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T R O U B L E D C O M P A N Y R E P O R T E R
E U R O P E
Thursday, October 30, 2025, Vol. 26, No. 217
Headlines
I R E L A N D
BAIN CAPITAL 2024-1: S&P Assigns B-(sf) Rating on Class F-R Notes
KINBANE 2025-RPL 2: S&P Assigns B-(sf) Rating on Cl. F-Dfrd Notes
I T A L Y
MOONEY GROUP: S&P Affirms 'BB-/B' ICRs on Redemption of Notes
K A Z A K H S T A N
NATIONAL COMPANY FOOD: Moody's Alters Outlook on 'B2' CFR to Pos.
SINOASIA B&R: S&P Affirms 'BB' ICR & Alters Outlook to Positive
L U X E M B O U R G
ALTISOURCE PORTFOLIO: Reports $2.33 Million Net Loss in Fiscal Q3
ORION SA: Moody's Cuts CFR to Ba3, Outlook Negative
N E T H E R L A N D S
DOMI BV 2024-1: Moody's Ups Rating on EUR1.6MM Cl. E Notes to Ba2
P O R T U G A L
CONSUMER TOTTA 3: Moody's Assigns B2 Rating to EUR4.2MM F Notes
U N I T E D K I N G D O M
ACCELYA GROUP 2: S&P Assigns 'B-' ICR, Outlook Stable
CHERTSEY HILLSWOOD: FRP Advisory Named as Administrators
COMET BIDCO: Moody's Lowers CFR to 'B3', Outlook Stable
DC LONDON: FTI Consulting Named as Administrators
HARDY BUILDING: Leonard Curtis Named as Administrators
LOBSTER RECRUITMENT: Moorfields Named as Administrators
MEDEN MOULDINGS: Leonard Curtis Named as Administrators
METROPOLITANA LONDON: Quantuma Advisory Named as Administrators
REPLETE LIMITED: Quantuma Advisory Named as Administrators
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I R E L A N D
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BAIN CAPITAL 2024-1: S&P Assigns B-(sf) Rating on Class F-R Notes
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S&P Global Ratings assigned its credit ratings to Bain Capital Euro
CLO 2024-1 DAC's class X-R, A-R, B-R, C-R, D-R, E-R, and F-R notes.
At closing, the issuer has class M and unrated subordinated notes
outstanding from the existing transaction and has not issued
additional subordinated notes.
This transaction is a reset of the already existing transaction
that closed in April 2024. The issuance proceeds of the refinancing
notes were used to redeem the refinanced notes (the original
transaction's class X, A, B, C, D, E, and F notes, for which S&P
withdrew its ratings at the same time), and pay fees and expenses
incurred in connection with the reset.
The ratings assigned to Bain Capital Euro CLO 2024-1's notes
reflect our assessment of:
-- The diversified collateral pool, which primarily comprises
broadly syndicated speculative-grade senior secured term loans and
bonds that are governed by collateral quality tests.
-- The credit enhancement provided through the subordination of
cash flows, excess spread, and overcollateralization.
-- The collateral manager's experienced team, which can affect the
performance of the rated notes through collateral selection,
ongoing portfolio management, and trading.
-- The issuer's legal structure, which is bankruptcy remote.
-- The transaction's counterparty risks, which are in line with
S&P's counterparty rating framework.
Portfolio benchmarks
S&P Global Ratings' weighted-average rating factor 2743.80
Default rate dispersion 575.14
Weighted-average life (years) 4.73
Weighted-average life (years) extended
to match reinvestment period 5.00
Obligor diversity measure 173.55
Industry diversity measure 21.71
Regional diversity measure 1.24
The above benchmarks and metrics are based on the performing
portfolio
Transaction key metrics
Total par amount (mil. EUR) including cash and recovery 400.05
Number of performing obligors 210
Portfolio weighted-average rating
derived from our CDO evaluator B
'CCC' category rated assets (%) 1.50
Actual 'AAA' weighted-average recovery (%) 36.83
Actual weighted-average spread (net of floors; %) 3.78
Actual weighted-average coupon (%) 4.78
Under the transaction documents, the rated notes will pay quarterly
interest unless there is a frequency switch event. Following this,
the notes will permanently switch to semiannual payment.
The portfolio's reinvestment period will end approximately five
years after closing, while the non-call period will end two years
after closing.
S&P said, "The portfolio is well-diversified, primarily comprising
broadly syndicated speculative-grade senior secured term loans and
senior secured bonds. Therefore, we have conducted our credit and
cash flow analysis by applying our criteria for corporate cash flow
CDOs. As such, we have not applied any additional scenario and
sensitivity analysis when assigning ratings to any classes of notes
in this transaction.
"In our cash flow analysis, we used the EUR400.00 million target
par amount, the portfolio's covenanted (3.70%), covenanted
weighted-average coupon (4.50%), and the actual weighted-average
recovery rates at all rating levels. We applied various cash flow
stress scenarios, using four different default patterns, in
conjunction with different interest rate stress scenarios for each
liability rating category.
"Under our structured finance ratings above the sovereign criteria,
we consider that the transaction's exposure to country risk is
sufficiently mitigated at the assigned rating levels.
"The transaction's documented counterparty replacement and remedy
mechanisms adequately mitigate the exposure to counterparty risk
under our current counterparty criteria.
"The transaction's legal structure and framework is bankruptcy
remote, in line with our legal criteria.
"Our credit and cash flow analysis indicates that the available
credit enhancement for the class B-R to E-R notes could withstand
stresses commensurate with higher ratings than those we have
assigned. However, as the CLO will be in its reinvestment phase
starting from closing, during which the transaction's credit risk
profile could deteriorate, we have capped our ratings assigned to
the notes.
"The class X-R, A-R, and F-R notes can withstand stresses
commensurate with the assigned ratings. Our ratings on the class
X-R, A-R, and B-R notes address timely payment of interest and
ultimate payment of principal, while our ratings on the class C-R
to F-R notes address the ultimate payment of interest and
principal.
"Following our analysis of the credit, cash flow, counterparty,
operational, and legal risks, we believe our ratings are
commensurate with the available credit enhancement for the class
X-R to F-R notes."
Bain Capital Euro CLO 2024-1 is a European cash flow CLO
securitization of a revolving pool, comprising euro-denominated
senior secured loans and bonds issued mainly by speculative-grade
borrowers. Bain Capital Credit U.S. CLO Manager II, LP manages the
transaction.
In addition to S&P's standard analysis, it has also included the
sensitivity of the ratings on the class X-R to E-R notes, based on
four hypothetical scenarios.
Environmental, social, and governance
S&P said, "We regard the exposure to environmental, social, and
governance (ESG) credit factors in the transaction as being broadly
in line with our benchmark for the sector. Primarily due to the
diversity of the assets within CLOs, the exposure to environmental
credit factors is viewed as below average, social credit factors
are below average, and governance credit factors are average. For
this transaction, the documents prohibit or limit assets from being
related to certain industries. Since the exclusion of assets from
these industries does not result in material differences between
the transaction and our ESG benchmark for the sector, no specific
adjustments have been made in our rating analysis to account for
any ESG-related risks or opportunities."
Ratings
Amount Credit
Class Rating* (mil. EUR) enhancement (%)* Interest rate§
X-R AAA (sf) 3.25 N/A Three/six-month EURIBOR
plus 0.83%
A-R AAA (sf) 248.00 38.00 Three/six-month EURIBOR
plus 1.30%
B-R AA (sf) 44.00 27.00 Three/six-month EURIBOR
plus 1.85%
C-R A (sf) 24.00 21.00 Three/six-month EURIBOR
plus 2.15%
D-R BBB- (sf) 29.00 13.75 Three/six-month EURIBOR
plus 3.15%
E-R BB- (sf) 17.00 9.50 Three/six-month EURIBOR
plus 5.50%
F-R B- (sf) 12.00 6.50 Three/six-month EURIBOR
plus 8.22%
M NR 0.50 N/A N/A
Sub. NR 25.80 N/A N/A
*The ratings assigned to the class X-R, A-R, and B-R notes address
timely interest and ultimate principal payments. The ratings
assigned to the class C-R, D-R, E-R, and F-R notes address ultimate
interest and principal payments.
§The payment frequency switches to semiannual and the index
switches to six-month EURIBOR when a frequency switch event occurs.
NR--Not rated.
N/A--Not applicable.
EURIBOR--Euro Interbank Offered Rate.
KINBANE 2025-RPL 2: S&P Assigns B-(sf) Rating on Cl. F-Dfrd Notes
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S&P Global Ratings assigned its credit ratings to Kinbane 2025-RPL
2 DAC's class A, B-Dfrd, C-Dfrd, D-Dfrd, E-Dfrd, and F-Dfrd notes.
At closing the issuer also issued unrated class RFN, Z1 and Z2-Dfrd
notes, X notes, and yield supplement overcollateralization.
The asset pool contains EUR533.494 million first-lien reperforming
residential mortgage loans located in Ireland. The loans were
originated by multiple lenders--primarily Permanent TSB PLC (PTSB),
EBS DAC, and Springboard Mortgages Ltd., which account for about
78% of the pool. The pool comprises 87.25% owner-occupied loans and
12.75% buy-to-let loans.
S&P said, "This transaction is a refinancing of Primrose
Residential 2022-1 DAC and Shamrock Residential 2023-1 DAC, which
we rated. The assets are backed by five separate purchased
portfolios, which were originated by multiple lenders mainly
between 2003 and 2009. The loans in the Bass portfolio (28.35% of
the pool) were originated by Permanent TSB PLC and the loans in the
Grand Canal portfolio (17.86% of the pool) were originated by Irish
Nationwide Building Society and Springboard. The Cannes (28.61% of
the pool), Leaf (19.32% of the pool), and Phoenix (5.86% of the
pool) portfolios aggregate assets from seven different originators.
EUR2.621 million warehoused loans are subject to potential future
write-off. We conducted our analysis net of this amount and did not
give credit to these loans in our cash flow analysis.
"The issuer is an Irish special-purpose entity (SPE), which we
consider to be bankruptcy remote. We analyzed its corporate
structure in line with our legal criteria. We have received legal
opinions which provide comfort that the sale of the receivables
would survive the seller's insolvency, or tax opinions that set out
the issuer's tax liabilities under the current tax legislation.
"We stress the transaction's cash flows to test the credit and
liquidity support that the assets, subordinated tranches, and
reserves provide. Our ratings address timely payment of interest
and ultimate payment of principal on the class A notes and reflect
ultimate payment of interest and principal on all other rated
notes. Our standard cash flow analysis indicates that the available
credit enhancement for the class C-Dfrd, D-Dfrd, and E-Dfrd notes
is commensurate with higher ratings than those currently assigned.
However, the ratings on these notes also reflect their ability to
withstand the potential repercussions of the cost of living crisis,
including higher defaults, additional liquidity stresses through
extended recovery timings, as well as sensitivity to increases in
EURIBOR that would dampen the benefit of the interest rate cap. For
this transaction, due to rising arrears over the past two years, we
particularly focus on sensitivity to increasing arrears.
"In our analysis, the class F-Dfrd notes cannot withstand the
stresses we apply at the 'B' rating level, particularly in a low
prepayment scenario. Therefore, we applied our 'CCC' criteria, to
assess if either a rating in the 'B–' or 'CCC' category would be
appropriate. According to our 'CCC' ratings criteria, for
structured finance issues, expected collateral performance and the
level of credit enhancement are the primary factors in our
assessment of the degree of financial stress and likelihood of
default. We performed a qualitative assessment of the key
variables, along with simulating a steady-state scenario in our
cash flow analysis. The class F-Dfrd notes can pass such a
scenario. Hence, we do not consider repayment of this class of
notes to be dependent upon favorable business, financial, and
economic conditions. Consequently, we assigned a 'B- (sf)' rating
to the notes in line with our criteria.
"Mars Capital Finance (Ireland) DAC and Pepper Finance Corporation
(Ireland) DAC are the administrators. We considered the ability of
both to service the portfolio under our operational risk criteria
and are satisfied that they are capable of performing their
functions in the transaction.
"We consider commingling risk to be adequately mitigated under our
counterparty criteria and have not applied any additional
adjustments in our cash flow modelling. The documented replacement
mechanisms adequately mitigate the transaction's exposure to
counterparty risk."
The transaction embeds some strengths that may offset deteriorating
collateral performance. Given its sequential amortization, credit
enhancement is expected to accumulate. The reserve and liquidity
fund may, to a certain extent, insulate the notes against credit
losses and liquidity stresses. In addition, the interest rate cap
mitigates the effect on note coupon payments from rising EURIBOR
rates they are linked to.
Ratings
Amount
Class Rating* (mil. EUR) Class size (%)
A AAA (sf) 416.13 78.00
B-Dfrd AA (sf) 25.34 4.75
C-Dfrd A (sf) 12.00 2.25
D-Dfrd§ BBB (sf) 12.00 2.25
E-Dfrd§ BB+ (sf) 9.34 1.75
F-Dfrd§ B- (sf) 20.01 3.75
RFN NR 10.35 1.94
Z1-Dfrd NR 10.67 2.00
Z2-Dfrd NR 12.00 2.25
X NR 2.00 N/A
Yield supplement
overcollateralization
(YSO)† NR 16.004 3.00
*S&P's ratings address timely receipt of interest and ultimate
repayment of principal on the class A notes and the ultimate
payment of interest and principal on the other rated notes. S&P's
ratings on the class D-Dfrd, E-Dfrd, and F-Dfrd notes also address
the payment of interest based on the lower of the stated coupon and
the net weighted-average coupon.
§The transaction benefits from 3.00% overcollateralization at
closing that supports the available yield. The figures do not show
any credit that may accrue due to unused yield supplement
overcollateralization.
NR--Not rated.
N/A--Not applicable.
Dfrd--Deferrable.
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I T A L Y
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MOONEY GROUP: S&P Affirms 'BB-/B' ICRs on Redemption of Notes
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S&P Global Ratings affirmed its 'BB-/B' ratings on Mooney Group
SpA, and continue to incorporate three notches of uplift for group
support into the long-term rating.
The stable outlook reflects S&P's belief that Mooney will remain
strategically supported by Intesa, adequately funded, and
operationally stable, while executing measures to improve
efficiency and profitability over the next 12 months.
On Oct. 21, 2025, Mooney completed the redemption of its EUR530
million senior secured notes using the proceeds of a EUR620 million
loan provided by its two shareholders, Intesa Sanpaolo SpA and Enel
X Financial Services.
Although S&P views the shareholder loan as debt, S&P believes it
supports its opinion of Mooney as a strategically important
subsidiary of Intesa Sanpaolo.
S&P said, "We believe Mooney will remain strategically supported
and adequately funded following the shareholder-funded redemption
of its EUR530 million notes. By refinancing its market debt with a
shareholder loan, we believe Mooney removes near-term refinancing
risk and secures a more stable, cost-effective source of funding.
In our view, the transaction demonstrates both shareholders'
continued financial commitment and strategic interest in preserving
Mooney's franchise and ensuring its operational continuity.
Although the new loan will bear interest and we continue to treat
it as debt in our analysis, we believe its shareholder origin
materially improves funding predictability and supports Mooney's
near-term credit stability.
"Mooney's operating performance in first-half 2025 was weaker than
expected, but we believe its fundamentals remain resilient. Revenue
declined about 4% year on year, and EBITDA fell roughly 11%,
reflecting soft demand, regulatory headwinds in prepaid cards, and
the restructuring of the merchant network. In our view, these
factors weigh on profitability but appear temporary and manageable
under the current ownership structure. We expect 2025 to remain a
transitional year, with revenue contracting slightly (about -1%
compared to 2024) and margins improving modestly (about +1%
compared to 2024) as cost-efficiency measures gain traction. For
2026, we anticipate a gradual recovery supported by stronger
performance in the payments and banking segment and a leaner cost
base, with leverage decreasing to about 7x and funds from
operations to debt at around 5.0%-5.5%, which we view as consistent
with the current rating category.
"We expect shareholder oversight and management's focus on
efficiency and diversification to underpin Mooney's credit quality
over the next 12 months. We anticipate Intesa will remain actively
engaged in key strategic decisions, which we regard as positive for
governance and execution. Mooney's extensive physical network
continues to complement Intesa's retail and payments operations. We
anticipate that the company will maintain an adequate liquidity
position and gradually improve its operating performance,
benefiting from the stability and financial flexibility provided by
its shareholder structure.
"The stable outlook indicates that we do not expect a change in
Mooney's role for Intesa during the next 12 months or anticipate
that Mooney's cash flow capacity will deteriorate significantly.
"Although we consider a downgrade unlikely, we could lower our
ratings on Mooney if we saw a significant deterioration in cash
flows following weaker-than-expected economic performance or
more-intense competition."
S&P could raise the ratings if:
-- S&P anticipates a decline in adjusted debt to EBITDA to below
5x;
-- S&P concludes that Mooney's financial policy has improved; and
-- S&P forecasts that adjusted funds from operations (FFO) to debt
will sustainably exceed 12%.
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K A Z A K H S T A N
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NATIONAL COMPANY FOOD: Moody's Alters Outlook on 'B2' CFR to Pos.
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Moody's Ratings has affirmed the B2 corporate family ratings and
the B2-PD probability of default rating of National Company Food
Contract Corp JSC (FCC), a state-owned grain trader in Kazakhstan.
Concurrently, Moody's have affirmed the company's Baseline Credit
Assessment (BCA) of caa1. The outlook was changed to positive from
stable.
RATINGS RATIONALE
The rating action reflects early signs of improvement in FCC's
historically very weak financial profile, which have emerged in the
first half of 2025. This progress follows the company's shift
toward more conservative operating and financial policies,
alongside the government's initiation of long-discussed support
measures.
FCC's highly volatile operating performance and persistently weak
credit metrics have been driven by (1) its exposure to the inherent
cyclicality of the agricultural sector, exacerbated by its reliance
on the Kazakhstani grain market and its social role as the market
regulator on behalf of the state; and (2) aggressive financial and
operating policies that the company pursued until H2 2024, both
significantly influenced by the government.
In particular, following a state-encouraged surge in grain
purchases at peak prices during 2021–22, primarily financed
through short-term bank debt, FCC suspended trading activity
throughout 2023-H1 2024 to avoid losses on its substantial
inventories amid a market downturn. As a result, its capital
structure turned unstainable, with negative operating profit and
cash flows. FCC's high debt burden has been partially offset by its
sizable grain stock, which has historically supported its access to
bank funding and served as a reliable liquidity buffer.
After a period of prolonged weakness, since H2 2024, FCC has
adopted a more conservative operating policy under a new
state-backed funding framework aimed at enhancing the stability and
commercial viability of its trading operations. Notably, the
government approved a gradual replacement of short-term commercial
borrowings with subsidised financing and allocated KZT70 billion in
new equity to restore working capital for the 2024–25 grain
procurement plan (including KZT40 billion received in 2024 and
KZT30 billion to be received in 2025, with KZT18 billion already
injected in H1 2025). In 2025, FCC also accelerated grain sales,
initiating a plan to gradually release its remaining substantial
inventories over 2025–26. The company has used the proceeds from
these sales, together with subsidised debt instruments, to repay
expensive commercial borrowings including its foreign-currency
denominated loans, while equity injections continue to fund its
procurement activities.
The increase in sales boosted revenue, and FCC generated positive
operating cash flow in the 12 months that ended June 2025 — for
the first time since 2018. However, EBITDA and funds from
operations (FFO) remained negative, constrained by elevated
transportation costs related to export growth and subdued grain
prices. FFO was further pressured by high interest expenses,
although the ongoing deleveraging and transition to interest-free
financing will ease this burden over H2 2025-2026. FCC also
anticipates receiving up to KZT10 billion in export transportation
subsidies introduced by the government in 2025, which would provide
additional support to profitability.
FCC aims to repay almost all its debt by 2027 using proceeds from
accelerated grain sales in 2025-26, and to fund future operations
through its internally generated cash flow, occasionally
supplemented by moderate drawdowns of subsidised debt. This
strategy, if successfully implemented, would mark a major
turnaround in the company's financial profile.
Nonetheless, FCC's FFO and profitability are unlikely to fully
recover by 2026 and, along with the balance sheet, will remain
vulnerable to market volatility, potential government
interventions, and shifts in operating policy. The company's
ability to adhere to more conservative financial and operating
policies—focused on deleveraging and commercial viability—is
yet to be sustained and proven over time.
FCC's rating also factors in (1) its status as the state grain
trader with the strategic role of ensuring food security in
Kazakhstan and supporting the development of the domestic grain
market; and (2) the track record of state support, including direct
financial aid, although with some occasional delays.
FCC is a government-related issuer (GRI) under Moody's
Government-related Issuers rating methodology, because the company
is owned by the Government of Kazakhstan (Baa1 stable). Under this
methodology, FCC's B2 CFR reflects a combination of the company's
BCA of caa1; the Kazakhstan government's Baa1 rating; the strong
probability of state support to the company in the event of
financial distress; and the moderate default dependence between the
company and the government.
RATING OUTLOOK
The positive outlook reflects Moody's expectations that the state
support measures and the company's substantial grain reserves,
coupled with the recently adopted more conservative operating and
financial policies, will continue to help FCC to improve its cash
flow generation, reduce debt and maintain adequate liquidity over
2025-26, although its credit metrics will remain weak.
FACTORS THAT COULD LEAD TO AN UPGRADE OR DOWNGRADE OF THE RATINGS
Moody's could upgrade the rating if the company demonstrates a
consistent track record of stabilised financial and operating
performance, with positive operating cash flow; pursues predictable
and sustainable managerial practices and financial policies;
demonstrates a track record of sound and disciplined liquidity
management; and improves its balance sheet, significantly reducing
debt in line with its plan.
Moody's could downgrade the rating if FCC's operating and financial
performance remains persistently weak, preventing any significant
reduction in its debt; its liquidity significantly deteriorates,
rising concerns over the company's ability to access external
funding and meet its debt service requirements; or if Moody's
revise downward Moody's assumptions of the strong probability of
state support to the company in the event of financial distress.
The methodologies used in these ratings were Trading Companies
published in May 2025.
The net effect of any adjustments applied to rating factor scores
or scorecard outputs under the primary methodology(ies), if any,
was not material to the ratings addressed in this announcement.
COMPANY PROFILE
FCC is the state grain trader and is fully owned by the Kazakhstan
government through the Ministry of Agriculture. FCC implements the
state policy in the grain sector of Kazakhstan to ensure national
food security, the stability of the domestic grain market, systemic
support to farmers and the development of the export potential. Its
principal activities include purchasing grain from local producers,
selling it for domestic use and export, and maintaining the
country's reserves. FCC is also engaged in commercial operations,
including storage, transshipment, and the sale of grain. For the 12
months that ended June 30, 2025, FCC generated revenue of KZT88
billion (around $171 million), while its Moody's-adjusted EBITDA
remained negative at KZT11.3 billion (around $22 million).
SINOASIA B&R: S&P Affirms 'BB' ICR & Alters Outlook to Positive
---------------------------------------------------------------
S&P Global Ratings revised its outlook on Sinoasia B&R Insurance
JSC (SABR) to positive from stable and affirmed its 'BB' long-term
issuer credit and financial strength ratings. At the same time, S&P
raised its Kazakhstan national scale rating on SABR to 'kzAA-' from
'kzA+'.
The outlook revision reflects SABR's strengthened earnings capacity
and gradually improving capital base since its acquisition by BCC
(BB/Positive/B). Integration within the BCC financial group has
enhanced the insurer's business stability and operating performance
and S&P expects this trend to continue. Approximately 60%-70% of
SABR's gross written premiums (GWP) are sourced through BCC's
network, primarily in voluntary lines like motor and property
insurance, which demonstrate strong margins and low claims
volatility. These lines underpin SABR's solid underwriting results,
consistently outperforming the domestic market average. Over the
2022-2024 three-year period, SABR achieved average return on equity
(ROE) of 37%, significantly exceeding the Kazakh property/casualty
(P/C) market average of 15%. The three-year average combined ratio
(2022-2024) stood at 81%, surpassing the total market average of
91.6%.
S&P said, "Our competitive position assessment continues to reflect
SABR's midsize premium base in absolute terms, its developing
franchise, and intense competition in Kazakhstan's insurance
market. As of Oct. 1, 2025, GWP totaled approximately Kazakhstani
tenge (KZT) 18.7 billion (approximately $35.7 million),
representing about 5% of the market, positioning SABR as the
seventh largest P/C insurer in the country.
"We anticipate SABR will maintain robust capital adequacy,
supported by solid retained earnings, profitable premium growth,
and periodic capital injections from BCC. Total equity increased to
KZT19.0 billion ($36.2 million) in 2024 from KZT9.2 billion ($20.2
million) in 2023, primarily driven by a KZT3 billion capital
injection from BCC in the third and fourth quarters of 2024,
alongside strong operating results with retained net income of
KZT5.8 billion. Capitalization improved further through the first
nine months of 2025, reaching KZT25.9 billion ($49.5 million),
supported by net income of KZT6.9 billion ($13.2 million). We view
positively BCC's demonstrated willingness and ability to provide
financial support and its moderate dividend policy, enhancing
SABR's resilience. As of Sept. 1, 2024, SABR maintained a
regulatory solvency margin of 1.99x, which we expect to remain
between 1.9x and 2.2x in 2025-2026. Despite these improvements,
SABR remains smaller than peers in absolute terms, potentially
limiting its capacity to absorb substantial losses or fund rapid
expansion without further support. We expect the insurer's capital
to remain below $100 million over the next two years."
SABR's recent strategic transformation from a health-focused
insurer to a universal insurance provider broadens its product base
and supports revenue diversification. However, it also introduces
new underwriting, reserving, and operational risks, particularly as
it builds experience in non-health lines where historical data and
claims development patterns are still limited. S&P said, "We expect
SABR to continue investing in actuarial and risk management
capabilities to strengthen its ability to price and reserve
adequately for these newer lines. We expect SABR to maintain the
credit quality of its investment portfolio, averaging in the 'BBB'
category. The portfolio comprises Kazakhstani issuers--mostly
sovereign and quasi-government bonds--and short-term reverse
repurchase agreements collateralized by Kazakhstani government
bonds. We do not expect material changes to the portfolio in
2025-2026."
S&P said, "At the same time, we continue to apply a one-notch
negative comparable rating adjustment to reflect the evolving
nature of SABR's competitive position under the bank's ownership
and the rapid expansion in new non-life insurance lines. While the
company's top and bottom-line performance has been better than
expected in recent years, we believe more time is needed to
demonstrate the resilience of current profitability levels and the
effective management of its expanding franchise.
"We continue to view SABR as a strategically important subsidiary
of BCC. We think SABR is important to the group's long-term
strategy, which envisages business diversification but also
considers insurance business an essential part of its financial
services offering. We expect BCC will play an important role in
SABR's distribution network and potentially account for more than
70% of the insurer's sales in the next couple of years as BCC and
SABR will benefit from the synergy effects from their strategic
cooperation. Still, the P/C insurer only constitutes a small part
of the group when measured by assets (less than 5%) and capital
(less than 5%).
"We no longer apply a one-notch insulation to our ratings on SABR.
This is because SABR's significant dependence on BCC for
distribution, risk management, and governance limits its
operational autonomy and makes it vulnerable to BCC's financial
performance. Our ratings on SABR are therefore capped at BCC's 'bb'
group credit profile (GCP).
"The positive outlook reflects our expectation that SABR will
sustain its solid operating performance over the next 12 months,
driven by the ongoing synergies derived from its affiliation with
the parent bank, which provides opportunities for profitable
business growth. We also anticipate that SABR's capital adequacy
will remain robust and at least at a strong level. A potential
upgrade is contingent on our view of BCC's creditworthiness."
S&P could revise its outlook back to stable in the next 12 months
if:
-- S&P revised its outlook on the parent bank to stable;
-- Difficulties in implementing the banking partnership strategy
led to a sustained decline in profitability below that of domestic
peers;
-- S&P observed a significant and sustained deterioration in
SABR's capital adequacy below the 99.8% benchmark. This could
result for example from more aggressive growth, unexpected losses
not offset by capital injections, or substantial dividends; or
-- The insurer's risk profile deteriorates in terms of product and
investment risks, with the average credit quality of invested
assets falling below the 'BBB' category.
S&P could take a positive rating action in the next 12 months if:
-- S&P raises its ratings on BCC to 'BB+'; and
-- SABR maintains robust operating performance amid the successful
implementation of its banking partnership strategy, which compares
favorably with that of its peers; continues to profitably increase
its absolute capital; and maintains capital adequacy at least at
the strong level.
===================
L U X E M B O U R G
===================
ALTISOURCE PORTFOLIO: Reports $2.33 Million Net Loss in Fiscal Q3
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Altisource Portfolio Solutions S.A. filed with the U.S. Securities
and Exchange Commission its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q reporting
a net loss of $2.33 million for the three months ended September
30, 2025, compared to a net loss of $9.30 million for the three
months ended September 30, 2024.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2025, the Company reported
a net income of $9.06 million, compared to a net loss of $26.73
million for the same period in 2024.
The Company recorded a revenue of $41.91 million for the three
months ended September 30, 2025, compared to $40.53 million for the
same period in 2024. Total revenue for the nine months ended
September 30, 2025, was $128.64 million, compared to $119.12
million for the same period in 2024.
As of September 30, 2025, the Company had $139.91 million in total
assets, $243.38 million in total liabilities, and $103.47 million
in total deficit.
"We delivered solid third quarter performance. We grew Service
revenue and improved pre-and post-tax GAAP earnings, GAAP earnings
per share, and cash flow from operations compared to the third
quarter of last year. This is largely from our focus on growing our
businesses that have tailwinds, cost discipline and lower interest
expense," said Chairman and Chief Executive Officer William B.
Shepro.
Mr. Shepro further commented, "More importantly, we are winning new
business and have a strong sales pipeline, while maintaining cost
discipline and significantly reducing corporate interest expense.
During the third quarter of 2025, we won new business that we
estimate represents $14.4 million of annual Service revenue on a
stabilized basis."
A full-text copy of the Company's Form 10-Q is available at:
https://tinyurl.com/4x87tf7n
About Altisource
Headquartered in Luxembourg, Altisource Portfolio Solutions S.A. --
https://www.Altisource.com/ -- is an integrated service provider
and marketplace for the real estate and mortgage industries.
Combining operational excellence with a suite of innovative
services and technologies, Altisource helps solve the demands of
the ever-changing markets it serves.
* * *
In March 2025. S&P Global Ratings raised its Company credit rating
on Altisource Portfolio Solutions S.A. to 'CCC+' from 'SD'.
S&P said, "We also assigned our 'B' issue-level rating and '1'
recovery rating to the new $12.5 million senior secured debt (super
senior facility), 'CCC-' issue-level rating and '6' recovery rating
to the new $160 million senior subordinated debt (new first lien
loan), and withdrew our ratings on the company's exchanged senior
secured term loan, which was rated 'D'.
"The stable outlook reflects our expectation that over the next 12
months, while we expect Altisource to generate positive cash flow
from operations, we believe its liquidity will remain constrained
and the company will remain dependent on favorable financial and
economic conditions to meet its financial commitments.
ORION SA: Moody's Cuts CFR to Ba3, Outlook Negative
---------------------------------------------------
Moody's Ratings has downgraded Orion S.A.'s (Orion) long-term
corporate family rating to Ba3 from Ba2 and probability of default
rating to Ba3-PD from Ba2-PD. Concurrently, Moody's downgraded
Orion Engineered Carbons GmbH's backed senior secured term loans
and backed senior secured revolving credit facility (RCF) to Ba3
from Ba2. Moody's also placed all ratings on review for downgrade.
Previously, the outlooks on both entities were negative.
RATINGS RATIONALE
The downgrade and the placement of ratings on review for downgrade
follows Orion's recent profit warning [1] and Moody's expectations
for weaker than previously forecast credit metrics, including
estimated Moody's adjusted debt/EBITDA of around 5.5x in 2025
(including an estimated debt adjustment for securitization, which
adds around 0.3x). In addition, Orion relies heavily on its backed
senior secured revolving credit facility and ancillary facilities,
which combined with limited expected covenant cushion indicates
recent historical liquidity management inconsistent with its
current rating. The company recently loosened its financial
covenant, but the revised guidance once again suggests relatively
modest headroom for 2025.
The ratings are on review for downgrade, and Moody's will assess
Orion's ability to improve its liquidity management, including
covenant headroom. Moody's will also evaluate its prospective
ability to improve free cash flow generation and debt/EBITDA.
For the twelve months ended June 2025, Moody's estimates Orion's
Moody's adjusted debt/EBITDA was around 4.4x. This leverage ratio
does not include Moody's standard adjustment for securitization due
to disclosure limitations, but Moody's estimates it would add
around 0.3x to gross leverage. The company remains outside of its
own net debt/ EBITDA target of 2.0x-2.5x, with company-defined
leverage at 3.5x as of end June 2025, and leverage has exceeded
this target since Q2-2024. Despite this, Orion continued share
repurchases in the first half of 2025 (totaling around $25
million). Moody's do not assume further share repurchases
considering its current financial situation.
ESG CONSIDERATIONS
The company's recent historical liquidity management, decision to
do share repurchases earlier this year despite being outside its
own leverage target, and persistent heavy reliance on its RCF even
before the company entered the current downturn all contributed to
the action and weigh negatively on the credit quality.
LIQUIDITY
Orion's liquidity is adequate. As of end June 2025, Orion had
reported cash on hand of around $43 million. The company also has
access to a EUR350 million backed senior secured revolving credit
facility, along with related ancillary facilities. The RCF was
recently upsized by EUR50 million. As of end June 2025, the RCF and
ancillary facilities were drawn by around $247 million.
Under the terms of the credit agreement the company must maintain
its first lien net leverage below 5.0x until end of 2026 and 4.5x
thereafter. The company is currently in compliance with its
covenant, but Moody's estimates modest headroom by the end of 2025
in lights of its profit warning.
FACTORS THAT COULD LEAD TO AN UPGRADE OR DOWNGRADE OF THE RATINGS
An upgrade is unlikely at this time given the high leverage and
liquidity management. Factors that could lead to an upgrade of
Orion's ratings include: (i) Moody's-adjusted debt/EBITDA declines
toward 3.5x, including Moody's estimates of the company's
securitization program; (ii) Moody's adjusted retained cash
flow/net debt sustained above 15% including Moody's estimates of
the company's securitization program; and (iii) establishment of a
more resilient liquidity management, including improved headroom
under its covenant compliance.
Factors that could lead to a downgrade of Orion's ratings include:
(i) Orion's Moody's adjusted debt/EBITDA remains well above 4.0x on
a sustained basis including Moody's estimates of the company's
securitization program; (ii) deterioration of liquidity and
increased risk of covenant breach (iii) Moody's adjusted free cash
flow is negative on a sustained basis, (iv) evidence of aggressive
financial policies with respect to shareholder-friendly actions
while the company is outside its own leverage target.
PRINCIPAL METHODOLOGY
The principal methodology used in these ratings was Chemicals
published in October 2023.
The net effect of any adjustments applied to rating factor scores
or scorecard outputs under the primary methodology(ies), if any,
was not material to the ratings addressed in this announcement.
CORPORATE PROFILE
Orion S.A. (Orion) is a global producer of specialty carbon black
(SCB) and rubber carbon black (RCB). In the 12 months that ended
June 2025, Orion reported revenue of around $1.84 billion and
company-adjusted EBITDA of $276 million. Since July 2014, Orion has
been listed on the New York Stock Exchange. As of October 17, 2025
the company had a market capitalization of around $323 million.
=====================
N E T H E R L A N D S
=====================
DOMI BV 2024-1: Moody's Ups Rating on EUR1.6MM Cl. E Notes to Ba2
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Moody's Ratings has upgraded the ratings of three Notes in Domi
2024-1 B.V. The rating action reflects better than expected
collateral performance and the increased levels of credit
enhancement for the affected Notes.
EUR297.6M Class A Notes, Affirmed Aaa (sf); previously on Jun 13,
2024 Definitive Rating Assigned Aaa (sf)
EUR12.9M Class B Notes, Upgraded to Aa1 (sf); previously on Jun
13, 2024 Definitive Rating Assigned Aa2 (sf)
EUR6.4M Class C Notes, Affirmed A1 (sf); previously on Jun 13,
2024 Definitive Rating Assigned A1 (sf)
EUR3.2M Class D Notes, Affirmed Baa1 (sf); previously on Jun 13,
2024 Definitive Rating Assigned Baa1 (sf)
EUR1.6M Class E Notes, Upgraded to Ba2 (sf); previously on Jun 13,
2024 Definitive Rating Assigned B2 (sf)
EUR6.4M Class X Notes, Upgraded to Ba1 (sf); previously on Jun 13,
2024 Definitive Rating Assigned B2 (sf)
Moody's affirmed the ratings of three Notes that had sufficient
credit enhancement to maintain their current ratings.
RATINGS RATIONALE
The upgrades are prompted by the decreased key collateral
assumptions, namely the MILAN Stressed Loss and the expected loss
assumption, due to better than expected collateral performance and
an increase in credit enhancement for the affected tranches.
Revision of Key Collateral Assumptions
As part of the rating action, Moody's reassessed Moody's lifetime
loss expectation for the portfolio reflecting the collateral
performance to date.
The performance of the transaction has been good since closing. 90
days plus arrears currently stand at 0.1% of current pool balance,
showing a stable trend over the past year. There have been no
losses since closing.
Moody's decreased the expected loss assumption to 1.4% as a
percentage of current pool balance due to the better than expected
collateral performance. The revised expected loss assumption
corresponds to 1.1% as a percentage of original pool balance, down
from 1.4%.
Moody's reassessed loan-by-loan information to estimate the loss
Moody's expects the portfolio to incur in a severe economic stress.
As a result, Moody's have decreased the MILAN Stressed Loss
assumption to 7.8% from 9.5%.
Increase in Available Credit Enhancement
Sequential amortization led to the increase in the credit
enhancement available in this transaction.
For instance, the credit enhancement for the Class B Notes
increased to 5.7% from 4.2% since closing.
The Class X Notes' outstanding balance is now EUR3.3 million, down
from EUR6.4 million at closing, paid from excess spread.
The principal methodology used in these ratings was "Residential
Mortgage-Backed Securitizations" published in October 2024.
The analysis undertaken by Moody's at the initial assignment of
ratings for RMBS securities may focus on aspects that become less
relevant or typically remain unchanged during the surveillance
stage.
Factors that would lead to an upgrade or downgrade of the ratings:
Factors or circumstances that could lead to an upgrade of the
ratings include: (1) performance of the underlying collateral that
is better than Moody's expected, (2) an increase in available
credit enhancement, and (3) improvements in the credit quality of
the transaction counterparties.
Factors or circumstances that could lead to a downgrade of the
ratings include: (1) an increase in sovereign risk, (2) performance
of the underlying collateral that is worse than Moody's expected,
(3) deterioration in the Notes' available credit enhancement, and
(4) deterioration in the credit quality of the transaction
counterparties.
===============
P O R T U G A L
===============
CONSUMER TOTTA 3: Moody's Assigns B2 Rating to EUR4.2MM F Notes
---------------------------------------------------------------
Moody's Ratings has assigned the following definitive ratings to
Notes issued by Consumer Totta 3 2025:
EUR347.8M Class A Floating Rate Notes due October 2035, Definitive
Rating Assigned Aaa (sf)
EUR27.2M Class B Floating Rate Notes due October 2035, Definitive
Rating Assigned A1 (sf)
EUR20.9M Class C Floating Rate Notes due October 2035, Definitive
Rating Assigned Baa2 (sf)
EUR14.7M Class D Floating Rate Notes due October 2035, Definitive
Rating Assigned Ba1 (sf)
EUR8.4M Class E Floating Rate Notes due October 2035, Definitive
Rating Assigned Ba2 (sf)
EUR4.2M Class F Floating Rate Notes due October 2035, Definitive
Rating Assigned B2 (sf)
Moody's have not assigned a rating to EUR1 Class R Floating Rate
Notes due October 2035 and EUR1000 Class X Notes due October 2035.
RATINGS RATIONALE
The Notes are backed by a static pool of Portuguese unsecured
consumer loans originated by Banco Santander Totta S.A. ("Santander
Totta"), (A2/P-1 Bank Deposits; A2(cr)/P-1(cr)). This represents
the third SRT ABS issuance originated by Banco Santander Totta
S.A.
The portfolio consists of approximately EUR419.0 million as of the
18 of September pool cut-off date. The weighted average seasoning
of the portfolio is approximately 0.6 years. The weighted average
original term to maturity of the portfolio is approximately 6.5
years and weighted average remaining term to maturity is 5.9 years.
98.9% of the loans are fixed rate loans and all loans are monthly
annuity style amortising loans with no balloon payment. 75% of the
portfolio is composed of pre-approved loans where the borrower was
offered an unsecured consumer loan up to a maximum amount without
initiating an application process.
The Reserve Fund will be funded to 1.0% of the A to E Notes balance
at closing and the total credit enhancement for the Class A Notes
will be 18.0%.
The ratings are primarily based on the credit quality of the
portfolio, the structural features of the transaction and its legal
integrity.
The transaction benefits from various credit strengths such as the
granularity of the portfolio, securitisation experience of
Santander group, a reserve fund sized at 1.0% of the Class A-E
Notes as of closing with a floor of 0.25%, subordination of the
Notes and significant excess spread. However, Moody's notes that
the transaction features a number of credit weaknesses, such as a
(i) complex structure including interest deferral triggers for
junior Notes, (ii) pro-rata payments on all classes A-E of Notes,
and (iii) the relatively high linkage to Santander Totta acting as
originator and servicer. These characteristics, amongst others,
were considered in Moody's analysis and ratings.
98.9% of the underlying loans are linked to fixed interest rates,
and the rated notes are all floating rate indexed to three month
Euribor. As a result, the issuer is subject to fixed-floating
mismatch. This risk is mitigated by an interest rate swap provided
by Banco Santander, S.A. (Spain) (A1/P-1; A2(cr)/P-1(cr)).
Moody's determined the portfolio lifetime expected defaults of
6.0%, expected recoveries of 15% and portfolio credit enhancement
("PCE") of 18% related to borrower receivables. The expected
defaults and recoveries capture Moody's expectations of performance
considering the current economic outlook, while the PCE captures
the loss Moody's expects the portfolio to suffer in the event of a
severe recession scenario. Expected defaults and PCE are parameters
used to calibrate its lognormal portfolio loss distribution curve
and to associate a probability with each potential future loss
scenario in the ABSROM cash flow model to rate Consumer ABS.
Portfolio expected defaults of 6.0% are in line with the EMEA
Consumer Loan ABS average and are based on Moody's assessments of
the lifetime expectation for the pool taking into account (i)
historic performance of the loan book of the originator, (ii)
benchmark transactions, and (iii) other qualitative
considerations.
Portfolio expected recoveries of 15% are in line with the EMEA
Consumer Loan ABS average and are based on Moody's assessments of
the lifetime expectation for the pool taking into account (i)
historic performance of the loan book of the originator, (ii)
benchmark transactions, and (iii) other qualitative
considerations.
PCE of 18% is in line with the EMEA Consumer Loan ABS average and
is based on Moody's assessments of the pool taking into account (i)
historical data variability; (ii) quantity, quality and relevance
of historical performance data; (iii) the relative ranking to peers
in EMEA. The PCE level of 18% results in an implied coefficient of
variation ("CoV") of 34.85%.
The principal methodology used in these ratings was "Moody's
Approach to Rating Consumer Loan-Backed ABS" published in July
2024.
Factors that would lead to an upgrade or downgrade of the ratings:
Factors that may cause an upgrade of the ratings of the notes
include significantly better than expected performance of the pool
together with an increase in credit enhancement of Notes.
Factors that would lead to a downgrade of the ratings include: (i)
increased counterparty risk leading to potential operational risk
of (a) servicing or cash management interruptions and (b) the risk
of increased swap linkage due to a downgrade of a currency swap
counterparty ratings; and (ii) economic conditions being worse than
forecast resulting in higher arrears and losses.
===========================
U N I T E D K I N G D O M
===========================
ACCELYA GROUP 2: S&P Assigns 'B-' ICR, Outlook Stable
-----------------------------------------------------
U.K.-headquartered airline software provider Accelya Group Midco 2
Ltd. refinanced its capital structure by issuing a $600 million
first-lien term loan and receiving equity funding from its
shareholders. The company also secured a $100 million revolving
credit facility (RCF).
Although S&P Global Ratings forecast that Accelya's debt leverage
will remain very high in fiscal 2026 (ending June 30), S&P sees
scope for a material improvement in fiscal 2027, based on a strong
pipeline of new contracts, combined with the company's cost
optimization program. S&P accepts Accelya's revenue to continue to
expand organically, based on travel growth and industrywide
adoption of new distribution capability (NDC) technology.
S&P assigned its 'B-' long-term issuer credit rating on Accelya).
S&P also assigned its 'B-' issue rating and '3' recovery rating on
the company's first-lien term loan, indicating its rounded recovery
expectation of 55% in the event of payment default.
S&P said, "The stable outlook indicates that we forecast organic
revenue growth of 9%-10% in fiscal 2026-fiscal 2027 and that S&P
Global Ratings-adjusted EBITDA margins will improve to about 25%,
enabling the company to generate positive free operating cash flow
(FOCF) from fiscal 2027, after being negative by about $20 million
(excluding estimated transaction financing fees) in fiscal 2026. We
anticipate that debt leverage, measured as adjusted debt to EBITDA,
will decline to about 8.0x in fiscal 2027 (from about 12.3x in
fiscal 2026 and an estimated 12.0x in fiscal 2025) and that the
company will maintain adequate liquidity."
Accelya refinanced its capital structure by issuing a $600 million
first-lien term loan and receiving equity funding from its
shareholders. The company also secured a $100 million revolving
credit facility (RCF).
S&P said, "Although we forecast that Accelya's debt leverage will
remain very high in fiscal 2026 (ending June 30), we see scope for
a material improvement in fiscal 2027, based on a strong pipeline
of new contracts, combined with the company's cost optimization
program. We expect Accelya's revenue to continue to expand
organically, based on travel growth and industrywide adoption of
new distribution capability (NDC) technology.
"The ratings are in line with the preliminary ratings we assigned
on Sept. 8, 2025. There were no material changes to the financial
documentation compared with our original review, and the company's
operating performance has been in line with our forecast.
"The stable outlook indicates that, over the next 12 months, we
anticipate that Accelya will maintain organic revenue growth of
about 9%-10% while delivering cost efficiencies. The resulting
improvement to its EBITDA margins should lead to reduced leverage
of about 8.0x and enable Accelya to reach positive FOCF in fiscal
2027.
"We could lower the rating if Accelya experienced a material
slowdown in revenue growth, resulting in weaker EBITDA margins,
prolonged cash burn, and depleting liquidity, making its capital
structure unsustainable. We could also lower the rating if Accelya
pursued material debt-funded mergers and acquisitions that resulted
in higher leverage and weaker EBITDA and FOCF than forecast in our
base case.
"We do not expect rating upside within the next 12 months, given
Accelya's high leverage and our expectation that cash flow
generation will remain limited. We could raise the rating if
Accelya's revenue increases much faster than we currently expect,
so that adjusted debt to EBITDA declines below 7.0x and FOCF to
debt increases above 5% on a sustained basis."
CHERTSEY HILLSWOOD: FRP Advisory Named as Administrators
--------------------------------------------------------
Chertsey Hillswood Drive Centre Limited was placed into
administration proceedings in the High Court of Justice, The
Business and Property Courts of England & Wales, Court Number:
CR-2025-6807, and Lila Thomas and Jessica Leeming of FRP Advisory
Trading Limited were appointed as administrators on Oct. 14, 2025.
Chertsey Hillswood Drive engaged in real estate.
Its registered office is at 6th Floor, 2 Kingdom Street, London, W2
6BD to be changed to FRP Advisory Trading Limited, Derby House, 12
Winckley Square, Preston, PR1 3JJ
Its principal trading address is at Part Ground Floor, Hillswood
Business Park, Building 3000 Chertsey, Surrey, KT16 0RS
The joint administrators can be reached at:
Lila Thomas
Jessica Leeming
FRP Advisory Trading Limited
Derby House
12 Winckley Square
Preston, Lancashire, PR1 3JJ
For further details, contact:
The Joint Administrators
Tel: 01772 440700
Alternative contact:
James Lancaster
Email: James.lancaster@frpadvisory.com
COMET BIDCO: Moody's Lowers CFR to 'B3', Outlook Stable
-------------------------------------------------------
Moody's Ratings has downgraded Comet Bidco Limited's (Comet Bidco,
Clarion or the company) long-term corporate family rating to B3
from B2, reflecting a weakened credit profile. Moody's have also
downgraded to B3 from B2 the GBP75 million backed senior secured
revolving credit facility (RCF), the GBP385 million backed senior
secured term loan B1, both borrowed by Comet Bidco Limited, and the
$558 million backed senior secured term loan B2 ($526 million
currently outstanding), borrowed by Clarion Events Holdings Inc. In
addition, the company's probability of default rating (PDR) was
downgraded to B3-PD from B2-PD. The outlook on both entities
remains stable.
The rating action reflects:
-- Higher than previously expected exceptional items negatively
impacting Moody's adjusted EBITDA for fiscal year ending January
2026
-- Still high leverage with Moody's adjusted debt/EBITDA at 10.8x
(pro forma for smoothing for biennial events) in fiscal 2025, which
Moody's estimates would only reduce to around 6.7x by fiscal year
ending 2026, evidencing a protracted path to deleveraging
-- A looming refinancing wall with all debt facilities maturing in
2027
Whilst Moody's expects that the company will report solid
performance across most events underpinning projected revenue
growth of around 12% in fiscal 2027, Moody's have assessed that its
credit profile is compatible with a B3 rating.
RATINGS RATIONALE
The B3 CFR reflects (1) Clarion's position as the third largest
international events organiser with a globally diverse footprint
and high-profile brands in both mature and growth markets, (2)
solid operating performance with the majority of events trading
above pre-pandemic levels, and; (3) good revenue and earnings
visibility. The rating also reflects (1) Clarion's smaller scale
compared with the industry leaders, (2) the company's high leverage
and protracted path to deleveraging; and, (3) still high level of
exceptional items which Moody's expenses in Moody's adjusted
EBITDA.
Clarion's capital structure remains stretched and the path to
deleveraging protracted. The company reported exceptional items
totalling around GBP23 million — higher than anticipated —
which, along with Moody's adjustments negatively impacted Moody's
adjusted EBITDA for fiscal 2025. As a result of some of these
exceptional items recurring in fiscal 2026, Moody's have revised
down Moody's earnings forecast. Moody's now expects the company to
achieve Moody's-adjusted EBITDA of around GBP127 million for fiscal
2026 in Moody's base case reflecting a solid 9% revenue growth rate
(including earnings smoothing) and margins in the low to mid 20's
percentages. As such, by the fiscal year ending January 2026,
Moody's estimates the company's leverage will remain elevated with
a Moody's-adjusted debt/EBITDA of 6.7x. Moody's also expects
Clarion will generate a moderate Moody's-adjusted free cash flow
(FCF) of around GBP40 million, assuming cash interest costs of
around GBP78 million, a small working capital absorption and
capital spending of GBP10 million, for the same period. Moreover,
Moody's estimates FCF and around GBP30 million of the cash on hand
to be used to meet deferred consideration and put options of GBP71
million in fiscal 2026.
Moody's acknowledges Clarion's looming refinancing wall with all
debt facilities maturing in 2027 with refinancing risk increasing
as time passes.
Overall, Clarion operates in an industry with positive demand
characteristics and solid margins. Clarion benefits from good
geographical reach, a diversity of end markets, and several
high-profile events (ICE, the leading gaming industry exhibition,
and DSEI, a leading defence and security event plus GS's mobile
electronics events). Earnings visibility is high, with forward
contracted revenue from bookings 6 to 12 months ahead.
ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL, AND GOVERNANCE CONSIDERATIONS
Clarion adopts an aggressive financial policy, with high leverage
as part of a strategy to reposition and build the portfolio and
bolster the growth prospects for the business. Under Blackstone
Inc's ownership, management has demonstrated the successful
execution of an in-process digital transformation programme and
assimilation of strategic acquisitions but the company's ability to
delever has been protracted and exceptional costs continue to be
high. Exposure to environmental risk is not material to credit
quality – consistent with peers in media & entertainment.
Exposure to social risk is also not material to credit quality,
which compares favourably to some peers primarily because the
company focuses on corporate clients.
LIQUIDITY
The company's liquidity is adequate. As of July 2025, the company
reported cash and cash equivalents of GBP55 million. The company
benefits from a GBP75 million backed senior secured RCF maturing in
June 2027, which was fully undrawn at July 31, 2025. The RCF is
subject to a springing leverage covenant when the RCF is drawn by
40%. The company has material debt maturities in September 2027.
STRUCTURAL CONSIDERATIONS
The B3 rated GBP75 million backed senior secured RCF and the B3
rated GBP385 million and $558 million ($526 million outstanding)
backed senior secured term loan facilities are rated the same as
the CFR. The GBP325 million sponsor loan is borrowed by Expo
Holding I Limited, an intermediate holding company above Comet
Bidco and outside the restricted group, and has no security or
guarantees from the restricted group. It is structurally
subordinated to the company's senior secured debt, matures six
months after the senior secured facilities and is not included in
Moody's financial metrics for Comet Bidco.
RATING OUTLOOK
The stable outlook reflects Moody's expectations of continued
positive momentum in event and exhibition sponsorships and
attendance leading to solid growth in earnings and the generation
of moderate free cash flow over calendar 2025 and 2026. As a
result, Moody's expects Moody's adjusted leverage to be maintained
around 6.7x for the next 12 months and reduce further, thereafter.
FACTORS THAT COULD LEAD TO AN UPGRADE OR DOWNGRADE OF THE RATINGS
The ratings could be upgraded if Clarion's operating performance is
better than Moody's currently expect, Moody's adjusted debt/EBITDA
falls below 6x on a sustained basis, and Moody's adjusted free cash
flow/debt increases to high single digits on a sustained basis,
while the company maintains a good liquidity position.
The ratings could be downgraded if the company's operating
performance deteriorates materially from Moody's expectations or
Moody's adjusted debt/EBITDA is greater than 7x on a sustained
basis, Moody's adjusted FCF/debt falls below 5% or the company's
liquidity position weakens.
PRINCIPAL METHODOLOGY
The principal methodology used in these ratings was Business and
Consumer Services published in November 2021.
The net effect of any adjustments applied to rating factor scores
or scorecard outputs under the primary methodology(ies), if any,
was not material to the ratings addressed in this announcement.
COMPANY PROFILE
Clarion is a UK-based events organiser that runs B2B events
worldwide across diversified sectors, including technology,
defence, gaming, electronics and public safety. For the fiscal year
2025, it ran 150 events worldwide, employed 1900 people in 13
countries and generated statutory revenue of GBP417 million. The
company is privately owned by Blackstone Inc and is the
third-largest international events organizer.
DC LONDON: FTI Consulting Named as Administrators
-------------------------------------------------
DC London Pie Ltd was placed into administration proceedings in the
High Court of Justice Business and Property Courts of England and
Wales, Court Number: CR-2025-007307, and Christopher Jon Bennett
and Matthew Boyd Callaghan of FTI Consulting LLP were appointed as
administrators on Oct. 20, 2025.
DC London Pie engaged in take-away food shops and mobile food
stands.
Its registered office is at 6th Floor One London Wall, London, EC2Y
5EB
The joint administrators can be reached at:
Christopher Jon Bennett
Matthew Boyd Callaghan
FTI Consulting LLP
200 Aldersgate, Aldersgate Street
London, EC1A 4HD
For further details, contact:
Tel No: 020 3727 1000
Email: DCLondonPie@fticonsulting.com
HARDY BUILDING: Leonard Curtis Named as Administrators
------------------------------------------------------
Hardy Building Services Limited was placed into administration
proceedings In the High Court of Justice Business and Property
Courts of England and Wales, Insolvency & Companies List (ChD),
Court Number: CR-2025-007278, and Nick Myers and Alex Cadwallader
of Leonard Curtis were appointed as administrators on Oct. 17,
2025.
Hardy Building Services engaged in the construction of domestic
buildings.
Its registered office is at 12 Tentercroft Street, Lincoln, LN5
7DB
Its principal trading address is at St Alban's Church, Holly Road,
Retford, DN22 6BE
The joint administrators can be reached at:
Nick Myers
Steven Muncaster
Leonard Curtis
5th Floor, Grove House
248a Marylebone Road
London, NW1 6BB
For further details, contact:
The Joint Administrators
Tel: 020 7535 7000
Email: recovery@leonardcurtis.co.uk
Alternative contact:
Natasha Phillimore
LOBSTER RECRUITMENT: Moorfields Named as Administrators
-------------------------------------------------------
Lobster Recruitment Ltd was placed into administration proceedings
in the High Court of Justice, Business and Property Courts in
Manchester, Insolvency & Companies List (Ch D), Court Number:
CR2025MAN001369, and Andrew Pear and Michael Solomons of Moorfields
were appointed as administrators on Oct. 14, 2025.
Lobster Recruitment specialized in Temporary employment agency
activities
Its registered office is at Access House, Stephenson Way, Crawley,
RH10 1TN
Its principal trading address is at Access House, Stephenson Way,
Crawley, RH10 1TN
The joint administrators can be reached at:
Andrew Pear
Michael Solomons
Moorfields
82 St John Street
London EC1M 4JN
Tel No: 020 7186 1144
For further details, contact:
Adam Brooks
Moorfields
No.1 St Peter's Square
Manchester M2 3DE
Tel No: 01772 500825
Email: adam.brooks@moorfieldscr.com
MEDEN MOULDINGS: Leonard Curtis Named as Administrators
-------------------------------------------------------
Meden Mouldings UK Limited was placed into administration
proceedings in the High Court of Justice Business and Property
Courts in Manchester, Insolvency & Companies List (ChD), Court
Number: CR-2025-MAN-001437, and Mike Dillon and Hilary Pascoe of
Leonard Curtis were appointed as administrators on Oct. 16, 2025.
Meden Mouldings engaged in manufacturing.
Its registered office is at 68 Bagshaw Street, Pleasley, Mansfield,
Notts NG19 7SB
Its principal trading address is at Unit 3/1 Mill 3 Pleasley Vale
Business Park, Mansfield NG19 8SD
The joint administrators can be reached at:
Mike Dillon
Hilary Pascoe
Riverside House
Irwell Street
Manchester M3 5EN
For further details, contact:
The Joint Administrators
Tel: 0161 831 9999
Email: recovery@leonardcurtis.co.uk
Alternative contact:
Natasha Lee
METROPOLITANA LONDON: Quantuma Advisory Named as Administrators
---------------------------------------------------------------
Metropolitana London Limited was placed into administration
proceedings in the High Court of Justice Business and Property
Courts of England and Wales, Insolvency & Companies List (ChD),
Court Number: CR-2025-007216, and Michael Kiely and Paul Zalkin of
Quantuma Advisory Limited were appointed as administrators on Oct.
16, 2025.
Metropolitana London is into food halls.
Its registered office is at 3 Park Court, Pyrford Road, West
Byfleet, Surrey, KT14 6SD and it is in the process of being changed
to C/o Quantuma Advisory Limited, 7th Floor, 20 St Andrew Street,
London, EC4A 3AG
Its principal trading address is at 72-73 Albert Embankment,
London, SE1 7TP
The joint administrators can be reached at:
Michael Kiely
Paul Zalkin
Quantuma Advisory Limited
7th Floor, 20 St. Andrew Street
London, EC4A 3AG
For further details, contact:
Elliot Segal
Tel No: 020 3856 6720
Email: elliot.segal@quantuma.com
REPLETE LIMITED: Quantuma Advisory Named as Administrators
----------------------------------------------------------
Replete Limited was placed into administration proceedings in the
High Court of Justice Business and Property Courts of England and
Wales, Insolvency & Companies List, (ChD) Court Number:
CR-2025-006738, and Michael Kiely and Andrew Andronikou of Quantuma
Advisory Limited were appointed as administrators on Oct. 13, 2025.
Replete Limited engaged in event catering activities.
Its registered office is at 4th Floor, 399-401 Strand, London, WC2R
0LT and it is in the process of being changed to C/o Quantuma
Advisory Limited, 7th Floor, 20 St Andrew Street, London, EC4A 3AG
Its principal trading address is at The Mercer, 34 Threadneedle
Street, London, EC2R 8AY
The joint administrators can be reached at:
Michael Kiely
Andrew Andronikou
Quantuma Advisory Limited
7th Floor, 20 St. Andrew Street
London, EC4A 3AG
For further details, contact:
Ellie Knapp
Tel No: 020 3856 6720
Email: Ellie.Knapp@quantuma.com
*********
S U B S C R I P T I O N I N F O R M A T I O N
Troubled Company Reporter-Europe is a daily newsletter co-
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Marites O. Claro, Rousel Elaine T. Fernandez, Joy A. Agravante,
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Editors.
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