USA: Baltic Trading to Acquire Two Ultramax Newbuildings

Baltic Trading Limited announced yesterday that it has agreed to acquire two 64,000 dwt Ultramax newbuildings for an aggregate purchase price of $56.0 million. The Company also has an option exercisable in January 2014 to acquire two additional Ultramax newbuildings under the same specifications and purchase price. The acquisition is subject to the completion of customary documentation and closing conditions.

The four eco-design vessels will be built by Yangfan Group Co., Ltd. with the two committed vessels expected to be delivered to Baltic Trading in the second half of 2014. Upon completion of this acquisition, excluding the two option vessels and combined with the recently announced acquisition of two Capesize vessels, Baltic Trading will own 15 drybulk vessels, consisting of four Capesize, two Ultramax, four Supramax and five Handysize vessels with a total carrying capacity of approximately 1,223,000 dwt and an average age of approximately 4.0 years after the delivery of the second committed vessel in Q4 2014.

Baltic Trading plans to finance part of the acquisition of the Ultramax newbuildings through commercial bank debt financing or other financing sources.

John C. Wobensmith, President and Chief Financial Officer, commented, “We are pleased to enter into our third acquisition in 2013 as management has once again capitalized on an attractive acquisition environment. Our year-to-date success in taking advantage of favorable asset prices has positioned Baltic Trading to significantly expand its modern high-quality fleet by approximately 82% on a tonnage basis and increase the Company’s future earnings and dividend potential. We expect our latest transaction to contribute to Baltic Trading’s financial results in the near term as the two committed Ultramax newbuildings are scheduled to be delivered in the second half of 2014. In addition, these eco-design vessels further enhance our ability to provide superior customer service while strengthening Baltic Trading’s long-term commercial prospects. As we continue to execute our growth strategy, management remains committed to preserving a sound capital structure for the benefit of shareholders.”

The following table sets forth information about the vessels to be acquired by the Company:

(1)     Built dates for vessels delivering in the future are estimates based on guidance received from the sellers.