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Koppers Refinances Bank Agreement
November 3, 2008 at 8:34 AM EST
PITTSBURGH, PA, Nov 03, 2008 (MARKET WIRE via COMTEX News Network) -- Koppers Inc., a subsidiary of Koppers Holdings Inc. (NYSE: KOP), has entered into a new credit agreement with a syndicate of banks led by Pittsburgh-based PNC and co-led by RBS Citizens Bank and Bank of America as joint book runners. The four-year agreement provides for a revolving credit facility of $300 million at an initial interest rate of LIBOR plus 250 basis points, and is subject to certain covenants including maximum leverage and minimum fixed charges coverage. The agreement replaces the existing $125 million revolver and term loan bank facilities that were to expire in late 2009. After the closing of the Monessen sale on October 1, 2008, there were no balances outstanding under these facilities.

"We are extremely pleased to be able to continue our long-standing relationship with PNC and the other banks in our syndicate," said Walter W. Turner, president and CEO of Koppers. Mr. Turner continued, "We believe the signing of this agreement greatly enhances our balance sheet strength and improves our flexibility for increasing shareholder value. The ability to refinance our bank facility on favorable terms in today's credit market is a testament to the confidence our bank group has in our current and future business prospects. We continue to believe in the long-term fundamental strength of the global aluminum market and the North American railroad market."

About Koppers

Koppers, with corporate headquarters and a research center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a global integrated producer of carbon compounds and treated wood products. Including its joint ventures, Koppers operates facilities in the United States, United Kingdom, Denmark, Australia, and China. The stock of Koppers Holdings Inc. is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "KOP." For more information, visit us on the Web: www.koppers.com. Questions concerning investor relations should be directed to Brian H. McCurrie at 412 227 2153 or Michael W. Snyder at 412 227 2131.

Safe Harbor Statement

This news release may contain forward-looking statements based on management's current expectations, estimates and projections. All statements that address expectations or projections about the future, including statements about the company's strategy for growth, product development, market position, expected expenditures and financial results are forward-looking statements. Some of the forward-looking statements may be identified by words like "expects," "anticipates," "plans," "intends," "projects," "indicates," and similar expressions. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Many factors, including those discussed more fully elsewhere in this release and in documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by Koppers, particularly its latest annual report on Form 10-K and quarterly report on Form 10-Q, as well as others, could cause results to differ materially from those stated. These factors include, but are not limited to, changes in the laws, regulations, policies and economic conditions, including inflation, interest and foreign currency exchange rates, of countries in which the Company does business; competitive pressures; the loss of one or more key customer or supplier relationships; customer insolvencies; successful integration of structural changes, including restructuring plans, acquisitions, divestitures and alliances; cost and availability of raw materials; and other economic, business, competitive, regulatory and/or operational factors affecting the business of Koppers generally.

For Information:
Brian H. McCurrie
Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
412 227 2153
Email Contact

SOURCE: Koppers Holdings Inc.

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