ATHA further proposes to complete one or more financings on terms further described below to raise up to approximately
Copies of each of the Latitude Arrangement Agreement and the 92E SID will be available on ATHA's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca.
Strategic Rationale for the Transactions
Largest Exploration Portfolio in
Institutional Participation: Significantly larger market capitalization of the combined company is expected to improve liquidity and attract increased institutional investor interest, as demonstrated by
Historical Resources with Expansion Potential: The Company will hold two projects with significant expansion potential with historical mineral resource estimates of: 2.8 million tons at 0.69% U3O8 containing 43.3 million lbs of U3O8 Inferred at the Angilak Deposit in Nunavut1 and 14.7 million tons at 0.03% U3O8 containing 5.2 million lbs of U3O8 Indicated and 28.3 million tons at 0.03% U3O8 containing 4.4 million lbs of U3O8 Inferred at Moran Lake2 and 5.1 million tons at 0.04% U3O8 containing 4.9 million lbs of U3O8 Inferred at Anna Lake3, both in the Central Mineral Belt ('CMB') of
Provides Exposure to a Recent Discovery Along a Mineralized Trend: The Gemini Discovery in the
Robust Pipeline of Exploration Catalysts: The planned 2024 exploration program is expected to include: post-discovery corridor expansion geophysics and drilling, greenfield exploration programs, and results from
Strong Balance Sheet to Execute on Growth Initiatives: With no debt and a forecast cash balance of over
Exceptional Leadership Team: The amalgamated board and management have decades of experience, with the demonstrated track record in all facets of uranium exploration, development operations, and capital formation needed to drive growth in uranium resource and build shareholder value.
Anticipated Benefits to ATHA Shareholders
Builds on the quality of ATHA's existing exploration portfolio of tier 1 targets by providing ATHA with access to advanced corridor expansion upside in friendly and stable jurisdictions; Adds exposure to the expansion of the underexplored
Adds exposure to the Gemini Discovery, with significant expansion and discovery upside potential within the
The Latitude Arrangement
Latitude is an exploration stage uranium company listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange (the 'CSE') focused on the Angilak uranium project in
Under the terms of the Latitude Arrangement, Latitude shareholders (the 'Latitude Shareholders') will receive 0.2769 of a common share of ATHA (each whole share, an 'ATHA Share') for each Latitude Share held (the 'Latitude Exchange Ratio'). The Latitude Exchange Ratio was determined giving consideration to recent average trading prices for each of Latitude and ATHA. Based upon ATHA's reference price of
Additionally, each incentive stock option of Latitude will be exchanged for incentive stock options of ATHA on substantially the same basis as the Latitude Exchange Ratio and following the effective time of the Latitude Arrangement, warrants to purchase Latitude Shares will only evidence the right to receive that number of ATHA Shares, upon exercise in accordance with the terms thereto, that such holder of Latitude warrants would have been entitled if such holder had exercised such Latitude warrants into Latitude Shares immediately prior to the effective time of the Latitude Arrangement.
Summary of the Latitude Arrangement
The Latitude Arrangement will be effected by way of a court-approved plan of arrangement pursuant to the Business Corporations Act (
The Latitude Arrangement Agreement includes customary representations and warranties for a transaction of this nature as well as customary interim period covenants regarding the operation of ATHA and Latitude's respective businesses. The Latitude Arrangement Agreement also provides for customary deal-protection measures, including a
Subject to the satisfaction of these conditions, ATHA and Latitude expect that the Latitude Arrangement will be completed in the first quarter of 2024.
Following completion of the Latitude Arrangement, the ATHA Shares will continue to trade on the CSE, subject to approval of the CSE in respect of the ATHA Shares being issued pursuant to the Latitude Arrangement. The Latitude Shares will be de-listed from the CSE following closing of the Latitude Arrangement.
Details regarding these and other terms of the Latitude Arrangement are set out in the Latitude Arrangement Agreement, which will be available under the SEDAR+ profiles of ATHA and Latitude at www.sedarplus.ca.
Full details of the Latitude Arrangement will also be included in the Latitude Circular which will be available under Latitude's SEDAR+ profile.
The 92E Scheme
92E is an exploration stage uranium company listed on the
Under the terms of the 92E SID, 92E shareholders (the '92E Shareholders') will, conditional on the 92E Scheme becoming effective, receive 0.5834 of an ATHA Share for each 92E Share held at the 92E Scheme record date (the '92E Exchange Ratio'). The 92E Exchange Ratio was determined giving consideration to recent average trading prices for each of 92E and ATHA. Based upon ATHA's reference price of
Additionally, the existing 92E options will be cancelled and, conditional on the 92E Scheme being effective, exchanged for ATHA Shares pursuant to the ratios set forth in the 92E SID and based, inter alia, upon the exercise price of such 92E options. All 92E performance rights automatically vest and will be converted into 92E Shares immediately prior to the 92E Scheme becoming effective and prior to the 92E Scheme record date in accordance with the provisions of the 92E SID.
Summary of the 92E Scheme
The 92E Scheme will be effected and made effective by way of a court-approved Scheme of Arrangement between 92E and 92E Shareholders.
The 92E SID includes customary representations and warranties for a transaction of this nature as well as customary interim period covenants regarding the operation of ATHA and 92E's respective businesses. The 92E SID also provides for customary deal-protection and exclusivity measures in respect of both parties (including 'no shop', 'no talk' and 'no due diligence' restrictions, notification obligations and a 'matching right' in favour of the other party), and a reciprocal reimbursement fee in an amount equal to 1.0% of the value of the 92E Scheme payable by 92E or ATHA in certain circumstances. The 92E SID also includes a separate break fee regime payable by ATHA to 92E in the event that 92E terminates the 92E SID in the following circumstances: (i) the Latitude Arrangement is validly terminated in accordance with its terms and 92E provides written notice to ATHA of its preference that the 92E Scheme does not proceed; or (ii) an event occurs and is continuing that, in 92E's opinion, entitles ATHA to terminate the Latitude Arrangement and, following consultation between the parties, provides ATHA with written notice of its preference that Atha terminate the Latitude Arrangement.
Subject to the satisfaction of these conditions, ATHA and 92E expect that the 92E Scheme will be implemented early in the second quarter of 2024.
Following implementation of the 92E Scheme, the ATHA Shares will continue to trade on the CSE, subject to approval of the CSE in respect of the ATHA Shares being issued pursuant to the 92E Scheme. Following implementation of the 92E Scheme, 92E will apply to ASX to have 92E removed from the official list of ASX, and quotation of 92E Shares on ASX terminated.
Details regarding these and other terms of the 92E Scheme are set out in the 92E SID, which will be available under the SEDAR+ profile of ATHA at www.sedarplus.ca.
A scheme booklet will be sent to all 92E Shareholders in due course. The booklet will contain full details of the proposed 92E Scheme, including the basis for the unanimous recommendation of the board of directors of 92E (the '92E Board') that 92E Shareholders approve the proposed 92E Scheme in the absence of a superior proposal and subject to the independent expert appointed by 92E concluding that the 92E Scheme is in the best interests of 92E Shareholders.
Meeting and Board of Directors' Recommendations
Latitude Meeting and Recommendation of the Latitude Board
The Latitude Arrangement requires (i) the approval of the
Each of the directors and executive officers of Latitude, together with
After consultation with its financial and legal advisors, the board of directors of Latitude (the 'Latitude Board') unanimously determined that the Latitude Arrangement is in the best interests of Latitude and approved the Latitude Arrangement Agreement. Accordingly, the Latitude Board unanimously recommends that Latitude Shareholders vote in favour of the resolution (the 'Latitude Arrangement Resolution') to approve the Latitude Arrangement.
The full text of the Latitude Fairness Opinions, which describe, among other things, the assumptions made, procedures followed, factors considered and limitations and qualifications on the review undertaken, and the terms and conditions of the Latitude Arrangement, will be included in the management information circular of Latitude (the 'Latitude Circular'), to be delivered to Latitude Shareholders in respect of a special meeting of the Latitude Shareholders to be held to consider the Latitude Arrangement (the 'Latitude Meeting'), which is expected to take place in Q1 2024.
92E Meeting and Recommendation of the 92E Board
The 92E Scheme is further subject to approval by the 92E Shareholders at a meeting of such 92E Shareholders to be called for the purposes of approving the 92E Scheme (the '92E Meeting') by the requisite majorities under section 411(4)(a) of the Australian Corporations Act 2001 (Cth).
Each of the directors and executive officers of 92E representing an aggregate of approximately 4.09% of the issued 92E Shares, have indicated that they intend to vote their 92E Shares in favour of the resolution of 92E Shareholders to approve the 92E Scheme (the '92E Scheme Resolution') at the 92E Meeting.
After consultation with its financial and legal advisors, the 92E Board unanimously determined that the 92E Scheme is in the best interests of 92E Shareholders and approved the 92E SID. Accordingly, the 92E Board unanimously recommends that 92E Shareholders vote in favour of the 92E Scheme Resolution to approve the 92E Scheme in the absence of a superior proposal and subject to the independent expert opining the 92E Scheme is in the best interests of 92E Shareholders.
ATHA Meeting and Recommendation of the ATHA Board
The issuance of ATHA Shares by ATHA in connection with the Transactions (the 'ATHA Transactions Resolution') is subject to the approval of a majority of the votes cast by the ATHA shareholders voting in person or represented by proxy at a special shareholders' meeting of ATHA (the 'ATHA Meeting') to be called for the purposes of approving the ATHA Transactions Resolution.
Each of the directors and executive officers of ATHA, together with the New Saskatchewan Syndicate, representing an aggregate of approximately 32.2% of the issued and outstanding ATHA Shares have entered into voting support agreements, pursuant to which they have agreed, among other things, to vote their ATHA Shares in favour of the Latitude Arrangement at the ATHA Meeting.
After consultation with its financial and legal advisors, the ATHA board of directors (the 'ATHA Board') unanimously determined that the Transactions are in the best interests of ATHA and approved the Latitude Arrangement Agreement and 92E Scheme. Accordingly, the ATHA Board unanimously recommends that, in the absence of a superior proposal, ATHA shareholders vote in favour of the ATHA Transactions Resolution at the ATHA Meeting.
Eight Capital provided a fairness opinion to the ATHA Board stating that, as of the date of such opinion, and based upon and subject to the considerations, assumptions, limitations and qualifications set out therein, the consideration to be provided under each of the Transactions is fair, from a financial point of view, to ATHA.
Additional details regarding the Transactions will be included in the management information circular of ATHA (the 'ATHA
Circular'), to be delivered to ATHA Shareholders in respect of the ATHA Meeting which is expected to take place in Q1 2024.
The Resulting Issuer
Pro Forma Capitalization
Assuming the completion of both the Latitude Arrangement and the 92E Scheme but excluding any securities to be issued in connection with the Concurrent Financing, the implied market value of ATHA post-Transactions (the 'Company') is expected to be approximately
Board of Directors
The Company's board of directors (the 'Company Board') will consist of up to six directors, four of whom will be selected by ATHA from the existing ATHA directors, one of whom will be selected by Latitude from the existing Latitude directors, and one of whom will be selected by 92E from the existing 92E directors. ATHA shall take such necessary steps as may be required to permit the constitution of the Company Board including obtaining the approval of ATHA shareholders with respect to the increase to the size of the Company Board at the ATHA Meeting.
Concurrent Financing
In connection with the Transactions, ATHA has entered into an agreement with
The Agents will have an option (the 'Agents' Option') to increase the size of the CFT Offering by up to 15% through the sale of up to 960,000 additional Offered Shares at the requisite price, which Agents' Option is exercisable, in whole or in part, at any time up to 48 hours prior to closing of the Offering.
Each Subscription Receipt will entitle the holder thereof to receive, for no additional consideration and without further action on part of the holder thereof, on or about the date both Transactions are completed, one ATHA Share.
The net proceeds of the Offering will be used to advance exploration and development of ATHA's uranium assets, as well as for working capital and general corporate purposes.
ATHA agrees and covenants, pursuant to the provisions in the Income Tax Act (
The Offering is expected to close on or about
The Offering is subject to customary closing conditions, including the approval of the securities' regulatory authorities and the CSE.
Other Business
ATHA further announces that
ATHA further announces that it has granted an aggregate of 1,600,000 incentive stock options ('Options') and 1,700,000 restricted share units ('RSUs') to certain eligible participants under ATHA's Equity Incentive Plan. Upon vesting, each Option shall be exercisable to acquire one common share for a period of ten years at an exercise price of
A copy of ATHA's Equity Incentive Plan is available under ATHA's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca.
ATHA also announces that it has entered an investor relations consulting agreement with each of Spark Newswire ('Spark', and the agreement entered into between ATHA and Spark the 'Spark Agreement') and Quantum Ventures SEZC ('Quantum', and the agreement entered into between ATHA and Quantum the 'Quantum Agreement').
Pursuant to the Spark Agreement, Spark shall provide certain brand awareness and strategy, content and communication strategy and technical analysis of market strategy services to ATHA in consideration for a monthly cash fee of
The services to be provided by Spark will be principally provided through
The services to be provided by Quantum will be principally provided through
Advisors
Eight Capital is acting as financial advisor to ATHA and has provided a fairness opinion to the ATHA Board.
About ATHA
ATHA is a mineral exploration company focused on the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral resource properties. ATHA holds the largest cumulative exploration package in each of the
Contact:
Chief Executive Officer
Tel: 1-306-460-5353
Email: troy@athaenergy.com
None of the securities to be issued pursuant to the Transactions have been or will be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the '
Historical Mineral Resource Estimates
All mineral resources estimates presented in this news release are considered to be 'historical estimates' as defined under NI 43-101, and have been derived from the following. In each instance, the historical estimate is reported using the categories of mineral resources and mineral reserves as defined by the CIM Definition Standards for Mineral Reserves, and mineral reserves at that time, and these 'historical estimates' are not considered by any of the Parties to be current. In each instance, the reliability of the historical estimate is considered reasonable, but a Qualified Person has not done sufficient work to classify the historical estimate as a current mineral resource, and none of ATHA, Latitude or 92E are treating the historical estimate as a current mineral resource. The historical information provides an indication of the exploration potential of the properties but may not be representative of expected results.
Notes on the Historical Mineral Resource Estimate for the Angilak Deposit: 1. This estimate is considered to be a 'historical estimate' under NI 43-101 and is not considered by any of to be current.
Mineral resources which are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.
The estimate of mineral resources may be materially affected by geology, environment, permitting, legal, title, taxation, sociopolitical, marketing or other relevant issues.
The quality and grade of the reported inferred resource in this estimation are uncertain in nature and there has been insufficient exploration to define these inferred resources as an indicated or measured mineral resource, and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in upgrading them to an indicated or measured resource category.
Contained value metals may not add due to rounding.
A 0.2% U3O8 cut-off was used.
The mineral resource estimate contained in this press release is considered to be 'historical estimates' as defined under NI 43-101 and is not considered to be current.
Reported by
As disclosed in the above noted technical report, the historic estimate was prepared under the direction of
The historical mineral resource estimate was calculated in accordance with NI 43-101 and CIM standards at the time of publication and predates the current CIM Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves (May, 2014) and CIM Estimation of Mineral Resources & Mineral Reserves Best Practices Guidelines (November, 2019).
Notes on the Historical Mineral Resource Estimate for the Moran Lake Deposit:
Notes on the Historical Mineral Resource Estimate for the Anna
Reported by
A 3-dimensional geologic model of the deposit was created for the purpose of the resource estimate using the Gemcom/Surpac modeling software. A solid model was created using a minimum grade x thickness cutoff of 3 meters grading 0.03% U3O8. Intersections not meeting this cutoff were generally not incorporated into the model. The shell of this modeled zone was then used to constrain the mineralization for the purpose of the block model. Assay composites 2.5 meters in length that honoured the mineralized domains were used to interpolate grades into blocks using ordinary kriging. An average specific gravity of 2.93 was used to convert volumes to tonnes. The specific gravity data was acquired in-house and consisted of an average of seventeen samples collected from the mineralised section of the core. The resource was classified into Measured, Indicated or Inferred using semi-variogram ranges applied to search ellipses. All resources estimated at Anna Lake fall under the 'Inferred' category due to the wide spaced drill density. An exploration program would need to be conducted, including twinning of historical drill holes in order to verify the
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information
This press release contains 'forward-looking information' within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as 'plans', 'expects' or 'does not expect', 'is expected', 'budget', 'scheduled', 'estimates', 'forecasts', 'intends', 'anticipates' or 'does not anticipate', or 'believes', or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results 'may', 'could', 'would', 'might' or 'will be taken', 'occur' or 'be achieved'. These forward-looking statements or information may relate to the Transactions, including statements with respect to the expected benefits of the Transactions to ATHA, the ATHA shareholders, the anticipated composition of the Company Board, the anticipated mailing of the 92E scheme booklet, ATHA Circular and Latitude Circular and the date of the 92E Meeting, ATHA Meeting and Latitude Meeting, timing for closing of the Transactions and receiving the required regulatory, ATHA shareholders,
92E Shareholders, Latitude Shareholders and court approvals, stock exchange (including the CSE and ASX) and other approvals, the ability of ATHA, Latitude and 92E to successfully close the Transactions, the terms and closing of the Offering, the incurrence and renunciation of Qualifying Expenditures by ATHA, any benefits that may be derived from the Spark Agreement and Quantum Agreement including any extensions to the terms thereto, and the participation therein by any
Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management at the time, are inherently subject to business, market and economic risks, uncertainties and contingencies that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. Such assumptions include, but are not limited to, assumptions regarding the Company following completion of the Transactions, that the anticipated benefits of the Transactions will be realized, completion of the Transactions, including receipt of required shareholder, regulatory, court and stock exchange approvals, the ability of ATHA, 92E and Latitude to satisfy, in a timely manner, the other conditions to the closing of the Transactions, other expectations and assumptions concerning the Transactions, the ability of ATHA, 92E and Latitude to complete its exploration activities as currently expected, and that general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner. Although each of ATHA, 92E and Latitude have attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information.
Such statements represent the current views of ATHA, 92E and Latitude with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by ATHA, 92E and Latitude, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social risks, contingencies and uncertainties. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to the following: inability of ATHA, 92E and Latitude to complete the Transactions and the Offering, a material adverse change in the timing of any completion and the terms and conditions upon which the Transactions is completed; inability to satisfy or waive all conditions to closing the Transactions as set out in the 92E SID and Latitude Arrangement Agreement; 92E Shareholders not approving the 92E Scheme; Latitude Shareholders not approving the Latitude Arrangement; ATHA shareholders not approving the ATHA Transactions Resolution and the alterations to the Company Board; the inability of ATHA to complete the Offering; failure by the
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