Press Release: Eldorado and Foran Combine to Create a Leading Gold and Copper Producer

Dow Jones
Feb 02

Combination strengthens Eldorado's exceptional growth profile

Pro-Forma Company to generate sector-leading free cash flow and profit margins

Long-life assets with near-term organic expansion and scale

Diversifies portfolio with addition of a project of Canadian national importance

Dan Myerson to join Board of Directors

(All amounts expressed in U.S. dollars unless otherwise noted)

VANCOUVER, BC, Feb. 2, 2026 /CNW/ - Eldorado Gold Corporation (TSX: ELD) $(EGO)$ ("Eldorado") and Foran Mining Corporation (TSX: FOM, OTCQX: FMCXF) ("Foran") are pleased to announce that they have entered into an agreement whereby Eldorado will acquire Foran to create a sector-leading gold-copper mining company with significant near--term growth, strong cash flow generation, long--life assets, and a diversified portfolio. This positions Eldorado to benefit from robust metal prices and rising demand for critical minerals. By bringing together two high-quality, fully financed development assets -- Skouries in Greece and McIlvenna Bay in Saskatchewan, Canada -- which are both on budget and on schedule to achieve commercial production in mid-2026, the combined company will offer a clear and compelling re-rate opportunity. With a diversified asset base anchored in Canada and a peer-leading exploration pipeline, the combined company is designed to generate resilient, long-term cash flows capable of self-funding sustained growth.

Transaction Overview

Eldorado and Foran have entered into a definitive agreement (the "Arrangement Agreement") pursuant to which Eldorado will acquire all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Foran (the "Foran Common Shares"), including those Foran Common Shares to be issued on conversion of the non--voting shares of Foran (the "Foran Non-Voting Shares", and together with the Foran Common Shares, the "Foran Shares"), other than the Foran Shares already owned by Eldorado or its affiliates, by way of a court--approved plan of arrangement (the "Transaction"). Pursuant to the terms of the Arrangement Agreement, Foran shareholders will receive 0.1128 common shares of Eldorado (each whole share, an "Eldorado Share") and $0.01 in cash for each Foran Share held (the "Consideration"), representing an 8.0% premium to the 20-day volume-weighted average trading price ("VWAP") of the Foran Common Shares, based on the 20-day VWAP of the Eldorado Shares for the period ended January 30, 2026, and, following the recent increase in Foran's share price, represents a nil premium to the closing price of the Foran Common Shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange ("TSX") on January 30, 2026 implying an equity value for Foran of approximately C$3.8 billion. Upon completion of the Transaction, existing Eldorado and Foran shareholders will own approximately 76% and 24% of the combined company, respectively.

Strategic Rationale: A New Global Gold-Copper Leader

   -- Peer-leading near-term growth: Positioned to deliver a leading growth 
      profile, underpinned by two fully financed development projects -- 
      Skouries and McIlvenna Bay advancing toward commercial production in 
      mid--2026. Expected to produce approximately 900k gold equivalent ounces 
      in 2027(1). 
 
   -- Substantial EBITDA & free cash flow: Expected to generate approximately 
      $2.1 billion of EBITDA(2) and $1.5 billion in free cash flow(3) in 2027. 
      This robust long-term cash flow will fund growth initiatives, strengthen 
      balance sheet, and support continued shareholder returns through dividend 
      and share buyback programs, while maintaining financial flexibility 
      through commodity cycles. 
 
   -- Long-life, diversified asset base: Combined portfolio delivers balanced 
      gold--copper exposure (77% gold, 15% copper, 8% other metals) across 
      attractive mining jurisdictions in Canada, Greece, and Türkiye, 
      providing jurisdictional and commodity diversification. 
 
   -- Significant exploration upside: Eldorado will continue to accelerate 
      high--value organic growth opportunities. This includes advancing Foran's 
      high--grade polymetallic Tesla zone as well as maximizing the exploration 
      potential surrounding Eldorado's existing operating and development 
      assets. 
 
   -- Compelling re-rate opportunity: With increased scale and trading 
      liquidity, near--term growth and enhanced Canadian exposure the 
      combination will support a valuation re-rate opportunity. 
 
   -- Sustainability-focused operations: Strong alignment across sustainability 
      principles, carbon efficient practices, and a shared commitment to 
      responsible mining will enable the combined company to focus on 
      transparent sustainability performance and continued advancement in GHG 
      emissions mitigation. 

Leadership Commentary

George Burns, Chief Executive Officer of Eldorado commented "This combination creates a stronger gold and copper growth company, defined by near-term cash flow generation and multiple catalysts. It is supported by a portfolio of long-life assets, exceptional exploration upside, and meaningful exposure to critical minerals across a well-balanced, multi-jurisdictional portfolio. With Skouries and McIlvenna Bay scheduled to come online in 2026, the combined business is positioned for a step-change in production, cash flow, and global relevance. Increasing our exposure to Canada, through an asset in Saskatchewan, consistently recognized as one of the world's most attractive mining jurisdictions strengthens our portfolio. We're excited about the opportunity to contribute to the province's continued success. Strong cultural and sustainability alignment, together with operations in Canada, Greece, and Türkiye create a stronger, more resilient platform for decades to come."

Steven Reid, Chair of the Board of Eldorado commented "The Board of Eldorado is pleased to welcome Dan Myerson to the Eldorado Board of Directors on completion of the transaction. Together, George and Dan will provide valuable continuity, operational experience and capital markets experience to the Board and Eldorado. During 2026 the Board will embark on a process specifically to advance its board succession program."

Dan Myerson, Executive Chair and Chief Executive Officer of Foran said "This transaction gives McIlvenna Bay the scale and financial strength to fully realize its potential, including the ability to accelerate phased expansion opportunities over time. Coupled with Skouries, this positions Eldorado to advance two world-class assets into production in short order. Having advanced through the risk curve associated with development, the company is fast approaching an inflection point towards enhanced free cash flow and production growth. I look forward to being actively involved in supporting a compelling strategy that creates an unmatched opportunity for growth and scale. We share a belief that people are the most important asset, and that disciplined execution and a relentless focus on value creation are what enable durable, generational success."

Government Support

The Honourable Scott Moe, Premier of Saskatchewan, said, "This proposed transaction reinforces Saskatchewan's position as a leading destination for responsible resource development. McIlvenna Bay is a high-quality project that will deliver jobs, investment, and long-term economic benefits for the province. A combination with Eldorado would further strengthen the project's development pathway and underscore Canada's role in supplying critical minerals to both domestic and global markets."

Canadian Headquarters and Economic Benefits

The combined business will remain headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, under the Eldorado Gold name, and intends to expand and accelerate levels of investment in Canadian exploration and development activities. Alongside the Lamaque Complex in Quebec, McIlvenna Bay will become another cornerstone Canadian asset within the portfolio, supporting sustained employment and long-term economic contributions in Saskatchewan and Canada. The economic and critical mineral significance of McIlvenna Bay has also been recognized by the Government of Canada, being among the first projects referred for consideration to the new Major Projects Office as a project of national interest.

Transaction Approvals and Timing

The Transaction will be completed pursuant to a court-approved plan of arrangement under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) and is expected to close in Q2 2026.

The Transaction will require approval of at least: (i) two-thirds of the votes cast by the holders of Foran Common Shares and Foran Non-Voting Shares, voting together as a single class, (ii) two-thirds of the votes cast by the holders of Foran Common Shares, Foran Non-Voting Shares, Foran stock options, Foran restricted share units and Foran deferred share units, voting together as a single class; (iii) if applicable, a simple majority of the votes cast by the holders of Foran Common Shares, voting as a separate class, excluding those votes attached to Foran Common Shares held by persons required to be excluded pursuant to Multilateral Instrument 61-101 -- Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"); and (iv) if applicable, a simple majority of the votes cast by the holders of Foran Non-Voting Shares, voting as a separate class, excluding those votes attached to Foran Non-Voting Shares held by persons required to be excluded pursuant to MI 61-101, in each case, at a special meeting of Foran securityholders expected to be held on or before April 14, 2026.

Each of the directors and senior officers of Foran who collectively own 4% of the Foran Common Shares have entered into a voting and support agreement with Eldorado, pursuant to which, subject to the terms and conditions set forth therein, they will vote their securities held, as applicable, in favour of the Transaction.

Issuance of the Consideration in connection with the Transaction will require approval of a simple majority of the votes cast by the holders of Eldorado Shares at a special meeting of Eldorado shareholders expected to be held on or before April 14, 2026. Each of the directors and senior officers of Eldorado, who collectively own approximately 0.3% of the Eldorado Shares, has entered into a voting and support agreement with Foran pursuant to which, subject to the terms and conditions set forth therein, they will vote their securities held in favour of the Transaction.

In addition to securityholder and court approvals, the closing of the Transaction is subject to certain regulatory approvals (including the approvals of the TSX, NYSE and the Competition Bureau) and the satisfaction of other closing conditions customary for a transaction of this nature. The Arrangement Agreement includes customary deal protections, including a non-solicitation covenant on the part of Foran, the right of Eldorado to match any superior proposal for Foran. Each party is entitled to a break fee upon the occurrence of certain customary circumstances.

Subject to the satisfaction or waiver by the parties of all necessary closing conditions, including the receipt of all required approvals, the parties anticipate completion of the Transaction in Q2 2026. Following completion of the Transaction, Foran shares will be delisted from the TSX and the OTCQX, and Foran will cease to be a reporting issuer under Canadian securities laws.

Full details of the Transaction will also be included in the meeting materials of Eldorado and Foran, which are expected to be mailed to Eldorado shareholders and Foran securityholders by mid-March 2026 and will also be available under Eldorado's SEDAR+ profile and on EDGAR and Foran's SEDAR+ profile.

None of the securities to be issued pursuant to the Transaction have been or will be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or any state securities laws, and any securities issuable in the Transaction are anticipated to be issued in reliance upon available exemptions from such registration requirements pursuant to Section 3(a)(10) of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable exemptions under state securities laws. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities.

Board of Directors' Recommendations

The Board of Directors of both Foran and Eldorado have unanimously approved the Transaction. Each board also appointed a special committee of independent directors to consider and make a recommendation in respect to the Transaction, and both special committees unanimously recommended that their respective Board of Directors approve the Transaction.

Advisors and Counsel

BMO Capital Markets is acting as financial advisor to Eldorado. RBC Capital Markets provided an independent fairness opinion to the Eldorado special committee. Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP is acting as legal advisor to Eldorado and Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP is acting as legal advisor to the Eldorado special committee.

Morgan Stanley Canada Limited, National Bank Capital Markets and Mills Dunlop Capital Partners are acting as financial advisors to Foran. Stifel Nicolaus Canada Inc. provided an independent fairness opinion and is acting as financial advisor to the Foran special committee. McCarthy Tétrault LLP is acting as legal advisor to Foran.

Conference Call

Eldorado and Foran will host a joint conference call to discuss the Transaction on February 2, 2026, at 8:00 AM ET (5:00 AM PT). The joint conference call will be hosted by George Burns and Christian Milau, Chief Executive Officer and President of Eldorado, respectively, joined by Dan Myerson, Executive Chairman and CEO of Foran.

The call will be webcast and the accompanying presentation can be accessed at Eldorado Gold's website at www.eldoradogold.com and Foran's website www.foranmining.com. The webcast can also be accessed at https://event.choruscall.com/mediaframe/webcast.html?webcastid=5QMUgyhh.

Conference Call Details

Date: February 2, 2026

Time: 8:00 AM ET (5:00 AM PT)

Dial in: +1 647 846 2782

Toll free: 1 833 752 3325

Participants may elect to pre-register for the conference call via this link: https://dpregister.com/sreg/10206382/10339022f08. Upon registration, participants will receive a calendar invitation by email with dial in details and a unique PIN. This will allow participants to bypass the operator queue and connect directly to the conference. Registration will remain open until the end of the conference call.

A telephone replay of the call will be available through March 16, 2026. The webcast will be archived for three-months, and available via the following link: https://event.choruscall.com/mediaframe/webcast.html?webcastid=5QMUgyhh.

Replay (available until March 16, 2026)

Vancouver: +1 412 317 0088

Toll Free: 1 855 669 9658

Access code: 4437397

About Eldorado Gold

Eldorado is a gold and base metals producer with mining, development and exploration operations in Canada, Greece and Türkiye. Eldorado has a highly skilled and dedicated workforce, safe and responsible operations, a portfolio of high-quality assets, and long-term partnerships with local communities. Eldorado's common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: ELD) and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: EGO).

About Foran

Foran is a near-term critical minerals producer, committed to supporting a greener future and empowering communities while creating value for our stakeholders. The McIlvenna Bay project is located within the documented traditional territory of the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation, comprises the infrastructure and works related to development and exploration activities of Foran, and hosts the McIlvenna Bay Deposit and Tesla Zone.

The McIlvenna Bay Deposit is a copper-zinc-gold-silver rich deposit intended to be the centre of a new mining camp in a prolific district that has already been producing for 100 years. The McIlvenna Bay Property sits just 65 km West of Flin Flon, Manitoba, and is part of the world-class Flin Flon Greenstone Belt that extends from Snow Lake, Manitoba, through Flin Flon to Foran's ground in eastern Saskatchewan, a distance of over 225 km.

(1) Gold equivalent ounces $(GEO)$: Based on public disclosure assuming street consensus analyst prices of US$3,965/oz Au, US$47.54/ oz Ag, US$5.02/lb Cu and US$1.26/lb Zn in 2027.

(2) EBITDA calculated as revenue based on public disclosure less cash operating costs based on street consensus analyst estimates as per S&P CapIQ.

(3) Based on street consensus estimates as per FactSet, calculated as operating cash flow less capex.

Cautionary Note about Forward-looking Statements and Information

Certain of the statements made and information provided in this news release are forward-looking statements or information within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws. Often, these forward-looking statements and forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words such as "anticipates", "believes", "budget", "continue", "deliver" "estimates", "expects", "forecasts", "generate" "guidance", "intends", "plans", "projected" or "scheduled" or the negatives thereof or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved.

Forward-looking statements or information contained in this release include, but are not limited to, statements or information with respect to: Eldorado and Foran's intent to complete the Transaction and specifically Eldorado's intent to acquire all the outstanding Foran Shares; the consummation and timing of the Transaction; approval of the Transaction by Eldorado shareholders and Foran securityholders; satisfaction and timing of the closing conditions of the Transaction, including timing, receipt and anticipated effects of court, regulatory and other consents and approvals; management's views on the positive impacts of the proposed Transaction and the strategic rationale for the Transaction; management's belief that the combined entity is a re-rate opportunity; views on the life of assets; expectations of benefits from metal prices and demand for critical minerals; management's view of the exploration potential of the combined entity; the combined company's focus on its commitment to transparent performance and GHG mitigation; management's belief that the combined company will be capable of organically funding sustained growth; expected weightings of the combined portfolio; expectations that Skouries and McIlvenna Bay projects are on track and on budget and will enter into production in 2026; expected production and free cash flow of the combined entity in 2027; economic benefits for the Province of Saskatchewan and Canada; intent to advance GHG emission mitigations; expected additions and changes to the Eldorado Board and a future Board succession process; expected outcomes of voting support agreements; the expected percentage of the combined company that would be owned by former Foran shareholders; expected shareholder meeting and associated mailing dates; the location of headquarters of the combined company; management's estimate of a closing date; and generally, Eldorado's strategy, plans, goals and priorities.

Forward-looking statements and forward-looking information by their nature are based on assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, market uncertainties and other factors, which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Eldorado and the combined company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information.

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February 02, 2026 06:00 ET (11:00 GMT)

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Disclaimer: Investing carries risk. This is not financial advice. The above content should not be regarded as an offer, recommendation, or solicitation on acquiring or disposing of any financial products, any associated discussions, comments, or posts by author or other users should not be considered as such either. It is solely for general information purpose only, which does not consider your own investment objectives, financial situations or needs. TTM assumes no responsibility or warranty for the accuracy and completeness of the information, investors should do their own research and may seek professional advice before investing.

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