Benzinga - by Stjepan Kalinic, Benzinga Staff Writer.
After its previous merger in Australia fell through, Karora Resources (OTCQX:KRRGF) found a new partner in Westgold Resources (OTCQX:WGXRF). The two companies have announced a merger valued at $1.45 billion that would unlock considerable synergies and increase production to 400,000 ounces of gold annually.
"The Westgold and Karora teams have independently been structuring our businesses for growth for several years, and now is the time to bring these two businesses together. Overprint an experienced and expanded team with similar corporate journeys, strong safety and cultural alignment, and a shared commitment to developing its people, and we have a new business dominant across two historic yet under-explored goldfields," said Westgold's Managing Director and CEO Wayne Bramwell.
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The merger, set to unlock $320 million in potential synergies, establishes a strong mid-tier gold producer. Westgold will acquire a majority stake of 50.1% in the combined entity, termed “Enlarged Westgold,” with Karora shareholders receiving 2.524 Westgold shares per Karora share, reflecting a 10.1% premium.
While Westgold’s operations are primarily situated in the Mid West and Karora’s in the Goldfields region, both entities envision substantial cost synergies, particularly in procurement and supply chain management, along with eliminating duplicate corporate expenses.
The merged entity will retain listings on both the ASX and the Toronto Stock Exchange, signifying its commitment to international visibility and investment appeal. With a nine-member bolstered board, led by Bramwell as CEO and former Australian Attorney-General Cheryl Edwardes as chair, the combined company is poised to become the sixth-largest Australian-based gold miner by value.
The consolidation is anchored around Karora’s prized asset, the Beta Hunt gold project, which Westgold’s Bramwell described as a rare find with immense potential. The merger brings together Beta Hunt with other significant assets like Big Bell and the iconic Great Fingall mine, forming a miner focused on generating strong cash flows.
With a comprehensive exploration portfolio spanning over 1,235 square miles and near-term growth opportunities, the merged Westgold entity targets both greenfields and brownfields exploration, with potential expansion into nickel mining.
The consolidation of renowned gold projects under one umbrella fortifies the company’s position in the Australian gold sector.
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