Through the sale of its 40% interest in the Hayden Hill project, U.S. Gold (NASDAQ) has lessened a liquidity crunch which had threatened to push the company into bankruptcy protection. U.S. Gold sold its interest in the Californian heap leach development project to joint venture partner Amax Gold (NYSE) for US$15.7 million, including US$14.9 million in cash and the remainder representing incurred and unpaid property development costs.
The company noted the sale was at a premium to the 40% interest’s estimated net present value of US$8.2 million. In addition, U.S. Gold will not be required to raise its share of the project financing, about US$34 million.
Part of the proceeds from the sale — US$10 million — will be used to pay down bank debt. An agreement in principle has been reached with the company’s senior lender as well as the largest subordinate debt holder. The agreement calls for the two to make available, subject to certain conditions, an additional line of credit of US$2.5 million.
The company indicated it will continue to explore alternatives in an effort to strengthen its financial position, including further asset sales, joint ventures or equity financing.
At Sept. 30, 1989, U.S. Gold had a working capital deficit of about US$7.4 million and long- term obligations of more than US$35 million.
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