NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Fitch Ratings assigns a rating of 'AAA/F1+' to the $3,805,000, Medical Center of Athens, Inc. (Georgia) variable-rate taxable bonds (VRTBs), series 2011. The rating is based on the support provided by an irrevocable confirming letter of credit (CLOC) provided by the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta (FHLB; rated 'AAA/F1+', with a Stable Outlook by Fitch) which confirms an irrevocable direct pay letter of credit (LOC) issued by AFB&T, a division of Synovus Bank (rated 'BB-/B').
The LOC bank is obligated to make payments of principal of and interest on the bonds upon maturity, acceleration and redemption, as well as purchase price for tendered bonds. The CLOC bank is obligated to make a purchase price payment for all outstanding bonds in the event the LOC bank fails to honor any draw or repudiates its obligations under the LOC. The ratings will expire upon the earliest of: (a) Sept. 15, 2011, the initial stated expiration date of the CLOC, such date to be automatically extended for one-year periods, unless the CLOC provider gives 60 days prior notice of its intention not to extend the CLOC, the date shall not extend beyond Oct. 15, 2013; (b) conversion to the fixed interest rate; (c) any prior termination of the CLOC; and (d) defeasance of the bonds. The LOC provides full and sufficient coverage of principal plus an amount equal to 40 days of interest at a maximum rate of 12% based on a year of 360 days and purchase price for tendered bonds while in the weekly rate mode. The CLOC provides the same full and sufficient coverage as the LOC while the bonds bear interest in the weekly rate mode. The Remarketing Agent for the bonds is Synovus Securities. The bonds are expected to be delivered on or about Feb. 8, 2011.
The bonds will bear interest at a weekly rate, but may be converted to a fixed interest rate. While bonds bear interest in the weekly rate mode, interest payments will be paid on the first business day of each month commencing March 1, 2011. The trustee is obligated to make timely draws on the LOC to pay principal, interest, and purchase price. In the event the LOC bank fails to honor a draw or repudiates its obligations under the LOC the trustee will direct a mandatory tender and draw on the CLOC for the full purchase price of all outstanding bonds. Funds drawn under the LOC and CLOC are held uninvested and are free from any lien prior to that of the bondholders.
Holders may tender their bonds on any business day, provided the trustee is given the requisite prior notice of the purchase. The bonds are subject to mandatory tender: (1) upon conversion of the interest rate; (2) upon expiration, substitution or termination of the LOC; (3) on the effective date of an Alternate LOC; (4) one business day prior to the CLOC termination date; and (5) upon an Event of Default, at the LOC Bank's option, in lieu of directing an acceleration. Optional and mandatory redemption provisions also apply to the bonds. There are no provisions for the issuance of additional bonds.
The proceeds of the sale of the bonds will be used to refund, in full, the Medical Center of Athens, Inc variable-rate taxable bonds, series 2007.
Additional information is available at www.fitchratings.com.
Applicable Criteria and Related Research:
'U.S. Municipal Structured Finance Rating Criteria' Aug. 16, 2010;
Rating Guidelines for Letter of Credit-Supported Bonds'
Applicable Criteria and Related Research:
U.S. Municipal Structured Finance Rating Criteria
http://www.fitchratings.com/creditdesk/reports/report_frame.cfm?rpt_id=548588
Rating Guidelines for Letter of Credit-Supported Bonds
http://www.fitchratings.com/creditdesk/reports/report_frame.cfm?rpt_id=435132
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