July 5, 2010
Canada Post Corporation today announced its intention to issue up to C$1 billion in long-term debt, consisting of two series of bonds with terms up to and including 30 years.
Net proceeds of the offering will be used primarily to finance the company’s “Postal Transformation” modernization program. This multi-year investment in new facilities, equipment and systems will enable Canada Post to protect and enhance service to Canadians, increase its competitiveness, improve working conditions and safety for employees and improve the financial sustainability of the company. The modernization plan is expected to generate $250 million in annual cost savings by 2017.
The Government of Canada recently increased Canada Post’s external borrowing limit to $2.5 billion from $300 million in order to facilitate financing of Postal Transformation. “By increasing our debt to a level that is appropriate for a company of our size and financial profile, Canada Post will be able to invest in its critically-needed modernization” said Wayne Cheeseman, Chief Financial Officer, Canada Post. “This debt offering will enable the company to increase its financial flexibility, invest in its future and keep serving Canadians while remaining financially self-sufficient.”
As Canada Post is an agent of the Government of Canada, the bonds will be obligations of Canada Post and the Government of Canada. The debt has received the following credit ratings: Standard & Poors – AAA; DBRS – AAA; and Moody’s Investor Service – Aaa.
The debt offering is being co-led by TD Securities and RBC Capital Markets.
With 71,000 employees and more than 6,500 post offices, The Canada Post Group – including affiliates Purolator Courier and SCI Group, as well as Innovapost (a joint venture with CGI), maintains the largest retail and transportation network in the country. Canada Post delivered close to 11 billion pieces in 2009 to 15 million addresses across Canada, posting $7.3 billion in revenue. Canada Post provides innovative physical and electronic delivery solutions, creating value for our customers, employees and Canadians. Canada Post has been chosen as one of Canada's Top 100 employers by Mediacorp for the past four years and in 2009 was named "Most Iconic Brand in Canada" by Brand Finance Canada. Website: www.canadapost.ca.
