-- Regis Resources (ASX:RRL) and Vault Minerals (ASX:VAU) proposed a merger of equals that would create a mid-tier gold producer of meaningful scale and a combined market capitalization of roughly AU$10.7 billion, Euroz Hartleys said in a note on Tuesday.
Under the proposed deal, Vault shareholders will receive 0.6947 shares in Regis for each Vault share owned. Regis shareholders will own about 51% of the merged company and Vault shareholders the remaining 49%, as per a Tuesday joint filing with the Australian bourse.
The merger, which will translate to over 700,000 ounces of gold production per year through five operating assets across Western Australia, benefits from a debt-free balance sheet, a robust and growing reserve and resource base, and potential operational synergies that could cut costs.
The increased capitalization will also bolster liquidity, lower the cost of capital and support future growth and shareholder returns, it added.
Euroz Hartleys maintained a buy rating for Vault and is reviewing a price target for the company.