This morning Equinox Gold Corp (TSX: EQX) announced they have entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Premier Gold Mines (TSX: PG). Each Premier shareholder will receive 0.1967 shares of Equinox Gold for each share held of Premier. This represents an at-market acquisition based on the 10-day volume-weighted average closing prices of both companies.
With this acquisition, Equinox Gold now acquires a 50% interest in the permitted, development-ready, multi-million-ounce Hardrock Project through a joint venture between Equinox Gold and Orion Mine Finance. This project includes 5.54M ounces of Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves with an average grade of 1.27 g/t. Based on the companies Feasibility study, the project is expected to yield an average of 414k oz of gold annually.
Equinox Gold also announced that they will undertake a C$75 million equity financing fully underwritten by Chairman, Ross Beaty.
All though possibly disappointed by the lack of premium in the acquisition price, Premier shareholders will receive one sweetener, the company will spin-out shares of the newly created US-focused gold production and development company to be called i-80 Gold Corp. This new venture owns the South-Arturo and McCoy-Cove properties and will complete Premier’s previously announced acquisition of the Getchell Project, all in Nevada.
Equinox Gold Corp shares last traded at $13.10 and Premier Gold Mines shares last traded at $2.52; both on the TSX.
Information for this briefing was found via Sedar and Equinox Gold. The author has no securities or affiliations related to this organization. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.
