Dubai World puts case for tough debt restructuring

DUBAI World warned that lenders, aside from the government's own support fund, would face a "significantly" worse deal if its debt plan fails and it is forced to seek liquidation, according to the debt restructuring plan outlined to bankers yesterday.

The document also said the repayment of an initial $4.4 billion (2.9bn), five-year debt tranche would be financed by its Istithmar World portfolio and its Infinity investment, two segments that were ringfenced from the conglomerate's debt proposal agreed by a core group of bankers in May.

Infinity, which dropped plans to develop an island dedicated to fashion after the property market collapse, is in a joint venture with MGM Resorts International. Dubai World bought a 9.5 per cent stake in MGM in 2007. The document made clear that creditors would suffer in a liquidation scenario and that Dubai's own coffers would be protected.

"Recoveries for all creditors except DFSF in a liquidation scenario would be significantly below those expected under the proposal," the debt plan said.

The DFSF, or Dubai Financial Support Fund, has lent billions to Dubai World as the flagship company struggles to cope with a massive debt burden.

Dubai World is restructuring $23.5bn in debt. The government has agreed to take a hit on its claims against the firm, leaving $14.4bn bank debt outstanding.

The document said Dubai World can resort to a special tribunal if it gets two-thirds support for its plan but some banks rebel against it.

The state-owned firm, whose assets range from ports to real estate and private equity investments, said developing an alternative plan under the tribunal would be a drawn out process.

"Any subsequent deal offered is likely to exclude government support, resulting in extended tenor of 10 years plus," the document said.

Dubai World met all its bank lenders yesterday to present its plan on repaying its debt.