GMP Capital Inc. Announces That it Expects to Receive $28 Million in Connection with Richardson GMP Debt Refinancing

TORONTO, Oct. 31, 2017 /CNW/ - GMP Capital Inc. (GMP) (TSX: GMP) today announced that Richardson GMP Limited (Richardson GMP) has entered into a four-year $80 million credit facility agreement with a syndicate of chartered banks.  Richardson GMP intends to use the initial proceeds from this facility to refinance its existing long-term indebtedness.  The remainder of the proceeds will be used to redeem a substantial portion of its Class B Preference Shares, at par, for an aggregate cash redemption amount of $45 million (the Redemption), including all declared and unpaid dividends, and to repay fully its $5 million subordinated loan facility made available by GMP.  The Redemption will be allocated equally between GMP and James Richardson & Sons, Limited. It is anticipated that GMP will receive approximately $28 million in cash.

These transactions do not affect the existing equity ownership interests in Richardson GMP held by GMP and James Richardson & Sons, Limited (each owns approximately 32%). 

"We are pleased to be receiving such a notable return of capital on our investment in Richardson GMP, which substantially strengthens our net working capital position.  This new credit agreement is reflective of the evolution of Richardson GMP's franchise and allows Richardson GMP to access more cost effective and tax efficient external funding thereby increasing its financial flexibility," said Harris Fricker, President and CEO of GMP.

Commenting further, Mr. Fricker said, "This transaction is a positive reflection of the evolution of Richardson GMP and its strong financial performance.  Its stable cash flow generation should allow the company to continue returning capital to its shareholders.  GMP remains committed to working with our partners at Richardson GMP as they continue to grow the business and solidify their firm's standing as a leading wealth management firm in Canada."

These transactions remain subject to customary approvals, including the approval of the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada.

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

This press release contains "forward-looking information" as defined under applicable Canadian securities laws.   This information includes, but is not limited to, statements concerning our objectives, our strategies to achieve those objectives, as well as statements made with respect to management's beliefs, plans, estimates, projections and intentions, and similar statements concerning anticipated future events, results, circumstances, performance or expectations that are not historical facts. Forward-looking information generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "outlook", "objective", "may", "will", "expect", "intend", "estimate", "anticipate", "believe", "should", "plans" or "continue", or similar expressions suggesting future outcomes or events. Such forward-looking information reflects management's current beliefs and is based on information currently available to management.

Forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including those described in this press release. GMP's primary business activities are both competitive and subject to various risks. These risks include market, credit, liquidity, operational and legal and regulatory risks and other risk factors including, without limitation: variation in the market value of securities, volatility and liquidity of equity and fixed income trading markets, volume of new financings and mergers and acquisitions, dependence on key personnel and sustainability of fees. Other factors, such as general economic conditions, including interest rate and exchange rate fluctuations, may also have an effect on GMP's results of operations. Many of these risks and uncertainties can affect GMP's actual results and could cause its actual results to materially differ from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking information disclosed by management or on its behalf.  For a description of additional risks that could cause our actual results to materially differ from our current expectations, see "Risk Management" and "Risk Factors" in the Second Quarter 2017 MD&A and "Risk Factors" in GMP's annual information form. These risks and uncertainties are not the only ones facing GMP together with its consolidated operations controlled by it and its predecessors (GMP Group).  Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently consider immaterial may also impair the operations of the GMP Group.  Material assumptions or factors underlying the forward-looking information contained in this press release include, but are not limited to, "Second Quarter 2017 Financial Highlights", "Segment Results" and "Liquidity and Capital Resources" sections of the Second Quarter 2017 MD&A. Although forward-looking information contained in this press release is based upon what management believes are reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurance that actual results will be consistent with this forward-looking information. Certain statements included in this press release may be considered a "financial outlook" for purposes of applicable Canadian securities laws, and as such the financial outlook may not be appropriate for purposes other than this press release. The forward-looking information contained in this press release is made as of the date of this press release, and should not be relied upon as representing GMP's views as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release. Except as required by applicable law, management and GMP's Board of Directors undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

ABOUT GMP CAPITAL INC.

GMP is a leading independent diversified financial services firm headquartered in Toronto, Canada, providing a wide range of financial products and services to a global client base that includes corporate clients, institutional investors and high-net-worth individuals in two integrated reporting segments. The Capital Markets segment provides investment banking, including advisory and underwriting services, institutional sales and trading and research through offices in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, the Bahamas and Asia. Wealth Management consists of GMP's non-controlling ownership interest in Richardson GMP Limited. Richardson GMP Limited, Canada's largest independent wealth management firm, is focused on providing exclusive and comprehensive wealth management and investment services delivered by an experienced team of investment professionals. GMP is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "GMP". For further information, please visit our corporate website at gmpcapital.com.

SOURCE GMP Capital Inc.