---
schema_version: "secwatch.filing_event.v1"
accession: "0001104659-25-096647"
form_type: "8-K"
ticker: "DCH"
cik: "0001062231"
company_name: "Dauch Corp"
filed_at: "2025-10-03T23:59:59+00:00"
generated_at: "2026-05-17T04:41:41.684537+00:00"
event_type: "debt"
sentiment: "neutral"
materiality_score: 0.85
calibrated_materiality_score: 0.85
confidence: "high"
source: SEC EDGAR
---

# American Axle issues $2.1B in notes to fund Dowlais combination, redeem existing debt

## Summary
- Issued $850M of 6.375% senior secured notes due 2032 and $1.25B of 7.750% senior unsecured notes due 2033.
- Net proceeds will fund the pending combination with Dowlais Group plc, related fees, and expenses.
- Proceeds also to redeem $500M of 6.50% Senior Notes due 2027 and partially redeem $150M of 6.875% Notes due 2028.
- Escrow accounts established for notes until closing conditions are met; special mandatory redemption if not closed by June 29, 2026.
- Existing bridge credit agreements totaling $1.343B terminated on October 3, 2025.

## SEC filing metadata
- accession: 0001104659-25-096647
- form_type: 8-K
- ticker: DCH
- cik: 0001062231
- company_name: Dauch Corp
- filed_at: 2025-10-03T23:59:59+00:00
- event_type: debt
- sentiment: neutral
- materiality_score: 0.85
- calibrated_materiality_score: 0.85
- confidence: high
- sec_items: 1.01, 1.02, 2.03, 9.01
- EDGAR index: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1062231/000110465925096647/0001104659-25-096647-index.htm
- EDGAR primary document: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1062231/000110465925096647/tm2527933d1_8k.htm

## Machine-readable alternates
- HTML: https://secwatch.observer/filing/0001104659-25-096647
- JSON: https://secwatch.observer/filing/0001104659-25-096647.json
- Plain text: https://secwatch.observer/filing/0001104659-25-096647.txt

## Key facts
- Debt Financings
  Dauch Corp incurred senior notes of $850 million aggregate principal amount of 6.375% senior secured notes due 2032 with U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association at 6.375% maturing October 15, 2032.
  - Instrument: senior notes
  - Principal: $850 million aggregate principal amount of 6.375% senior secured notes due 2032
  - Counterparty: U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association
  - Rate: 6.375%
  - Maturity: October 15, 2032
  - Event: incurrence
  source text: On October 3, 2025, American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc. (the “Issuer”), a Delaware corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: AXL) (the “Company”) issued $850 million in aggregate principal amount of 6.375% senior secured notes due 2032 (the “Secured Notes”)
  evidence_url: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1062231/000110465925096647/0001104659-25-096647-index.htm
- Debt Financings
  Dauch Corp incurred senior notes of $1.25 billion in aggregate principal amount of 7.750% senior unsecured notes due 2033 with U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association at 7.750% maturing October 15, 2033.
  - Instrument: senior notes
  - Principal: $1.25 billion in aggregate principal amount of 7.750% senior unsecured notes due 2033
  - Counterparty: U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association
  - Rate: 7.750%
  - Maturity: October 15, 2033
  - Event: incurrence
  source text: and $1.25 billion in aggregate principal amount of 7.750% senior unsecured notes due 2033 (the “Unsecured Notes,” and together with the Secured Notes, the “Notes”).
  evidence_url: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1062231/000110465925096647/0001104659-25-096647-index.htm

This AI-assisted summary is a reading aid. Review the linked SEC EDGAR filing before relying on any specific claim.