A consortium of investors is stepping in to assist Sherritt International Corp. following challenges caused by U.S. sanctions against Cuba. The group, which includes an unnamed U.S. anchor investor, Kyma Capital Ltd., Trifon Natsis, and Glencore Ltd., has presented a non-binding recapitalization proposal to Sherritt’s board of directors in late June.
The consortium has confirmed that the proposal has been under consideration by the board and is now being made public to allow the company’s stakeholders to evaluate potential options. If approved, the consortium aims to collaborate with Sherritt to enhance its financial position and liquidity while safeguarding its operations at the Fort Saskatchewan refinery in Alberta and its nickel and cobalt processing capabilities in North America.
Sherritt previously disclosed the need for a substantial infusion of capital to support the reactivation of its Alberta refinery and Cuban joint venture, which were halted due to increased U.S. pressure on Cuba. The company is currently engaged in discussions with its senior lenders and noteholders to explore a recapitalization strategy aimed at stabilizing its financial standing and resuming regular activities when conditions permit.
The decision to suspend operations at the Fort Saskatchewan refinery was made after the depletion of feed inventory supplied by the Moa mine in Cuba. Furthermore, operations at Sherritt’s Moa joint venture in Cuba were halted earlier this year due to fuel shortages in the country following the U.S. embargo on Venezuelan oil in January.
