Sipchem signs SR 1 bn refinancing deals

ALKHOBAR: Three affiliates of Saudi International Petrochemical Company (Sipchem) have refinanced loan facilities worth SR 1.04 billion ($ 276 million) which were used to fund their key projects, Sipchem said yesterday.
International Acetyl Company, International Vinyl Acetate Company and International Gas Company have converted dollar-denominated loans raised in 2008 to build respective manufacturing plants into new long-term facilities denominated in riyals, the statement to the Saudi bourse said.
Riyad Bank was the lead arranger of the deal, which carried a "competitive variable interest rate" as well as a six-month grace period.
The first installment is due to be repaid in the second half of 2013, with the loan to be paid off in four years, the statement added.