Goldgroup Mining (GGA-T) Dec 18, '14 is pleased to announce that it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its 100% interest in the Caballo Blanco Project to Timmins Gold (TMM-T) for approximate cash and share proceeds totaling up to US$30 million.
On Closing, Timmins Gold will pay Goldgroup US$10 million in cash and 16,065,000 Timmins Gold shares, valued at approximately US$15 million (based on the closing price of Timmins Gold shares on December 17, 2014) (the "Share Consideration"). Post-Closing, Goldgroup will be entitled to receive an additional contingent amount of US$5 million that will become payable in cash, Timmins Gold shares, or a combination thereof (at the option of Timmins Gold, provided that Goldgroup's ownership in Timmins Gold will not exceed 9.9% at any time) should any of the following events occur prior to October 31, 2019:
The approval of the Project's Environmental Impact Statement from SEMARNAT A change in beneficial ownership of Timmins Gold of greater than 50%; or The removal or change, at one time, of a majority of the current members of the Timmins Gold Board of Directors "This sale unlocks the value of Caballo Blanco for Goldgroup shareholders and dramatically improves our balance sheet in a time where capital is very difficult to come by" stated Keith Piggott, Chairman and CEO of Goldgroup. "With the proceeds of the sale, we plan to focus on advancing the high-grade San José de Gracia project as well as potentially look to grow our production profile by accretive acquisition.
Timmins Gold is a proven mine builder and operator and we look forward to our continued participation in the Caballo Blanco project as well as sharing in the value of Timmins Gold's producing San Francisco mine through our retained ownership in Timmins Gold shares and through the anticipated future receipt of the Contingent Payment."
Completion of the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of required regulatory and TSX approvals, and the Company will be restricted from trading the Timmins Gold shares obtained in the transaction until the expiration of the standard statutory hold period. The Company expects to close the transaction on or before December 31, 2014. Up to 40% of the Share Consideration will be held in escrow upon Closing, to be released upon the earlier to occur of the completion of certain post-Closing actions or the expiration of the standard statutory hold period.
Goldgroup has come to an agreement with RMB Resources Inc. and Credipresto SAPI de CV SOFM ENR to release and replace the existing security held over the Project in order for this transaction to proceed. As part of this agreement Goldgroup will be required to maintain at least US$6 million cash on hand until the escrowed shares are released to the Company. The terms and conditions of the existing credit agreement are otherwise unchanged.
Advisors and Legal Counsel
Maxit Capital LP ("Maxit") acted as financial advisor and Davis LLP acted as legal counsel to Goldgroup. In addition, Maxit has provided a fairness opinion to the Board of Directors of Goldgroup that, subject to the assumptions, limitations, and qualifications set out therein, the consideration received by Goldgroup is fair, from a financial point of view to Goldgroup.
Corporate Update
Goldgroup is pleased to announce Sam Wong, CA has been appointed as the Company's Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Wong is currently the Chief Financial Officer of Chesapeake Gold Corp and Lowell Copper Ltd. Prior to those positions, he was the Corporate Controller at Luna Gold Corp where he oversaw the finance division during Luna's transition from development through to commercial production. Mr. Wong is a Chartered Accountant and articled at Deloitte & Touche LLP in Vancouver, BC where he specialized in assurance and advisory for mining companies.
Goldgroup also announces that Dustin VanDoorselaere has resigned as Vice President, Operations.
About Goldgroup
Goldgroup is a Canadian-based gold production, development, and exploration Company with significant upside in a portfolio of projects in Mexico, including a 50% interest in DynaResource de Mexico, S.A. de C.V., which owns 100% of the high-grade gold exploration project, San José de Gracia located in the state of Sinaloa. The Company also operates its 100%-owned Cerro Prieto heap-leach gold mine, in the state of Sonora.
Goldgroup is led by a team of highly successful and seasoned individuals with extensive expertise in mine development, corporate finance, and exploration in Mexico. Goldgroup's mission is to increase gold production, mineral resources, profitability and cash flow, building a leading gold producer in Mexico.
On behalf of the Board of Directors,
Mr. Keith Piggott, Chairman and CEO
Tel: 1-520-247-5753
Investor Relations
Toll Free: 1-877-655-ozAu (6928) |
