Dekel Agri-Vision Plc (LON:DKL), the West African agriculture company focused on building a diversified portfolio of sustainable agricultural projects, including the Ayenouan palm oil operation and the Tiebissou cashew processing plant in Côte d’Ivoire, has provided an update on the progress of its debt restructuring, alongside broader corporate finance initiatives.
Bond Restructuring Update
· The Company has received regulatory approval in Cote d’Ivoire for its prospectus to issue a new bond of up to €13.3 million.
· The Company has now commenced the book build for the New Bond and will provide a further update as appropriate.
· The New Bond will have a six-year term, with a two-year principal grace period and an interest rate of 9.5%, and is being arranged with a syndicate of leading regional financial institutions in Cote d’Ivoire.
· Upon completion, the New Bond will replace the existing bonds which have the following terms:
o €3.8million which carries an interest rate of 7.75% and has a remaining tenure of 2.5 years.
o €9.2million which carries and interest rate of 7.25% and has a remaining tenure of 4 years.
· The extended maturity profile of the New Bond, together with the additional 2-year principal grace period, is expected to enhance the Group’s debt repayment profile, better aligning cash outflows more closely with the forecast growth and future cash generation of the Cashew Operation, while supporting the continued stable profitability of the Palm Oil Operation.
· The New Bond builds on the debt restructuring announced on 26 June 2025 with other key lenders. As part of that process, a €1.2 million loan provided by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Director, Youval Rasin, was converted into equity alongside an associated equity raise.
Corporate Finance Update
· Whilst the Palm Oil Operation is now experiencing a good current high season and the Cashew Operation has substantially improved; the high leverage of the Company is a challenge requiring the ongoing support of the key lenders. Therefore, in addition to the New Bond, the Company is actively evaluating a range of corporate finance opportunities. These include, but are not limited to potential equity injections at the project level and pursuing expressions of interest for the sale of one or more of its operating subsidiaries. In addition, the board would potentially consider the sale of the Group.
· These discussions are ongoing and are being pursued with a focus on maximising shareholder value, with progress being made across a number of workstreams. There can be no certainty that any transaction will be concluded.
· In the absence of such outcomes, the Company will continue to execute its existing strategy of continuing the stable profitability of the Palm Oil Operation, growing the Cashew Operation to profitability and steadily decreasing leverage.
· The Company is incorporated in Cyprus and therefore is not subject to the UK Takeover Code. However, the Company’s articles of association contain takeover provisions with the board given discretion as to the application of such provisions. In particular, shareholders should note that, the board would require shareholder approval if any party sought to acquire 30 per cent. or more of the Company’s shares but not more than 50%. Furthermore if any party acquires more than 50% of the issued shares of the Company it would be required to extend an offer to all shareholders.
Youval Rasin, Dekel Agri-Vision’s Chief Executive Officer said: “We are very encouraged by the progress made on our bond restructuring, which represents a key step to better align our debt profile with the ongoing growth of our Cashew Operation, alongside the consistent performance of our Palm Oil Operation.”
“At the same time, we are actively evaluating a range of corporate finance opportunities to further enhance shareholder value and, where possible, accelerate the Group’s deleveraging. We are pleased with the level of interest received to date and are progressing a number of discussions, and we will provide updates as appropriate.”
