PPC nears €350m deal for second securitization package

Power utility PPC is moving fast towards an agreement with a major financial services player for a second securitization package carrying unpaid receivables overdue by more than 90 days.

Less than a month ago, PPC reached a 260 million-euro agreement with JP Morgan for a smaller-scale securitization package of unpaid electricity bills overdue by up to 60 days.

According to sources, PPC’s chief executive Giorgos Stassis has called for an extraordinary board meeting to seek approval of an offer made by a major international financial player for the larger-scale securitization package.

If this offer is approved by the board, PPC stands to receive approximately 350 million euros with an interest rate of around 5 percent. This interest rate is higher than the 3.5 percent rate attached to the preceding securitization deal as a result of the higher risk entailed.

PPC’s ability to attract yet another major financial player reflects the growing faith been placed by the investment community in the power utility, especially its ability to collect unpaid receivables.

The two securitization packages promise considerable cash inflow for PPC. Half the amount to be received through the first securitization package will be used to service debt.