Post by : Saif Nasser
CMA CGM, one of the world largest shipping companies, has announced a new plan to raise money through a special type of bond. The French shipping group wants to raise around 325 million euros by issuing a three year bond that can be repaid with shares of Air France KLM.
This type of bond is called an exchangeable bond. It gives the company flexibility because it can repay the bond either with cash, Air France KLM shares, or a mix of both. This move shows CMA CGM desire to diversify its sources of funding and reduce pressure on its cash reserves.
CMA CGM currently owns 8.8 percent of Air France KLM. The company became a shareholder in 2022, when it formed a cargo partnership with the airline group. That partnership ended in early 2024, and the lock up period that prevented the sale of shares ended in February this year. This means CMA CGM now has full freedom to use or sell its stake.
Chief Financial Officer Ramon Fernandez said the company remains confident in the Air France KLM management team and still sees future price growth potential in the airline shares. He explained that the bond is a cost efficient way to raise funds while keeping financial options open.
If CMA CGM chooses to repay the bond using Air France KLM shares, it will do so at a premium of 30 to 35 percent over the average share price on December 9. This makes the bond more attractive to investors who might benefit from future share price growth.
This announcement also highlights the wider strategy of CMA CGM. While it started as a shipping company, it has been expanding into air cargo and land logistics. Through its CEVA subsidiary, it has strengthened its presence in road, rail, and warehouse services. This shows the company goal of becoming a complete logistics powerhouse.
The Saade family, which founded and controls the company, has also been active in investing beyond the transport sector. They have bought media companies and invested in major French firms, including large supermarket chains. These moves show a long term plan to build influence across different sectors of the economy.
From an editorial point of view, this bond plan reflects a smart financial strategy. Instead of selling its shares immediately, CMA CGM is using them as a financial tool to raise money at a lower cost. This gives the company more control over timing and market conditions.
However, such financial instruments also carry risks. If Air France KLM share prices fall, it could affect both investor confidence and the value of CMA CGM assets. At the same time, if shipped goods demand slows, the company may face cash flow challenges.
In conclusion, the exchangeable bond plan shows that CMA CGM is thinking carefully about its financial future. By linking the bond to its Air France KLM stake, the company is balancing risk and opportunity. It is diversifying its funding while keeping flexibility in a rapidly changing global business environment.
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