Merlin Closes A €1,034M Capital Increase To Buy Testa

16 July 2015 – Expansión

Yesterday, the Socimi Merlin Properties announced a €1,033.7 million capital increase, representing 66% of its current share capital. The operation will allow it to finance the purchase of Testa, the subsidiary of Sacyr, which it has bought for €1,986 million.

The capital increase will have preferential subscription rights and will involve the issuance of 129,212 million shares, with a value of €8 and a premium of €7 per share. Last April, the Socimi chaired by Ismael Clemente closed its first capital increase amounting to €613.8 million, with the issuance of 64,605,999 new shares, to finance the purchase of real estate assets, offices and retail premises.

Merlín debuted on the Madrid stock exchange in June 2014 with a market capitalisation of €1,250 million, at €10 per share. Yesterday, it closed trading at €11.50 per share, up 1.86%, and its market capitalisation amounted to €2,228.9 million. Merlin’s main shareholders, which include UBS, Marketfield, EJF apital, BNP Paribas Asset Management and the fund Gruss Capital, are expected to participate in the capital increase.

The integration of Testa and Merlin will create a real estate giant with assets worth around €5,500 million, gross annual income of €290 million and a market capitalisation of close to €4,400 million.

Original story: Expansión (by R. Ruiz)

Translation: Carmel Drake