Following yesterday’s news of its intention to acquire Maximus Resources Ltd (ASX:MXR, OTC:MXRRF) after securing a 19.99% stake, Astral (JO:ARLJ) Resources NL (ASX:AAR) has struck a share sale agreement to acquire 51,308,530 MXR shares from Beacon Minerals Ltd (ASX:BCN), representing an 11.99% interest.
Read: Astral Resources moves to acquire Maximus Resources after obtaining 19.99% stake
Astral shares for Maximus shares
The transaction will see Astral issue 24,455,924 fully paid ordinary shares to Beacon, based on an exchange ratio of one Astral share for every 2.098 Maximus shares.
This deal is valued at around A$3.67 million, using Astral’s closing price of A$0.15 per share on December 27.
The transaction includes a call-back option that allows Beacon to repurchase the Maximus shares under specific conditions, such as a takeover bid or scheme of arrangement involving Maximus.
Beacon can exercise this option once and only in respect of all 51,308,530 shares sold, with the option period defined by specific triggers and timeframes.
Remaining stake
Following the sale, Beacon will retain a 7.72% interest in Maximus, equivalent to 33,031,433 shares, and will assess options for this remaining stake.
Beacon Minerals described the share sale as consistent with its strategy to focus on the development of the Jaurdi Gold Project.
The company has reported significant resource growth at its recently acquired Lady Ida Project and plans to release a pre-feasibility study in the first quarter of 2025.
This deal also provides Beacon with equity exposure to Astral’s growth while retaining strategic flexibility through the call-back option.
The acquisition strengthens Astral’s position in Maximus, aligning with its broader strategy in the gold exploration and development sector.