PERTH, Australia, Oct. 18, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Wyloo Metals Pty Ltd (“Wyloo Metals”) is pleased to announce it has reached an agreement with Noront Resources Ltd. (TSXV:NOT) (“Noront”) and formalized its offer to Noront shareholders as part of a comprehensive strategy to develop the Ring of Fire as a world-class Future Metals Hub.
Wyloo Metals’ superior offer is distinguished by several factors including offering shareholders true optionality alongside a superior cash offer. Pursuant to a statutory Plan of Arrangement under the Business Corporation Act (Ontario), each Noront shareholder will be given the option of (i) accepting cash consideration of Cdn$0.70 per share for some or all of their shares, and (ii) continuing to participate in Noront’s unrealized potential by remaining as a shareholder (the “Wyloo Offer”).
Wyloo Metals’ strategy will also see Noront revitalized under the leadership of a world-class Board of Directors led by Dr. Andrew Forrest AO, who has an unparalleled track record in the development of remote mining projects and a proud and continuing legacy of partnering with Indigenous and local communities. Dr. Forrest led Fortescue Metals Group (ASX: FMG) from a junior mining exploration company to one of the world’s largest mining companies.
Battery and hydrogen technologies are unleashing the full potential of renewable energy by making it available when and where it is required. These technologies, and the critical metals that they are built from, will positively impact future generations in ways we cannot yet imagine.
The Ring of Fire is home to expansive deposits of these metals and is ideally located near downstream markets, presenting a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform Canada into a critical metals powerhouse.
Only Wyloo Metals' offer provides shareholders with the opportunity to share in that journey.
THE WYLOO OFFER IS SUPERIOR
There are four aspects of the Wyloo Offer that make it superior to the offer made by BHP Western Mining Resources International Pty Ltd (“BHP”):
Wyloo Metals is the only bidder that can deliver this unique combination of benefits to Noront shareholders.
The Ring of Fire is a long-term mining district with a present-day value that is impossible to accurately quantify. Only the Wyloo Offer can provide Noront shareholders with comfort in the knowledge that they have received sufficient optionality and value for their ownership of Canada’s next great mineral hub."
Luca Giacovazzi, Head of Wyloo Metals
EXPECTED TIMING
Completion of the Wyloo Offer is expected to occur in December 2021. The Wyloo Offer is subject to BHP’s right to match period of 5 business days.
ADVISORS
Wyloo Metals has engaged Maxit Capital LP to act as its financial advisor and McCarthy Tétrault LLP to act as its legal advisor. Shorecrest Group has also been engaged to act as Wyloo Metals’ strategic communications advisor and proxy solicitation and information agent.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Andrew Bennett
M +61 427 782 503
P +61 8 6460 4949
AURORA STRATEGY SPOKESPERSON:
David Ellis
M 416 704 0937
P 416 704 0937
E davide@aurorastrategy.com
ABOUT WYLOO METALS
Wyloo Metals is the metals and mining subsidiary of Tattarang, one of Australia’s largest private investment groups. Led by a multidisciplinary team of geologists, engineers and financial professionals, Wyloo Metals manages a diverse portfolio of exploration and development projects and cornerstone interests in a number of public and private companies. Wyloo Metals seeks to work closely with all stakeholders to accelerate projects through the development cycle while meeting the highest international environmental, social and governance standards. See more at: www.wyloometals.com.
Wyloo Canada Holdings Pty Ltd (“Wyloo Canada”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Wyloo Metals, currently holds an aggregate of 208,434,427 common shares of Noront, representing approximately 37.24% of the outstanding common shares of Noront. Wyloo Canada also holds warrants (“Noront Warrants”) to acquire 1,774,664 common shares of Noront at an exercise price of Cdn$0.35 per share. If the Noront Warrants are also fully exercised, Wyloo Canada would hold 210,209,091 common shares of Noront, representing approximately 37.43% of the outstanding common shares of Noront on a partially diluted basis.
DISCLAIMER
Some of the statements in this press release may be forward looking statements or statements of future expectations based on currently available information. Such statements are naturally subject to risks and uncertainties. Factors such as the development of general economic conditions, future market conditions, unusual catastrophic loss events, changes in the capital markets and other circumstances may cause the actual events or results to be materially different from those anticipated by such statements. Wyloo Metals does not make any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness or updated status of such statements. Therefore, in no case whatsoever will Wyloo Metals and its affiliate companies be liable to anyone for any decision made or action taken in connection with the information and/or statements in this press release or for any related damages.
This press release is issued pursuant to National Instrument 62-103 – The Early Warning System and Related Take-Over Bid and Insider Reporting Issues, which requires a report to be filed under Noront’s profile on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) containing additional information with respect to the foregoing matters. A copy of such report may be obtained by contacting Wyloo Metals at info@wyloometals.com. The address of Wyloo Metals is PO Box 3155, Broadway Nedlands, WA 6009 Western Australia.