Ecopetrol obtains authorization to borrow one trillion pesos from a local bank

Rhea-AI Summary

Ecopetrol S.A. announced on March 17, 2023, that it has received authorization from the Ministry of Finance and Public Credit to secure a one trillion Colombian pesos (COP) line of credit from Bancolombia. This five-year credit line will refinance debt maturing in 2023, ensuring that funds will be used solely for existing credit obligations. The successful arrangement demonstrates strong confidence from the financial sector in Ecopetrol's debt management strategy, which is pivotal for the company’s sustainability. The credit line will be available until December 16, 2024, with capital repayment due at maturity, under a variable interest rate agreement.

Positive

• Authorization for a one trillion COP line of credit enhances liquidity and stability.
• Successful refinancing of 2023 debt maturities boosts investor confidence.
• Strong support from the financial sector reflects positive market perception.

Negative

• None.

BOGOTA, Colombia, March 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Ecopetrol S.A. (BVC: ECOPETROL; NYSE: EC) ("Ecopetrol" or the "Group") informs that, as part of its integral debt management strategy and the refinancing of the debt maturing on 2023, through Resolution 0655 of March 16, 2023, it received the authorization of the Ministry of Finance and Public Credit to enter into a one trillion Colombian pesos (COP) committed line of credit with Bancolombia.

The authorized line of credit will have a term of five (5) years from the date of the first disbursement, capital repayment at maturity, a variable interest rate previously agreed between the parties and an availability period until December 16, 2024. The resources will be entirely used to pay commitments derived from existing credit obligations of Ecopetrol S.A.

To obtain the committed facility, Ecopetrol complied with all the required internal and external procedures and approvals. The conditions obtained ratify the confidence of the financial sector in the Company and its proactive management of the 2023 debt maturities.

Ecopetrol is the largest company in Colombia and one of the main integrated energy companies in the American continent, with more than 18,000 employees. In Colombia, it is responsible for more than 60% of the hydrocarbon production of most transportation, logistics, and hydrocarbon refining systems, and it holds leading positions in the petrochemicals and gas distribution segments. With the acquisition of 51.4% of ISA's shares, the company participates in energy transmission, the management of real-time systems (XM), and the Barranquilla - Cartagena coastal highway concession. At the international level, Ecopetrol has a stake in strategic basins in the American continent, with Drilling and Exploration operations in the United States (Permian basin and the Gulf of Mexico), Brazil, and Mexico, and, through ISA and its subsidiaries, Ecopetrol holds leading positions in the power transmission business in Brazil, Chile, Peru, and Bolivia, road concessions in Chile, and the telecommunications sector. This press release contains business prospect statements, operating and financial result estimates, and statements related to Ecopetrol's growth prospects. These are all projections and, as such, they are based solely on the expectations of the managers regarding the future of the company and their continued access to capital to finance the company's business plan. The realization of said estimates in the future depends on the behavior of market conditions, regulations, competition, and the performance of the Colombian economy and the industry, among other factors, and are consequently subject to change without prior notice.

This release contains statements that may be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All forward-looking statements, whether made in this release or in future filings or press releases, or orally, address matters that involve risks and uncertainties, including in respect of the Company's prospects for growth and its ongoing access to capital to fund the Company's business plan, among others. Consequently, changes in the following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from those included in the forward-looking statements: market prices of oil & gas, our exploration, and production activities, reserves, market conditions, applicable regulations, the exchange rate, the Company's competitiveness and the performance of Colombia's economy and industry, to mention a few. We do not intend and do not assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

For more information, please contact:

Head of Capital Markets (a)
Maria Catalina Escobar Hoyos
Email: investors@ecopetrol.com.co

Head of Corporate Communications (a)
Juan Guillermo Londoño
Correo electrónico: juan.londono@ecopetrol.com.co

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ecopetrol-obtains-authorization-to-borrow-one-trillion-pesos-from-a-local-bank-301775406.html

SOURCE Ecopetrol S.A.

FAQ

What did Ecopetrol announce on March 17, 2023?

Ecopetrol announced the authorization to secure a one trillion COP line of credit from Bancolombia to refinance maturing debt.

How long is the term for the new credit line Ecopetrol secured?

The term for the new credit line is five years, with capital repayment due at maturity.

What will the funds from the credit line be used for?

The funds will be used entirely to pay commitments from existing credit obligations.

When is the availability period for Ecopetrol's new credit line?

The availability period for the new credit line is until December 16, 2024.

What impact does the new credit line have on Ecopetrol's debt management?

The new credit line enhances Ecopetrol's liquidity and demonstrates proactive debt management for 2023.