In alleged response to an insider bid by 30% shareholder CAIH in the recent contest for control of Hurricane Hydrocarbons, the Hurricane board declared a special dividend payable by way of senior unsecured notes. A controversy arose because the notes contained a change-of-control provision that would be triggered by the acquisition of more than 50% of the Hurricane shares. Upon a change-of-control, the holders of the notes could elect to have the notes redeemed. The net effect was a potential cash depletion of $200 million from Hurricane's cash flow.
December 01 2001