Canadian takeover target Yamana Gold has switched sides, announcing it will back the new cash-plus-shares offer by Agnico Eagle Mines and Pan American Silver.
Yamana reversed its previous support for the prior all-shares bid by Gold Fields after the South African-based international miner declined the opportunity to improve its terms.
Pan American is offering 153.5M of its shares for 100% of Yamana while Agnico will acquire the target company’s assets in Canada including the Canadian Malartic mine for $US1B cash and 36.1M shares.
Yamana now recommends shareholders vote against the Gold Fields proposal at its Nov 21 meeting. If they agree, the rival deal will become effective immediately.