99.8% Of Barrick Shareholders Support Randgold Merger
 |
| Photo by Piotr Swat/Shutterstock.com |
(Kitco News)- Nearly 100% of Barrick Gold Corporation shareholders (NYSE: ABX, TSX: ABX) voted infavor of a merger with Randgold Resources, clearing one more hurdle that pavesway for the creation of the world’s biggest gold producer.
In a press release Monday, following a special shareholder vote,the company said that 99.8% or more than 683 million votes cast were in supportof the merger. Only 1.2 million votes were withheld.
“Today marks an important step in our journey of taking Barrick‘back to the future’,” said Barrick Executive Chairman John L. Thornton, in thepress release. “The combination of Barrick and Randgold will create the compellinggold investment.”
The all-stock merger, valued at more than $18 billion was firstannounced in late September during the Denver Gold Forum in Colorado. The dealwould create a $6 billion gold mining company.
Many analysts have said that the deal could help to breathe newlife in the much-neglected mining sector. Many have noted that the willingnessof two major gold producer to make a deal could signal growing optimism in themarketplace.
“Barrick wouldn’t have made this move if they thought prices weregoing to be lower a year from now,’ Colin Cieszynski, chief market strategistat SIA Wealth Management, said in an interview with Kitco News following theinitial announcement. “Companies are starting to see value in their own sectorand that sends a strong message to investors. I think Barrick sees a strategicopportunity to grow their business and add value.”
The merger is expected to be completed by the new year and isstill subject to approval by Randgold’s shareholders.
The news is not having much impact on Barrick shares, traded onthe New York Stock Exchange. The company last traded at $13.11 a share, down0.46% on the day.
In the same special meeting, Barrick shareholders also votedoverwhelming in favor of moving the jurisdiction of the company to BritishColumbia, Canada.
By Neils ChristensenFor Kitco News
Follow neils_C
nchristensen@kitco.comwww.kitco.com Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this article do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.