecember 31, 2023, which was filed with theSEConFebruary 29, 2024(and which is available athttps:\/\/www.sec.gov\/ix?doc=\/Archives\/edgar\/data\/1620280\/000162828024008054\/unit-20231231.htm<\/a>), and subsequent statements of beneficial ownership on file with theSECand other filings made from time to time with theSEC. Additional information regarding the persons who may, under the rules of theSEC, be deemed participants in the solicitation of Uniti stockholders in connection with the Merger, including a description of their direct or indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, is set forth in the proxy statement\/prospectus and other relevant materials filed by New Uniti with theSEC. These documents can be obtained free of charge from the sources indicated above.<\/p>\n

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS<\/strong><\/p>\n

This communication contains forward-looking statements, including within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can often be identified by terms such as \u201cmay,\u201d \u201cwill,\u201d \u201cappears,\u201d \u201cshould,\u201d \u201cexpects,\u201d \u201cplans,\u201d \u201canticipates,\u201d \u201ccould,\u201d \u201cintends,\u201d \u201ctarget,\u201d \u201cprojects,\u201d \u201ccontemplates,\u201d \u201cbelieves,\u201d \u201cestimates,\u201d \u201cpredicts,\u201d \u201cpotential,\u201d or \u201ccontinue,\u201d or the negative of these words or other similar terms or expressions that concern expectations, strategy, plans, or intentions. However, the absence of these words or similar terms does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. All forward-looking statements are based on information and estimates available to Uniti andWindstreamat the time of this communication and are not guarantees of future performance.<\/em><\/p>\n

Examples of forward-looking statements in this communication (made at the date of this communication unless otherwise indicated) include, among others, statements regarding the Merger and the future performance of Uniti,Windstreamand New Uniti (the \u201cMerged Group\u201d), whether Windstream amends the terms of its existing credit agreement, the implementation and expected effects of the Post-Closing Reorganization, the perceived and potential synergies and other benefits of the Merger, and expectations around the financial impact of the Merger on the Merged Group\u2019s financials. In addition, this communication contains statements concerning the intentions, beliefs and expectations, plans, strategies and objectives of the directors and management of Uniti andWindstreamfor Uniti andWindstream, respectively, and theMerged Group, the anticipated timing for and outcome and effects of the Merger (including expected benefits to shareholders of Uniti), expectations for the ongoing development and growth potential of theMerged Groupand the future operation of Uniti,Windstreamand theMerged Group.<\/em><\/p>\n

These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to be materially different from any results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by any forward-looking statement and may include statements regarding the expected timing and structure of the Merger; the ability of the parties to complete the Merger considering the various closing conditions; the expected benefits of the Merger, such as improved operations, enhanced revenues and cash flow, synergies, growth potential, market profile, business plans, expanded portfolio and financial strength; the competitive ability and position of New Uniti following completion of the Merger; and anticipated growth strategies and anticipated trends in Uniti\u2019s, Windstream\u2019s and, following the expected completion of the Merger, New Uniti\u2019s business.<\/em><\/p>\n

In addition, other factors related to the Merger that contribute to the uncertain nature of the forward-looking statements and that could cause actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those expressed or implied include, but are not limited to: the satisfaction of the conditions precedent to the consummation of the Merger, including, without limitation, the receipt of shareholder and regulatory approvals on the terms desired or anticipated; unanticipated difficulties or expenditures relating to the Merger, including, without limitation, difficulties that result in the failure to realize expected synergies, efficiencies and cost savings from the Merger within the expected time period (if at all); potential difficulties in Uniti\u2019s and Windstream\u2019s ability to retain employees as a result of the announcement and pendency of the Merger; risks relating to the value of New Uniti\u2019s securities to be issued in the Merger; disruptions of Uniti\u2019s and Windstream\u2019s current plans, operations and relationships with customers caused by the announcement and pendency of the Merger; legal proceedings that may be instituted against Uniti orWindstreamfollowing announcement of the Merger; funding requirements; regulatory restrictions (including changes in regulatory restrictions or regulatory policy) and risks associated with general economic conditions.<\/em><\/p>\n

Additional factors that could cause actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to differ materially from the results, level of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements are detailed in the filings with theSEC, including Uniti\u2019s annual report on Form 10-K, periodic quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, periodic current reports on Form 8-K and other documents filed with theSEC.<\/em><\/p>\n

There can be no assurance that the Merger will be implemented or that plans of the respective directors and management of Uniti andWindstreamfor theMerged Group, including the Post-Closing Reorganization,will proceed as currently expected or will ultimately be successful. Investors are strongly cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, including in respect of the financial or operating outlook for Uniti,Windstreamor theMerged Group(including the realization of any expected synergies).<\/em><\/p>\n

Except as required by applicable law, Uniti does not assume any obligation to, and expressly disclaims any duty to, provide any additional or updated information or to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results, or otherwise. Nothing in this communication will, under any circumstances (including by reason of this communication remaining available and not being superseded or replaced by any other presentation or publication with respect to Uniti,Windstreamor theMerged Group, or the subject matter of this communication), create an implication that there has been no change in the affairs of Uniti orWindstreamsince the date of this communication.<\/em><\/p>\n

INVESTOR AND MEDIA CONTACTS:<\/p>\n

Paul Bullington, 251-662-1512
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer
paul.bullington@uniti.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Bill DiTullio, 501-850-0872
Vice President, Investor Relations & Treasury
bill.ditullio@uniti.com<\/a><\/p>\n

This press release was published by a CLEAR\u00ae Verified individual.<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

\n

Windstream Will Amend Credit Agreement to Allow Collapse of Dual Debt Silos Upon Closing of Planned Merger<\/p>\n

LITTLE ROCK, Ark., Sept. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Uniti Group Inc.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[11],"tags":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/1reason.com\/re\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12766"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/1reason.com\/re\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/1reason.com\/re\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/1reason.com\/re\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/1reason.com\/re\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12766"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/1reason.com\/re\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12766\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12773,"href":"https:\/\/1reason.com\/re\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12766\/revisions\/12773"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/1reason.com\/re\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12766"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/1reason.com\/re\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12766"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/1reason.com\/re\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12766"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}