Star Bulk Carriers in 16 vessel swoop

APRIL 20, 2018 — Athens, Greece, headquartered Star Bulk Carriers Corp. (Nasdaq: SBLK) reports that it has agreed to acquire 16 vessels from entities affiliated with Augustea Atlantica SpA and York Capital Management in an all-share transaction.

According to VesselsValue.com the 16 vessels have an aggregate value of $441.04 million.

As consideration for the vessel acquisition, Star Bulk has agreed to issue approximately 10.5 million common shares to the sellers of the 16 vessels, equal to approximately 14.1% of Star Bulk’s common shares after the closing of the vessel acquisition. As part of the deal, the Star Bulk will assume debt of $310.0 million.

The deal is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2018, subject to the execution of definitive finance agreements and customary closing conditions.

An entity affiliated with family members of Star Bulk CEO, Mr. Petros Pappas, is a passive minority investor in three of the 16 acquired vessels.

The technical management of the 16 vessels will remain with an entity affiliated with Augustea Atlantica SpA, while commercial management will be taken over by Star Bulk.

 (1) Subject to a bareboat charter accounted as a capital lease

Mr. Pappas commented: “I am very pleased that Star Bulk is acquiring a high quality, modern fleet in an all-share transaction. Combined with attractive bank financing, we believe that the transaction will be accretive to our shareholders. Star Bulk will continue to be a consolidator in the dry bulk industry.

“As part of the vessel acquisition, Star Bulk will acquire a fleet of five Newcastlemaxes / Capesize vessels, two Mini Capesize vessels, eight Post Panamax / Kamsarmax vessels and onw Ultramax vessel of 4.5 years of average age, built mainly in Japan and Korea which will provide Star Bulk with synergies and economies of scale.”