Independent Proxy Advisory Firms Recommend Securityholders Vote to Approve Arrangement Between Bear Creek Mining Corporation and Highlander Silver Corp.

Core Viewpoint - Bear Creek Mining Corporation has received positive recommendations from two independent proxy advisory firms, including Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS), for Securityholders to vote in favor of the proposed Arrangement with Highlander Silver Corp. and the Interest Deferral Agreements [1][3]. Arrangement Details - A special meeting for Securityholders to approve the Arrangement and Interest Deferral Agreements is scheduled for February 19, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Vancouver time [2]. - Under the Arrangement, Shareholders will receive 0.1175 of a common share of Highlander for each Bear Creek Share held [2]. Proxy Advisory Recommendations - Both ISS and another independent proxy advisory firm recommend that Securityholders vote FOR the Arrangement and Interest Deferral Agreements, citing strategic soundness and benefits such as a stronger balance sheet and enhanced liquidity [3]. - ISS noted that the transaction eliminates Bear Creek's debt and stream burden, and the positive market reaction and fairness opinions support this view [3]. Company Leadership Comments - Eric Caba, President and CEO of Bear Creek, emphasized that the recommendations reinforce the board's belief that the Arrangement is in the best interests of Shareholders, creating a stronger, better-capitalized company [3]. Benefits of the Arrangement - The Arrangement is expected to unlock value at the Corani project and combine it with Highlander's San Luis project, creating a complementary Peru-focused portfolio [6]. - The combined company will have substantial liquidity, no debt, and an estimated market capitalization of C$1.2 billion, enhancing competitiveness [6]. - Shareholders are expected to own approximately 18% of the combined entity, retaining long-term exposure to key assets [6]. - The process includes rigorous oversight and fairness protections, such as a nine-month strategic review and insider voting support representing about 30% of the issued shares [6]. Voting Information - Securityholders are encouraged to vote before the proxy voting deadline of February 17, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Vancouver time [5]. - The Board of Directors of Bear Creek unanimously recommends that Securityholders vote FOR the Arrangement with Highlander [5].