Independent proxy advisory firms Institutional Shareholder Services Inc. (ISS) and Glass Lewis & Co. have both recommended that shareholders vote in favour of the proposed merger between Canadian-based gold miners Equinox Gold (TSX: EQX) and Leagold Mining (TSX: LMC).
Shareholders of both companies will meet separately on January 28 to consider the merger. The transaction is expected to close in late February, subject to all shareholder and regulatory approvals.
In December, Equinox entered into a definitive agreement to acquire its smaller rival Leagold and consolidate their portfolios in a deal that would valued at C$769.3 million. The new company will continue as Equinox Gold and be headquartered in Vancouver.
Following the merger, Equinox’s combined project portfolio is expected to produce 700,000 ounces of gold this year, increasing to one million ounces a year in 2021 and beyond.