YAMANA GOLD INC. ("Yamana" or "the Company") and Agnico Eagle Mines Limited ("Agnico Eagle") are pleased to announce today the completion of their previously announced court-approved plan of arrangement (the "Arrangement") pursuant to which Yamana and Agnico Eagle have jointly acquired 100% of the issued and outstanding common shares of Osisko Mining Corporation ("Osisko"). Osisko's common shares will be de-listed from the Toronto Stock Exchange ("TSX") at the close of business today.
Yamana and Agnico Eagle now each own 50% of Osisko and have formed a joint committee to operate the Canadian Malartic mine in Quebec. The partners will also jointly explore and potentially develop the Kirkland Lake assets, and continue the exploration at the Hammond Reef, Pandora, and Wood-Pandora properties.
Each outstanding common share of Osisko was exchanged for:
- C$2.09 in cash;
- 0.26471 of a Yamana common share;
- 0.07264 of an Agnico Eagle common share; and
- 0.1 of one common share of Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd., a newly formed company that has commenced trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "OR". Pursuant to the Arrangement, the following assets of Osisko have been transferred to Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd.: (i) a 5% net smelter royalty ("NSR") on the Canadian Malartic mine; (ii) C$157 million cash; (iii) a 2% NSR on the Kirkland Lake assets, the Hammond Reef project, and certain other properties; (iv) all assets and liabilities of Osisko in its Guerrero camp; and (v) certain other investments and assets.
"The completion of our joint acquisition of Osisko and the Canadian Malartic mine adds another cornerstone asset to our portfolio that will contribute significantly to increased production and cash flow levels as we continue to balance top and bottom line growth," said Peter Marrone, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Yamana. "We look forward to establishing our presence in Canada as we work with Agnico to unlock additional value at Canadian Malartic and develop an exploration program for the Kirkland Lake assets."
"With the acquisition of Osisko now complete, Agnico Eagle looks forward to working with Yamana to further optimize the Canadian Malartic mine and build on the solid operational performance achieved in May 2014," said Sean Boyd, President and Chief Executive Officer of Agnico Eagle. "In addition, we are jointly reviewing the Kirkland Lake portfolio with the intent of designing an exploration program to expand and upgrade the current resource base to further enhance shareholder value," added Mr. Boyd.
Additional Information for Shareholders
Shareholders who have questions or who may need assistance with the completion of letters of transmittal are advised to contact our Information Agent, Laurel Hill Advisory Group at:
North American Toll Free: 1-877-452-7184
Banks, Brokers or collect calls: 416-304-2011
Email: [email protected]
About Yamana
Yamana is a Canadian-based gold producer with significant gold production, gold development stage properties, exploration properties, and land positions throughout the Americas including Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Mexico and Canada. Yamana plans to continue to build on this base through existing operating mine expansions, throughput increases, development of new mines, the advancement of its exploration properties and by targeting other gold consolidation opportunities with a primary focus in the Americas.
About Agnico Eagle
Agnico Eagle is a senior Canadian gold mining company that has produced precious metals since 1957. Its eight mines are located in Canada, Finland and Mexico, with exploration and development activities in each of these regions as well as in the United States. The Company and its shareholders have full exposure to gold prices due to its long-standing policy of no forward gold sales. Agnico Eagle has declared a cash dividend every year since 1983.