All monetary amounts are expressed in Canadian dollars, unless otherwise indicated. TORONTO, Feb. 26, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Highlander Silver Corp. (TSX: HSLV) (“Highlander Silver”) and Bear Creek Mining Corporation (TSXV: BCM) (OTCQX: BCEKF) (BVL: BCM) (“Bear Creek”) are pleased to announce the successful completion of the previously announced plan of arrangement under Division 5 of Part 9 of the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) (the “Arrangement”) and the concurrent closing of the debt sett ...

This news release contains forward-looking information about expected future events that is subject to risks and assumptions set out in the “Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information” below. All figures are in United States dollars. All production figures reflect payable metal quantities and are on a 100% basis, unless otherwise stated. For references denoted with NG, refer to the “Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures” disclosure at the end of this news release for a description of these measure ...

Core Viewpoint - Bear Creek Mining Corporation has received approval from its shareholders and other voting security holders for the acquisition by Highlander Silver Corp. and the interest deferral agreements with Royal Gold, Inc. and Equinox Gold Corp. [1][2] Voting Results - The acquisition plan required a minimum of 66⅔% approval from Bear Creek Shareholders and Voting Securityholders, which was achieved with 99.41% and 99.43% approval respectively [2][4] - The votes for the acquisition by Bear Creek Shareholders totaled 175,193,313 in favor and 1,041,723 against, representing 99.41% approval [4] - The votes from Voting Securityholders, voting as a single class, showed 183,047,477 in favor and 1,041,723 against, equating to 99.43% approval [4] - For the minority approval requirement, Bear Creek Shareholders approved the acquisition with 75,699,192 votes in favor (98.64%) [4] Interest Deferral Agreements - The special resolution for the Interest Deferral Agreements also received strong support, with 78,492,116 votes in favor (98.65%) from Bear Creek Shareholders, excluding those required for minority approval [5] - The completion of the acquisition and agreements is subject to regulatory approvals from the TSX Venture Exchange, the Toronto Stock Exchange, and the Supreme Court of British Columbia, with an expected closing date in late February [5]

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].

Core Viewpoint - Bear Creek Mining Corporation has filed materials for a special meeting to approve a proposed arrangement with Highlander Silver Corp and interest deferral agreements with Royal Gold and Equinox [1][4]. Meeting Details - The special meeting is scheduled for February 19, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Vancouver time, at the offices of Borden Ladner Gervais LLP [3]. - Securityholders of record as of January 13, 2026, are entitled to attend and vote at the meeting [3]. Arrangement Details - Highlander will acquire all outstanding Bear Creek Shares not already owned, with each Bear Creek Shareholder receiving 0.1175 of a common share of Highlander for each Bear Creek Share [4]. - The arrangement agreement was initially made on December 18, 2025, and amended on January 9, 2026 [4]. Support for the Arrangement - Directors, officers, and major shareholders representing approximately 30% of Bear Creek Shares have signed voting support agreements in favor of the arrangement [5]. - Highlander acquired 50,000,000 Bear Creek Shares for $18 million, demonstrating confidence in the arrangement [6]. Benefits of the Arrangement - The arrangement is expected to provide a pathway to the construction and operation of Bear Creek's Corani Project in Peru, unlocking value for shareholders [13]. - Debt restructuring with major creditors is anticipated, resulting in a financially robust company with no debt [13]. - The combination of assets is expected to enhance the capital markets profile, with a combined equity market capitalization of approximately C$625 million [13].

Group 1: Banco Santander - Banco Santander sold a 49% stake in its Polish subsidiary to Erste Group [1] - Shares of Banco Santander fell 0.9% to settle at $12.11 [6] Group 2: Datadog, Inc. - Cramer recommended to stay away from Datadog, indicating a negative sentiment towards enterprise software companies [1] - Datadog shares fell 1.3% to close at $120.86 [6] Group 3: Origin Bancorp, Inc. - Barclays analyst Raimo Lenschow lowered the price target on Origin Bancorp from $215 to $195, while Keybanc analyst Eric Heath cut it from $230 to $170 [2] - Cramer expressed confidence in Origin Bancorp, suggesting to stay invested and buy more if the stock pulls back [2] - Origin Bancorp shares gained 1.2% to close at $40.48 [6] Group 4: Cava - Cava was recommended as a buy by Cramer [3] - Cava appointed Doug Thompson as COO, effective March 2 [3] - Cava shares gained 2% to close at $72.00 [6] Group 5: Royal Gold, Inc. - Royal Gold increased its annual dividend from $1.80 per share to $1.90 per share [3] - Cramer suggested taking some profits from Royal Gold, indicating a cautious approach [3] - Royal Gold shares gained 2% to settle at $259.15 [6] Group 6: Autodesk, Inc. - BTIG analyst Nick Altmann initiated coverage on Autodesk with a Buy rating and a price target of $365 [4] - Cramer noted that Autodesk is part of the enterprise software sector, which is currently out of favor [3] - Autodesk shares gained 0.4% to close at $262.26 [6]

Group 1 - Banco Santander, S.A. is recommended as a "terrific" buy by Jim Cramer, following the sale of a 49% stake in its Polish subsidiary to Erste Group [1] - Cramer advises against investing in enterprise software companies, specifically mentioning Datadog, Inc. [1] - Origin Bancorp, Inc. is viewed positively by Cramer, who suggests holding the stock and buying more if it pulls back, with earnings results expected on January 28 [2] Group 2 - Cava is recommended as a buy, with Doug Thompson appointed as COO effective March 2 [3] - Royal Gold, Inc. increased its annual dividend from $1.80 to $1.90 per share, and Cramer suggests taking some profits [3] - Autodesk, Inc. is categorized as enterprise software, which Cramer indicates is currently undesirable [3][4] Group 3 - Recent stock price movements include Banco Santander down 0.9% to $12.11, Datadog down 1.3% to $120.86, Origin Bancorp up 1.2% to $40.48, Royal Gold up 2% to $259.15, Cava up 2% to $72.00, and Autodesk up 0.4% to $262.26 [6]

Core Viewpoint - Gold equities are projected to remain highly attractive within the mining sector in 2026, supported by strong valuations, balance sheets, and free cash flow generation, despite expectations for price consolidation [1][2]. Industry Outlook - Analysts maintain a bullish stance on gold equities for 2026 due to appealing valuations, while being neutral on gold prices [2]. - Structural drivers supporting gold's strength in 2025, such as de-dollarization, US fiscal concerns, macroeconomic uncertainty, central bank buying, and physical demand through ETFs, are expected to persist into 2026 [2]. Price Expectations - Jefferies anticipates gold prices will remain rangebound in 2026, with a potential period of consolidation, which is viewed positively for the sector [3][4]. - Real interest rates are identified as a significant factor influencing gold prices, particularly with potential changes in US monetary policy [3]. Sector Health - The gold mining sector is characterized by strong balance sheets, disciplined cost control, and increasing shareholder returns, with nine out of twelve covered gold miners in net cash positions [5]. - Cost inflation has remained below 5%, and real all-in costs are under US$2,400 per ounce, contributing to a healthy sector outlook [5]. Future Expectations - Jefferies expects favorable conditions to continue into 2026, with some upward pressure on labor and consumables anticipated, though still below 10% [6]. - Higher gold prices are expected to influence reserve calculations, potentially extending mine lives without significantly impacting near-term margins [7]. M&A Activity - Sustained high gold prices and growing cash balances may shift investor focus towards growth, setting the stage for increased merger and acquisition activity as financial discipline gives way to strategic expansion [8]. Top Gold Picks - Barrick Gold Corp. is identified as the top pick among large-cap miners, expected to deliver the highest free cash flow yield in 2026 at approximately 12% [9][10]. - Alamos Gold Inc. is viewed as a catch-up opportunity among mid-caps, with potential for re-rating driven by improved performance and expansion studies [10]. - Royal Gold, Inc. is highlighted for its unjustified valuation discount, with expectations for improved market sentiment due to medium-term growth clarity [11]. Other Metals - Jefferies has become more cautious on copper equities due to valuations, despite maintaining a positive outlook on copper prices [12].

Core Viewpoint - Entrée Resources Ltd. is actively engaged in negotiations and oversight related to its joint venture licenses in Mongolia, particularly concerning the Oyu Tolgoi project, amid governmental investigations and restructuring efforts [1][2][3][4]. Group 1: Parliamentary Oversight - The Mongolian Parliament established a Temporary Oversight Committee on July 2, 2025, to investigate the protection of national interests and benefits from the Oyu Tolgoi deposits [2]. - The Committee conducted a three-day public hearing in December 2025, summoning around 300 witnesses, including former government officials and representatives from Rio Tinto and OT LLC [3]. - On December 19, 2025, the Committee reported its findings and submitted a draft resolution to Parliament for further consideration [3]. Group 2: Government Negotiations - A Government Working Group was formed on August 22, 2025, to negotiate the State's interest in the JV Licenses, with the Company officially notified on September 18, 2025 [4]. - A preliminary meeting between the Company and the Government Working Group took place on December 10, 2025, with negotiations expected to commence shortly [4]. - OT LLC holds an 80% (or 70% depending on mineralization depth) economic interest in the JV Licenses and has exclusive rights for infrastructure construction and mining operations [4]. Group 3: Legal Proceedings - In Q3 2025, Entrée LLC filed a claim with the Administrative Court of Mongolia to review the valuation of the JV Licenses, which is necessary for the transfer of licenses to OT LLC [5]. - The court hearing regarding this claim is anticipated to be scheduled soon [5]. Group 4: Company Overview - Entrée Resources Ltd. is a Canadian mining company with a carried joint venture interest in the Oyu Tolgoi project, holding a 20% or 30% interest depending on mineralization depth [6]. - Major shareholders include Royal Gold, Inc. and Rio Tinto, holding approximately 24% and 16% of the Company's shares, respectively [6].

All monetary amounts are expressed in Canadian dollars, unless otherwise indicated.Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 19, 2025) - Highlander Silver Corp. (TSX: HSLV) ("Highlander Silver") and Bear Creek Mining Corporation (TSXV: BCM) (OTCQX: BCEKF) (BVL: BCM) ("Bear Creek") are pleased to announce that they have entered into a definitive agreement (the "Arrangement Agreement") whereby Highlander Silver and Bear Creek have agreed to combine their respective businesses by way of a plan of arrangeme ...