Rolls-Royce reveals plans to raise £2.5bn

Derby manufacturing giant Rolls-Royce has said it is looking to raise £2.5m to help it through the downturn in the aviation sector brought on by the pandemic.

Last week the company said it was “reviewing a range of funding options” to deal with a hefty reported loss of £5.4bn in the first six months of the year.

Now, Rolls-Royce has revealed more details of the funding.

The firm said it is “evaluating the merits” of raising equity of up to £2.5bn, through a variety of structures including a rights issue and potentially other forms of equity issuance. The review also includes new debt issuance.

A statement added: “No final decisions have been taken as to whether or when to proceed with any of these options or as to the precise amount that may be raised.

“As we said on 27 August 2020, following rapid management actions to reduce costs and secure additional liquidity, we started the second half of 2020 with liquidity of £6.1bn (comprising £4.2bn cash at end June and a £1.9bn undrawn revolving credit facility).

“In addition, we finalised a £2bn undrawn term loan, partly backed by the UK Export Finance, in August. We have also launched a major restructuring of our Group, in particular our Civil Aerospace business, with forecast annualised pre-tax savings of over £1.3bn by the end of 2022. As previously announced, we have also already identified a number of potential disposals that are expected to generate proceeds of more than £2bn over the next 18 months, including ITP Aero.

“A further announcement will be made if and when appropriate.”

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