Fitch Downgrades Thomas Cook to 'CC'
17 JUL 2019 06:46 AM ET
Fitch Ratings - London - 17 July 2019:
Fitch Ratings has downgraded Thomas Cook Group Plc' s (TCG) Long-Term Issuer Default Rating (IDR) to 'CC' from 'CCC+' and removed it from Rating Watch Negative .
This downgrade follows the announcement by TCG that it is in advanced negotiations with the group's largest shareholder Fosun Tourism Group (currently 15%) and TCG's core lending banks on the terms of a substantial capital reorganisation, as part of a proposed recapitalisation and separation of the group.
The ratings had been on Rating Watch Negative to reflect the risk of a liquidity shortfall looming towards end-2019. If a comprehensive restructuring plan is announced Fitch will downgrade the IDR to 'C'.
Under the proposal the group is discussing an injection of GBP750 million of "new money", which would provide sufficient liquidity over the 2019/2020 winter season and provide financial flexibility to invest in the business in the future. The recapitalisation would include both a capital injection and new financial facilities.
With the recapitalisation scheduled for the start of the winter season, plus the peak summer season and cash inflows ongoing, the future balance sheet structure could change and we do not know the final capital structure that may be agreed between the various parties.