Cruise operator NCL launches Nasdaq bid

NCL Corporation, which is half-owned by Genting Hong Kong, would list on the Nasdaq and launched an IPO on Tuesday, Genting announced yesterday.

NCL, a Norwegian cruise operator, would offer up to 27.06 million shares at US$16 to US$18 apiece, announced Genting, a Hong Kong-listed cruise operator and casino investor.

Assuming an offer price of US$17 per share, NCL expected to raise US$370 million of net proceeds from its listing, its IPO prospectus said.

From the proceeds, NCL plans to repay HK$79.7 million of its debt to Genting and also repay US$324.6 million of other debt, according to the prospectus.

UBS Investment Bank and Barclays are acting as bookrunners and representatives of the underwriters for the IPO.

Citigroup, Deutsche Bank Securities, Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan are also acting as bookrunners.

The listing timetable and other details of the IPO are yet to be confirmed.

Genting Hong Kong is part of the Malaysian gaming firm Genting Group and owns Star Cruises, Asia's biggest cruise line.