Eldorado to buy Foran Mining for $2.8B amid copper push

Core Viewpoint - Eldorado Gold has agreed to acquire Foran Mining for approximately C$3.8 billion ($2.8 billion), aiming to enhance its copper portfolio and capitalize on rising demand for copper due to electrification and clean energy investments [1]. Group 1: Acquisition Details - The acquisition combines Eldorado's Skouries gold-copper project in Greece with Foran's McIlvenna Bay copper project in Saskatchewan, both expected to reach commercial production by mid-2026 [2]. - The merged entity is projected to produce around 900,000 gold-equivalent ounces in 2027, with an asset base comprising approximately 77% gold and 15% copper [2]. Group 2: Financial Projections - The combined business is anticipated to generate about $2.1 billion in core profit and $1.5 billion in free cash flow by 2027 [3]. - Eldorado plans to increase exploration spending across its portfolio, including at Foran's Tesla zone in Saskatchewan [3]. Group 3: Transaction Structure - Foran shareholders will receive 0.1128 Eldorado shares plus $0.01 per share, equating to approximately 24% ownership in the combined company [4]. - The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2026, with both boards having unanimously approved the deal [4][6]. Group 4: Strategic Importance - The combined company will be headquartered in Vancouver under the Eldorado Gold name, with McIlvenna Bay positioned as a key Canadian asset alongside Eldorado's Lamaque Complex in Quebec [5]. - The project has been recognized as a critical minerals development by the federal government, highlighting its national interest [5].