GDS Prices Offering of US$500 Million Convertible Senior Notes

Core Viewpoint - GDS Holdings Limited has announced the pricing of a $500 million offering of 2.25% convertible senior notes due in 2032, increasing the initial offering size from $450 million, with expected net proceeds of approximately $486.1 million after expenses [1][2]. Group 1: Notes Offering Details - The offering consists of 2.25% convertible senior notes with an aggregate principal amount of $500 million, due in 2032, and is being offered to qualified institutional buyers [1]. - The company has granted initial purchasers an option to buy an additional $50 million in notes, with the offering expected to close around May 30, 2025 [1]. - The net proceeds will be used for working capital and refinancing existing debt, including potential repurchases of convertible bonds due in 2029 [2]. Group 2: Notes Characteristics - The notes will bear interest at 2.25% per year, payable semiannually, and will mature on June 1, 2032 [3]. - The initial conversion rate is set at 30.2343 American depositary shares (ADSs) per $1,000 principal amount, equating to a conversion price of approximately $33.08 per ADS, representing a 35% premium over the ADS public offering price of $24.50 [4]. - The notes are convertible under specific conditions, with holders able to convert them into cash, ADSs, or a combination thereof starting December 1, 2031 [5]. Group 3: Redemption and Repurchase Options - The company may redeem the notes under certain conditions, including tax law changes or if less than 10% of the original principal remains outstanding [6]. - Holders can require the company to repurchase their notes on June 1, 2029, or upon a "fundamental change" [7][8]. Group 4: Market Impact and Additional Offerings - The company anticipates that some purchasers may establish short positions in its ADSs, which could affect the market price of both the ADSs and the notes [9]. - GDS Holdings has also priced a separate public offering of 6,000,000 ADSs to facilitate derivative transactions related to the notes offering [10]. - Additionally, a public offering of 5,200,000 ADSs has been announced, with underwriters granted a 30-day option for additional purchases [11].