As i said earlier, Timmins is heating up. 3500 M of drilling TAHOE RESOURCES AND LAKE SHORE GOLD ANNOUNCE BUSINESS COMBINATION
Tahoe Resources Inc. and Lake Shore Gold Corp. have entered into a definitive agreement, whereby Tahoe will acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of Lake Shore Gold. Under the terms of the Arrangement Agreement, all of the Lake Shore Gold issued and outstanding common shares will be exchanged on the basis of 0.1467 of a Tahoe common share per each Lake Shore Gold common share (the "Exchange Ratio"). Upon completion of the Transaction, existing Tahoe and Lake Shore Gold shareholders will own approximately 74% and 26% of the pro forma company, respectively, on a fully-diluted in-the-money basis.
The Exchange Ratio implies a consideration of C$1.71 per Lake Shore Gold common share, based on the closing price of Tahoe common shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) on February 5, 2016, representing a 14.8% premium to the closing price of Lake Shore Gold on February 5, 2016 and a 28.6% premium to the closing share of Lake Shore Gold on February 4, 2016. Based on each company's 20-day volume weighted average price on the TSX, the Exchange Ratio implies a premium of 25.7% and 30.4% to Lake Shore Gold common shares for the periods ending February 5, 2016 and February 4, 2016, respectively. The implied equity value (assuming the conversion of in-the-money convertible debentures) is equal to C$945 million.
Lake Shore Gold operates the low-cost Timmins West and Bell Creek mines in Timmins, Ontario, Canada. Together with Tahoe's world class Escobal mine in Guatemala and its low-cost La Arena and Shahuindo mines in Peru, the combined company is firmly established as a premier Americas-based precious metals producer. With a diversified suite of low-cost, highly prospective assets and a quality pipeline of new development opportunities, Tahoe is well positioned to sustain and grow its production base. Further, with zero net debt, sector leading operating margins, and moderate capital requirements, the combined company will continue to generate strong free cash flows. Accordingly, following completion of the Transaction, Tahoe intends to continue its dividend of US$0.02 cents per share per month.
Highlights of the Transaction
Key investment highlights of the pro forma company include:
-- A leading Americas based precious metals producer: The combined company will have a strong diversified producing platform anchored by the Escobal mine, one of the largest and highest grade silver mines globally, and low-cost growing operations in Peru and Ontario. -- Significant low-cost production: 2016 production guidance of 18-21 million ounces (mozs) of silver at total cash costs of US$7.50- US$8.50/oz and all-in sustaining costs (AISC) of US$10.00-US$11.00/oz and 370,000-430,000 ounces of gold at total cash costs of US$675- US$725/oz and AISC of US$950-US$1,000/oz. All operations generate free cash flow in the current commodity price environment. -- Low-risk growth: Growth to be driven by the expansion of Shahuindo to 36,000 tpd and the advancement of a number of growth initiatives in Timmins, including the ramp up of the 144 Gap Deposit, extending the Bell Creek mine to depth, and the potential for an open-pit mining operation at the Whitney project. -- Exciting exploration potential: Over 3.4 mozs of M&I gold resources and 6 mozs of inferred gold resources across 8 exploration projects in Peru and Canada with strong near-mine potential to add additional gold resources. Large unexplored land packages across all regions. -- Strong balance sheet and superior financial performance: Zero net debt, modest capital requirements and strong free cash flow generation from operations provide industry leading financial strength and flexibility.
Kevin McArthur, Executive Chair of Tahoe, said, "The combination with Lake Shore Gold enhances Tahoe's position as the new leader in precious metals by adding another low-cost operation in Timmins, one of the most prolific gold camps in the world. We are impressed by the long-term presence and see tremendous regional opportunities going forward. We look forward to continuing the strong relationships that Lake Shore Gold has fostered in Timmins with local stakeholders. Finally, I am very pleased to welcome Alan Moon, the current Chair of Lake Shore Gold, to our Board of Directors upon completion of the Transaction, as well as Tony Makuch, the current CEO of Lake Shore Gold, to Tahoe's management team as President of Canadian Operations."
Tony Makuch, President and CEO of Lake Shore Gold, stated, "The combination with Tahoe represents a unique opportunity for our shareholders to gain exposure to a high-quality portfolio of long life producing mines with substantial mineral reserves. Today's announcement of an initial resource at our 144 Gap Deposit is a perfect example of the long-term growth potential of our Timmins portfolio. Tahoe's strong balance sheet and superior cash generating capabilities will provide Lake Shore Gold with the financial resources to unlock the enormous growth potential of our asset base."
Benefits to Tahoe Shareholders
-- Establishes a significant presence in Canada with well-established, low- cost operations, and a talented and focused management team. -- Enhanced high-margin gold production with organic growth opportunities. -- Strengthens Tahoe's ability to generate strong free cash flow on a per share basis. -- Addition of significant exploration potential at existing operations as well as attractive targets in close proximity to established, well-built mining and milling infrastructure. -- Positions Tahoe to evaluate further consolidation opportunities in Ontario.
Benefits to Lake Shore Gold Shareholders
-- Immediate up-front premium while maintaining meaningful equity participation. -- Superior financial strength and flexibility to support advancement of Timmins projects. -- Exposure to a large, long-life reserve base pro forma through Tahoe's world-class Escobal mine and growing low-cost platform in Peru. -- Expands operational capabilities, adding proven expertise in open pit mining. -- Access to an attractive dividend policy. -- Increased trading liquidity, enhanced value proposition and capital markets profile.
Board of Directors' Recommendations
The Arrangement Agreement has been unanimously approved by the Boards of Directors of Tahoe and Lake Shore Gold, and each board recommends that their respective shareholders vote in favor of the Transaction.
GMP Securities L.P. and BMO Capital Markets have provided opinions to the Board of Directors of Tahoe and to the Lake Shore Gold Special Committee, respectively, stating that, and based upon and subject to the assumptions, limitations, and qualifications set forth therein, the consideration offered pursuant to the Transaction is fair, from a financial point of view, to the Tahoe shareholders and Lake Shore Gold shareholders, respectively.
Transaction Summary
The proposed business combination will be effected by way of a Plan of Arrangement completed under the Canada Business Corporations Act. The Transaction will require approval by 66 2/3 percent of the votes cast by the shareholders of Lake Shore Gold at a special meeting of Lake Shore Gold shareholders. The issuance of Tahoe common shares in connection with the Transaction will require the approval of a simple majority of the shareholders of Tahoe voting at a special meeting. Officers and directors of Lake Shore Gold and Tahoe intend to enter into voting support agreements, pursuant to which they will vote their common shares held in favor of the Transaction. In addition to shareholder and court approvals, the Transaction is subject to applicable regulatory approvals and the satisfaction of certain other closing conditions customary in transactions of this nature.
The Arrangement Agreement includes customary provisions including non-solicitation provisions, a right to match any superior proposal and a C$37.8 million termination fee payable to Tahoe under certain circumstances. A C$20.0 million termination fee is payable to Lake Shore Gold under certain circumstances.
A change of control offer will be made for Lake Shore Gold's outstanding 6.25% convertible senior unsecured debentures (the "Debentures") in accordance with their trust indenture dated September 7, 2012. During the 30 day period following the effective date of the Arrangement Agreement, Debenture holders will receive notice (the "Debenture Change of Control Notice") stating that a change of control has occurred along with an offer to purchase the Debentures at 100% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest on the date that is 30 business days following delivery of the Debenture Change of Control Notice. As part of the Arrangement Agreement, Lake Shore Gold has agreed not to purchase any of its outstanding securities. Accordingly, Lake Shore Gold is suspending its normal course issuer bid for the Debentures.
Timing
Full details of the Transaction will be included in the management information circulars of Tahoe and Lake Shore Gold and are expected to be mailed to their respective shareholders in early March 2016. It is anticipated that both shareholder meetings and closing of the Transaction will take place in early April 2016.
Advisors and Counsel
GMP Securities L.P. and Canaccord Genuity Corp. acted as financial advisors to Tahoe and McMillan LLP acted as its legal advisor.
BMO Capital Markets acted as financial advisor to Lake Shore Gold. Cassels, Brock & Blackwell LLP acted as Lake Shore Gold's legal advisor.
Conference Call
Tahoe and Lake Shore Gold will host a joint conference call on Monday, February 8, 2016 at 1:30 p.m. Eastern Time, or 10:30 a.m. Pacific, for members of the investment community to discuss the transaction. The call-in details are as follows:
-- Canada & USA toll-free: 1-800-319-4610 -- Outside of Canada & USA: 1-604-638-5340
A copy of the merger investor presentation is also available on the Tahoe and Lake Shore Gold investor pages at www.tahoeresourcesinc.com/merger and www.lsgold.com, respectively. An audio recording of the conference call will be made available shortly after the call on the Tahoe and Lake Shore Gold investor pages.
We seek Safe Harbor.