VANCOUVER, Feb. 14, 2017 /CNW/ -
- Destroyed Shareholder Value. The Concerned
Shareholder, Delbrook Capital Advisors Inc., believes that the
management and Board of Directors of Rapier Gold Inc. have
destroyed considerable shareholder value and continue to operate
the Company without a clear strategy focused on maximizing
shareholder returns.
- Ineffective Board. Delbrook is frustrated by the
ineffectiveness of management and the Board of Directors in their
failure to advance the Pen Gold Property. Poor judgement has been
evidenced by the Company's weak balance sheet and working capital
deficiency.
- Poor Corporate Governance and Disclosure. Rapier's
lack of corporate governance and poor shareholder disclosure are
detrimental to minority shareholders and must be addressed before
further value is lost.
- Failure to Create Shareholder Value. The management
and Board of Directors of Rapier have failed to complete any
transactions which would strengthen the balance sheet in order to
continue advancing the Pen Gold Property and enhance the trading
liquidity of the Company's shares.
- Dilution Concern. Delbrook is concerned that any
financing conducted by Rapier in the near future would be highly
dilutive and would be at a material discount to the current share
price to the detriment of all shareholders.
- Delbrook is proposing a new slate of directors with a
proven track record of creating shareholder value and that will
work for the best interests of ALL shareholders.
Delbrook Capital Advisors Inc. ("Delbrook" or the
"Concerned Shareholder"), manager of the Delbrook Resource
Opportunities Fund, currently exercises control or direction over
12,500,000 common shares ("Rapier Shares") of Rapier Gold
Inc. ("Rapier" or the "Company") (RPR:TSX),
representing approximately 17.6% of the outstanding Rapier
Shares. Delbrook announced today four independent director
candidates that it intends to propose for election to the board of
directors of Rapier at the annual general meeting of shareholders
of Rapier currently scheduled to occur on March 30, 2017.
THE IRREFUTABLE CASE FOR CHANGE AT RAPIER
Delbrook has been a shareholder of Rapier since December 2015 and has attempted to actively
engage Rapier's management since making its initial investment.
Delbrook believes that the Pen Gold Property is a quality asset
with significant prospects based on the rare combination of highly
prospective geology, its proximity to other gold deposits and its
location in a politically stable and low cost operating region -
one with a long history of attracting premium acquisition
valuations. It is the view of Delbrook that Rapier's
management team has failed to take the necessary steps to advance
the Pen Gold Project and maximize value for its shareholders
through focused exploration efforts, the evaluation of corporate
opportunities and the lack of proper funding.
Delbrook has previously communicated to the current board of
directors of Rapier (the "Board") its growing frustration with the
Company's inability to formulate and articulate a clear strategy to
maximize the value of the Pen Gold Project and the Company.
It is Delbrook's belief that the meager ownership of Rapier shares
by the majority of the Board (3 of the 4 directors collectively
hold only 1.5% of the Rapier Shares) has resulted in a misalignment
of interests between the shareholders and the Board.
Through the preservation of their employment and board seats,
the management and Board of Rapier continue to serve their own
interests, and not the interests of Rapier. Delbrook has
increased its attempts to engage in dialogue with Rapier's board
and management over the past four months, with a focus on
investigating strategic alternatives for the Company that provides
the shareholders of Rapier with (i) a stronger balance sheet which
will allow the Company to aggressively explore the Pen Gold
Property, (ii) participation in a larger and more liquid
development and exploration company, (iii) expanded management
capabilities, and (iv) stronger re-valuation potential. To date,
Delbrook has had no success in engaging with the management and
Board of Rapier and there has been no progress on any initiatives
to maximize shareholder value.
Rapier's ability to continue to operate as a going concern is
highly uncertain. Delbrook believes that the Company has a working
capital deficiency and in order to just meet its current financial
obligations, may pursue a highly dilutive financing at a material
discount to the current share price.
Delbrook believes that the Company is in immediate need of a
stronger and more capable leadership team. Therefore,
Delbrook is announcing today the proposal of a new slate of
directors which will focus on shareholder value. To support its
efforts, Delbrook has engaged Borden Ladner Gervais LLP as counsel
and Laurel Hill Advisory Group ("Laurel
Hill") as communication advisor.
Delbrook reserves all rights with respect to future actions and
is carefully considering all legal options and remedies available
to it as a shareholder of Rapier.
DELBROOK CAPITAL'S INDEPENDENT AND HIGHLY EXPERIENCED BOARD
NOMINEES
Delbrook's proposed slate of independent director nominees (the
"Proposed Nominees") has been selected for their diverse but
relevant skill and experience. Importantly, these Proposed Nominees
have demonstrated a commitment to the maximization of shareholder
value across multiple organizations.
The information set forth below in respect of each Proposed
Nominee has been provided by each Proposed Nominee as at
February 14, 2016. None of the
Proposed Nominees has been or is currently a director of the
Company and none of the Proposed Nominees have held any other
position or office with Company. The Proposed Nominees are as
follows:
Darren John Blasutti
Ontario, Canada
Mr. Blasutti was the President and Chief Executive Officer of US
Silver & Gold prior to its merger with Americas Silver
Corporation (formerly Scorpio Mining Corporation), where he
currently acts as President and Chief Executive Officer. He was
formerly the Senior Vice President of Corporate Development for
Barrick Gold Corporation ("Barrick"). He reported to the
Chief Executive Officer and played a lead role in the strategic
development of Barrick for 13 years between 1998 and early 2011,
during which time he executed over 25 gold mining transactions
including the acquisitions of Homestake Mining Company and Placer
Dome Inc. and the consolidation of the world class Cortez property
from Rio Tinto. Mr. Blasutti also led the creation of Barrick
Energy Inc. to hedge Barrick's exposure to escalating energy prices
and the initial public offering of African Barrick Gold. During his
tenure at Barrick, Mr. Blasutti was integrally involved in numerous
equity and financing transactions and also led the Investor
Relations function. Mr. Blasutti was previously at
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP where he planned, supervised and managed
audits for a variety of clients. Mr. Blasutti is also a director of
Noront Resources Ltd. Mr. Blasuttti does not beneficially own,
control or direct, directly or indirectly, any Rapier Shares.
Paul
Parisotto
Ontario,
Canada
Mr. Parisotto was most recently the President and Chief
Executive Officer of Calico Resources Corp. prior to the takeover
of the company by Paramount Gold Nevada in July 2016. He is currently the Chairman of Noront
Resources Ltd and has been a director since 2008. As President,
Chief Executive Officer and Director of Arizona Star Resources
Corp. listed on the American Stock Exchange, he led the sale of the
company to Barrick Gold Corporation in December 2007 for $773
million in an all cash take-over bid. Arizona Star owned a
51% interest in one of the world's largest undeveloped gold/copper
deposits. Earlier in his career, Paul built and headed up the
corporate finance business for a Canadian investment dealer after
serving as Manager, Original Listings for the Toronto Stock
Exchange. Mr. Parisotto is also a director of Scorpio Gold
Corporation and Chantrell Ventures Corp. Mr. Parisotto does not
beneficially own, control or direct, directly or indirectly, any
Rapier Shares.
David
Lotan
Ontario,
Canada
Mr. Lotan is the President and Chief Executive Officer of LHI an
investment company focused on natural resource opportunities. In
his previous career David was the founder and Chief Executive
Officer of the structured finance operations of Polar Capital – a
Canadian merchant bank and alternative asset manager, acted as a
portfolio manager for the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan and was a
risk management consultant with PricewaterhouseCoopers focused on
commodities and rates. David is a Chartered Accountant and CPA.Mr.
Lotan beneficially owns, controls or directs, directly or
indirectly, 500,000 Rapier Shares.
Lorie
Waisberg
Ontario,
Canada
Mr. Waisberg is a corporate director, presently serving as a
director of Americas Silver, Chantrell Ventures, Metalex Ventures
and Tembec Inc., all publicly traded companies in Canada. Mr. Waisberg is also Chairman and a
trustee of Chemtrade Logistics Income Fund. Between August 2000 and October
2002, Mr. Waisberg served as Executive Vice President,
Finance and Administration for Co-Steel Inc., a steel manufacturing
company and from 1974 to August 2000,
he was a partner at the Toronto
office of Goodmans, LLP, a Canadian law firm. Mr. Waisberg is
certified as ICD.D by the Institute of Corporate Directors. Mr.
Waisberg does not beneficially own, control or direct, directly or
indirectly, any Rapier Shares.
Cease Trade Orders and Bankruptcies, Penalties and
Sanctions
To the knowledge of Delbrook, except as disclosed below, no
Proposed Nominee is, as at the date hereof, or has been, within 10
years before the date hereof, a director, chief executive officer
("CEO") or chief financial officer ("CFO") of any
company (including the Company) that was the subject, while the
Proposed Nominee was acting in the capacity as director, CEO or CFO
of such company, of a cease trade or similar order or an order that
denied the relevant company access to any exemption under
securities legislation, that was in effect for a period of more
than 30 consecutive days or was subject to a cease trade or similar
order or an order that denied the relevant company access to any
exemption under securities legislation, that was in effect for a
period of more than 30 consecutive days, that was issued after the
Proposed Nominee ceased to be a director, CEO or CFO but which
resulted from an event that occurred while the Proposed Nominee was
acting in the capacity as director, CEO or CFO of such company; or
is, as at the date hereof, or has been within 10 years before the
date hereof, a director or executive officer of any company
(including the Company) that, while that person was acting in that
capacity, or within a year of that person ceasing to act in that
capacity, became bankrupt, made a proposal under any legislation
relating to bankruptcy or insolvency or was subject to or
instituted any proceedings, arrangement or compromise with
creditors or had a receiver, receiver manager or trustee appointed
to hold its assets; or has, within the 10 years before the
date of this Information Circular, become bankrupt, made a proposal
under any legislation relating to bankruptcy or insolvency, or
become subject to or instituted any proceedings, arrangement or
compromise with creditors, or had a receiver, receiver manager or
trustee appointed to hold the assets of the proposed director.
To the knowledge of Delbrook, no Proposed Nominee has been
subject to any penalties or sanctions imposed by a court relating
to securities legislation or by a securities regulatory authority
or has entered into a settlement agreement with a securities
regulatory authority; or has been subject to any penalties or
sanctions imposed by a court or regulatory body that would likely
be considered important to a reasonable securityholder in deciding
whether to vote for a proposed director.
Mr. Waisberg was a director of FMF Capital Group Ltd.
("FMF") from March 2005 to
May 18, 2007. On May 18, 2007 a subsidiary of FMF (of which Mr.
Waisberg was not a director) conveyed its assets to a trustee to
facilitate the orderly wind-up of its business.
Material Interest
Except as otherwise disclosed herein, to the knowledge of
Delbrook, neither Delbrook, nor any of its managing members,
directors or officers, or any associates or affiliates of the
foregoing, or any of the Proposed Nominees or their respective
associates or affiliates, has: (a) any material interest, direct or
indirect, in any transaction since the commencement of the
Company's most recently completed financial year or in any proposed
transaction which has materially affected or will materially affect
the Company or any of its subsidiaries; or (b) any material
interest, direct or indirect, by way of beneficial ownership of
securities or otherwise, in any matter currently known to be acted
on at the Meeting (as defined below), other than the election of
directors.
EARLY WARNING REPORT FILING
This press release is also being disseminated by Delbrook as
Delbrook is ceasing to file reports under Part 4 of National
Instrument 62-103 (Alternative Monthly Reporting System) for Rapier
in connection with this public broadcast solicitation.
Delbrook, exercises ownership or control over 12,500,000 Rapier
Shares, representing approximately 17.6% of the outstanding Rapier
Shares, of which it has ownership and control over 1,701,000 Rapier
Shares and the remaining Rapier Shares are controlled (but not
owned) by Delbrook on behalf of investment funds or client accounts
over which it has discretionary trading authority. Delbrook also
exercises ownership and control over 1,158,500 common share
purchase warrants, which together with the Rapier Shares it owns or
controls, represents approximately 18.9% of the outstanding Rapier
Shares on a partially diluted basis.
A report on Form 62-103F2 - Required Disclosure by an Eligible
Institutional Investor under Section 4.3 is being filed by Delbrook
in accordance with applicable securities laws and will be available
under Rapier's company profile on SEDAR at
http://www.sedar.com. The report is an amendment to the
report filed by Delbrook dated October 14,
2016.
ABOUT DELBROOK CAPITAL ADVISORS INC.
Delbrook Capital Advisors Inc. is an independent investment
manager which focuses on alternative strategies. Delbrook
Capital Advisors Inc. manages the Delbrook Resource Opportunities
Fund, an alternative investment fund, focused on identifying and
investing in unique growth opportunities within the metals and
mining sector
Disclaimers
Delbrook has not sought or obtained consent from any third party
to the use herein of previously published information. Any such
information should not be viewed as indicating the support of such
third party for the views expressed herein.
Except for the historical information contained herein, the
matters addressed in these materials are forward-looking statements
that involve certain risks and uncertainties. You should be aware
that actual results could differ materially from those contained in
the forward-looking statements. Delbrook does not assume any
obligation to update the forward-looking information.
Information in Support of Public Broadcast
Solicitation
Delbrook is relying on the exemption under section 9.2(4) of
National Instrument 51-102 – Continuous Disclosure
Obligations ("NI 51-102") to make this public broadcast
solicitation. The following information is provided in accordance
with corporate and securities laws applicable to public broadcast
solicitations.
This solicitation is being made by Delbrook, and not by or on
behalf of the management of Rapier.
The head and registered address of Rapier is #2270-1055 West
Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC
Canada, V6E 3P3.
Rapier has announced that it has called an annual general and
special meeting of shareholders, and subsequently amended to an
annual general meeting of shareholders, to be held on March 30, 2017 (the "Meeting"). Delbrook
may file a dissident information circular (the "Dissident
Circular") in connection with the Meeting, or any adjournment
or postponement thereof, in due course in compliance with
applicable securities and corporate laws.
This press release and any solicitation made by Delbrook in
advance of the Meeting is, or will be, as applicable, made by
Delbrook and not by or on behalf of the management of Rapier. All
costs incurred for any solicitation will be borne by Delbrook,
provided that, subject to applicable law, Delbrook may seek
reimbursement from Rapier for Delbrook's out-of-pocket expenses,
including proxy solicitation expenses and legal fees, incurred in
connection with a successful reconstitution of the Company's board
of directors.
Any proxies solicited by Delbrook may be solicited by way of
public broadcast, including through press releases, speeches or
publications and by any other manner permitted under applicable
laws, including pursuant to a Dissident Circular sent to
shareholders of Rapier. Solicitations may be made by or on behalf
of Delbrook, by mail, telephone, fax, email or other electronic
means, and in person by directors, officers and employees of
Delbrook or by the proposed nominees. Delbrook has engaged the
service of Laurel Hill as communication advisor and may engage
Laurel Hill as soliciting agent to
assist with solicitation on behalf of Delbrook.
It is expected that any proxies solicited by Delbrook in
connection with the Meeting may be revoked by instrument in writing
by the shareholder giving the proxy or by its duly authorized
officer or attorney, or in any other manner permitted by law.
Delbrook has filed this press release, which contains the
information required by section 9.2(4)(c) of NI 51-102 and Form
51-102F5 Information Circular in respect of the Proposed
Nominees under Rapier's company profile on SEDAR at
http://www.sedar.com.
SOURCE Delbrook Capital Advisors Inc.