Wednesday, July 29, 2009
FreeSeas Announces Closing of Common Stock Offering
Wednesday, 29 July 2009
FreeSeas Inc. ("FreeSeas'' or the "Company''), a transporter of drybulk cargoes through the ownership and operation of a fleet of seven Handysize vessels and two Handymax vessels, announced today that it has completed the previously announced registered offering of 10,041,151 shares of common stock at $1.80 per share, which includes 1,309,715 shares issued pursuant to the underwriter's over-allotment option. The offering resulted in net proceeds of approximately $16.7 million, after deducting underwriting fees and estimated offering expenses. Proceeds from the offering will be used primarily for the acquisition of an additional drybulk vessel, as well as for the repayment of debt and general working capital purposes.
Ion Varouxakis, President and CEO of FreeSeas, stated, "The successful completion of this offering positions our Company to take advantage of unique opportunities to acquire second-hand vessels at historically low price levels. In addition, this equity infusion substantially strengthens our balance sheet, a distinct competitive advantage in today's overleveraged shipping environment."
Dahlman Rose & Company served as the sole book-running manager for the offering, and Rodman & Renshaw, LLC acted as co-manager.
The shares were sold under the Company's previously filed shelf registration statement, which was declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 14, 2008. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities of the Company, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction where such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such state or jurisdiction.
SOURCE: FreeSeas Inc.
