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Bamboo Airways owes director $329M

By Maria SantosVietnam
1 min read
Bamboo Airways
Bamboo Airways
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Bamboo Airways owes one of its directors, Le Thai Sam, almost VND7.73 trillion ($329.50 million) as of April 10, according to a meeting on Tuesday.

Sam, who became a board member in July last year, will soon receive a 21.7% stake from FLC, which has been operating the airline since the beginning, according to a document made public at the Bamboo Airway’s extraordinary shareholders’ meeting.

As he already owns a 12.5% stake in the airline, the transfer from FLC will increase his ownership to more than one-third of the carrier.

Since last year he has been lending the company cash at zero or low-interest rates and required no collateral to ensure the company could continue its operations despite many difficulties after its founder Trinh Van Quyet was arrested on stock manipulation charges.

Sam, 59, has 30 years of experience in property, finance and banking. He used to be one of the directors of Development Investment Construction (DIC).

Shareholders of Bamboo Airways on Tuesday approved the company’s proposal to issue more shares to increase its charter capital by 62% to VND30 trillion.

The company will look to sell the shares to strategic investors with deep pockets who are willing to lend the company at least VND1 trillion.

Questions & Answers

Q.

What is the total value of debt Bamboo Airways currently owes Le Thai Sam?

A.

As of April 10, Bamboo Airways owes Le Thai Sam almost VND7.73 trillion, which converts to $329.50 million. He has been lending the company cash at zero or low-interest rates since last year.

Q.

How will Le Thai Sam's ownership stake in Bamboo Airways change?

A.

He currently owns a 12.5% stake and will receive an additional 21.7% from FLC. This transfer will increase his total ownership in the carrier to more than one-third.

Q.

Why has Le Thai Sam been lending money to Bamboo Airways?

A.

He lent money at zero or low-interest rates without collateral to ensure the company could continue operations. This was necessary after its founder was arrested on stock manipulation charges.

Q.

What is Bamboo Airways' plan to increase its capital?

A.

Shareholders approved a proposal to issue more shares, increasing its charter capital by 62% to VND30 trillion. The company intends to sell these shares to strategic investors.

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