Byju's $1.2 Billion Loan Dispute Threatens Future as Payment Standoff Intensifies

Byju's failed to make a payment of £40 million in interest that was due on Monday, as per individuals familiar with the situation.

Byju's, an education startup, has chosen not to proceed with additional payments on a £1.2 billion loan following a disagreement with lenders. This intensifying conflict poses a significant risk to the future of one of India's most successful startups.

As per informed sources, Byju's failed to remit £40 million in interest payments that were due on Monday. The company announced on June 6 that it had filed a complaint regarding the loan with the New York Supreme Court.

"Given that legal proceedings are now on foot in both Delaware and New York, it is clear that the entire TLB is disputed," the company said, referring to the $1.2 billion term loan B. "As such, BYJU'S cannot be expected to and has elected not to make any further payment to the TLB lenders, including any interest, until the dispute is decided by the court."

Creditors abandon Byju's loan restructuring

Byju's had been attempting to negotiate an agreement with creditors to restructure the loan following the decline in finances caused by the online tutoring boom waning during the pandemic. However, the extended negotiations were abandoned when creditors insisted on an expedited repayment.

Byju's loan payment default raises concerns

As of 6 p.m. in New York on June 5, the payment had not been made, as disclosed by anonymous sources due to the confidential nature of the matter. Some lenders are currently assessing possible approaches to handle the potential default in payment, according to the sources.

Based on data compiled by Bloomberg, the loan witnessed a decline to a low of 64.375 pence on the pound on Monday, compared to 78 pence on June 2.

Byju's faces regulatory scrutiny amidst financial disclosure delays

Byju's, led by former teacher Byju Raveendran, previously faced challenges in meeting deadlines for filing financial accounts and came under investigation by India's regulatory agency regarding violations of the nation's foreign-exchange policies.

From startup to success: Byju's journey in online education

Founded in 2015 by Byju Raveendran, the son of educators, the eponymous startup, officially known as Think & Learn Pvt., experienced remarkable growth and emerged as India's most valuable startup over the last decade. Byju's capitalized on the rising demand for online education and bolstered its position through strategic acquisitions.

Investment boom and IPO aspirations: Byju's valuation soars

Byju's has attracted significant investments from notable entities such as Tiger Global Management, Mark Zuckerberg's Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, Silver Lake Management, and Naspers Ltd. With a valuation of $22 billion, the company contemplated going public through a potential merger with a special-purpose acquisition company (SPAC) in the previous year.

Byju's refuted the notion that its choice to refrain from making interest payments indicated financial challenges.

"Byju's remains financially robust with significant cash reserves," it said in its statement. "It remains open to discussions with the TLB lenders."