AGNICO EAGLE ANNOUNCES ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT IN MAPLE GOLD MINES LTD.

Rhea-AI Summary

Agnico Eagle Mines (NYSE: AEM, TSX: AEM) announced the acquisition of 33,821,842 common shares of Maple Gold Mines (TSXV: MGM) at $0.085 per share for a total of $2,874,856.57 on June 21, 2024. This raises Agnico's stake in Maple from 11.97% to 19.9% of issued and outstanding shares. The companies have an investor rights agreement allowing Agnico to maintain its pro rata ownership and potentially nominate board members. Additionally, a conveyance and option agreement will grant Maple 100% ownership of the Douay and Joutel Gold Projects, while Agnico will receive a 1.0% net smelter return royalty and retain options to acquire up to a 50% interest in these projects. Agnico's acquisition is for investment purposes, and future transactions may occur based on market conditions.

Positive

• Agnico Eagle increased its stake in Maple Gold Mines to 19.9%.
• Total investment of $2,874,856.57 enhances Agnico's portfolio.
• Maple will gain 100% ownership of Douay and Joutel Gold Projects.

Negative

• None.

Insights

Financial Analyst

Agnico Eagle's acquisition of additional shares in Maple Gold Mines Ltd. is a significant move. Increasing its stake to 19.9% indicates a strategic investment in Maple's potential. This aligns with Agnico Eagle's existing investor rights agreement, emphasizing their long-term interest in Maple's growth. For investors, this indicates confidence in Maple's future prospects and potential for joint ventures. Also, the acquisition was done at $0.085 per share, which should be analyzed against the current trading price to understand the premium or discount involved. Furthermore, the conveyance and option agreement granting Maple a 100% ownership interest in the Douay and Joutel Gold Projects, while Agnico retains a 1.0% net smelter return royalty and options for 50% project ownership, suggests a balanced strategic partnership. Investors should consider how this impacts the balance sheet, capital allocation and potential future earnings.

Market Research Analyst

From a market perspective, Agnico Eagle's increased stake in Maple Gold Mines signals a strategic positioning within the lucrative gold mining sector. Maple's full control of the Douay and Joutel Gold Projects could enhance its asset base, potentially improving its market valuation. The structure of the conveyance and option agreement, where Agnico Eagle secures a 1.0% net smelter return royalty and options, creates a synergistic link that may attract further investor interest. It reflects Agnico's confidence in the project's prospects and potential profitability. Retail investors should view this partnership as a vote of confidence, likely attracting more interest and potentially driving Maple's stock price in a positive direction, especially if the projects yield high returns. Monitoring Maple's project developments and Agnico Eagle's subsequent market behavior will be key to understanding the longer-term impact.

Legal Expert

The legal implications of the investor rights agreement and the conveyance and option agreement are noteworthy. Agnico Eagle's rights to participate in equity financings and nominate board members, combined with their increased stake, could influence Maple's strategic decisions. The termination of the existing joint venture and Maple's acquisition of a 100% ownership interest in the projects eliminates complexities associated with shared ownership. However, Agnico Eagle's retention of a 1.0% net smelter return royalty and options for a 50% ownership interest ensures they maintain a substantial influence over the projects. This setup provides Agnico with a safety net while allowing Maple operational control, potentially simplifying project management and reducing regulatory hurdles. Investors should understand these legal intricacies as they could significantly influence the operational dynamics and financial health of both companies moving forward.

Stock Symbol:    AEM (NYSE and TSX)

TORONTO, June 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (NYSE: AEM) (TSX: AEM) ("Agnico Eagle") announced today that it acquired 33,821,842 common shares ("Common Shares") of Maple Gold Mines Ltd. (TSXV: MGM) ("Maple") on June 21, 2024 at a price of $0.085 per Common Share for total consideration of approximately $2,874,856.57 from several sellers that acquired the Common Shares in connection with an offering of flow-through Common Shares issued by Maple (the "Share Purchase").

Prior to the Share Purchase, Agnico Eagle owned 40,852,415 Common Shares, representing approximately 11.97% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares on a non-diluted basis. Following the Share Purchase, Agnico Eagle owns 74,674,257 Common Shares, representing approximately 19.9% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares on a non-diluted basis.

Agnico Eagle and Maple entered into an investor rights agreement dated October 13, 2020, pursuant to which Agnico Eagle is entitled to certain rights, provided Agnico Eagle maintains certain ownership thresholds in Maple, including: (a) the right to participate in equity financings in order to maintain its pro rata ownership in Maple at the time of such financing or acquire up to a 19.90% ownership interest in Maple; and (b) the right (which Agnico Eagle has no present intention of exercising) to nominate one person (and in the case of an increase in the size of the board of directors of Maple to eight or more directors, two persons) to the board of directors of Maple.

Agnico Eagle acquired the Common Shares for investment purposes. Depending on market conditions and other factors, Agnico Eagle may, from time to time, acquire additional Common Shares or other securities of Maple or dispose of some or all of the Common Shares or other securities of Maple that it owns at such time.

Agnico Eagle and Maple entered into a conveyance and option agreement dated June 20, 2024 (the "Conveyance and Option Agreement"), pursuant to which, subject to the satisfaction of certain closing conditions: (a) the existing joint venture agreement dated February 2, 2021 between, among others, Agnico Eagle and Maple will be terminated; (b) Maple will obtain a 100% ownership interest in the Douay Gold Project and Joutel Gold Project (the "Projects"); (c) Maple will grant Agnico Eagle a 1.0% net smelter return royalty in respect of the Projects; and (d) Agnico Eagle will retain certain options to acquire a 50% ownership interest in the Projects.

An amended early warning report will be filed by Agnico Eagle in accordance with applicable securities laws. To obtain a copy of the early warning report, please contact:

Agnico Eagle Mines Limited
c/o Investor Relations
145 King Street East, Suite 400
Toronto, Ontario  M5C 2Y7
Telephone:  416-947-1212
Email: investor.relations@agnicoeagle.com

Agnico Eagle's head office is located at 145 King Street East, Suite 400, Toronto, Ontario M5C 2Y7. Maple's head office is located at 1111 West Hasting Street, 6th Floor Vancouver, British Columbia V6E 2J3.

About Agnico Eagle

Agnico Eagle is a Canadian based and led senior gold mining company and the third largest gold producer in the world, producing precious metals from operations in Canada, Australia, Finland and Mexico. It has a pipeline of high-quality exploration and development projects in these countries as well as in the United States. Agnico Eagle is a partner of choice within the mining industry, recognized globally for its leading environmental, social and governance practices. Agnico Eagle was founded in 1957 and has consistently created value for its shareholders, declaring a cash dividend every year since 1983.

Forward-Looking Statements

The information in this news release has been prepared as at June 24, 2024. Certain statements in this news release, referred to herein as "forward-looking statements", constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forward-looking information" under the provisions of Canadian provincial securities laws.  These statements can be identified by the use of words such as "may", "will" or similar terms.

Forward-looking statements in this news release include, without limitation, statements relating to Agnico Eagle's acquisition or disposition of securities of Maple in the future and the closing of the transactions contemplated in the Conveyance and Option Agreement and any rights exercisable by Agnico Eagle thereunder.

Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of factors and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by Agnico Eagle as of the date of such statements, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies.  Many factors, known and unknown, could cause actual results to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.  Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made.  Other than as required by law, Agnico Eagle does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements.

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SOURCE Agnico Eagle Mines Limited

FAQ

How many shares of Maple Gold Mines did Agnico Eagle acquire?

Agnico Eagle acquired 33,821,842 common shares of Maple Gold Mines.

What was the total investment Agnico Eagle made in Maple Gold Mines?

The total investment was $2,874,856.57.

What percentage ownership does Agnico Eagle now hold in Maple Gold Mines?

Agnico Eagle now holds 19.9% of Maple Gold Mines' issued and outstanding shares.

What rights does Agnico Eagle have under the investor rights agreement with Maple Gold Mines?

Agnico Eagle can maintain its pro rata ownership and nominate board members if their ownership levels are met.

What projects will Maple Gold Mines acquire full ownership of?

Maple Gold Mines will acquire 100% ownership of the Douay and Joutel Gold Projects.

What will Agnico Eagle receive as part of the conveyance and option agreement?

Agnico Eagle will receive a 1.0% net smelter return royalty and retain options to acquire up to a 50% interest in the Douay and Joutel projects.