Lloyds Banking (LYG) Considering Substantial Capital Raise
Lloyds Banking Group (NYSE: LYG) notes recent media speculation regarding its proposed potential participation in the Government Asset Protection Scheme (GAPS). Lloyds is in advanced discussions with HM Treasury, UK Financial Investments and the Financial Services Authority regarding alternatives to participation in GAPS.
Lloyds believes that any alternative proposals to GAPS would be likely to include a substantial capital raising of core tier 1 and contingent core tier 1 capital to increase the Group's capital ratios to an appropriate level of strength and flexibility, and would provide a strong capital base for the future stability and success of the Group. The alternative proposals would also meet the FSA's requirements for stressed economic conditions.
Capital raising options currently under consideration include a combination of raising immediately available core tier 1 capital by way of a rights issue and generating contingent core tier 1 and/or core tier 1 capital through the exchange of certain existing Group capital securities. The capital
raisings contemplated are expected to be fully underwritten and will be subject to shareholder approval.
Should Lloyds not enter into GAPS it expects it will be required to pay HM Treasury a fee in recognition of the value of the implicit guarantee Lloyds has benefited from since the announcement of its intended participation in GAPS in March 2009. There can be no certainty at this stage that any alternative to GAPS will proceed. All options remain open.
Lloyds also notes recent media speculation regarding its discussions with the European Commission regarding the terms of the restructuring plan to address the state aid which has been received by the Group. Lloyds confirms that it is in advanced discussions with the European Commission and further details will be announced in due course. Based on the discussions to date it is confident that the final terms of its restructuring plan, including any required divestments of assets, will not have a material impact on the Group. The Group remains confident that it will meet its commitment to deliver more than
£1.5 billion run-rate synergies and other operating efficiencies by the end of 2011, notwithstanding the impact of the expected state aid remedies.
The Group continues to trade satisfactorily. It has delivered a robust trading performance over the last few months and continues to deliver in line with recent guidance.
A further announcement will be made as appropriate.
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