ACE.L Share News (ACE)

Protracted discussions between Accident Exchange (AE) and its lenders continue, although most of the banks have let the vehicle replacement firn defer interest payments due yesterday. The loss-making company said back in March that it was engaged in a review of its financial structure with its senior lender and its asset backed lenders, plus a potential restructuring of the £50m 5.50% unsecured convertible loan (CLN) notes due 2013.Today, its senior lender has agreed to amend the terms of its £40m senior credit agreement that wil extend the maturity date from 30 September 2010 to 2013, but only if AE successfully negotiates restructuring terms with the other stakeholders.AE is also in "constructive" talks with its CLN holders regarding a restructuring. The senior lender, which owns 40% of the notes, has said it is willing to consider converting its CLN interest into an equity interest as part of a restructuring if other CLN holders agree. "In view of these ongoing discussions, the company has received assurances from the holders of over 90% in value of the CLNs that the interest payment on the CLNs due to be paid on 8 July 2010 may be deferred as part of and pending the outcome of these discussions," read a statement."The company is also in discussions with a number of asset backed lenders with a view to increasing available vehicle funding facilities post-refinancing."