fv4za
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
May 28, 2008
Registration No. 333-149068
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C.
20549
Amendment No. 1
to
Form F-4
REGISTRATION
STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF
1933
AngloGold Ashanti
Limited
(Exact Name of Registrant as
Specified in Its Charter)
Not Applicable
(Translation of
Registrants Name Into English)
|
|
|
|
|
Republic of South Africa
|
|
1040
|
|
Not Applicable
|
(State or Other Jurisdiction
of
Incorporation or Organization)
|
|
(Primary Standard Industrial
Classification Code Number)
|
|
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)
|
76 Jeppe Street
Newtown, Johannesburg,
2001
(P.O. Box 62117,
Marshalltown, 2107)
South Africa
Tel: +27
(11) 637-6000
(Address, Including Zip Code,
and Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of Registrants
Principal Executive Offices)
AngloGold Ashanti North America
Inc.
7400 East Orchard Road,
Suite 350
Greenwood Village, CO
80111
Tel: +1
(303) 889-0700
(Name, Address, Including Zip
Code, and Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of Agent For
Service)
Copies to:
|
|
|
|
|
Richard J.B. Price
Shearman & Sterling LLP
9 Appold Street
London EC2A 2AP, United Kingdom
Tel: + 44 (20) 7655-5000
|
|
Ronald R. Levine, II
Davis Graham & Stubbs LLP
1550 17th Street, Suite 500
Denver, CO 80202
Tel: +1 (303) 892-9400
|
|
Kenneth G. Sam
Dorsey & Whitney LLP
370 17th Street, Suite 4700
Denver, CO
80202-5647
Tel: +1
(303) 629-3400
|
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale of the
securities to the public: Upon completion of the
merger described herein.
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an
offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act,
check the following box and list the Securities Act registration
statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same
offering. o
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to
Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following
box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of
the earlier effective registration statement for the same
offering. o
CALCULATION
OF REGISTRATION FEE
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proposed Maximum
|
|
|
Proposed Maximum
|
|
|
|
Title of Each Class of
|
|
|
Amount to be
|
|
|
Offering Price
|
|
|
Aggregate Offering
|
|
|
Amount of
|
Securities to be
Registered(1)
|
|
|
Registered(2)
|
|
|
per Unit
|
|
|
Price(3)
|
|
|
Registration Fee
|
Ordinary shares, par value 25 South African cents per share
|
|
|
3,233,633(5)
|
|
|
Not Applicable
|
|
|
$123,940,373
|
|
|
$4,871(4)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Notes:
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
All of the securities being offered
hereby will be issued in the form of American Depositary Shares
of the registrant (each an AngloGold Ashanti ADS)
evidenced by American Depositary Receipts. Each AngloGold
Ashanti ADS represents one ordinary share, par value 25 South
African cents per share, of the registrant (each an
AngloGold Ashanti ordinary share). The AngloGold
Ashanti ADSs will be issuable upon deposit of AngloGold Ashanti
ordinary shares and have been registered under a registration
statement on
Form F-6.
|
|
(2)
|
|
Represents the maximum number of
ordinary shares of the registrant, AngloGold Ashanti Limited,
estimated to be deliverable upon completion of the merger of
Golden Cycle Gold Corporation with and into GCGC LLC, an
indirect wholly owned subsidiary of the registrant.
|
|
(3)
|
|
Estimated solely for the purpose of
calculating the registration fee required by Section 6(b)
of the Securities Act and calculated in accordance with
Rules 457(c) and (f)(1) under the Securities Act. The
proposed maximum aggregate offering price of the
registrants ordinary shares was calculated based upon the
market value of shares of Golden Cycle Gold Corporation common
stock in accordance with Rule 457(c) under the Securities
Act as follows: the product of (A) $11.97, the average of
the high and low prices of Golden Cycle Gold Corporation common
stock as reported on the New York Stock Exchange on
January 30, 2008, and (B) 10,354,250, the maximum
number of ordinary shares of Golden Cycle Gold Corporation
common stock expected to be exchanged in connection with the
merger, which is the sum of (x) 9,769,250 issued and
outstanding shares of Golden Cycle Gold Corporation common stock
and (y) 585,000 shares of Golden Cycle Gold
Corporation common stock issuable under various plans and
options, as of January 30, 2008.
|
|
(4)
|
|
Computed in accordance with
Rule 457(f) under the Securities Act by multiplying the
proposed maximum aggregate offering price by 0.00003930.
|
|
|
|
(5)
|
|
Amount to be registered adjusted to
reflect an increase in the exchange ratio from 0.29 to 0.3123.
|
The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on
such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective
date until the Registrant shall file a further amendment which
specifically states that this Registration Statement shall
thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a)
of the Securities Act of 1933 or until this Registration
Statement shall become effective on such date as the Commission,
acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.
May 28,
2008
To Golden Cycle Gold Corporation Shareholders:
I am pleased to invite you to the special shareholders
meeting to consider the proposed merger of Golden Cycle Gold
Corporation and a subsidiary of AngloGold Ashanti Limited. The
meeting will be held at Elks Lodge, 367 North 3rd Street,
Victor, Colorado on June 30, 2008 at 10:00 a.m., local
time.
In the merger, Golden Cycle shareholders will be entitled to
receive 0.3123 American Depositary Shares, or ADSs, of AngloGold
Ashanti in exchange for each share of Golden Cycle common stock
held by them prior to the merger (any entitlement to a fraction
of an AngloGold Ashanti ADS after aggregating the holdings of
Golden Cycle common stock will be rounded up to the nearest
whole AngloGold Ashanti ADS).
AngloGold Ashantis ADSs, each representing one AngloGold
Ashanti ordinary share, par value 25 South African cents per
share, are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the
symbol AU. AngloGold Ashantis ordinary shares
are listed on the JSE under the symbol ANG, the
London Stock Exchange under the symbol AGD, Euronext
Paris under the symbol VA, the Australian Stock
Exchange in the form of CHESS depositary interests, each
representing one-fifth of an ordinary share, under the symbol
AGG, the Ghana Stock Exchange where its shares are
quoted under the symbol AGA and in the form of
Ghanaian Depositary Shares, or GhDSs, under the symbol
AADS, each representing one-hundredth of an ordinary
share, and Euronext Brussels where its shares are quoted in the
form of unsponsored international depositary receipts under the
symbol ANG.
You should carefully consider the risk factors relating to
the proposed merger beginning on page 16.
Whether or not you plan to attend the meeting, please complete
and return your proxy card in the envelope enclosed for your
convenience. If you attend the special meeting, you may vote in
person if you wish, even if you have previously returned your
proxy card. Your prompt cooperation is greatly appreciated.
Sincerely yours,
/s/ James C. Ruder
James C. Ruder
Chairman of the Board
If you have any questions concerning the proposed merger, please
call Golden Cycles Chief Executive Officer, R. Herbert
Hampton, at
+1 (719) 471-9013.
Please do not send in your stock certificates with your proxy
card.
NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE
SECURITIES COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF THE MERGER
OR THE SECURITIES TO BE ISSUED IN CONNECTION WITH THE MERGER OR
HAS PASSED UPON THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THE DISCLOSURE IN
THIS PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE
CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
This proxy statement/prospectus is dated May 28, 2008, and
is first being mailed to Golden Cycle shareholders on or about
that date.
GOLDEN
CYCLE GOLD CORPORATION
1515 South Tejon Street,
Suite 201, Colorado Springs, Colorado
80906
NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF
SHAREHOLDERS
To Be Held On June 30,
2008 at 10:00 a.m.
TO GOLDEN CYCLE GOLD CORPORATION SHAREHOLDERS:
Notice is hereby given that a special meeting of shareholders of
Golden Cycle Gold Corporation relating to the proposed merger of
Golden Cycle with a subsidiary of AngloGold Ashanti Limited will
be held on June 30, 2008, at 10:00 a.m., local time,
at Elks Lodge, 367 North
3rd Street,
Victor, Colorado, to consider and vote upon:
(1) A proposal to approve and adopt the Agreement and Plan
of Merger, dated as of January 11, 2008, as amended on
May 27, 2008, by and among AngloGold Ashanti Limited,
AngloGold Ashanti USA Incorporated, GCGC LLC, a wholly owned
subsidiary of AngloGold Ashanti USA, and Golden Cycle; and
(2) A proposal to approve the adjournment of the special
meeting, if necessary or appropriate.
Information regarding the merger and related matters is
contained in the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus and the
annexes to the proxy statement/prospectus. A copy of the merger
agreement, as amended, is attached as Annex A to the
accompanying proxy statement/prospectus.
The board of directors has fixed the close of business on
May 13, 2008 as the record date for the determination of
Golden Cycle shareholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at,
the special meeting or any adjournment thereof. Only the holders
of record of shares of Golden Cycle common stock on the record
date are entitled to have their votes counted at the special
meeting. A list of shareholders entitled to vote at the special
meeting will be available for examination by any Golden Cycle
shareholder, for any purpose concerning the meeting, during
ordinary business hours at Golden Cycles principal
executive offices, located at 1515 South Tejon Street,
Suite 201, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80906, beginning from
May 30, 2008 at the time of the special meeting.
Adoption of the merger agreement requires the votes represented
by the holders of two-thirds of the outstanding shares of Golden
Cycle common stock entitled to vote to be voted FOR
the proposal. Failure to vote your shares of Golden Cycle
common stock at the special meeting has the same effect as a
vote AGAINST the merger.
You have the power to revoke your proxy at any time prior to its
use at the special meeting. If you attend the special meeting,
you may withdraw your proxy and vote in person.
You may attend the special meeting in person. It is important
that your shares of Golden Cycle common stock are represented at
the special meeting regardless of the number of shares that you
hold. Your early attention to the proxy card is greatly
appreciated because it will reduce the cost Golden Cycle incurs
in obtaining voting instructions from its shareholders.
The Golden Cycle board of directors has approved and declared
advisable the merger agreement and the merger and unanimously
recommends that you vote or give instructions to vote
FOR the proposal to approve and adopt the merger
agreement and FOR the approval of the adjournment of
the special meeting, if necessary or appropriate.
You should not return your Golden Cycle common stock
certificates with the enclosed proxy card.
By Order of the Board of Directors
/s/ Wilma L. Delacruz
Wilma L. Delacruz
Secretary
Colorado Springs, Colorado
May 28, 2008
ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION
This proxy statement/prospectus incorporates important business
and financial information about AngloGold Ashanti and Golden
Cycle from other documents that are not included in or delivered
with this proxy statement/prospectus. See Where You Can
Find More Information on page 110 for a listing of
documents incorporated by reference. These documents are
available to you without charge upon your written or oral
request. You can obtain the documents incorporated by reference
in this proxy statement/prospectus by requesting them in writing
or by telephone from the appropriate company at one of the
following addresses:
|
|
|
AngloGold Ashanti
Limited
|
|
Golden Cycle Gold
Corporation
|
|
In South Africa:
AngloGold Ashanti Limited 76 Jeppe Street Newtown, Johannesburg, 2001 (P.O. Box 62117, Marshalltown, 2107) South Africa Telephone: +27 (11) 637-6385 Attention:
Investor Relations
|
|
1515 South Tejon Street, Suite
201
Colorado Springs, CO 80906
Telephone: +1 (719) 471-9013
Fax: +1 (719) 520-1442
|
|
|
|
In the United States:
AngloGold Ashanti North America Inc. 7400 E. Orchard Road, Suite 350 Greenwood Village, CO 80111 Telephone: +1 (303) 889-0700 Fax: +1 (303) 889-0707 Attention: Investor
Relations
|
|
|
If you would like to request any documents, you must do so by
June 13, 2008 in order to receive them before the special
meeting of Golden Cycle shareholders.
Table of
Contents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Page
|
|
|
|
|
iv
|
|
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
|
|
9
|
|
|
|
|
12
|
|
|
|
|
14
|
|
|
|
|
15
|
|
|
|
|
16
|
|
|
|
|
16
|
|
|
|
|
18
|
|
|
|
|
22
|
|
|
|
|
22
|
|
|
|
|
22
|
|
|
|
|
23
|
|
|
|
|
23
|
|
|
|
|
24
|
|
|
|
|
25
|
|
|
|
|
25
|
|
|
|
|
25
|
|
|
|
|
25
|
|
|
|
|
25
|
|
|
|
|
26
|
|
|
|
|
26
|
|
|
|
|
27
|
|
|
|
|
27
|
|
|
|
|
27
|
|
|
|
|
28
|
|
|
|
|
28
|
|
|
|
|
29
|
|
|
|
|
33
|
|
|
|
|
33
|
|
|
|
|
34
|
|
|
|
|
37
|
|
|
|
|
42
|
|
|
|
|
43
|
|
|
|
|
43
|
|
|
|
|
44
|
|
|
|
|
44
|
|
|
|
|
44
|
|
|
|
|
44
|
|
|
|
|
44
|
|
|
|
|
45
|
|
|
|
|
46
|
|
|
|
|
48
|
|
i
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Page
|
|
|
|
|
50
|
|
|
|
|
51
|
|
|
|
|
51
|
|
|
|
|
51
|
|
|
|
|
52
|
|
|
|
|
52
|
|
|
|
|
52
|
|
|
|
|
52
|
|
|
|
|
54
|
|
|
|
|
55
|
|
|
|
|
55
|
|
|
|
|
56
|
|
|
|
|
56
|
|
|
|
|
57
|
|
|
|
|
57
|
|
|
|
|
57
|
|
|
|
|
58
|
|
|
|
|
59
|
|
|
|
|
60
|
|
|
|
|
60
|
|
|
|
|
60
|
|
|
|
|
61
|
|
|
|
|
62
|
|
Executive Bonus
|
|
|
62
|
|
|
|
|
63
|
|
|
|
|
65
|
|
|
|
|
65
|
|
|
|
|
73
|
|
|
|
|
73
|
|
|
|
|
73
|
|
|
|
|
75
|
|
|
|
|
75
|
|
|
|
|
80
|
|
|
|
|
82
|
|
|
|
|
82
|
|
|
|
|
82
|
|
|
|
|
83
|
|
|
|
|
83
|
|
|
|
|
83
|
|
|
|
|
84
|
|
|
|
|
84
|
|
|
|
|
84
|
|
|
|
|
85
|
|
|
|
|
85
|
|
ii
|
|
|
|
|
Annexes
|
|
Annex A
|
|
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of January 11, 2008,
as amended on May 27, 2008, by and among AngloGold Ashanti
Limited, AngloGold Ashanti USA Incorporated, GCGC LLC and Golden
Cycle Gold Corporation
|
Annex B
|
|
Form of Shareholder Support Agreement, between the shareholder
party thereto and AngloGold Ashanti Limited
|
Annex C
|
|
Opinion of PI Financial (US) Corp.
|
iii
QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE GOLDEN CYCLE SPECIAL MEETING
AND THE PROPOSED MERGER
The following questions and answers briefly address some
questions you may have regarding the special meeting of Golden
Cycle shareholders and the proposed merger. These questions and
answers may not address all questions that may be important to
you as a Golden Cycle shareholder. Please refer to the more
detailed information contained in this proxy
statement/prospectus, the annexes to this proxy
statement/prospectus and the documents referred to, or
incorporated by reference in, this proxy statement/prospectus.
|
|
|
Q: |
|
What is the proposed transaction for which I am being
asked to vote? |
|
A: |
|
The proposed transaction is the merger of Golden Cycle with an
indirect wholly owned subsidiary of AngloGold Ashanti. Assuming
the closing conditions to the merger agreement are satisfied or
waived, Golden Cycle will be merged with and into GCGC LLC, a
Colorado limited liability company and a wholly owned subsidiary
of AngloGold Ashanti USA Incorporated, or AngloGold Ashanti USA,
which is a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of
AngloGold Ashanti. GCGC LLC will continue as the surviving
company in the merger and will continue to be an indirect wholly
owned subsidiary of AngloGold Ashanti. |
|
|
|
Q: |
|
Why was the merger agreement amended? |
|
|
|
A: |
|
The merger agreement was amended on May 27, 2008, to adjust
the consideration Golden Cycle shareholders will receive in the
merger from 0.29 AngloGold Ashanti ADSs to 0.3123 AngloGold
Ashanti ADSs (the consideration was adjusted for the recently
announced AngloGold Ashanti rights offering to place Golden
Cycle shareholders in the same economic position after the
rights offering as they were before the rights offering), to
amend the treatment of options to acquire shares of Golden Cycle
common stock and to increase the amount of the unpaid costs and
expenses permitted at closing. |
|
|
|
|
|
Under the terms of the merger agreement, as originally executed
on January 11, 2008, each unexpired and unexercised option
to purchase Golden Cycle common stock granted under Golden Cycle
stock option plans was to be automatically converted into an
option to purchase AngloGold Ashanti ADSs equal to the number of
shares of Golden Cycle common stock that could have been
purchased (assuming full vesting) under such option multiplied
by the exchange ratio (rounded down to the nearest whole number
of AngloGold Ashanti ADSs) at a price per AngloGold Ashanti ADS
equal to the per share option exercise price specified in the
Golden Cycle option divided by the exchange ratio (rounded up to
the nearest whole cent.) Subsequent to the signing of the
original agreement, AngloGold Ashanti determined that conversion
of the options to purchase Golden Cycle common stock would not
be permissible under the rules of AngloGold Ashantis
various employee share incentive schemes. As a result, Golden
Cycle and AngloGold Ashanti negotiated a cashless exercise for
the options to purchase Golden Cycle common stock and the
payment for lost opportunity costs of additional AngloGold
Ashanti ADSs with an aggregate value of $688,880, as more fully
described below. The additional consideration payable to the
option holders was determined using a Black Scholes calculation
to determine the lost opportunity value associated with the
early conversion of the options. |
|
|
|
Q: |
|
What will the Golden Cycle shareholders receive in the
merger? |
|
|
|
A: |
|
In the merger, Golden Cycle shareholders will receive 0.3123 of
an AngloGold Ashanti ADS as consideration for each share of
Golden Cycle common stock held immediately prior to the
effective time of the merger. AngloGold Ashanti will not issue
fractional AngloGold Ashanti ADSs in the merger. Rather than
receive a fractional AngloGold Ashanti ADS, each shareholder who
would otherwise have been entitled to receive a fraction of an
AngloGold Ashanti ADS (after taking into account all stock
certificates delivered by such holder) will receive, in lieu of
any fractional AngloGold Ashanti ADS, one AngloGold Ashanti ADS. |
|
|
|
Q: |
|
What is the AngloGold Ashanti rights offering? |
|
|
|
A: |
|
On May 21, 2008, AngloGold Ashanti announced that it
intends to proceed, subject to certain conditions, with a
renounceable rights offering of 69,470,442 new AngloGold Ashanti
ordinary shares to AngloGold Ashanti ordinary and E shareholders
and AngloGold Ashanti ADS holders at a subscription price of
ZAR194.00 per rights offer share or ADS and in the ratio of
24.6403 rights offer shares for every 100 AngloGold Ashanti
ordinary shares or ADSs held. |
iv
|
|
|
Q: |
|
What is the purpose of the AngloGold Ashanti rights
offering? |
|
|
|
A: |
|
The purpose of the AngloGold Ashanti rights offering is to
provide AngloGold Ashanti with additional financial resources to
improve its financial flexibility. In particular, the rights
offering will allow AngloGold Ashanti to significantly
restructure and reduce its existing gold hedging positions,
which have adversely affected AngloGold Ashantis financial
performance in recent years, while also being able to continue
to fund principal development projects and exploration growth
initiatives. Net proceeds of the rights offering may in the
interim be used to reduce short-term borrowings and the
borrowings outstanding on AngloGold Ashantis revolving
credit facility or as cash in accordance with AngloGold
Ashantis cash management policies. |
|
|
|
Q: |
|
Will Golden Cycle shareholders be entitled to participate
in the AngloGold Ashanti rights offering? |
|
|
|
A: |
|
No. The record date for AngloGold Ashanti shareholders to
participate in the rights offering is June 3, 2008, which
will be prior to the completion of the merger. |
|
|
|
Q: |
|
Why was the exchange ratio adjusted for the AngloGold
Ashanti rights offering? |
|
|
|
A: |
|
The additional shares to be issued upon completion of the
AngloGold Ashanti rights offering will be issued at a discount
to the market price of AngloGold Ashanti ordinary shares. The
adjustment in the exchange ratio effectively puts Golden Cycle
shareholders in the same position as before the rights offering. |
|
|
|
Q: |
|
What is an AngloGold Ashanti ADS? |
|
|
|
A: |
|
An American Depositary Share, or ADS, is a security that allows
shareholders in the United States to more easily hold and trade
interests in foreign-based companies. AngloGold Ashanti is a
South African company that issues ordinary shares that are
equivalent in many respects to common stock of a U.S. company.
Each AngloGold Ashanti ADS represents one AngloGold Ashanti
ordinary share. AngloGold Ashanti ADSs are listed on the New
York Stock Exchange and trade under the symbol AU.
The Bank of New York Mellon is the depositary for AngloGold
Ashanti Limited and will be responsible for issuing AngloGold
Ashanti ADSs to Golden Cycle shareholders. |
|
|
|
Q: |
|
Will Golden Cycle shareholders be able to trade the
AngloGold Ashanti ADSs that they receive in the
transaction? |
|
A: |
|
Yes. AngloGold Ashanti ADSs are currently listed on the New York
Stock Exchange (under the symbol AU) and the
AngloGold Ashanti ADSs that will be issued in connection with
the transaction will be listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
AngloGold Ashanti ADSs received in exchange for shares of Golden
Cycle common stock in the transaction will be freely
transferable under United States federal securities laws. |
|
|
|
Q: |
|
Where can I get more information concerning the risks
related to AngloGold Ashanti, the merger and the AngloGold
Ashanti ordinary shares and ADSs? |
|
|
|
A: |
|
You should carefully consider the specific factors set forth
under Risk Factors beginning on page 16 and the
risk factors included in AngloGold Ashantis Annual Report
on
Form 20-F,
which is incorporated by reference into this proxy
statement/prospectus, as well as all the other information set
forth or incorporated by reference in this proxy
statement/prospectus. |
|
|
|
Q: |
|
How will the merger affect options to acquire shares of
Golden Cycle common stock? |
|
|
|
A: |
|
Under the terms of the merger agreement executed on
January 11, 2008, each unexpired and unexercised option to
purchase Golden Cycle common stock granted under Golden Cycle
stock option plans was to be automatically converted into an
option to purchase AngloGold Ashanti ADSs equal to the number of
shares of Golden Cycle common stock that could have been
purchased (assuming full vesting) under such option multiplied
by the exchange ratio (rounded down to the nearest whole number
of AngloGold Ashanti ADSs) at a price per AngloGold Ashanti ADS
equal to the per share option exercise price specified in the
Golden Cycle option divided by the exchange ratio. Subsequent to
the signing of the merger agreement, AngloGold Ashanti
determined that conversion of the options to purchase Golden
Cycle common stock would not be permissible under the rules of
AngloGold Ashantis various employee share incentive
schemes. As a result, Golden Cycle and AngloGold Ashanti
negotiated a cashless exercise for the options to purchase
Golden Cycle common stock as described below. |
v
|
|
|
|
|
The merger agreement provides that at the effective time of the
merger, each unexpired and unexercised option to purchase Golden
Cycle common stock granted under Golden Cycle stock option plans
will be automatically cancelled in exchange for a number of
Anglo Gold Ashanti ADSs equal to (a)(i) the aggregate fair
market value of AngloGold Ashanti ADSs that would have been
received for all Golden Cycle common stock (assuming the Golden
Cycle stock options were exercised) plus (ii) $1.23 for
each share underlying the Golden Cycle stock option ($1.23
represents consideration for early conversion of the options)
less (iii) the total aggregate exercise price of the Golden
Cycle stock option (assuming the Golden Cycle stock options were
exercised) divided by (b) the fair market value of each
AngloGold Ashanti ADS. For the purposes of the calculation, the
fair market value of each AngloGold Ashanti ADS is based on the
average closing price as reported by the New York Stock Exchange
of AngloGold Ashanti ADSs for the twenty consecutive trading
days ending on the day prior to the special meeting of Golden
Cycle shareholders to approve the merger. The merger agreement
provides for the following conversion formula: |
|
|
|
|
|
X = Number of ADSs Issuable for Golden Cycle Stock Option |
|
|
|
|
|
A = Number of Golden Cycle Shares Acquirable Upon Exercise of
Golden Cycle Stock Option
|
|
|
|
|
|
C = Average of the per share closing prices as reported by the
New York Stock Exchange of ADSs for the twenty consecutive
trading days ending on the day prior to the Target Meeting (ADS
Market Price)
|
|
|
|
|
|
D = $1.23 (adjustment for lost opportunity cost based on a Black
Scholes valuation) |
|
|
|
|
|
E = Option Exercise Price |
|
|
|
|
|
If the exercise price per share of any such Target Stock Option
is greater than or equal to the ADS Market Price multiplied by
the Exchange Ratio, then such Target Stock Option shall be
exchanged for the aggregate number of ADSs (less any applicable
income or employment tax withholding) equal to (i) the
number of Target Company Shares acquirable upon exercise of
Target Stock Option multiplied by (ii) $1.23 divided by
(iii) the ADS Market Price. |
|
|
|
|
|
If AngloGold Ashanti determines that any payment in respect of
options to purchase Golden Cycle common stock options gives rise
to compensation subject to withholding, then AngloGold Ashanti
(or the appropriate subsidiary thereof) will withhold the amount
required by applicable law. |
|
|
|
Q: |
|
What are the implications to Golden Cycle shareholders of
AngloGold Ashanti being a foreign private issuer
under the U.S. securities laws? |
|
A: |
|
AngloGold Ashanti is subject to the reporting requirements under
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (which we refer
to in this proxy statement/prospectus as the Exchange
Act), applicable to foreign private issuers. As a foreign
private issuer, AngloGold Ashanti is required to file an annual
report on
Form 20-F
with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC,
within six months after the end of each fiscal year. In
addition, AngloGold Ashanti is required to furnish reports on
Form 6-K
to the SEC regarding certain information required to be publicly
disclosed by AngloGold Ashanti in South Africa, including
interim financial statements, or regarding information
distributed or required to be distributed by AngloGold Ashanti
to its shareholders. As a foreign private issuer, AngloGold
Ashanti is exempt from certain rules under the Exchange Act,
including the requirement to file periodic reports and financial
statements with the SEC as frequently or as promptly as United
States companies with securities registered under the Exchange
Act, the requirement to file financial statements prepared in
accordance with U.S. GAAP, although AngloGold Ashanti currently
prepares the financial statements included in its annual report
on Form 20-F in accordance with U.S. |
vi
|
|
|
|
|
GAAP, and the proxy rules, which impose disclosure and
procedural requirements for proxy solicitations under the
Exchange Act. In addition, among other matters, AngloGold
Ashantis officers, directors and principal shareholders
are exempt from the reporting and short-swing profit
recovery provisions of Section 16 of the Exchange Act and
the rules under the Exchange Act with respect to their purchases
and sales of AngloGold Ashanti ordinary shares and ADSs. |
|
Q: |
|
When do you expect to complete the transaction? |
|
|
|
A: |
|
AngloGold Ashanti and Golden Cycle are working toward completing
the merger as quickly as possible, and anticipate that it will
be completed immediately after the special meeting on
June 30, 2008. In order to complete the merger, Golden
Cycle must obtain shareholder approval and the other closing
conditions under the merger agreement must be satisfied or
waived. |
|
|
|
Q: |
|
What vote is required by the Golden Cycle shareholders to
adopt the merger agreement or adjourn the special meeting, if
necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies? |
|
A: |
|
The adoption of the merger agreement requires the affirmative
vote of two-thirds of the issued and outstanding shares of
Golden Cycle common stock entitled to vote. The adjournment of
the special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit
additional proxies requires the affirmative vote of a majority
of the votes cast in person or by proxy at the Golden Cycle
special meeting. A majority of the outstanding Golden Cycle
common stock entitled to vote at the Golden Cycle special
meeting, whether present in person or represented by proxy, will
constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at the
Golden Cycle special meeting. |
|
Q: |
|
How does the Golden Cycle board of directors recommend
that I vote? |
|
|
|
A: |
|
The Golden Cycle board of directors recommends that Golden Cycle
shareholders vote FOR the adoption of the merger
agreement and FOR the approval of the adjournment of
the special meeting, if necessary or appropriate. You should
read The Merger Golden Cycles Reasons
for the Merger beginning on page 34 for a discussion
of the factors that the Golden Cycle board of directors
considered in deciding to recommend the adoption of the merger
agreement to Golden Cycle shareholders. |
|
|
|
Q: |
|
Who is entitled to vote? |
|
|
|
A: |
|
You can vote at the special meeting if you owned Golden Cycle
common stock at the close of business on May 13, 2008, the
record date. As of the record date, there were
9,794,250 shares of Golden Cycle common stock outstanding,
all of which are entitled to be voted at the special meeting. |
|
|
|
Q: |
|
How do I vote my shares of Golden Cycle common
stock? |
|
A: |
|
You should carefully read and consider the information contained
in or incorporated by reference into this proxy
statement/prospectus, including the annexes. You should also
determine whether you hold your shares of Golden Cycle common
stock directly in your name as a registered shareholder or
through a broker or other nominee, because this will determine
the procedure that you must follow in order to vote. If you are
a registered shareholder of Golden Cycle, you may vote in any of
the following ways: |
|
|
|
|
|
in person at the Golden Cycle special meeting
complete and sign the enclosed proxy card and bring either the
admission ticket attached to the proxy card or evidence of your
stock ownership with you to the Golden Cycle special meeting
(the ticket or evidence of your stock ownership will serve as
your right to admission and your authorization to vote in
person);
|
|
|
|
by mail complete, sign and date the enclosed proxy
card and return it in the enclosed postage paid return envelope
as soon as possible to Golden Cycle Gold Corporation, 1515 South
Tejon Street, Suite 201, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80906,
Attention: Wilma L. Delacruz, Secretary;
|
|
|
|
by facsimile complete, sign and date the enclosed
proxy card and fax it to Golden Cycles transfer agent at
the number provided with the enclosed proxy card; or
|
|
|
|
by telephone follow the instructions included with
the enclosed proxy card.
|
vii
If you are a non-registered holder of shares of Golden Cycle
common stock (which for purposes of this proxy
statement/prospectus means that your shares of Golden Cycle
common stock are held in street name), you should
instruct your broker or other nominee to vote your shares by
following the instructions provided by your broker or other
nominee. You may vote in person if you obtain written
authorization in your name from your broker or other nominee and
either bring the admission ticket attached to the proxy card or
evidence of your stock ownership from your broker or other
nominee. Please contact your broker or other nominee to
determine how to vote by mail. If you do not provide
instructions to your broker on how to vote, your shares of
Golden Cycle common stock will not be voted and construed as a
vote AGAINST the adoption of the merger agreement.
|
|
|
Q: |
|
What happens if I do not vote? |
|
A: |
|
Because the adoption of the merger agreement requires the
affirmative vote of two-thirds of the outstanding shares of
Golden Cycle common stock entitled to vote at the special
meeting, your failure to vote will have the same effect as a
vote AGAINST the adoption of the merger agreement. |
|
Q: |
|
What happens if I return my proxy card but dont
indicate how to vote? |
|
|
|
A: |
|
If you properly return your proxy card, but do not include
instructions on how to vote, your shares of Golden Cycle common
stock will be voted FOR the adoption of the merger
agreement and FOR the approval of the adjournment of
the special meeting, if necessary or appropriate. Golden
Cycles management does not currently intend to bring any
proposals to the Golden Cycle special meeting other than the
proposal to adopt the merger agreement and to adjourn the
special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit
additional proxies and does not expect any shareholder
proposals. If other proposals requiring a vote of shareholders
are brought before the Golden Cycle special meeting in a proper
manner, the persons named in the enclosed proxy card intend to
vote the shares they represent in accordance with their best
judgment in respect of such proposals. |
|
|
|
Q: |
|
What happens if I abstain from voting on the
proposal? |
|
A: |
|
If you return your proxy with instructions to abstain from
voting on either proposal, your shares will be counted for
purposes of determining whether a quorum is present at the
Golden Cycle special meeting. An abstention with respect to the
proposal to adopt the merger agreement has the legal effect of a
vote AGAINST the adoption of the merger agreement. |
|
|
|
Q: |
|
What happens if the Golden Cycle shareholders do not
approve the merger? |
|
|
|
A: |
|
If the shareholders of Golden Cycle do not approve the merger at
the special meeting, the merger agreement may be terminated by
either Golden Cycle or AngloGold Ashanti. |
|
|
|
|
|
Pursuant to the terms of the merger agreement, if the merger is
not effected on or before June 30, 2008, either Golden
Cycle or AngloGold Ashanti may terminate the merger agreement
provided that such terminating partys failure to fulfill
any obligation under the merger agreement has not been the cause
of, or resulted in, the failure of the merger to be consummated
on or before such date. However, the termination date will be
July 15, 2008 if either (i) this proxy
statement/prospectus has not been mailed to Golden Cycles
shareholders on or before June 2, 2008 or (ii) the
special meeting is not convened on or before June 30, 2008. |
|
|
|
Q: |
|
May I change my vote after I have mailed my proxy
card? |
|
A: |
|
Yes. You may change your vote at any time before your proxy is
voted at the special meeting. You may revoke your proxy by
either: |
|
|
|
|
|
advising Golden Cycles Secretary, Wilma L. Delacruz, in
writing prior to 12:00 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time on
June 27, 2008; or
|
|
|
|
|
|
delivering a new proxy so long as it is received prior to
12:00 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time on June 27, 2008.
|
In addition, you may revoke your proxy by attending the special
meeting and voting in person. Attendance at the special meeting
will not by itself constitute revocation of a proxy.
viii
If you have instructed a broker to vote your shares, the
above-described options for changing your vote do not apply and
instead you must follow the instructions received from your
broker to change your vote.
|
|
|
Q: |
|
What does it mean if I receive more than one Golden Cycle
proxy card? |
|
A: |
|
This means that you own shares of Golden Cycle common stock that
are registered under different names. For example, you may own
some shares directly as a shareholder of record and other shares
through a broker, or you may own shares through more than one
broker. In these situations, you will receive multiple sets of
proxy materials. It is necessary for you to vote, sign and
return all of the proxy cards or follow the instructions for any
alternative voting procedure on each of the proxy cards you
receive in order to vote all of the shares you own. Each proxy
card you receive comes with its own postage paid return
envelope. If you vote by mail, please make sure you return each
proxy card in the return envelope that accompanied that proxy
card. All of your shares of Golden Cycle common stock will be
aggregated for purposes of determining whether you are entitled
to receive an additional ADS in lieu of a fractional AngloGold
Ashanti ADS. |
|
Q: |
|
Am I entitled to exercise any dissenters or
appraisal rights in connection with the merger? |
|
A: |
|
No. Under Colorado law, you will not have any right to
dissent or receive an appraisal of the value of your shares of
Golden Cycle common stock in connection with the merger if the
adoption of the merger agreement is approved. |
|
Q: |
|
As a Golden Cycle shareholder, should I send in my stock
certificates now? |
|
A: |
|
No. After the merger is completed, you will receive written
instructions from the exchange agent on how to exchange your
Golden Cycle stock certificates for the merger consideration.
Please DO NOT send in your Golden Cycle stock certificates with
your proxy or with your form of election. |
|
Q: |
|
Where and when is the special meeting? |
|
|
|
A: |
|
Golden Cycle will hold the special meeting at 10:00 a.m.,
local time, on June 30, 2008 at the Elks Lodge, 367 North
3rd
Street, Victor, Colorado. |
|
|
|
Q: |
|
What do I need to do now if I hold shares of Golden Cycle
common stock? |
|
A: |
|
AngloGold Ashanti and Golden Cycle urge you to read this proxy
statement/prospectus carefully, including its annexes and the
documents incorporated by reference herein, and consider how the
merger affects you. As soon as possible after you have read this
proxy statement/prospectus, please complete, sign and date your
proxy card and mail it in the enclosed postage paid return
envelope. |
|
Q: |
|
Is the approval of AngloGold Ashanti shareholders required
for the Golden Cycle merger? |
|
A: |
|
No, AngloGold Ashanti shareholder approval is not required in
order to complete the Golden Cycle merger. |
|
Q: |
|
Did AngloGold Ashanti and Golden Cycle have a business
relationship prior to entering into the merger agreement? |
|
A: |
|
Yes. AngloGold Ashanti (through its indirect wholly owned
subsidiary, AngloGold Ashanti (Colorado) Corp.) and Golden Cycle
are co-owners of the Cripple Creek & Victor Gold
Mining Company joint venture (which we refer to in this proxy
statement/prospectus as the CC&V joint venture). The
CC&V joint venture engages in gold mining activity at the
Cresson mine located in the Cripple Creek area of Colorado.
AngloGold Ashanti holds a 67 percent interest in the
CC&V joint venture and Golden Cycle holds the remaining
33 percent. AngloGold Ashanti serves as the manager of the
CC&V joint venture. Golden Cycles participation in
the CC&V joint venture constitutes its primary business
activity. |
ix
This summary highlights selected information in this proxy
statement/prospectus and may not contain all of the information
that is important to you. You should carefully read this entire
proxy statement/prospectus and the other documents to which you
are referred for a more complete understanding of the merger. In
particular, you should read the documents attached to this proxy
statement/prospectus, including the merger agreement, which is
attached as Annex A. In addition, we incorporate by
reference in this proxy statement/prospectus important business
and financial information about AngloGold Ashanti and Golden
Cycle, see Where You Can Find More Information on
page 110. We have included page references in this summary
to direct you to more complete descriptions of the topics
presented in this summary.
The
Companies (Page 65)
AngloGold
Ashanti (Page 65)
AngloGold Ashanti is headquartered in Johannesburg, South
Africa, and is a global gold company with a diversified
portfolio of assets in many key gold producing regions. As at
December 31, 2007, AngloGold Ashanti had gold reserves of
72.2 million ounces. For the year ended December 31,
2007, AngloGold Ashanti had consolidated total revenues of
$3,095 million and gold production of 5.5 million
ounces.
AngloGold Ashanti was formed following the consolidation of the
gold interests of Anglo American plc into a single company in
1998. At that time, its production and reserves were primarily
located in South Africa (97 percent of 1997 production and
99 percent of reserves as at December 31,
1997) and one of its objectives was to achieve greater
geographic and orebody diversity. Through a combination of
mergers, acquisitions, disposal initiatives and organic growth,
and through the operations in which AngloGold Ashanti has an
interest, AngloGold Ashanti has developed a high quality, well
diversified asset portfolio, including:
|
|
|
|
|
production from 20 operations in ten countries: Argentina,
Australia, Brazil, Ghana, Guinea, Mali, Namibia, South Africa,
Tanzania and the United States;
|
|
|
|
|
|
production and reserves for the year ended December 31,
2007 of 57 percent and 57 percent, respectively, from
operations outside South Africa; and
|
|
|
|
|
|
production from a broad variety of orebody types as well as a
variety of open-pit and underground operations.
|
AngloGold Ashantis principal executive office is located
at 76 Jeppe Street, Newtown, 2001 (P.O. Box 62117,
Marshalltown, 2107) South Africa (Telephone: +27
(11) 637-6000).
AngloGold
Ashanti USA Incorporated (Page 73)
AngloGold Ashanti USA Incorporated is a Delaware corporation and
a direct wholly owned subsidiary of AngloGold Ashanti Limited.
AngloGold Ashanti USA Incorporated has no employees and serves
as the holding company for all of AngloGold Ashantis North
American interests.
GCGC
LLC (Page 73)
GCGC LLC is a Colorado limited liability company and a direct
wholly owned subsidiary of AngloGold Ashanti USA and was created
solely for the purpose of entering into the transactions
contemplated by the merger agreement and has not conducted any
other business activities.
Golden
Cycle (Page 73)
Golden Cycle was incorporated under the laws of the State of
Colorado on May 19, 1972 for the purpose of acquiring and
developing the mining properties of the Golden Cycle
Corporation, located in the Cripple Creek Mining District of
Colorado. The primary business of Golden Cycle has been its
participation in the Cripple Creek & Victor Gold
Mining Company (CC&V), a joint venture (the CC&V joint
venture) with AngloGold Ashanti (Colorado) Corp., formerly Pikes
Peak Mining Company. The CC&V joint venture engages in gold
mining activity
1
in the Cripple Creek area of Colorado. AngloGold Ashanti holds
a 67 percent interest in the CC&V joint venture and Golden
Cycle holds the remaining 33 percent. AngloGold Ashanti serves
as the manager of the CC&V joint venture. Golden
Cycles participation in the CC&V joint venture
constitutes its primary business activity.
Golden Cycles principal executive office is located at
1515 South Tejon, Suite 201, Colorado Springs, Colorado
80906 (Telephone: + 1
(719) 471-9013).
As of December 31, 2007, the Company had two employees.
The
Merger (Page 28)
Golden Cycle and AngloGold Ashanti have agreed and the boards of
directors of Golden Cycle and AngloGold Ashanti have each
approved an acquisition of Golden Cycle by AngloGold Ashanti
pursuant to the merger agreement. At the effective time of the
merger, upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the
merger agreement and in accordance with the Colorado Business
Corporations Act, Golden Cycle will merge with and into GCGC
LLC, a direct wholly owned subsidiary of AngloGold Ashanti USA
and the separate corporate existence of Golden Cycle will cease.
AngloGold Ashanti USA is a direct wholly owned subsidiary of
AngloGold Ashanti Limited. GCGC LLC will be the surviving entity
in the merger.
Consideration
to be Received Pursuant to the Merger; Treatment of Stock
Options (Page 44)
In the merger, each issued and outstanding share of Golden Cycle
common stock immediately prior to the effective time of the
merger (other than shares of Golden Cycle owned by Golden Cycle
as treasury shares), will be automatically converted into the
right to receive 0.3123 of an AngloGold Ashanti ADS, with each
whole ADS representing one AngloGold Ashanti ordinary share. The
exchange ratio has been adjusted to effectively put Golden Cycle
shareholders in the same position as before the AngloGold
Ashanti rights offering.
The merger agreement provides that at the effective time of the
merger, each unexpired and unexercised option to purchase Golden
Cycle common stock granted under Golden Cycle stock option plans
will be automatically cancelled in exchange for a number of
Anglo Gold Ashanti ADSs equal to (a)(i) the aggregate fair
market value of AngloGold Ashanti ADSs that would have been
received for all Golden Cycle common stock (assuming the Golden
Cycle stock options were exercised) plus (ii) $1.23 for
each share underlying the Golden Cycle stock option ($1.23
represents consideration for early conversion of the options)
less (iii) the total aggregate exercise price of the Golden
Cycle stock option (assuming the Golden Cycle stock options were
exercised) divided by (b) the fair market value of each
AngloGold Ashanti ADS. For the purposes of the calculation, the
fair market value of each AngloGold Ashanti ADS is based on the
average closing price as reported by the New York Stock Exchange
of AngloGold Ashanti ADSs for the twenty consecutive trading
days ending on the day prior to the special meeting of Golden
Cycle shareholders to approve the merger. The merger agreement
provides for the following conversion formula:
Where:
X = Number of ADSs Issuable for Golden Cycle Stock
Option
|
|
|
|
A =
|
Number of Golden Cycle Shares Acquirable Upon Exercise of Golden
Cycle Stock Option
|
B = 0.3123
|
|
|
|
C =
|
Average of the per share closing prices as reported by the New
York Stock Exchange of ADSs for the twenty consecutive trading
days ending on the day prior to the Target Meeting (ADS Market
Price)
|
D = $1.23 (adjustment for lost opportunity cost based
on a Black Scholes valuation)
E = Option Exercise Price
If the exercise price per share of any such Target Stock Option
is greater than or equal to the ADS Market Price multiplied by
the Exchange Ratio, then such Target Stock Option shall be
exchanged for the aggregate number of
2
ADSs (less any applicable income or employment tax withholding)
equal to (i) the number of Target Company Shares acquirable
upon exercise of Target Stock Option multiplied by
(ii) $1.23 divided by (iii) the ADS Market Price.
If AngloGold Ashanti determines that any payment in respect of
options to purchase Golden Cycle common stock options gives rise
to compensation subject to withholding, then AngloGold Ashanti
(or the appropriate subsidiary thereof) will withhold the amount
required by applicable law.
Special
Meeting of Golden Cycle Shareholders (Page 25)
Golden Cycle will hold a special meeting of Golden Cycle
shareholders to approve and adopt the merger agreement and to
adjourn the special meeting, if necessary or appropriate. The
special meeting will be held on June 30, 2008 at the Elks
Lodge, 367 North 3rd Street, Victor, Colorado, beginning at
10:00 a.m. Proxies for the special meeting are being
solicited by Golden Cycles board of directors.
Golden Cycles board of directors has fixed the close of
business on May 13, 2008 as the record date for the
determination of Golden Cycle shareholders entitled to notice
of, and to vote at, the special meeting or any adjournment
thereof.
To conduct the special meeting, Golden Cycle must have a quorum,
which, pursuant to Golden Cycles by-laws, means a majority
of issued and outstanding voting shares of Golden Cycle common
stock as of the record date must be present at the meeting, in
person or by proxy. As of May 13, 2008, Golden Cycle had
9,794,250 shares of common stock issued and outstanding.
Each share of Golden Cycle common stock is entitled to one vote.
Golden Cycle has no other voting shares issued and outstanding.
Vote
Required for Approval of the Merger (Page 26)
At the special meeting of the Golden Cycle shareholders, the
shareholders will be asked to vote on a resolution approving the
merger of Golden Cycle into an indirect wholly owned subsidiary
of AngloGold Ashanti, on the terms and subject to the conditions
of the merger agreement. The Golden Cycle shareholders will also
be asked to vote on a resolution to approve the adjournment of
the special meeting, if necessary or appropriate. The resolution
to adopt the merger agreement will require the affirmative vote
of two-thirds of the shares of the Golden Cycle shareholders
entitled to vote at the special meeting. The resolution to
adjourn the special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, will
require the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast in
person or by proxy at the special meeting.
Recommendation
of the Board of Directors of Golden Cycle
(Page 33)
After careful consideration, the Golden Cycle board of directors
has unanimously determined to recommend that the Golden Cycle
shareholders vote FOR the adoption of the merger
agreement and FOR the approval of the adjournment of
the special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit
additional proxies.
Reasons
for the Merger (Page 33)
AngloGold
Ashantis Reasons for the Merger
(Page 33)
AngloGold Ashantis principal reason to enter into the
merger agreement is to acquire Golden Cycles investment in
the CC&V joint venture, thereby enabling AngloGold Ashanti
to own a 100 percent interest in the CC&V joint
venture and to own and consolidate a 100 percent interest
in the Cresson mine.
Golden
Cycles Reasons for the Merger (Page 34)
Golden Cycles principal reason to enter into the merger
agreement is that the offered merger consideration of 0.3123
AngloGold Ashanti ADSs per one share of Golden Cycle common
stock, with each AngloGold Ashanti ADS representing one
AngloGold Ashanti ordinary share, represented a premium to
Golden Cycle shareholders, based on, among other things, the
historical trading price of AngloGold Ashanti ADSs relative to
that of Golden Cycle common stock.
3
Fairness
Opinion (Page 37)
Golden Cycle engaged PI Financial (US) Corp., or PI
Financial, in connection with the merger pursuant to the
terms of an engagement letter dated December 18, 2007.
Pursuant to the engagement letter, PI Financial delivered its
opinion to Golden Cycles board of directors, dated as of
January 11, 2008, to the effect that, as of the date of the
opinion and based on and subject to various qualifications,
factors, assumptions and limitations described in its opinion,
the merger consideration to be received by the shareholders of
Golden Cycle pursuant to the merger was fair from a financial
point of view to such shareholders. On May 27, 2008, PI
Financial provided an oral presentation to the Golden Cycle
board of directors to the effect that the additional merger
consideration of 0.0223 to be received by the shareholders of
Golden Cycle pursuant to the amended merger agreement is
sufficient to place Golden Cycle shareholders in the same
economic position after the AngloGold Ashanti rights offering as
they were before the rights offering.
The full text of PI Financials written fairness opinion is
attached as Annex C to this proxy statement. Golden Cycle
shareholders are encouraged to read PI Financials opinion
carefully in its entirety for a description of the procedures
followed, assumptions made, matters considered and
qualifications and limitations on the review undertaken by PI
Financial in connection with its opinion. PI Financial
provided its opinion for the information and assistance of the
Golden Cycle board of directors, its opinion was only one of
many factors considered by the board of directors in its
evaluation of the merger transaction and it only addresses the
fairness, from a financial point of view, to Golden Cycles
shareholders of the merger consideration to be received by the
Golden Cycle shareholders pursuant to the merger. PI
Financials opinion does not address the relative merits of
the merger or any related transaction as compared to any other
transaction or business strategy in which Golden Cycle might
engage or the merits of the underlying decision by Golden Cycle
to engage in the merger or any related transaction and is not
intended to, and does not, constitute a recommendation to any
shareholder as to how such shareholder should vote or act with
respect to the merger or any matter relating to the merger. PI
Financials opinion was necessarily based on economic,
monetary, market and other conditions as in effect on, and the
information made available to PI Financial as of,
January 11, 2008, the date of the written opinion. PI
Financial assumes no responsibility for updating or revising its
opinion based on circumstances or events occurring after the
date of the opinion.
Please refer to The Merger Fairness
Opinion beginning on page 37. We urge you to, and you
should, read the PI Financial opinion in its entirety.
Risk
Factors (Page 16)
In determining whether to approve the merger agreement and the
transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, you should
carefully consider, along with the other information set forth
in or incorporated by reference in this proxy
statement/prospectus, the specific factors set forth under
Risk Factors beginning on page 16 for risks related
to AngloGold Ashanti, the merger and the AngloGold Ashanti
ordinary shares and ADSs, as well as the risk factors included
in AngloGold Ashantis 2007 Annual Report on
Form 20-F,
which is incorporated by reference into this proxy
statement/prospectus.
The
Merger Agreement (Page 44)
The terms and conditions of the merger are governed by the
merger agreement, as amended. The merger agreement, as amended,
is attached as Annex A to this proxy statement/prospectus
and incorporated herein by this reference. We urge you to read
the merger agreement carefully and in its entirety as it is the
legal document that governs the merger.
Conditions
to the Merger (Page 52)
The completion of the merger is subject to the satisfaction or
waiver of a number of conditions, including, but not limited to,
the following:
|
|
|
|
|
adoption of the merger agreement by the Golden Cycle
shareholders;
|
|
|
|
obtaining the approval of the New York Stock Exchange for the
issuance and listing of the AngloGold Ashanti ADSs that will be
issued as consideration in the merger;
|
4
|
|
|
|
|
the absence of any statute, rule, regulation, executive order,
decree, temporary restraining order, injunction or other order
issued by a court or other governmental entity preventing the
completion of the merger;
|
|
|
|
this proxy statement/prospectus must be effective in accordance
with the provisions of the Securities Act and no stop order
suspending the effectiveness of this proxy statement/prospectus
may be in effect and no proceeding for the purpose of suspending
or stopping the effectiveness of this proxy statement/prospectus
may be pending before or threatened by the SEC;
|
|
|
|
approval of any governmental authority of competent jurisdiction
(including the South African Reserve Bank) or expiration or
satisfaction of waiting periods under any applicable law of any
governmental authority of competent jurisdiction (without the
imposition of any condition that is likely to have a material
adverse effect).
|
|
|
|
the representations and warranties of Golden Cycle and AngloGold
Ashanti must generally be true and correct in all material
respects as of the closing date of the merger except to the
extent that the representation or warranty speaks as of another
date;
|
|
|
|
Golden Cycle and AngloGold Ashanti must have performed in all
material respects all obligations and complied in all material
respects with all agreements and covenants in the merger
agreement to be performed and complied with by them;
|
|
|
|
from the date of agreement through the effective time of the
merger, no material adverse effect must have occurred with
respect to Golden Cycle and no event, change or circumstance
that would reasonably be likely to result in a material adverse
effect with respect to Golden Cycle must have occurred;
|
|
|
|
Each of AngloGold Ashanti and Golden Cycle must have delivered
to its respective legal counsel and to each other a certificate
signed on its behalf certifying as to specified tax
representations;
|
|
|
|
AngloGold Ashanti and Golden Cycle each must have received an
opinion, dated as of the closing date of the merger, of its
legal counsel, based upon facts, representations and assumptions
set forth in the opinion that are consistent with the state of
facts at the effective time of the merger, to the effect that
the acquisition of shares of Golden Cycle common stock will
qualify as a reorganization within the meaning of
Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code;
|
|
|
|
|
|
AngloGold Ashanti must have received a comfort
letter from Golden Cycles independent public accountants;
|
|
|
|
|
|
AngloGold Ashanti must have received evidence reasonably
satisfactory to it that the aggregate amount of all unpaid costs
and expenses incurred by Golden Cycle or its subsidiaries in
connection with the merger agreement and related transactions is
not in excess of $275,000; and
|
|
|
|
|
|
AngloGold Ashanti shall have received a release, in a form
acceptable to it, that upon the receipt of the agreed
consideration by Golden Cycle stock option holders, the Golden
Cycle stock options shall be cancelled and no further amounts
shall be payable in respect of such stock options.
|
For a more complete description of these and other conditions
that must be satisfied or waived, see The Merger
Agreement Conditions to the Merger beginning
on page 53.
Termination
of the Merger Agreement (Page 54)
The merger agreement may be terminated by AngloGold Ashanti or
Golden Cycle at any time before the effective time of the merger:
|
|
|
|
|
by mutual written consent of AngloGold Ashanti and Golden Cycle;
|
|
|
|
|
|
if the merger is not completed on or before June 30, 2008
(however, the June 30, 2008 deadline will be extended to
July 15, 2008 if either (i) this proxy
statement/prospectus has not been mailed to Golden Cycles
shareholders on or before June 2, 2008 or (ii) the
special meeting is not convened on or before June 30, 2008;
|
|
|
|
|
|
if any applicable law makes completion of the merger illegal or
if any judgment, injunction, order or decree of a court
restrains or prohibits the completion of the merger; or
|
5
|
|
|
|
|
if Golden Cycle shareholders approval is not obtained on
or before June 30, 2008.
|
The merger agreement may be terminated by Golden Cycle at any
time before the effective time of the merger:
|
|
|
|
|
if there has been a breach by AngloGold Ashanti or GCGC LLC of
any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement set forth in
the merger agreement that results in the failure of a closing
condition to be satisfied; or
|
|
|
|
|
|
if (i) Golden Cycle delivers to AngloGold Ashanti a written
notice of its intent to enter into a merger, acquisition or
other agreement to consummate a superior proposal,
(ii) five business days elapse following delivery to
AngloGold Ashanti of the notice of superior
proposal, (iii) during the five business day period
Golden Cycle fully cooperates with AngloGold Ashanti, including
providing AngloGold Ashanti with the terms and conditions of
such proposal, the identity of the person making such proposal
and a copy of the acquisition agreement, (iv) Golden Cycle
pays to AngloGold Ashanti the termination fee as described in
The Merger Agreement Termination Fees and
Expenses beginning on page 55 and (v) Golden
Cycle enters into a merger, acquisition or other agreement to
consummate the superior proposal.
|
The merger agreement may be terminated by AngloGold Ashanti at
any time before the effective time of the merger:
|
|
|
|
|
if (i) Golden Cycle breaches or fails to perform in any
material respect its non-solicitation obligations, the
obligation of its board of directors to recommend the merger to
the Golden Cycle shareholders or its obligation to hold the
special meeting of its shareholders to approve the merger
agreement, or (ii) the Golden Cycle board of directors or
any committee thereof makes an adverse recommendation
change as described in The Merger
Agreement Recommendations of Golden Cycles
Board of Directors on page 51; or
|
|
|
|
|
|
if there has been a breach by Golden Cycle of any
representation, warranty, covenant or agreement set forth in the
merger agreement that results in the failure of a closing
condition to be satisfied.
|
Termination
Fees (Page 55)
If the merger agreement is terminated by either party in some
circumstances, either Golden Cycle is obligated to pay to
AngloGold Ashanti a termination fee of $5,760,000 or AngloGold
Ashanti is required to pay to Golden Cycle a termination fee of
$1,440,000. Under the merger agreement, Golden Cycle agreed to
reimburse AngloGold Ashantis reasonable, documented costs
and expenses up to an amount equal to $500,000 if AngloGold
Ashanti terminates the merger agreement as the result of an
adverse recommendation change. For a complete
description of termination fees and the conditions that trigger
the obligation to pay a termination fee, see The Merger
Agreement Termination Fees and Expenses
beginning on page 55.
The
Shareholder Support Agreements (Page 57)
Concurrently with the signing of the merger agreement, AngloGold
Ashanti entered into separate shareholder support agreements
with each of the following shareholders of Golden Cycle: David
W. Tice & Associates, Inc., OCM Gold Fund, R. Herbert
Hampton, Estate of Rex H. Hampton, Dr. Taki N. Anagnoston,
James C. Ruder, Robert T. Thul, Donald L. Gustafson and MIDAS
Fund, Inc./Midas Management Corporation (we collectively refer
to these shareholders as the supporting
shareholders). Together, the shareholder support
agreements cover an aggregate of 4,343,680 shares of Golden
Cycle common stock, which, as of May 13, 2008, represented
approximately 44.3 percent of all of the issued and
outstanding shares of Golden Cycle common stock.
Pursuant to the shareholder support agreements, each supporting
shareholder granted to AngloGold Ashanti an irrevocable proxy to
exercise all voting, consent and similar rights with respect to
their shares of Golden Cycle common stock at every annual,
special or other meeting of shareholders of Golden Cycle, and in
any consent in lieu of a meeting for the purpose of voting in
favor of the merger and any other matter necessary to the
consummation of the merger. The complete form of shareholder
support agreement is attached as Annex B to this proxy
statement/prospectus and incorporated herein by this reference.
We urge you to read the form of shareholder support agreement
carefully and in its entirety for a more complete description of
its terms and conditions.
6
Directors
and Senior Management Following the Merger
(Page 59)
Upon completion of the merger, the board of directors and
executive officers of AngloGold Ashanti will remain the same.
Regulatory
Approvals Required for the Merger (Page 43)
The merger agreement provides that each of Golden Cycle and
AngloGold Ashanti will use their commercially reasonable efforts
to obtain all consents and approvals and to do all other things
necessary for the completion of the merger. In addition, each of
Golden Cycle and AngloGold Ashanti agreed to make all regulatory
filings that it is required to make in connection with
completing the merger.
The approval of the South African Reserve Bank and the approval
of the New York Stock Exchange of the listing on the New York
Stock Exchange of the AngloGold Ashanti ADSs issued in the
merger each must be obtained before the merger may be completed.
Approval
of the South African Reserve Bank (Page 43)
The approval of the South African Reserve Bank was obtained on
February 12, 2008.
Stock
Exchange Listings (Page 43)
AngloGold Ashantis ADSs, each representing one AngloGold
Ashanti ordinary share, par value 25 South African cents per
share, are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the
symbol AU. AngloGold Ashantis ordinary shares
are listed on the JSE under the symbol ANG, the
London Stock Exchange under the symbol AGD, Euronext
Paris under the symbol VA, the Australian Stock
Exchange in the form of CHESS depositary interests, each
representing one-fifth of an ordinary share, under the symbol
AGG, the Ghana Stock Exchange where its shares are
quoted under the symbol AGA and in the form of
Ghanaian Depositary Shares, or GhDSs, under the symbol
AADS, each representing one-hundredth of an ordinary
share, and Euronext Brussels where its shares are quoted in the
form of unsponsored international depositary receipts under the
symbol ANG.
In accordance with the terms of the merger agreement, AngloGold
Ashanti has made an application to list on the New York Stock
Exchange the AngloGold Ashanti ADSs that will be issued as
consideration in the merger. The AngloGold Ashanti ADSs that
will be issued as consideration in the merger have been approved
for listing by the New York Stock Exchange, subject to official
notice of issuance. Listing and trading of the AngloGold Ashanti
ADSs that will be issued as consideration in the merger will
commence on the New York Stock Exchange on the date of
effectiveness of the merger, which is expected to be on or
around June 30, 2008.
Interests
of Certain Persons in the Merger (Page 60)
In considering the recommendation of the Golden Cycle board of
directors to vote for the adoption of the merger agreement, you
should be aware that certain members of the Golden Cycle board
of directors and executive officers of Golden Cycle may have
interests in the merger that differ from, or are in addition to,
their interests as Golden Cycle shareholders. The Golden Cycle
board of directors was aware of these interests and considered
them, among other matters, in approving the merger agreement and
the merger. In summary, these interests include:
|
|
|
|
|
an agreement by AngloGold Ashanti to provide directors and
officers insurance;
|
|
|
|
|
|
an agreement to provide executive officers and directors of
Golden Cycle with continuing indemnification rights;
|
|
|
|
|
|
an agreement by Golden Cycle to pay Mr. Hampton severance
following the closing of the merger in a lump sum amount equal
to $8,404 per month from the closing of the merger through
August 1, 2008; and
|
|
|
|
|
|
an agreement to issue to Golden Cycle option holders, all of
whom are executive officers and/or directors of Golden Cycle,
AngloGold Ashanti ADSs in the aggregate value of $688,880
(determined using a Black Scholes calculation to determine the
lost opportunity value associated with the early conversion of
the options) as consideration for an agreement to permit the
cashless exercise of Golden Cycle options at the effective time
of the merger.
|
7
Material
U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger to Golden
Cycle Shareholders (Page 75)
The U.S. federal income tax consequences of the merger to a
Golden Cycle shareholder will depend on whether the shareholder
is a U.S. Holder or
non-U.S. Holder
as such terms are defined under Material Tax
Considerations Material U.S. Federal Income Tax
Considerations on pages 76 and 79, respectively. A
U.S. Holder that receives AngloGold Ashanti ADSs pursuant
to the merger will not recognize any gain or loss for
U.S. federal income tax purposes. A
non-U.S. Holder
that receives AngloGold Ashanti ADSs pursuant to the merger will
not recognize any gain for U.S. federal income tax purposes
unless (i) shares of Golden Cycle common stock are not
regularly traded on an established securities market within the
meaning of applicable U.S. Treasury Regulations or
(ii) such
non-U.S. Holder
was a more than 5 percent owner of Golden Cycle, either
actually or under certain attribution rules, during the
five-year period ending on the date of the merger. A
non-U.S. Holder
that receives AngloGold Ashanti ADSs pursuant to the merger
generally will not recognize any loss for U.S. federal
income tax purposes.
The consequences described above assume that the merger will
qualify as a reorganization within the meaning of
Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code and that
Section 367(a)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code does not
apply to the receipt of AngloGold Ashanti ADSs by Golden Cycle
shareholders. Completion of the merger is conditioned on receipt
of certain tax opinions, including an opinion that the merger
qualifies as a reorganization within the meaning of
Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended, as described under Material Tax
Considerations Material U.S. Federal Income Tax
Considerations Tax Status of the Merger
beginning on page 76.
THE TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER TO GOLDEN CYCLE SHAREHOLDERS
WILL DEPEND ON EACH SHAREHOLDERS INDIVIDUAL SITUATION.
GOLDEN CYCLE SHAREHOLDERS SHOULD CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS
FOR A FULL UNDERSTANDING OF THE TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER.
Accounting
Treatment (Page 42)
AngloGold Ashanti will account for the merger as a purchase for
financial reporting purposes under U.S. GAAP.
Dissenters
Rights of Appraisal (Page 42)
Under the Colorado Business Corporations Act, you will not have
any right to dissent or receive an appraisal of the value of
your shares of Golden Cycle common stock in connection with the
merger if the adoption of the merger agreement is approved.
Comparison
of Rights of Shareholders under Colorado and South African Law
(Page 94)
Upon consummation of the merger and receipt of the merger
consideration, holders of Golden Cycle shares will become
holders of AngloGold Ashanti ADSs, which represent a beneficial
ownership interest in AngloGold Ashanti ordinary shares, with
each AngloGold Ashanti ADS representing one AngloGold Ashanti
ordinary share. Golden Cycle is organized under the laws of the
State of Colorado while AngloGold Ashanti is organized under the
laws of the Republic of South Africa. Therefore, your rights as
a holder of AngloGold Ashanti ADSs will be governed by South
African law, by AngloGold Ashantis memorandum and articles
of association and by the deposit agreement pursuant to which
the AngloGold Ashanti ADSs will be issued. These rights differ
in certain respects from the current rights of Golden Cycle
shareholders, which are governed by Colorado law and by Golden
Cycles articles of incorporation and by-laws. For a
further description of the differences between Colorado law and
South African law with respect to the rights of shareholders,
please see Comparison of Rights of Shareholders under
Colorado and South African Law beginning on page 94.
8
SELECTED
HISTORICAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF ANGLOGOLD ASHANTI
The selected financial information set forth below for the years
ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007 and as at
December 31, 2006 and 2007 has been derived from, and
should be read in conjunction with, the U.S. GAAP financial
statements included in AngloGold Ashantis 2007
Form 20-F,
which is incorporated herein by reference. The selected
financial information for the years ended December 31, 2003
and 2004 and as at December 31, 2003, 2004 and 2005 has
been derived from U.S. GAAP financial statements not
included or incorporated by reference herein. The selected
financial information for the three months ended March 31,
2007 and for the three months ended and as at March 31,
2008 has been derived from, and should be read in conjunction
with, the unaudited condensed consolidated U.S. GAAP
financial statements included in AngloGold Ashantis report
on
Form 6-K
submitted to the SEC on May 22, 2008, which is incorporated
herein by reference and which do not include a full set of
related notes, as would be required under U.S. GAAP.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
March 31,
|
|
|
|
2003(1)(2)(3)
|
|
|
2004(4)(5)
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2006(6)
|
|
|
2007(7)
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
(In U.S. $ millions, except per share amounts)
|
|
|
Consolidated statement of income (loss) data
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sales and other income
|
|
|
1,670
|
|
|
|
2,151
|
|
|
|
2,485
|
|
|
|
2,715
|
|
|
|
3,095
|
|
|
|
734
|
|
|
|
894
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Product
sales(8)
|
|
|
1,641
|
|
|
|
2,096
|
|
|
|
2,453
|
|
|
|
2,683
|
|
|
|
3,048
|
|
|
|
723
|
|
|
|
884
|
|
Interest, dividends and other
|
|
|
29
|
|
|
|
55
|
|
|
|
32
|
|
|
|
32
|
|
|
|
47
|
|
|
|
11
|
|
|
|
10
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Costs and expenses
|
|
|
1,329
|
|
|
|
2,176
|
|
|
|
2,848
|
|
|
|
2,811
|
|
|
|
3,806
|
|
|
|
699
|
|
|
|
1,087
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating
costs(9)
|
|
|
1,135
|
|
|
|
1,517
|
|
|
|
1,842
|
|
|
|
1,785
|
|
|
|
2,167
|
|
|
|
482
|
|
|
|
525
|
|
Royalties
|
|
|
11
|
|
|
|
27
|
|
|
|
39
|
|
|
|
59
|
|
|
|
70
|
|
|
|
18
|
|
|
|
25
|
|
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
|
|
|
247
|
|
|
|
445
|
|
|
|
593
|
|
|
|
699
|
|
|
|
655
|
|
|
|
140
|
|
|
|
147
|
|
Impairment of assets
|
|
|
75
|
|
|
|
3
|
|
|
|
141
|
|
|
|
6
|
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
28
|
|
|
|
67
|
|
|
|
80
|
|
|
|
77
|
|
|
|
75
|
|
|
|
16
|
|
|
|
21
|
|
Accretion expense
|
|
|
2
|
|
|
|
8
|
|
|
|
5
|
|
|
|
13
|
|
|
|
20
|
|
|
|
4
|
|
|
|
5
|
|
(Profit)/loss on sale of assets, realization of loans, indirect
taxes and other
|
|
|
(55
|
)
|
|
|
(14
|
)
|
|
|
(3
|
)
|
|
|
(36
|
)
|
|
|
10
|
|
|
|
(4
|
)
|
|
|
(11
|
)
|
Mining contractor termination costs
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-hedge derivative (gain)/loss
|
|
|
(114
|
)
|
|
|
123
|
|
|
|
142
|
|
|
|
208
|
|
|
|
808
|
|
|
|
43
|
|
|
|
375
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income/(loss) from continuing operations before income tax,
equity income, minority interests and cumulative effect of
accounting change
|
|
|
341
|
|
|
|
(25
|
)
|
|
|
(363
|
)
|
|
|
(96
|
)
|
|
|
(711
|
)
|
|
|
35
|
|
|
|
(193
|
)
|
Taxation (expense)/benefit
|
|
|
(143
|
)
|
|
|
132
|
|
|
|
121
|
|
|
|
(122
|
)
|
|
|
(118
|
)
|
|
|
(40
|
)
|
|
|
5
|
|
Minority interest
|
|
|
(17
|
)
|
|
|
(22
|
)
|
|
|
(23
|
)
|
|
|
(29
|
)
|
|
|
(28
|
)
|
|
|
(7
|
)
|
|
|
(12
|
)
|
Equity income in affiliates
|
|
|
71
|
|
|
|
23
|
|
|
|
39
|
|
|
|
99
|
|
|
|
41
|
|
|
|
16
|
|
|
|
8
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income/(loss) from continuing operations before cumulative
effect of accounting change
|
|
|
252
|
|
|
|
108
|
|
|
|
(226
|
)
|
|
|
(148
|
)
|
|
|
(816
|
)
|
|
|
4
|
|
|
|
(192
|
)
|
Discontinued operations
|
|
|
(2
|
)
|
|
|
(11
|
)
|
|
|
(44
|
)
|
|
|
6
|
|
|
|
2
|
|
|
|
(1
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income/(loss) before cumulative effect of accounting change
|
|
|
250
|
|
|
|
97
|
|
|
|
(270
|
)
|
|
|
(142
|
)
|
|
|
(814
|
)
|
|
|
3
|
|
|
|
(192
|
)
|
Cumulative effect of accounting change
|
|
|
(3
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(22
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income/(loss) applicable to ordinary stockholders
|
|
|
247
|
|
|
|
97
|
|
|
|
(292
|
)
|
|
|
(142
|
)
|
|
|
(814
|
)
|
|
|
3
|
|
|
|
(192
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
March 31,
|
|
|
|
2003(1)(2)(3)
|
|
|
2004(4)(5)
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2006(6)
|
|
|
2007(7)
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
(In U.S. $ millions, except per share amounts)
|
|
|
Other financial data
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic earnings/(loss) per ordinary share (in
$)(10)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
From continuing operations
|
|
|
1.13
|
|
|
|
0.43
|
|
|
|
(0.85
|
)
|
|
|
(0.54
|
)
|
|
|
(2.93
|
)
|
|
|
0.01
|
|
|
|
(0.69
|
)
|
Discontinued operations
|
|
|
(0.01
|
)
|
|
|
(0.04
|
)
|
|
|
(0.17
|
)
|
|
|
0.02
|
|
|
|
0.01
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Before cumulative effect of accounting change
|
|
|
1.12
|
|
|
|
0.39
|
|
|
|
(1.02
|
)
|
|
|
(0.52
|
)
|
|
|
(2.92
|
)
|
|
|
0.01
|
|
|
|
(0.69
|
)
|
Cumulative effect of accounting change
|
|
|
(0.01
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.08
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income/(loss) applicable to ordinary stockholders
|
|
|
1.11
|
|
|
|
0.39
|
|
|
|
(1.10
|
)
|
|
|
(0.52
|
)
|
|
|
(2.92
|
)
|
|
|
0.01
|
|
|
|
(0.69
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted earnings/(loss) per ordinary share
(in $)(10)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
From continuing operations
|
|
|
1.13
|
|
|
|
0.42
|
|
|
|
(0.85
|
)
|
|
|
(0.54
|
)
|
|
|
(2.93
|
)
|
|
|
0.01
|
|
|
|
(0.69
|
)
|
Discontinued operations
|
|
|
(0.01
|
)
|
|
|
(0.04
|
)
|
|
|
(0.17
|
)
|
|
|
0.02
|
|
|
|
0.01
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Before cumulative effect of accounting change
|
|
|
1.12
|
|
|
|
0.38
|
|
|
|
(1.02
|
)
|
|
|
(0.52
|
)
|
|
|
(2.92
|
)
|
|
|
0.01
|
|
|
|
(0.69
|
)
|
Cumulative effect of accounting change
|
|
|
(0.01
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.08
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income/(loss) applicable to ordinary stockholders
|
|
|
1.11
|
|
|
|
0.38
|
|
|
|
(1.10
|
)
|
|
|
(0.52
|
)
|
|
|
(2.92
|
)
|
|
|
0.01
|
|
|
|
(0.69
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividend per ordinary share (cents)
|
|
|
133
|
|
|
|
76
|
|
|
|
56
|
|
|
|
39
|
|
|
|
44
|
|
|
|
32
|
|
|
|
7
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As at December 31,
|
|
|
As at March 31,
|
|
|
|
2003(1)(2)(3)
|
|
|
2004(4)(5)
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2006(6)
|
|
|
2007(7)
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
(In U.S. $ millions, except share and per share amounts)
|
|
|
Consolidated balance sheet data
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash
|
|
|
479
|
|
|
|
302
|
|
|
|
204
|
|
|
|
482
|
|
|
|
514
|
|
|
|
526
|
|
Other current assets
|
|
|
822
|
|
|
|
1,115
|
|
|
|
1,197
|
|
|
|
1,394
|
|
|
|
1,599
|
|
|
|
1,614
|
|
Property, plants and equipment, deferred stripping, and acquired
properties, net
|
|
|
3,037
|
|
|
|
6,654
|
|
|
|
6,439
|
|
|
|
6,266
|
|
|
|
6,807
|
|
|
|
6,548
|
|
Goodwill and other intangibles, net
|
|
|
226
|
|
|
|
591
|
|
|
|
550
|
|
|
|
566
|
|
|
|
591
|
|
|
|
603
|
|
Materials on the leach pad (long-term)
|
|
|
7
|
|
|
|
22
|
|
|
|
116
|
|
|
|
149
|
|
|
|
190
|
|
|
|
206
|
|
Other long-term assets, derivatives, deferred taxation assets
and other long-term inventory
|
|
|
772
|
|
|
|
712
|
|
|
|
607
|
|
|
|
656
|
|
|
|
680
|
|
|
|
704
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets
|
|
|
5,343
|
|
|
|
9,396
|
|
|
|
9,113
|
|
|
|
9,513
|
|
|
|
10,381
|
|
|
|
10,201
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current liabilities
|
|
|
1,116
|
|
|
|
1,469
|
|
|
|
1,874
|
|
|
|
2,467
|
|
|
|
3,795
|
|
|
|
5,124
|
|
Provision for environmental rehabilitation
|
|
|
124
|
|
|
|
209
|
|
|
|
325
|
|
|
|
310
|
|
|
|
394
|
|
|
|
356
|
|
Deferred taxation liabilities
|
|
|
789
|
|
|
|
1,518
|
|
|
|
1,152
|
|
|
|
1,275
|
|
|
|
1,345
|
|
|
|
1,207
|
|
Other long-term liabilities, and derivatives
|
|
|
1,194
|
|
|
|
2,295
|
|
|
|
2,539
|
|
|
|
2,092
|
|
|
|
2,232
|
|
|
|
1,285
|
|
Minority interest
|
|
|
52
|
|
|
|
59
|
|
|
|
60
|
|
|
|
61
|
|
|
|
63
|
|
|
|
70
|
|
Stockholders equity
|
|
|
2,068
|
|
|
|
3,846
|
|
|
|
3,163
|
|
|
|
3,308
|
|
|
|
2,552
|
|
|
|
2,159
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities and stockholders equity
|
|
|
5,343
|
|
|
|
9,396
|
|
|
|
9,113
|
|
|
|
9,513
|
|
|
|
10,381
|
|
|
|
10,201
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As at December 31,
|
|
|
As at March 31,
|
|
|
|
2003(1)(2)(3)
|
|
|
2004(4)(5)
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2006(6)
|
|
|
2007(7)
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
(In U.S. $ millions, except share and per share amounts)
|
|
|
Capital stock (exclusive of long-term debt and redeemable
preferred stock)
|
|
|
9
|
|
|
|
10
|
|
|
|
10
|
|
|
|
10
|
|
|
|
10
|
|
|
|
10
|
|
Number of ordinary shares as adjusted to reflect changes in
capital stock
|
|
|
223,136,342
|
|
|
|
264,462,894
|
|
|
|
264,938,432
|
|
|
|
276,236,153
|
|
|
|
277,457,471
|
|
|
|
277,745,007
|
|
Net assets
|
|
|
2,120
|
|
|
|
3,905
|
|
|
|
3,223
|
|
|
|
3,369
|
|
|
|
2,615
|
|
|
|
2,229
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Excludes the financial condition of the Amapari Project sold
with effect from May 19, 2003. |
|
|
|
(2) |
|
Excludes the Gawler Craton Joint Venture sold with effect from
June 6, 2003. |
|
|
|
(3) |
|
Excludes the results of operations and financial condition of
the Jerritt Canyon Joint Venture sold with effect from
June 30, 2003. |
|
|
|
(4) |
|
Includes the results of operations and financial condition of
Ashanti Goldfields Company Limited as of April 26, 2004. |
|
|
|
(5) |
|
Excludes the results of operations and financial condition of
the Freda-Rebecca mine sold with effect from September 1,
2004. |
|
|
|
(6) |
|
Excludes the results of operations and financial condition of
Bibiani mine sold with effect from December 28, 2006. |
|
|
|
(7) |
|
Includes the acquisition of 15 percent minority interest
acquired in the Iduapriem and Terebie mine with effect from
September 1, 2007. |
|
|
|
(8) |
|
Product sales represent revenue from the sale of gold. |
|
|
|
(9) |
|
Operating costs include production costs, exploration costs,
related party transactions, general and administrative, market
development costs, research and development, employment
severance costs and other. |
|
|
|
(10) |
|
The calculations of basic and diluted earnings/(loss) per
ordinary share are described in note 9 to the consolidated
financial statements (loss)/earnings per common
share found in AngloGold Ashantis 2007
Form 20-F.
Amounts reflected exclude E ordinary shares. |
For further information regarding footnotes (1) through
(7) see Item 4.A: History and development of the
company of AngloGold Ashantis 2007
Form 20-F,
which is incorporated herein by reference.
11
SELECTED
HISTORICAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF GOLDEN CYCLE
The selected financial information set forth below for the years
ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007 and as of
December 31, 2006 and 2007 has been derived from, and
should be read in conjunction with, the U.S. GAAP financial
statements included in Golden Cycles Annual Report on
Form 10-K
for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, which is
incorporated herein by reference. The selected financial
information for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2004
and as of December 31, 2003, 2004 and 2005 has been derived
from U.S. GAAP financial statements not included or
incorporated by reference herein.
The selected financial information for the three months ended
March 31, 2007 and for the three months ended and as of
March 31, 2008 has been derived from, and should be read in
conjunction with, the unaudited consolidated U.S. GAAP
financial statements included in Golden Cycles Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2008,
filed with the SEC on May 14, 2008, which is incorporated
herein by reference.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
March 31,
|
|
|
|
2003
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
|
(In U.S. $, except share and per share amounts)
|
|
|
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
Consolidated statement of operations data
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Distributions from mining joint venture in excess of carrying
value
|
|
|
250,000
|
|
|
|
250,000
|
|
|
|
250,000
|
|
|
|
250,000
|
|
|
|
250,000
|
|
|
|
250,000
|
|
|
|
250,000
|
|
Payment from Tornado Gold Intl Corp. (Common Stock)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other operating revenue
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
250,000
|
|
|
|
250,000
|
|
|
|
250,000
|
|
|
|
250,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
250,000
|
|
|
|
250,000
|
|
Expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
General and administrative expense
|
|
|
464,348
|
|
|
|
542,510
|
|
|
|
603,044
|
|
|
|
1,502,938
|
|
|
|
992,963
|
|
|
|
117,884
|
|
|
|
175,503
|
|
Depreciation expense
|
|
|
1,217
|
|
|
|
5,286
|
|
|
|
3,973
|
|
|
|
2,224
|
|
|
|
2,360
|
|
|
|
595
|
|
|
|
595
|
|
Exploration expense
|
|
|
141,851
|
|
|
|
54,372
|
|
|
|
305,661
|
|
|
|
8,410
|
|
|
|
9,259
|
|
|
|
644
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
607,416
|
|
|
|
602,168
|
|
|
|
912,678
|
|
|
|
1,513,572
|
|
|
|
1,004,582
|
|
|
|
130,877
|
|
|
|
176,098
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating income/(loss)
|
|
|
(357,416
|
)
|
|
|
(352,168
|
)
|
|
|
(662,678
|
)
|
|
|
(1,263,572
|
)
|
|
|
(754,582
|
)
|
|
|
130,877
|
|
|
|
73,902
|
|
Net income/(loss)
|
|
|
224,135
|
|
|
|
(322,582
|
)
|
|
|
(602,025
|
)
|
|
|
(1,097,135
|
)
|
|
|
(588,400
|
)
|
|
|
204,635
|
|
|
|
94,625
|
|
Basic income/(loss) per share
|
|
|
0.02
|
|
|
|
(0.03
|
)
|
|
|
(0.06
|
)
|
|
|
(0.11
|
)
|
|
|
(0.06
|
)
|
|
|
0.02
|
|
|
|
0.01
|
|
Diluted income/(loss) per share
|
|
|
0.02
|
|
|
|
(0.03
|
)
|
|
|
(0.06
|
)
|
|
|
(0.11
|
)
|
|
|
(0.06
|
)
|
|
|
0.02
|
|
|
|
0.01
|
|
Basic weighted average shares outstanding
|
|
|
9,529,100
|
|
|
|
9,597,231
|
|
|
|
9,738,086
|
|
|
|
9,744,250
|
|
|
|
9,760,346
|
|
|
|
9,744,250
|
|
|
|
9,769,250
|
|
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding
|
|
|
10,364,100
|
|
|
|
9,597,231
|
|
|
|
9,738,086
|
|
|
|
9,744,250
|
|
|
|
9,760,346
|
|
|
|
10,254,250
|
|
|
|
10,354,250
|
|
12
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31,
|
|
|
March 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2003
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(In U.S. $)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consolidated balance sheet data
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
|
202,099
|
|
|
|
457,000
|
|
|
|
167,169
|
|
|
|
53,142
|
|
|
|
25,617
|
|
|
|
310,530
|
|
|
|
|
|
Short-term investments
|
|
|
923,669
|
|
|
|
1,120,273
|
|
|
|
888,627
|
|
|
|
677,944
|
|
|
|
658,514
|
|
|
|
421,579
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest receivable and other assets
|
|
|
7,014
|
|
|
|
13,524
|
|
|
|
15,753
|
|
|
|
19,168
|
|
|
|
48,677
|
|
|
|
16,766
|
|
|
|
|
|
Prepaid insurance
|
|
|
24,580
|
|
|
|
24,380
|
|
|
|
24,827
|
|
|
|
25,203
|
|
|
|
21,597
|
|
|
|
11,304
|
|
|
|
|
|
Account receivable from sale of water rights
|
|
|
679,098
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current assets
|
|
|
1,836,460
|
|
|
|
1,615,177
|
|
|
|
1,096,376
|
|
|
|
775,457
|
|
|
|
754,405
|
|
|
|
760,179
|
|
|
|
|
|
Assets held for sale water rights
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property and equipment, at cost:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Land
|
|
|
2,025
|
|
|
|
2,025
|
|
|
|
2,025
|
|
|
|
2,025
|
|
|
|
2,025
|
|
|
|
2,025
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mineral claims
|
|
|
20,657
|
|
|
|
20,657
|
|
|
|
20,657
|
|
|
|
20,657
|
|
|
|
8,657
|
|
|
|
8,657
|
|
|
|
|
|
Furniture and fixtures
|
|
|
10,037
|
|
|
|
10,030
|
|
|
|
10,064
|
|
|
|
9,354
|
|
|
|
9,354
|
|
|
|
9,354
|
|
|
|
|
|
Machinery and equipment
|
|
|
33,806
|
|
|
|
31,819
|
|
|
|
33,013
|
|
|
|
21,516
|
|
|
|
21,516
|
|
|
|
21,516
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
66,525
|
|
|
|
64,531
|
|
|
|
65,759
|
|
|
|
53,551
|
|
|
|
41,552
|
|
|
|
41,552
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less accumulated depreciation
|
|
|
(30,601
|
)
|
|
|
(33,126
|
)
|
|
|
(37,224
|
)
|
|
|
(26,130
|
)
|
|
|
(28,491
|
)
|
|
|
(29,086
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
35,924
|
|
|
|
31,405
|
|
|
|
28,535
|
|
|
|
27,421
|
|
|
|
13,061
|
|
|
|
12,466
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets
|
|
|
1,872,384
|
|
|
|
1,646,582
|
|
|
|
1,124,911
|
|
|
|
802,878
|
|
|
|
767,466
|
|
|
|
772,645
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
|
|
|
58,479
|
|
|
|
56,868
|
|
|
|
43,808
|
|
|
|
18,373
|
|
|
|
106,835
|
|
|
|
27,139
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current liabilities
|
|
|
58,479
|
|
|
|
56,868
|
|
|
|
43,808
|
|
|
|
18,373
|
|
|
|
106,835
|
|
|
|
27,139
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shareholders equity:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common stock, no par value, authorized 100,000,000 shares;
issued and outstanding 9,769,250 shares at
December 31, 2007, 9,794,250 shares at March 31,
2008
|
|
|
7,307,854
|
|
|
|
7,406,317
|
|
|
|
7,499,429
|
|
|
|
7,499,429
|
|
|
|
7,544,429
|
|
|
|
7,544,429
|
|
|
|
|
|
Additional paid-in capital
|
|
|
1,927,736
|
|
|
|
1,927,736
|
|
|
|
1,927,736
|
|
|
|
2,278,273
|
|
|
|
3,189,799
|
|
|
|
3,189,799
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated comprehensive loss
|
|
|
(31,741
|
)
|
|
|
(31,813
|
)
|
|
|
(31,511
|
)
|
|
|
(31,511
|
)
|
|
|
(73,511
|
)
|
|
|
(83,261
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated deficit
|
|
|
(7,389,944
|
)
|
|
|
(7,712,526
|
)
|
|
|
(8,314,551
|
)
|
|
|
(9,411,686
|
)
|
|
|
(10,000,086
|
)
|
|
|
(9,905,461
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total shareholders equity
|
|
|
1,813,905
|
|
|
|
1,589,714
|
|
|
|
1,081,103
|
|
|
|
784,505
|
|
|
|
660,631
|
|
|
|
745,506
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities and shareholders equity
|
|
|
1,872,384
|
|
|
|
1,646,582
|
|
|
|
1,124,911
|
|
|
|
802,878
|
|
|
|
767,466
|
|
|
|
772,645
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13
SUMMARY
COMPARATIVE HISTORICAL PER SHARE INFORMATION
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended
|
|
|
Three Months Ended
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2007
|
|
|
March 31, 2008
|
|
|
|
(U.S. $ per share)
|
|
|
|
(Audited)
|
|
|
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
AngloGold Ashanti
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income/(loss) per share basic
|
|
|
(2.92
|
)
|
|
|
(0.69
|
)
|
Net income/(loss) per share diluted
|
|
|
(2.92
|
)
|
|
|
(0.69
|
)
|
Cash dividend
|
|
|
0.44
|
|
|
|
0.07
|
|
Book value at period end
|
|
|
9.42
|
|
|
|
8.03
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Golden Cycle
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income/(loss) per share basic
|
|
|
(0.06
|
)
|
|
|
(0.01
|
)
|
Net income/(loss) per share diluted
|
|
|
(0.06
|
)
|
|
|
(0.01
|
)
|
Cash dividend
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
Book value at period end
|
|
|
0.07
|
|
|
|
0.08
|
|
14
SUMMARY
COMPARATIVE PER SHARE MARKET INFORMATION
AngloGold Ashantis ADSs, each representing one AngloGold
Ashanti ordinary share, par value 25 South African cents per
share, are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the
symbol AU. AngloGold Ashantis ordinary shares
are listed on the JSE under the symbol ANG, the
London Stock Exchange under the symbol AGD, Euronext
Paris under the symbol VA, the Australian Stock
Exchange in the form of CHESS depositary interests, each
representing one-fifth of an ordinary share, under the symbol
AGG, the Ghana Stock Exchange where its shares are
quoted under the symbol AGA and in the form of
Ghanaian Depositary Shares, or GhDSs, under the symbol
AADS, each representing one-hundredth of an ordinary
share, and Euronext Brussels where its shares are quoted in the
form of unsponsored international depositary receipts under the
symbol ANG. Golden Cycle Gold Corporation common
stock is listed and traded on the NYSE Arca under the symbol
GCGC.
The following table sets forth closing sales prices per share of
AngloGold Ashanti ordinary shares, AngloGold Ashanti ADSs and
Golden Cycle common stock as reported on the JSE, the New York
Stock Exchange and the NYSE Arca, as applicable, on
January 11, 2008, the last full trading day before the
public announcement of the merger, and on May 23, 2008, the
most recent date for which quotations were available prior to
the date hereof.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
AngloGold Ashanti
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
AngloGold Ashanti
|
|
|
ADSs
|
|
|
Golden Cycle
|
|
|
|
Ordinary Shares
|
|
|
New York Stock
|
|
|
Common Stock
|
|
|
|
JSE
|
|
|
Exchange
|
|
|
NYSE Arca
|
|
|
|
(South African rand per share)
|
|
|
(U.S. $ per ADS)
|
|
|
(U.S. $ per share)
|
|
|
January 11, 2008
|
|
|
346.99
|
|
|
|
49.59
|
|
|
|
10.50
|
|
May 23, 2008
|
|
|
303.95
|
|
|
|
39.29
|
|
|
|
11.07
|
|
See Market Price and Dividend Data beginning on
page 107 for further information about the historical
market prices of these securities.
The following table presents the implied equivalent value per
share of Golden Cycle common stock. The implied equivalent value
of a share of Golden Cycle common stock was calculated by
multiplying the closing market price per AngloGold Ashanti ADS
by the then applicable exchange ratio for each share of Golden
Cycle common stock in the merger.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Golden Cycle Common Stock
|
|
|
|
(U.S. $ per share)
|
|
|
January 11, 2008 (at an exchange ratio of 0.29)
|
|
|
14.38
|
|
May 23, 2008 (at an exchange ratio of 0.3123)
|
|
|
12.27
|
|
The market prices of AngloGold Ashanti ADSs and shares of Golden
Cycle common stock are likely to fluctuate prior to the
consummation of the merger and cannot be predicted. We urge you
to obtain current market information regarding AngloGold Ashanti
ADSs and Golden Cycle common stock.
15
RISK
FACTORS
You should carefully consider the risks and the risk factors
incorporated by reference in this proxy statement/prospectus
including, among others, those disclosed in the categories
Risks related to the gold mining industry generally
and Risks related to AngloGold Ashantis
operations under Item 3.D Risk factors
from AngloGold Ashantis 2007 Annual Report on
Form 20-F,
together with all of the other information included or
incorporated by reference in this proxy statement/prospectus
(including the matters addressed in Cautionary Statement
Regarding Forward-Looking Statements beginning on
page 24), before you decide whether to vote or
instruct your vote to be cast to approve and adopt the merger
agreement. In addition, you should carefully consider the
following risks relating to the merger and the AngloGold Ashanti
ordinary shares and ADSs.
Risks
Relating to the Merger
Because
the exchange ratio is fixed and the market price of AngloGold
Ashanti ADSs may fluctuate, you cannot be certain of the dollar
value of the consideration that you will receive in the
merger.
Upon completion of the merger, each share of Golden Cycle common
stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective
time will be exchanged for 0.3123 of an AngloGold Ashanti ADS.
Because the exchange ratio of 0.3123 is fixed, the value of the
AngloGold Ashanti ADSs issued in connection with the merger will
depend on the price of an AngloGold Ashanti ADS at the time they
are issued.
The market prices of AngloGold Ashanti ADSs and Golden Cycle
common stock when the merger is completed may vary from and be
less or more than their respective market prices on the date the
merger agreement was executed, on the date of this proxy
statement/prospectus and on the date of the Golden Cycle special
meeting.
These variations may be the result of various factors, including
changes in the business, operations or prospects of AngloGold
Ashanti, general market and economic conditions, including the
price of gold, and the timing of completion of the merger.
The merger might not be completed until a period of time has
passed after the Golden Cycle special meeting. At the time of
the special meeting, Golden Cycle shareholders will not know the
exact value of the AngloGold Ashanti ADSs that will be issued in
connection with the merger. Golden Cycle shareholders are urged
to obtain current market quotations for AngloGold Ashanti ADSs.
The
market prices of AngloGold Ashanti ADSs and Golden Cycle common
stock may be affected by different factors.
Upon completion of the merger, the holders of shares of Golden
Cycle common stock will become holders of AngloGold Ashanti
ADSs. AngloGold Ashantis businesses and ADSs differ from
the business and shares of common stock of Golden Cycle, and
AngloGold Ashantis results of operations, as well as the
trading price of AngloGold Ashanti ADSs, may be affected by
factors different from those affecting Golden Cycles
results of operations and the trading price of Golden Cycle
common stock as a separate company. Therefore, events or
circumstances that might not have caused shares of Golden Cycle
common stock to decline or rise in value might result in a
decline or rise in value of AngloGold Ashanti ADSs. For a
summary of the differences in rights between Golden Cycle common
stock and AngloGold Ashanti ADSs, see Comparison of Rights
of Shareholders under Colorado and South African Law
beginning on page 94. For a discussion of the businesses of
AngloGold Ashanti and Golden Cycle and of factors to consider in
connection with those businesses, see the documents incorporated
by reference in this document, in particular AngloGold
Ashantis 2007 Annual Report on
Form 20-F,
and referred to in Where You Can Find More
Information beginning on page 110.
Golden
Cycles directors and executive officers have interests in
the transaction that may be different from, or in addition to,
the interests of Golden Cycle shareholders generally, and these
interests may have influenced their decision to pursue and
approve the merger.
You should be aware of potential conflicts of interest and of
the benefits to be received by the directors and executive
officers of Golden Cycle when considering the recommendation of
the Golden Cycle board of directors to
16
approve the merger. The directors and executive officers of
Golden Cycle have interests in the transaction that may be
different from, or in addition to, the interests of Golden Cycle
shareholders generally. These interests include:
|
|
|
|
|
an agreement by AngloGold Ashanti to provide directors and
officers insurance;
|
|
|
|
|
|
an agreement to provide executive officers and directors of
Golden Cycle with continuing indemnification rights;
|
|
|
|
|
|
an agreement by Golden Cycle to pay Mr. Hampton severance
following the closing of the merger in a lump sum amount equal
to $8,404 per month from the closing of the merger through
August 1, 2008; and
|
|
|
|
|
|
an agreement to issue to Golden Cycle option holders, all of
whom are executive officers and/or directors of Golden Cycle,
AngloGold Ashanti ADSs in the aggregate value of $688,880
(determined using a Black Scholes calculation to determine the
lost opportunity value associated with the early conversion of
the options) as consideration for an agreement to permit the
cashless exercise of Golden Cycle options in connection with the
merger.
|
The Golden Cycle board of directors was aware of these potential
conflicts of interest and benefits during its deliberations on
the merits of the merger and in determining to recommend to the
Golden Cycle shareholders that they vote FOR the
proposal to adopt the merger agreement. For a more detailed
description of such interests, see Interests of Certain
Persons in the Merger beginning on page 60.
The
rights of holders of AngloGold Ashanti ADSs to be issued in the
merger will not be the same as the rights of holders of Golden
Cycle common stock or AngloGold Ashanti ordinary
shares.
Golden Cycle is a corporation organized under the laws of
Colorado. The rights of holders of Golden Cycle common stock are
governed by the Colorado Business Corporation Act, the articles
of incorporation and by-laws of Golden Cycle and the listing
rules of NYSE Arca. AngloGold Ashanti is a company organized
under the laws of the Republic of South Africa. Upon completion
of the merger, the former holders of Golden Cycle common stock
will receive AngloGold Ashanti ADSs, which represent a
beneficial ownership interest in AngloGold Ashanti ordinary
shares. The rights of holders of AngloGold Ashanti ADSs will be
governed by the South African Companies Act, AngloGold
Ashantis memorandum and articles of association, the
listing rules of the New York Stock Exchange and the deposit
agreement pursuant to which the AngloGold Ashanti ADSs will be
issued. There are differences between the rights presently
enjoyed by holders of Golden Cycle common stock and the rights
to which the holders of AngloGold Ashanti ADSs will be entitled
following the merger. In some cases, the holders of AngloGold
Ashanti ADSs to the issued in the merger may not be entitled to
important rights to which they would have been entitled as
holders of Golden Cycle common stock. The rights and terms of
the AngloGold Ashanti ADSs are designed to replicate, to the
extent reasonably practicable, the rights attendant to AngloGold
Ashanti ordinary shares, for which there is currently no active
trading market in the United States. However, because of aspects
of South African law, AngloGold Ashantis memorandum and
articles of association and the terms of the deposit agreement
under which the AngloGold Ashanti ADSs will be issued, the
rights of holders of AngloGold Ashanti ADSs will not be
identical to, and, in some respects, may be less favorable than,
the rights of holders of AngloGold Ashanti ordinary shares. For
more information regarding the characteristics of, and
differences between, Golden Cycle common stock, AngloGold
Ashanti ordinary shares and AngloGold Ashanti ADSs, please refer
to Description of AngloGold Ashanti Ordinary Shares
beginning on page 82, Description of AngloGold
Ashanti American Depositary Shares beginning on
page 87 and Comparison of Rights of Shareholders
under Colorado and South African Law beginning on
page 94.
AngloGold
Ashanti is a foreign private issuer under the rules
and regulations of the SEC and, as a result, is exempt from a
number of rules under the Exchange Act and is permitted to file
less information with the SEC than a company incorporated in the
United States.
AngloGold Ashanti is a foreign private issuer under
the rules and regulations of the SEC. As a foreign private
issuer, AngloGold Ashanti is exempt from certain rules under the
Exchange Act that would otherwise apply if AngloGold Ashanti
were a company incorporated in the United States, including:
|
|
|
|
|
the requirement to file periodic reports and financial
statements with the SEC as frequently or as promptly as United
States companies with securities registered under the Exchange
Act;
|
17
|
|
|
|
|
the requirement to file financial statements prepared in
accordance with United States generally accepted accounting
principles, although AngloGold Ashanti currently prepares the
financial statements included in its annual report on
Form 20-F
in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting
principles; and
|
|
|
|
the proxy rules, which impose disclosure and procedural
requirements for proxy solicitations.
|
In addition, AngloGold Ashantis officers, directors and
principal shareholders are exempt from the reporting and
short-swing profit recovery provisions of
Section 16 of the Exchange Act and the related rules with
respect to their purchases and sales of AngloGold Ashanti
securities. Accordingly, after the completion of the merger, as
a holder of AngloGold Ashanti ADSs, you may receive less
information about the combined company than you currently
receive about Golden Cycle and be afforded less protection under
the United States federal securities laws than you are entitled
to currently.
Risks
Relating to the AngloGold Ashanti Ordinary Shares and
ADSs
Sales
of large quantities of AngloGold Ashanti ordinary shares or
ADSs, or the perception that these sales may occur, could
adversely affect the prevailing market price of such securities
as could future offerings of AngloGold Ashanti ordinary shares,
ADSs or securities exchangeable or exercisable for AngloGold
Ashanti ordinary shares or ADSs.
The market price of AngloGold Ashanti ordinary shares and ADSs
could fall if large quantities of ordinary shares or ADSs are
sold in the public market, or there is the perception in the
marketplace that such sales could occur. Subject to applicable
securities laws, holders of AngloGold Ashanti ordinary shares or
ADSs may decide to sell them at any time. The market price of
AngloGold Ashanti ordinary shares or ADSs could also fall as a
result of any future offerings AngloGold Ashanti makes of
AngloGold Ashanti ordinary shares, ADSs or securities
exchangeable or exercisable for AngloGold Ashanti ordinary
shares or ADSs, or the perception in the marketplace that these
sales might occur. AngloGold Ashanti may make such offerings at
any time or from time to time in the future.
AngloGold Ashanti has entered into a registration rights
agreement with Anglo American plc, or AA plc, that would
facilitate registration under the Securities Act of additional
offers and sales of AngloGold Ashanti securities that AA plc
makes in the future, subject to certain conditions. Sales of
ordinary shares or ADSs, if substantial, or the perception that
sales may occur and be substantial, could exert downward
pressure on the prevailing market prices for AngloGold Ashanti
ordinary shares or ADSs, causing their market prices to decline.
In April 2006, AA plc sold 19,685,170 ordinary shares it held in
AngloGold Ashanti and in October 2007, sold an additional
69,100,000 ordinary shares it held in AngloGold Ashanti. These
and other sales, combined with the dilutive effect of AngloGold
Ashantis issuance of 9,970,732 ordinary shares in April
2006, reduced AA plcs shareholding in AngloGold Ashanti
from approximately 51 percent of outstanding shares as at
April 19, 2006 to 16.6 percent as at May 20,
2008. AA plc has stated that it intends to reduce and ultimately
exit its gold company holdings and that it will continue to
explore all available options to exit AngloGold Ashanti in an
orderly manner. Sales or distributions of substantial amounts of
AngloGold Ashanti ordinary shares or ADSs, or the perception
that such sales or distributions may occur, could adversely
affect prevailing market prices for AngloGold Ashanti ordinary
shares and ADSs.
On May 21, 2008, AngloGold Ashanti announced that it
intends to proceed, subject to certain conditions, with a
renounceable rights offering of 69,470,442 new AngloGold Ashanti
ordinary shares to AngloGold Ashanti ordinary and E shareholders
and AngloGold Ashanti ADS holders at a subscription price of
ZAR194.00 per rights offer share or ADS and in the ratio of
24.6403 rights offer shares for every 100 AngloGold Ashanti
ordinary shares or ADSs held (just less than 25% of AngloGold
Ashantis issued and outstanding ordinary shares at
May 20, 2008). Golden Cycle shareholders will not be
entitled to participate in the AngloGold Ashanti rights offering
as the record date for AngloGold Ashanti shareholders to
participate in the rights offering is June 3, 2008, which
will be prior to the completion of the merger. It is expected
that the market price of the AngloGold Ashanti ordinary shares
and ADSs will fall once the AngloGold Ashanti ordinary shares
and ADSs begin trading ex-rights to reflect the dilutive impact
of the rights issue. The exchange ratio has been adjusted to
compensate for this and to put the Golden Cycle shareholders in
the same position as before the rights offering. There can be no
assurance, however, that the market price of the AngloGold
Ashanti ordinary shares and ADSs will not be adversely affected
by the perceived success of
18
the rights offer. In particular, a consortium of underwriters
have agreed to subscribe for any shares that remain unsubscribed
after the rights offer which they will then offer to the public.
Such an offering of a large quantity of ordinary shares may
exert downward pressure on the market price of the AngloGold
Ashanti ordinary shares and ADSs.
Fluctuations
in the market price of AngloGold Ashanti ADSs may result in a
decrease in the aggregate value of the consideration received by
Golden Cycle shareholders in the merger.
Since the execution of the merger agreement on January 11,
2008 to the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, the market
price of the AngloGold Ashanti ADSs has ranged from a high of
$50.07 to a low of $31.49. Any substantial decrease in the value
of the AngloGold Ashanti ADS from the market price of $50.42 on
January 10, 2008, the date the board of directors of Golden
Cycle approved the merger and the merger agreement, represents a
decrease in the value of the consideration Golden Cycle
shareholders will receive in the merger. The valuation has
declined from a premium of 32.93 percent above the closing
price of Golden Cycles common stock of $11.00 on
January 10, 2008, the last trading date prior to the
meeting of Golden Cycles board of directors to approve the
merger agreement (based on the closing price of AngloGold
Ashanti ADSs of $50.42 on the same date) to a premium of
10.84 percent above the closing price of Golden
Cycles common stock of $11.07 on May 23, 2008 (based
on the closing price of AngloGold Ashanti ADSs of $39.29 on the
same date).
Many factors affect the market price of AngloGold Ashanti ADSs,
many of which are not under the control of AngloGold Ashanti.
For a more detailed description of the risks affecting AngloGold
Ashantis operations, see Risks related to the gold
mining industry generally and Risks related to
AngloGold Ashantis operations under Item 3.D
Risk factors from AngloGold Ashantis 2007
Annual Report on
Form 20-F,
which is incorporated by reference in this proxy
statement/prospectus, and Risk Factors Risks
Relating to the AngloGold Ashanti Ordinary Shares and ADSs
beginning on page 18 of this proxy statement/prospectus.
AngloGold
Ashanti uses gold hedging instruments and has entered into long
term sales contracts, which may prevent AngloGold Ashanti from
realizing all potential gains resulting from subsequent
commodity price increases in the future. AngloGold
Ashantis reported financial condition could be adversely
affected as a result of the need to fair value all of its hedge
contracts.
AngloGold Ashanti currently uses gold hedging instruments to fix
the selling price of a portion of its anticipated gold
production and to protect revenues against unfavorable gold
price and exchange rate movements. While the use of these
instruments may protect against a drop in gold prices and
exchange rate movements, it will do so for only a limited period
of time and only to the extent that the hedge remains in place.
The use of these instruments may also prevent AngloGold Ashanti
from fully realizing the positive impact on income from any
subsequent favorable increase in the price of gold on the
portion of production covered by the hedge and of any subsequent
favorable exchange rate movements.
A significant number of AngloGold Ashantis forward sales
contracts are not treated as derivatives and fair valued on the
financial statements as they fall under the normal purchase
sales exemption. Should AngloGold Ashanti fail to settle these
contracts by physical delivery, then it may be required to
account for the fair value of a portion, or potentially all of,
the existing contracts in the financial statements. This could
adversely affect AngloGold Ashantis reported financial
condition.
AngloGold
Ashanti intends to significantly reduce its gold hedging
position following the rights offering, which will substantially
reduce its protection against future declines in the market
price of gold.
AngloGold Ashanti has traditionally used gold hedging
instruments to protect the selling price of some of its
anticipated sales against declines in the market price of
gold. The use of these instruments has prevented AngloGold
Ashanti from fully participating in the significant increase in
the market price of gold in recent years. Since 2001, AngloGold
Ashanti has been reducing its hedge commitments through hedge
buy-backs (limited to non-hedge derivatives), physical
settlement of maturing contracts and other restructurings in
order to provide greater participation in a rising gold price
environment.
19
Notwithstanding the steps AngloGold Ashanti has taken to date,
its gold hedging position has continued to have a significantly
adverse effect upon its financial performance. In order to
address this, AngloGold Ashanti intends to procure early
settlement of certain contracts otherwise due to mature in 2009
and 2010 during the course of 2008, in addition to settling
contracts due to mature in 2008. In addition to the settlement
of the aforementioned contracts during 2008, AngloGold Ashanti
intends to restructure some of the remainder of its hedge book
in order to achieve greater participation in the spot price for
gold beyond 2009. For a description of AngloGold Ashantis
plans to reduce its gold hedging position, see The
Companies AngloGold Ashanti Limited
Rights Offering Purpose of the Rights Offering and
Use of Proceeds. As a result of these measures, AngloGold
Ashanti expects to have substantially less protection against
declines in the market price of gold during 2008 and later years
compared to 2007.
AngloGold
Ashanti faces certain risks and uncertainties in the execution
of its planned gold hedge restructuring.
Through the planned gold hedge restructuring, AngloGold Ashanti
intends to significantly reduce its gold hedging position by
procuring early settlement of certain contracts otherwise due to
mature in 2009 and 2010 during the course of 2008, in addition
to settling contracts already due to mature in 2008. In addition
to the settlement of the aforementioned contracts during 2008,
AngloGold Ashanti also intends to restructure some of the
remainder of its hedge book in order to achieve greater
participation in the spot price for gold beyond 2009. The exact
nature and extent and execution of these processes will depend
upon prevailing and anticipated market conditions at the time of
restructuring, particularly prevailing gold prices and exchange
rates and other relevant economic factors. Should these
conditions become unfavorable at any stage during the
restructuring, this may delay or frustrate the implementation of
the restructuring. In addition, should the outlook for gold
prices, exchange rates and other economic factors materially
change, it is possible that AngloGold Ashantis plans for
the execution of the gold hedge restructuring may be modified so
as to minimize the adverse impact from such changes or maximize
the benefits from them.
Furthermore, the execution of the gold hedge restructuring may
depend on or be affected by AngloGold Ashantis ability to
obtain consents from hedge counterparties and its lenders. If
AngloGold Ashanti is not able to successfully execute the
planned gold hedge restructuring then it will be prevented from
fully participating in higher gold prices should such gold
prices continue to prevail.
AngloGold Ashanti also continues to give consideration to the
early settlement of contracts not currently recorded on balance
sheet (normal purchase normal sale exemption (NPSE))
by means of early physical delivery. Such early physical
settlement, if it were to occur, would result in a significant
adverse impact on AngloGold Ashantis 2008 recorded
revenues in its income statement, as sales that would have
otherwise been executed at the spot price of gold will be
replaced with sales based on the earlier contracted prices of
such NPSE contracts that are settled during the year.
Furthermore should AngloGold Ashanti conclude that such early
physical settlement of NPSE contracts represents a tainting
event, AngloGold Ashanti would be required to recognize on
balance sheet the fair value of a portion of, or potentially all
of the existing NPSE contracts, which would result in a
significant adverse impact on its financial statements. No such
conclusion has yet been made by AngloGold Ashanti and it is
still considering the potential impact of any such transaction.
Even
though the rights offering is being fully underwritten, the
underwriting is subject to customary provisions allowing the
underwriters to terminate the underwriting in certain limited
circumstances.
The underwriters have agreed to procure subscribers for, or to
subscribe for, any offered shares that are not subscribed for
pursuant to the exercise of the rights or allocated pursuant to
the excess applications. However, the underwriting agreement
grants the underwriters customary rights to terminate the
underwriting agreement in certain limited circumstances. If the
underwriters are entitled to terminate, and do terminate, the
underwriting agreement, the amount of proceeds AngloGold Ashanti
raises from the rights offering could be substantially reduced.
If AngloGold Ashanti does not raise sufficient funds from the
rights offering, it may not be able to both fully implement its
planned hedge restructuring while also continuing to fund its
principal development projects and growth initiatives without
raising additional funds, which it may be unable to do on
commercially reasonable terms or in a timely manner.
20
Fluctuations
in the exchange rate of the U.S. dollar to the South African
rand may reduce the market value of AngloGold Ashanti ADSs, as
well as the market value of any dividends or distributions paid
by AngloGold Ashanti.
AngloGold Ashanti has historically declared all dividends in
South African rand. As a result, exchange rate movements may
have affected and may continue to affect the U.S. dollar
value of these dividends, as well as of any other distributions
paid by the AngloGold Ashanti ADS depositary to AngloGold
Ashanti ADS holders. This may reduce the value of the AngloGold
Ashanti ADSs to investors. AngloGold Ashantis memorandum
and articles of association allows for dividends and
distributions to be declared in any currency at the discretion
of its board of directors, or AngloGold Ashantis
shareholders at a general meeting. If and to the extent that
AngloGold Ashanti opts to declare dividends and distributions in
dollars, exchange rate movements will not affect the dollar
value of any dividends or distributions, nevertheless, the value
of any dividend or distribution in Australian dollars, British
pounds, Ghanaian cedis or South African rands will continue to
be affected. If and to the extent that dividends and
distributions are declared in South African rands, exchange rate
movements will continue to affect the Australian dollar, British
pound, Ghanaian cedi and U.S. dollar value of these
dividends and distributions. Furthermore, the market value of
AngloGold Ashanti ADSs is expressed in U.S. dollars and
will continue to fluctuate in part as a result of foreign
exchange fluctuations.
The
recently announced proposal by the South African government to
replace the Secondary Tax on Companies with a withholding tax on
dividends and other distributions may impact on the amount of
dividends or other distributions received by AngloGold Ashanti
shareholders.
On February 21, 2007, the South African government
announced a proposal to replace the Secondary Tax on Companies
with a 10 percent withholding tax on dividends and other
distributions payable to shareholders. This proposal is expected
to be implemented in phases between 2007 and 2009. Although this
may reduce the tax payable by AngloGold Ashantis South
African operations thereby increasing distributable earnings,
the withholding tax will generally reduce the amount of
dividends or other distributions received by AngloGold Ashanti
shareholders and holders of ADSs.
21
PRESENTATION
OF CERTAIN FINANCIAL AND OTHER INFORMATION
Company
Names
Unless indicated otherwise, or the context otherwise requires,
references in this proxy statement/prospectus to
AngloGold, AngloGold Ashanti,
we, us and our or similar
terms are references to AngloGold Ashanti Limited or, as
appropriate, subsidiaries and associate companies of AngloGold
Ashanti.
References to Golden Cycle refer to Golden Cycle
Gold Corporation, a Colorado corporation, having its registered
office at 1515 South Tejon Street, Suite 201, Colorado
Springs, Colorado 80906, and, where applicable, its consolidated
subsidiaries.
Financial
Information
The financial information and certain other information
presented in a number of tables in this proxy
statement/prospectus have been rounded to the nearest whole
number or the nearest decimal. Therefore, the sum of the numbers
in a column may not conform exactly to the total figure given
for that column. In addition, certain percentages presented in
the tables in this proxy statement/prospectus reflect
calculations based upon the underlying information prior to
rounding, and, accordingly, may not conform exactly to the
percentages that would be derived if the relevant calculations
were based upon the rounded numbers.
AngloGold
Ashanti
All of the financial statements incorporated by reference in
this proxy statement/prospectus for AngloGold Ashanti have been
prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, except that the
financial statements for the three months ended March 31,
2007, and for the three months ended and as at March 31,
2008, do not contain a full set of related notes, as would be
required under U.S. GAAP. For consolidation purposes, financial
statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. GAAP
and expressed in U.S. dollars, the reporting currency.
As a company incorporated in the Republic of South Africa and
for purposes of its regulatory filings in Europe relating to its
listings in London, Paris and Brussels, AngloGold Ashanti also
prepares annual consolidated financial statements and unaudited
consolidated quarterly financial statements in accordance with
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
IFRS differs in certain significant respects from U.S. GAAP
and therefore AngloGold Ashantis financial statements
prepared under IFRS are not comparable with its financial
statements prepared under U.S. GAAP that are incorporated
by reference herein.
Incorporated by reference in this proxy statement/prospectus
are: (i) the audited consolidated financial statements of
AngloGold Ashanti Limited and its consolidated subsidiaries,
including the consolidated balance sheets as of
December 31, 2006 and 2007, and the consolidated statements
of income, stockholders equity and cash flows for each of
the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007 and
(ii) the unaudited consolidated financial statements of
AngloGold Ashanti Limited for the quarterly period ended
March 31, 2008.
Golden
Cycle
All of the financial statements incorporated by reference into
this proxy statement/prospectus for Golden Cycle have been
prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. For consolidation
purposes, financial statements have been prepared in conformity
with U.S. GAAP and expressed in U.S. dollars, the
reporting currency.
Incorporated by reference in this proxy statement/prospectus
are: (i) the audited consolidated financial statements of
Golden Cycle Gold Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries,
including the consolidated balance sheets as of
December 31, 2006 and 2007, and the consolidated statements
of operations, shareholders equity, comprehensive income
(loss) and cash flows for each of the years ended
December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007 and (ii) the
unaudited consolidated financial statements of Golden Cycle Gold
Corporation for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2008.
22
Non-GAAP Financial
Measures
In the documents incorporated by reference herein, we present
the financial items total cash costs, total
cash costs per ounce, total production costs
and total production costs per ounce which are used
within the gold mining industry but are not measures under
U.S. GAAP. An investor should not consider these items in
isolation or as alternatives to any measure of financial
performance presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP either
in this proxy statement/prospectus or in any document
incorporated by reference herein.
While we have provided definitions for the calculation of
total cash costs, total cash costs per
ounce, total production costs and total
production costs per ounce (see page 9 of AngloGold
Ashantis 2007
Form 20-F,
which is incorporated herein by reference), the definitions of
certain
non-GAAP
financial measures included herein may vary significantly from
those of other gold mining companies, and by themselves do not
necessarily provide a basis for comparison with other gold
mining companies. However, AngloGold Ashanti believes that total
cash costs and total production costs in total by mine and per
ounce by mine are useful indicators to investors and management
of a mines performance because they provide:
|
|
|
|
|
an indication of a mines profitability, efficiency and
cash flows;
|
|
|
|
the trend in costs as the mine matures over time on a consistent
basis; and
|
|
|
|
an internal benchmark of performance to allow for comparison
against other mines, both within the AngloGold Ashanti group and
of other gold mining companies.
|
No
Internet Site is Part of This Proxy
Statement/Prospectus
Each of AngloGold Ashanti and Golden Cycle maintains an internet
site. The AngloGold Ashanti internet site is at
www.anglogoldashanti.com. The Golden Cycle internet site
is at www.goldencycle.com. Information contained in or
otherwise accessible through these internet sites is not a part
of this proxy statement/prospectus. All references in this proxy
statement/prospectus to these internet sites are inactive
textual references to these internet addresses and are for your
information only.
23
CAUTIONARY
STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain statements contained or incorporated by reference in
this proxy statement/prospectus, other than statements of
historical fact, contain forward-looking statements regarding
AngloGold Ashantis operations, economic performance or
financial condition and the transactions described herein,
including, without limitation, those concerning: AngloGold
Ashantis strategy to reduce its gold hedging position
including the extent and effect of the hedge reduction; the
economic outlook for the gold mining industry; expectations
regarding spot and received gold prices, production, cash costs
and other operating results; growth prospects and outlook of
AngloGold Ashantis operations, individually or in the
aggregate, including the completion and commencement of
commercial operations at its exploration and production projects
and the completion of acquisitions and dispositions; AngloGold
Ashantis liquidity and capital resources and expenditure;
and the outcome and consequences of any pending litigation
proceedings. These forward-looking statements are not based on
historical facts, but rather reflect AngloGold Ashantis
current expectations concerning future results and events and
generally may be identified by the use of forward-looking words
or phrases such as believe, aim,
expect, anticipate, intend,
foresee, forecast, likely,
should, planned, may,
estimated, potential or other similar
words and phrases. Similarly, statements that describe AngloGold
Ashantis objectives, plans or goals are or may be
forward-looking statements.
These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown
risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause AngloGold
Ashantis actual results, performance or achievements and
the outcome of the transactions described herein to differ
materially from the anticipated results, performance or
achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking
statements. Although AngloGold Ashanti believes that the
expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are
reasonable, no assurance can be given that such expectations
will prove to have been correct. Accordingly, results and the
outcome of the transactions described herein could differ
materially from those set out in the forward-looking statements
as a result of, among other factors, changes in economic and
market conditions, success of business and operating
initiatives, changes in the regulatory environment and other
government actions, fluctuations in gold prices and exchange
rates, business and operational risk management and other
factors disclosed in or incorporated by reference in this proxy
statement/prospectus. See Risk Factors and
Where You Can Find More Information on pages 16
and 110, respectively, and Risks related to the gold
mining industry generally and Risks related to
AngloGold Ashantis operations under Item 3.D
Risk factors from AngloGold Ashantis 2007
Annual Report on
Form 20-F,
which is incorporated herein by reference. The risk factors
described or incorporated by reference herein could affect
AngloGold Ashantis future results, causing these results
to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking
statements, and the outcome of the transactions described
herein. These factors are not necessarily all of the important
factors that could cause AngloGold Ashantis actual results
and the outcome of the transactions described herein to differ
materially from those expressed in any forward-looking
statements. Other unknown or unpredictable factors could also
have material adverse effects on the future results and the
outcome of the transactions described herein.
Golden Cycle shareholders should review carefully all
information, including the financial statements and the notes to
the financial statements, included in this proxy
statement/prospectus (and all documents incorporated herein by
reference). The forward-looking statements included in this
proxy statement/prospectus are made only as of the last
practicable date and the forward-looking statements in the
documents incorporated by reference are made only as of the last
practicable date before the filing of such documents. Except as
many be required by law, AngloGold Ashanti undertakes no
obligation to update publicly or release any revisions to these
forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances
after the date of this proxy statement/prospectus or to reflect
the occurrence of unanticipated events. All subsequent written
and oral forward-looking statements attributable to AngloGold
Ashanti or any person acting on its behalf are qualified by the
cautionary statement in this section.
24
SPECIAL
MEETING OF GOLDEN CYCLE SHAREHOLDERS
Date,
Time, Place and Purpose of the Special Meeting
Golden Cycle will hold the special meeting on June 30, 2008
at the Elks Lodge, 367 North 3rd Street, Victor, Colorado,
beginning at 10:00 a.m. to consider and vote on the
proposal to approve and adopt the merger agreement and the
approval of the adjournment of the special meeting, if necessary
or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies, in the event that
there are not sufficient votes at the time of the special
meeting to approve the proposal to adopt the merger agreement.
Golden Cycle does not expect that any matter other than the
proposal to adopt the merger agreement and the approval of the
adjournment of the special meeting, if necessary or appropriate,
will be brought before the special meeting. If, however, such a
matter, which is unknown a reasonable time before the
solicitation of proxies in connection with the special meeting,
is properly presented at the special meeting or any adjournment
or postponement of the special meeting, the persons appointed as
proxies will have authority to vote the shares represented by
duly executed proxies in accordance with their discretion and
judgment in respect of such matter.
Proxy;
Revocability of Proxy
If you vote your shares of Golden Cycle common stock by signing
a proxy, your shares will be voted at the special meeting in
accordance with the instructions given. If no instructions are
indicated on your signed proxy card, your shares of Golden Cycle
common stock will be voted FOR the adoption of the
merger agreement and FOR the approval of the
adjournment of the special meeting, if necessary or appropriate.
You may revoke your proxy and change your vote at any time
before the polls close at the special meeting. You may do this
by:
|
|
|
|
|
signing another proxy with a later date and mailing it to Golden
Cycles Secretary, Wilma L. Delacruz, at Golden
Cycles principal executive offices, so long as it is
received prior to 12:00 p.m., Mountain Daylight Time, on
June 27, 2008;
|
|
|
|
|
|
voting in person at the special meeting; or
|
|
|
|
|
|
giving written notice to Golden Cycles Secretary, Wilma L.
Delacruz, at Golden Cycles principal executive offices,
prior to 12:00 p.m., Mountain Daylight Time, on
June 27, 2008, that you revoke your proxy.
|
If you hold shares through a broker, trustee or other nominee,
you must contact your broker, trustee or other nominee for
information on how to revoke your proxy or change your vote.
Attendance at the special meeting will not by itself constitute
revocation of a proxy.
Persons
Making the Solicitation
This proxy statement/prospectus is being furnished to Golden
Cycle shareholders as part of the solicitation of proxies by
Golden Cycles board of directors for use at the special
meeting in connection with the proposed merger. This proxy
statement/prospectus provides Golden Cycle shareholders with the
information they need to know to be able to vote or instruct
their vote to be cast at the special meeting. No director of
Golden Cycle has informed Golden Cycle that he intends to
recommend against the action to be taken at this special meeting
in his capacity as a director of Golden Cycle.
Record
Date; Shares Entitled to Vote; Quorum
Golden Cycles board of directors has fixed May 13,
2008, as the record date for the special meeting. Only holders
of Golden Cycle common stock as of the close of business on that
date will be entitled to vote at the special meeting.
As of May 13, 2008, Golden Cycle had 9,794,250 shares of
common stock issued and outstanding and entitled to vote at the
special meeting. No other securities of Golden Cycle are
entitled to vote at the special meeting.
25
Pursuant to the by-laws of Golden Cycle, a majority of issued
and outstanding voting stock must be present in person or by
proxy for a quorum to be present at the special meeting.
Required
Vote
Approval and adoption of the merger agreement requires the
approval of two-thirds of Golden Cycles issued and
outstanding common stock entitled to vote. Shareholders
representing 6,529,500 shares of common stock must vote in
favor of the merger agreement. Pursuant to the shareholder
support agreements described in The Shareholder Support
Agreements beginning on page 57, the holders of
approximately 44.3 percent of all of the issued and outstanding
shares of Golden Cycle common stock have agreed to vote their
shares in favor of the merger.
If the proposal to adjourn the special meeting is submitted to
Golden Cycle shareholders for approval, such approval requires
the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the votes
cast in person or by proxy at the special meeting of Golden
Cycle shareholders.
Voting
Each share of Golden Cycle common stock entitles the holder on
the record date of the special meeting to one vote with respect
to all matters on which the holders of Golden Cycle common stock
are entitled to vote at the special meeting.
If you are a holder of record, there are four ways to vote your
shares of Golden Cycle common stock at the special meeting:
|
|
|
|
|
in person at the Golden Cycle special
meeting complete and sign the enclosed proxy card
and bring either the admission ticket attached to the proxy card
or evidence of your stock ownership with you to the Golden Cycle
special meeting (the ticket or evidence of your stock ownership
will serve as your right to admission and your authorization to
vote in person);
|
|
|
|
by mail complete, sign and date the
enclosed proxy card and return it in the enclosed postage paid
return envelope as soon as possible to Golden Cycle Gold
Corporation, 1515 South Tejon Street, Suite 201, Colorado
Springs, Colorado 80906, Attention: Wilma L. Delacruz, Secretary;
|
|
|
|
by facsimile complete, sign and date the
enclosed proxy card and fax it to Golden Cycles transfer
agent at the number provided with the enclosed proxy card; or
|
|
|
|
by telephone follow the instructions
included with the enclosed proxy card.
|
If your shares are held in an account with a brokerage firm,
bank, dealer or other similar organization, then you are the
beneficial owner of shares held in street name and
these proxy materials are being forwarded to you by that
organization. The organization holding your account is
considered the shareholder of record for purposes of voting at
the special meeting. As a beneficial owner, you have the right
to direct your broker, trustee or other nominee on how to vote
the shares in your account. You are also invited to attend the
special meeting. However, since you are not the shareholder of
record, you may not vote your shares in person at the meeting
unless you request and obtain a valid proxy card from your
broker, trustee or other nominee. At the special meeting, Golden
Cycle will pass out written ballots to anyone who is registered
to vote at the special meeting.
When you sign the enclosed proxy card you are appointing R.
Herbert Hampton, Chief Executive Officer of Golden Cycle, as
your representative at the special meeting. As your
representative, he will vote your shares at the special meeting
(or any adjournments thereof) as you have instructed on the
proxy card. With proxy voting, your shares will be voted whether
or not you attend the special meeting. Even if you plan to
attend the special meeting, it is a good idea to complete, sign
and return your proxy card in advance of the meeting, just in
case your plans change.
Your shares will be voted as you indicate. A returned, signed
proxy card without an indication of how shares should be voted
will be voted FOR the approval of the merger
agreement and FOR the approval of the adjournment of
the special meeting, if necessary or appropriate.
26
Abstentions with respect to the proposals are counted for the
purposes of establishing a quorum at the special meeting. An
abstention with respect to the proposal to adopt the merger
agreement has the legal effect of a vote AGAINST the
adoption of the merger agreement.
If your shares are held through a brokerage account, your
brokerage firm, under certain circumstances, may vote your
shares.
If your shares are registered in your name and you do not sign
and return your proxy card, your shares will not be voted at the
meeting.
Dissenters
Rights of Appraisal
The merger is to be effected as a statutory merger under
Colorado law. Under Colorado law, no right to dissent or
appraisal is available for shareholders of Golden Cycle with
respect to the merger and the merger agreement. Pursuant to
Colorado Revised Statutes
Section 7-113-102(1.3),
Golden Cycle shareholders are not entitled to dissent and obtain
payment upon appraisal because Golden Cycle common stock is
listed on a national securities exchange registered under the
Exchange Act.
Shareholder
Support Agreements
Concurrently with the signing of the merger agreement, AngloGold
Ashanti entered into separate shareholder support agreements
with each of the following shareholders of Golden Cycle: David
W. Tice & Associates, Inc., OCM Gold Fund, R. Herbert
Hampton, Estate of Rex H. Hampton, Dr. Taki N. Anagnoston,
James C. Ruder, Robert T. Thul, Donald L. Gustafson and Midas
Fund, Inc./Midas Management Corporation. Together, the
shareholder support agreements cover an aggregate of
4,343,680 shares of Golden Cycle common stock, which, as of
May 13, 2008, represented approximately 44.3 percent
of all of the issued and outstanding shares of Golden Cycle
common stock.
Pursuant to the shareholder support agreements, each supporting
shareholder granted to AngloGold Ashanti an irrevocable proxy to
exercise all voting, consent and similar rights with respect to
their shares of Golden Cycle common stock at every annual,
special or other meeting of shareholders of Golden Cycle, and in
any consent in lieu of a meeting for the purpose of voting in
favor of the merger and any other matter necessary to the
consummation of the merger. For a more complete summary of the
shareholder support agreements, please see Shareholder
Support Agreements beginning on page 57.
Means of
Solicitation; Fees and Expenses
AngloGold Ashanti and Golden Cycle have agreed to pay all of
their own expenses and fees incurred in connection with the
merger, including those relating to the printing, filing and
mailing of this proxy statement/prospectus. All costs of
solicitation of proxies from Golden Cycle shareholders will be
paid by Golden Cycle. Golden Cycle may retain a proxy solicitor
to assist in the solicitation of proxies and to verify certain
records related to the solicitations and may pay fees and
expenses to any proxy solicitor. In addition to soliciting
proxies by mail, directors, officers and employees of Golden
Cycle may solicit proxies personally and by telephone, facsimile
or other electronic means of communication. These persons will
not receive additional or special compensation for such
solicitation services. Golden Cycle may, upon request, reimburse
brokers, trustees and other nominees for their expenses in
sending proxy materials to their customers who are beneficial
owners and obtaining their voting instructions.
27
THE
MERGER
The following description contains material information
pertaining to the merger, including, among other things, the
merger agreement. This description is subject, and qualified in
its entirety by reference, to the merger agreement, as amended,
which is attached to this proxy statement/prospectus as
Annex A and incorporated herein by this reference. We urge
you to read the merger agreement carefully and in its entirety
because it, and not this description or this proxy
statement/prospectus, is the legal document that governs the
merger.
This section provides selected information about the merger of
Golden Cycle with and into GCGC LLC, an indirect wholly owned
subsidiary of AngloGold Ashanti and the circumstances
surrounding the transaction. The next section of this proxy
statement/prospectus, entitled The Merger Agreement
beginning on page 44, contains more detailed information
regarding the legal document that governs the merger
transaction, including information about the conditions to
completion of the merger and the provisions for terminating the
merger agreement.
General
The board of directors of Golden Cycle has approved the merger
agreement by unanimous vote. Under the terms of the merger
agreement, it is proposed that the transaction will be
implemented as a statutory merger under Colorado law pursuant to
which Golden Cycle will merge with and into GCGC LLC, an
indirect wholly owned subsidiary of AngloGold Ashanti, and GCGC
LLC will continue as the surviving entity and as an indirect
wholly owned subsidiary of AngloGold Ashanti.
Under the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the
merger agreement, upon completion of the merger:
|
|
|
|
|
each issued and outstanding share of Golden Cycle common stock
will be automatically converted into the right to receive 0.3123
of an AngloGold Ashanti ADS, with each whole AngloGold Ashanti
ADS representing one AngloGold Ashanti ordinary share, par value
25 South African cents per share; and
|
|
|
|
|
|
the merger agreement provides that at the effective time of the
merger, each unexpired and unexercised option to purchase Golden
Cycle common stock granted under Golden Cycle stock option plans
will be automatically cancelled in exchange for a number of
Anglo Gold Ashanti ADSs equal to (a)(i) the aggregate fair
market value of AngloGold Ashanti ADSs that would have been
received for all Golden Cycle common stock (assuming the Golden
Cycle stock options were exercised) plus (ii) $1.23 for
each share underlying the Golden Cycle stock option ($1.23
represents consideration for early conversion of the options)
less (iii) the total aggregate exercise price of the Golden
Cycle stock option (assuming the Golden Cycle stock options were
exercised) divided by (b) the fair market value of each
AngloGold Ashanti ADS. For the purposes of the calculation, the
fair market value of each AngloGold Ashanti ADS is based on the
average closing price as reported by the New York Stock Exchange
of AngloGold Ashanti ADSs for the twenty consecutive trading
days ending on the day prior to the special meeting of Golden
Cycle shareholders to approve the merger. The merger agreement
provides for the following conversion formula:
|
Where:
X = Number of ADSs Issuable for Golden Cycle Stock Option
|
|
|
|
A =
|
Number of Golden Cycle Shares Acquirable Upon Exercise of Golden
Cycle Stock Option
|
B = 0.3123
|
|
|
|
C =
|
Average of the per share closing prices as reported by the New
York Stock Exchange of ADSs for the twenty consecutive trading
days ending on the day prior to the Target Meeting (ADS Market
Price)
|
|
|
|
|
D =
|
$1.23 (adjustment for lost opportunity cost based on a Black
Scholes valuation)
|
28
E = Option Exercise Price
If the exercise price per share of any such Target Stock Option
is greater than or equal to the ADS Market Price multiplied by
the Exchange Ratio, then such Target Stock Option shall be
exchanged for the aggregate number of ADSs (less any applicable
income or employment tax withholding) equal to (i) the
number of Target Company Shares acquirable upon exercise of
Target Stock Option multiplied by (ii) $1.23 divided by
(iii) the ADS Market Price.
If AngloGold Ashanti determines that any payment in respect of
options to purchase Golden Cycle common stock options gives rise
to compensation subject to withholding, then AngloGold Ashanti
(or the appropriate subsidiary thereof) will withhold the amount
required by applicable law.
The completion of the merger is subject to a number of
conditions, including, among other things, the approval of the
merger agreement by the Golden Cycle shareholders. For a
complete discussion of the conditions to the merger, see
The Merger Agreement Conditions to the
Merger beginning on page 52.
For a discussion of the principal United States federal income
tax consequences of the merger, see Material Tax
Considerations Material U.S. Federal Income Tax
Considerations below beginning on page 75.
Background
of the Merger
From time to time beginning in 2004, representatives from
AngloGold Ashanti and Golden Cycle held informal and
non-specific discussions regarding the possibility of AngloGold
Ashanti acquiring either Golden Cycles interest in the
CC&V joint venture or all of the outstanding stock of
Golden Cycle. More specifically, some combination of
Mr. Don Ewigleben (President & CEO
AngloGold Ashanti North America Inc. and then Executive
Officer Law, Health, Safety and Environment for
AngloGold Ashanti in 2006/2007), Mr. Peter OConnor
(General Counsel AngloGold Ashanti North America
Inc.) and Mr. Jerry Bateman (then Director of Business
Development AngloGold Ashanti North America Inc.)
discussed various acquisition strategies with Mr. R.
Herbert Hampton (Chief Executive Officer Golden
Cycle) on multiple occasions. These preliminary discussions,
while productive, did not lead to the parties entering into
definitive negotiations with respect to an acquisition
transaction at that time.
Early in 2007, AngloGold Ashanti once again held internal
discussions regarding the possible acquisition of Golden Cycle
or its interest in the CC&V joint venture. As a result of
these discussions, AngloGold Ashantis board approved an
acquisition strategy based on an all stock transaction (i.e.,
shareholders of Golden Cycle would receive AngloGold Ashanti
ADSs as consideration for their shares of Golden Cycle common
stock). Consistent with the AngloGold Ashanti boards
approval, Mr. Ewigleben entered into preliminary
discussions, both in person and via the telephone, with
Mr. Hampton regarding a possible acquisition of Golden
Cycle.
On March 6, 2007, AngloGold Ashanti delivered a letter of
interest to Golden Cycle outlining a possible transaction
whereby AngloGold Ashanti would acquire all of the outstanding
common stock of Golden Cycle by means of an all stock merger at
an exchange ratio of 0.19 AngloGold Ashanti ADSs for each share
of Golden Cycle common stock. Mr. Ewigleben delivered the
letter to Mr. Hampton during a meeting between the two in
Colorado Springs, Colorado.
In a subsequent telephonic meeting with the Golden Cycle board
of directors, Mr. Hampton outlined the specific details of
the proposed transaction. After consideration of the same, on
March 7, 2007, Golden Cycles board sent a letter to
AngloGold Ashanti expressing interest in a transaction but
stating that AngloGold Ashantis proposed exchange ratio
was inadequate, and that the exchange ratio must be at least
0.25.
From March 7 to March 15, 2007, AngloGold Ashanti conducted
a series of internal meetings among personnel in Greenwood
Village, Colorado and Johannesburg, South Africa to discuss the
possible transaction and a valuation for Golden Cycle. On
March 13, 2007, Mr. Hampton and Mr. Jim Ruder
(Chairman of the Board of Golden Cycle) met with
Mr. Ewigleben and Mr. Roberto Carvalho Silva (then
Chief Operating Officer International, AngloGold
Ashanti Limited). During the brief meeting, the parties
discussed the present status of the negotiations, and
Mr. Carvalho Silva expressed AngloGold Ashantis
position that the proposed merger exchange ratio had not
changed. Mr. Hampton responded that Golden Cycles
significant shareholders were seeking an exchange ratio of at
least 0.25. In a letter delivered to Golden Cycle on
March 15, 2007, AngloGold Ashanti extended the deadline for
agreeing to a transaction to March 20, 2007, without
increasing the proposed exchange ratio. On or before
March 20, 2007, Mr. Hampton, on behalf of Golden
Cycle, in a telephone conversation with
29
Mr. Ewigleben, declined to pursue a transaction on the
terms proposed by AngloGold Ashanti in its letter of
March 6, 2007.
Over the course of the next several months several informal
meetings and discussions were held between AngloGold Ashanti and
Golden Cycle to discuss the possibility of an acquisition of
Golden Cycle. More specifically, during this period
Mr. Ewigleben and Mr. Hampton met in person or
telephonically at least once a month and discussed the positions
of the respective companies toward a proposed merger and general
status regarding each sides considerations. During this
same time period Golden Cycle engaged Strata Partners, LLC as a
consultant to assist in negotiations with several potential
buyers of Golden Cycle. On August 17, 2007,
Mr. Hampton, Golden Cycles legal advisors,
Mr. Ewigleben, Mr. OConnor and Mr. Bateman
met and held informal discussions regarding the status of
negotiations, the valuation of Golden Cycle and possible
structuring alternatives. None of the potential buyers
introduced by Strata Partners, LLC resulted in a viable
transaction.
Mr. Ewigleben met with Mr. Hampton in Colorado
Springs, Colorado on September 7, 2007, and on
October 8, 2007, Mr. Ewigleben and Mr. Hampton
had a telephone conversation during which the subject of a
merger was discussed. Mr. Ewigleben and Mr. Hampton
met again in Colorado Springs, Colorado on October 12,
2007. The discussions continued to center around the valuation
of Golden Cycle and Mr. Hamptons direction from the
Golden Cycle board that a minimum exchange ratio of 0.25
AngloGold Ashanti ADSs for each share of Golden Cycle common
stock was required before Golden Cycles board would
consider supporting a transaction.
On November 12, 2007, Mr. Ewigleben met once again
with Mr. Hampton to informally discuss a merger
transaction. Mr. Hampton reported that while Golden
Cycles board remained generally in favor of pursuing a
transaction with AngloGold Ashanti, the issue of valuation
remained open. No definitive exchange ratios were discussed, and
the conversation terminated without either party committing to
further negotiations.
On December 4, 2007, AngloGold Ashanti decided to approach
Golden Cycle with a proposal of an exchange ratio greater than
the exchange ratio previously presented. On December 5,
2007, AngloGold Ashanti delivered to Golden Cycle a letter
offering to purchase all the outstanding shares of Golden Cycle
common stock at an exchange ratio of 0.29 AngloGold Ashanti ADSs
for each share of Golden Cycle common stock. The offer was
subject to a number of standard terms and conditions for a
transaction of the proposed type, including a requirement that
all directors and officers of Golden Cycle, and all shareholders
owning ten percent or more of Golden Cycles common stock,
enter into shareholder support agreements with AngloGold Ashanti
pursuant to which they would agree to vote in favor of the
merger. A deadline of December 12, 2007 was set for Golden
Cycle to determine whether to pursue a transaction.
From December 6 to December 12, 2007, AngloGold Ashanti and
its outside legal counsel, Davis Graham & Stubbs LLP,
began drafting the merger agreement and the shareholder support
agreements. During that same period Mr. Hampton and
Mr. Ewigleben spoke on the phone several times regarding
the specific details of AngloGold Ashantis offer. On
December 12, 2007, Golden Cycles board determined to
pursue a transaction with AngloGold Ashanti subject to
clarification of a number of issues relating to the merger and
corresponding costs. The transaction terms that Golden Cycle
sought resolution and clarification of related to, among other
things, the circumstances under which Golden Cycle would be
required to pay a termination fee and the circumstances under
which AngloGold Ashanti would be required to pay a reverse
termination fee.
In a letter dated December 13, 2007, AngloGold Ashanti
clarified certain terms and conditions of the merger, and on
December 14, 2007, AngloGold Ashanti and Golden Cycle
determined to move towards negotiation of the definitive
transaction documents. A deadline of December 21, 2007 was
set for the signing of the definitive merger agreement and the
required shareholder support agreements.
On December 18, 2007, Golden Cycle engaged PI Financial to
provide a fairness opinion letter in connection with the
transaction.
Over the course of the next several days, AngloGold Ashanti and
Golden Cycle, and their legal advisors, Davis,
Graham & Stubb LLP and Dorsey & Whitney LLP,
respectively, exchanged drafts of the merger agreement and
shareholder support agreement. Multiple discussions were held
between AngloGold Ashanti and Golden Cycle, and their respective
legal advisors, in order to finalize the details of the
transaction.
30
On December 20, 2007, Mr. Hampton,
Mr. OConnor, Mr. Wayne Chancellor (Assistant
General Counsel AngloGold Ashanti North America
Inc.), and representatives of Davis Graham & Stubbs LLP and
Dorsey & Whitney LLP met at the offices of Davis,
Graham & Stubbs LLP to sign a confidentiality
agreement and finalize the terms of the merger agreement. During
the course of the meeting, and in subsequent telephone
conversations on December 20 and 21, 2007, the terms and
conditions of the merger agreement and the form of the
shareholder support agreement were negotiated and finalized.
On December 21, 2007, Mr. Tom Winmill, the manager of MIDAS
Fund, Inc., the owner of approximately 20% of Golden
Cycles common stock, expressed concern regarding several
terms of the transaction and expressed an unwillingness to enter
into a shareholder support agreement in the form requested by
AngloGold Ashanti.
On the morning of December 21, 2007, Mr. Hampton
presented the merger agreement to Golden Cycles board for
the boards consideration and approval. Attending the board
meeting were the members of Golden Cycles board of
directors and representatives of Dorsey & Whitney LLP
and PI Financial. At the meeting, the participants reviewed the
merger agreement, the terms and conditions of the merger and the
advisability of the merger. The board was advised of
Mr. Winmills objection to the shareholder support
agreement. In addition, Dorsey & Whitney LLP gave a
presentation regarding the directors fiduciary duties and
the terms of the merger agreement, and PI Financial rendered its
opinion to the Golden Cycle board that the proposed exchange
ratio of 0.29 was fair, from a financial point of view, to
holders of Golden Cycle common stock. After deliberation on the
matter, the Golden Cycle board unanimously approved the merger
agreement and authorized Mr. Hampton to negotiate to
resolve the issues related to the objections of MIDAS Fund, Inc.
Following the meeting of the Golden Cycle board, Golden Cycle
notified AngloGold Ashanti that the Golden Cycle board had
approved the merger agreement (subject to the resolution of the
remaining outstanding issues) but that MIDAS Fund, Inc. was
unwilling to execute a shareholder support agreement. On
December 21, 2007, AngloGold Ashanti informed Golden Cycle
that it was unwilling to enter into the merger agreement without
an executed shareholder support agreement from MIDAS Fund, Inc.
Between December 21, 2007 and January 2, 2008,
representatives of AngloGold Ashanti and Golden Cycle held
several conversations regarding the status of the transaction
and the position of MIDAS Fund, Inc. and, during this period,
AngloGold Ashanti and Golden Cycle agreed to extend the deadline
for signing the definitive merger agreement and shareholder
support agreements to January 4, 2008.
Mr. Ewigleben and Mr. Hampton had a telephone
conversation on January 2, 2008 to discuss the status of
the merger agreement and the position of MIDAS Fund, Inc.
Mr. Hampton informed Mr. Ewigleben that a
representative of MIDAS Fund, Inc. would not be available for
discussions with Golden Cycle until January 7, 2008.
AngloGold Ashanti and Golden Cycle therefore agreed to extend
the deadline for execution of a definitive merger agreement to
January 11, 2008.
On January 10, 2008, a conference call was held among
Mr. Hampton, Mr. Winmill, Mr. Ewigleben and
Mr. OConnor during which Mr. Winmill outlined
his concerns regarding the transaction and the shareholder
support agreement. Mr. Ewigleben informed Mr. Winmill
that AngloGold Ashanti would not accept any further changes to
the merger agreement, but considered Mr. Winmills proposed
revisions to the shareholders support agreement. Subsequent to
the January 10, 2008 call, Mr. Ewigleben informed Mr.
Hampton that AngloGold Ashanti would not accept any changes to
the shareholder support agreement.
On January 11, 2008, AngloGold Ashanti sent a letter to
Golden Cycle stating its December 5, 2007 offer to acquire
Golden Cycle would lapse as of 11:59 pm, Mountain Standard Time,
that night. Later that same day, MIDAS Fund, Inc. signed a
shareholder support agreement and AngloGold Ashanti and Golden
Cycle entered into the merger agreement. On January 14,
2008, the next business day, AngloGold Ashanti and Golden Cycle
each issued a press release announcing the transaction.
On February 28, 2008, Mr. Hampton, Mr. Chancellor
and representatives of Davis Graham & Stubbs LLP and
Dorsey & Whitney LLP met at the offices of
Dorsey & Whitney LLP to discuss several matters.
Specifically, Mr. Chancellor reported that the proposed
treatment of options to purchase Golden Cycle common stock in
the merger agreement needed to be amended because, under
AngloGold Ashantis equity compensation plans, AngloGold
Ashanti could not issue substituted options to purchase
AngloGold Ashanti ADSs to the holders of options to purchase
Golden Cycle common stock in the proposed manner. The parties
discussed various ways to treat the options to purchase Golden
Cycle common stock, including that the options be deemed
exercised at
31
closing, and an appropriate value therefor, but did not reach
agreement on any specific alternative treatment or valuation. In
addition, at the meeting, the parties discussed the fluctuations
in market price of AngloGold Ashanti ADSs, the decline in the
stated premium of the merger consideration, concerns related to
AngloGold Ashantis South Africa operations and changes in
the South African business environment, general feedback from
Golden Cycle shareholders related to the transaction, the timing
of the closing of the merger, status of AngloGolds due
diligence and various other matters.
On April 9, 2008, through his counsel, Mr. Hampton
sent a memorandum to AngloGold Ashanti setting forth Golden
Cycles calculation of the aggregate value of the lost
opportunity cost to Golden Cycle option holders of having their
options to purchase Golden Cycle common stock deemed exercised
at closing (as opposed to being substituted for options to
purchase AngloGold Ashanti ADSs, as proposed in the original
merger agreement). Based on various assumptions and including
compensation for the differential tax treatment,
Mr. Hampton calculated an aggregate lost opportunity cost
to Golden Cycle option holders of $688,880.
On April 10, 2008, representatives of Davis
Graham & Stubbs LLP informed representatives of
Dorsey & Whitney LLP that AngloGold Ashanti agreed to
compensate Golden Cycle option holders $688,880 in the aggregate
for having their options to purchase Golden Cycle common stock
deemed exercised at the closing of the merger, as opposed to
substituted for options to purchase AngloGold Ashanti ADSs, but
requested that such amount be payable in AngloGold Ashanti ADSs
with an aggregate value at or near the closing of the merger of
$688,880.
On April 11, 2008, representatives of Dorsey &
Whitney LLP sent a letter to Davis Graham & Stubbs LLP
expressing, among other things, Golden Cycles concerns
regarding the timing of the closing of the merger and delays
associated with finalizing and mailing the proxy
statement/prospectus. In addition, the letter expressed concerns
raised by some of Golden Cycles shareholders regarding the
state of AngloGold Ashantis business and the decline in
the market price of AngloGold Ashanti ADSs. As a result of these
concerns, the letter reported that the board of directors of
Golden Cycle believed that an increase in the exchange ratio was
merited.
On April 16, 2008, a representative of Davis
Graham & Stubbs LLP sent a letter responding to the
April 11, 2008 letter from Dorsey & Whitney LLP.
In the letter, Davis Graham & Stubbs LLP communicated
AngloGold Ashantis anticipated timing of the closing of
the transaction and communicated that AngloGold Ashanti intended
to include a discussion of material recent developments with
respect to AngloGold Ashantis business in its annual
report on
Form 20-F,
which would be filed prior to the effectiveness of the
registration statement on
Form F-4
of which this proxy statement/prospectus is a part and would be
incorporated by reference herein. In addition, Davis
Graham & Stubbs LLP communicated that AngloGold
Ashanti was not willing to consider an increase in the exchange
ratio at that time.
On May 6, 2008, Mr. Ewigleben and Mr. Hampton had
a phone conversation regarding the announcement of AngloGold
Ashantis proposed rights offering. Mr. Hampton
expressed concern regarding the impact of the rights offering on
the timing of the closing of the merger. As a result,
Mr. Ewigleben and Mr. Hampton scheduled a meeting for
May 8, 2008 to discuss this concern.
On May 8, 2008, Mr. Ewigleben and Mr. Ron
Largent, Executive Vice President Americas
Operations of AngloGold Ashanti, met with Mr. Hampton at
Golden Cycles offices in Colorado Springs, Colorado. At
the meeting, Mr. Hampton expressed concerns, among other
things, raised by Golden Cycle shareholders and members of its
board of directors regarding AngloGold Ashantis proposed
rights offering announced on May 6, 2008 and the fact that,
because the closing of the merger was scheduled to occur
following the record date for the rights offering, Golden Cycle
stockholders would not have the opportunity to participate in
the rights offering. Mr. Hampton also raised concerns about
the timing of the closing of the merger.
On May 9, 2008, representatives of Dorsey &
Whitney LLP sent a letter to Davis Graham & Stubbs LLP
which, among other things, memorialized the concerns raised by
Mr. Hampton in the May 8, 2008 meeting and again
requested an increase in the exchange ratio in the merger.
On May 14, 2008, a representative of Davis
Graham & Stubbs LLP sent a letter responding to the
May 9, 2008 letter from Dorsey & Whitney LLP. In
the letter, Davis Graham & Stubbs LLP reported, among
other things, that AngloGold Ashanti was willing to discuss the
impact of the proposed rights offering on the exchange ratio,
but only once AngloGold Ashanti had priced the rights offering.
32
On May 22, 2008, Mr. Ewigleben met with
Mr. Hampton at Golden Cycles offices in Colorado
Springs, Colorado. At the meeting, Mr. Ewigleben and
Mr. Hampton discussed adjusting the exchange ratio from
0.29 to 0.3123 to account for the potential impact of the rights
offering. In addition, Mr. Ewigleben and Mr. Hampton
discussed the treatment and valuation of options to purchase
Golden Cycle common stock and extending the date by which the
merger must be completed from June 30, 2008 to
July 15, 2008 in certain circumstances. In addition, in the
merger agreement, it is a condition to AngloGold Ashantis
obligation to complete the merger that the aggregate amount of
all unpaid costs and expenses incurred by Golden Cycle in
connection with the merger agreement and related transactions is
not in excess of $200,000. At the meeting, Mr. Ewigleben
and Mr. Hampton discussed increasing this $200,000 cap to
$275,000.
On May 23, 2008, Davis Graham & Stubbs LLP
distributed a proposed amendment to the merger agreement to
reflect the items discussed during the May 22, 2008
meeting. Over the course of the next several days, AngloGold
Ashanti and Golden Cycle and their respective legal advisors
negotiated the terms of the proposed amendment to the merger
agreement. On May 27, 2008, AngloGold Ashanti and Golden
Cycle executed the amendment to the merger agreement.
Other than as set forth in this proxy statement/prospectus,
including in this section, since January 1, 2006, to the
best knowledge of AngloGold Ashanti, there have been no
negotiations, transactions or material contacts between
AngloGold Ashanti or any of its affiliates and Golden Cycle or
any of its affiliates relating to any merger, consolidation,
acquisition, tender offer for Golden Cycles common stock,
election of the directors of Golden Cycle, or any sale or other
transfer of a material amount of the assets of Golden Cycle.
Recommendation
of Golden Cycles Board of Directors
After careful consideration, the Golden Cycle board of
directors unanimously determined that the merger is fair to and
in the best interests of Golden Cycle and its stockholders. The
Golden Cycle board of directors unanimously approved and
declared advisable the merger agreement and recommends that you
vote or give instructions to vote FOR the proposal
to adopt the merger agreement and FOR the approval
of the adjournment of the special meeting, if necessary or
appropriate.
In considering the recommendation of the Golden Cycle board of
directors to vote for the adoption of the merger agreement, you
should be aware that certain members of the Golden Cycle board
of directors and executive officers of Golden Cycle may have
interests in the merger that differ from, or are in addition to,
their interests as Golden Cycle stockholders. The Golden Cycle
board of directors was aware of these interests and considered
them, among other matters, in approving the merger agreement and
the merger. Please see Interests of Certain Persons in the
Merger beginning on page 60.
AngloGold
Ashantis Reasons for the Merger
In reaching its decision to approve the merger agreement,
AngloGold Ashanti consulted its legal advisors regarding the
terms of the merger agreement and related issues and with senior
management of AngloGold Ashanti regarding, among other things,
the industry, managements plans, AngloGold Ashantis
prospects and operational matters. AngloGold Ashantis
principal reason for entering into the merger agreement is to
acquire Golden Cycles interest in the CC&V joint
venture, thereby enabling AngloGold Ashanti to own
100 percent of the CC&V joint venture and the Cresson
mine. The principal benefits of owning 100 percent of the
CC&V joint venture include the following:
|
|
|
|
|
Under the terms of the CC&V joint venture agreement,
following the initial phase, Golden Cycle would be
entitled to 33 percent of the metal production from the
CC&V joint venture and, as a result, AngloGold Ashanti
would no longer be able to continue to consolidate a 100 percent
interest in the Cresson mine, its ore reserves and its annual
gold production; by acquiring 100 percent of the CC&V joint
venture, AngloGold Ashanti can continue to consolidate a 100
percent interest in the Cresson mine, its ore reserves and its
annual gold production;
|
|
|
|
Under the terms of the CC&V joint venture agreement, during
the initial phase, which the CC&V joint venture
currently is in, Golden Cycle is entitled to a minimum annual
distribution of $250,000; by acquiring
|
33
|
|
|
|
|
100 percent of the CC&V joint venture, the CC&V
joint venture would no longer be required to make $250,000
annual distributions to Golden Cycle;
|
|
|
|
|
|
As operator of the CC&V joint venture, AngloGold Ashanti
has reporting, meeting and other obligations to Golden Cycle
and, by acquiring 100 percent of the CC&V joint
venture, AngloGold Ashanti would no longer incur costs
associated with satisfying these obligations; and
|
|
|
|
Under the CC&V joint venture agreement, although AngloGold
Ashanti is the operator of the CC&V joint venture (and
consequently the Cresson mine), certain actions require
unanimous consent of the joint venture partners and, by
acquiring 100 percent of the CC&V joint venture,
AngloGold Ashanti will have greater flexibility regarding and
exclusive control over all aspects of the management of, and
significant corporate decisions in respect of, the Cresson mine.
|
In deciding to enter into the merger agreement, AngloGold
Ashanti also carefully considered and balanced the potential
benefits of the merger with the potential risks, including:
|
|
|
|
|
the risks associated with integrating Golden Cycles
business operations other than its interest in the CC&V
joint venture and of assuming the liabilities associated with
those operations;
|
|
|
|
Golden Cycles public disclosures about its business and
financial condition;
|
|
|
|
the terms of the merger agreement, including the provisions that
allow Golden Cycle to accept a superior proposal if
it pays a termination fee and the provisions that require
AngloGold Ashanti to pay a termination fee if Golden Cycle
terminates the merger agreement because of a breach by AngloGold
Ashanti of its representations, warranties or covenants or if
AngloGold Ashanti terminates the merger agreement at the
termination date and at the time of such termination all of the
conditions to closing the merger have been satisfied or, if
possible, waived by Golden Cycle;
|
|
|
|
the risk that the conditions to closing would not be satisfied;
|
|
|
|
|
|
the financial terms of the merger, including the fixed exchange
ratio of 0.3123 AngloGold Ashanti ADSs for each share of Golden
Cycle common stock and the opportunity for Golden Cycle
shareholders to benefit from any increase in the trading price
for AngloGold Ashanti ADSs between the announcement of the
merger and the closing of the merger;
|
|
|
|
|
|
the likelihood that the regulatory approvals and clearances
necessary to complete the merger would be obtained; and
|
|
|
|
the costs and expenses incurred and to be incurred by AngloGold
Ashanti in negotiating the merger agreement and closing the
merger.
|
The foregoing description of the information and factors
considered by AngloGold Ashanti is not exhaustive, but includes
all material factors considered. In view of the wide variety of
factors considered by AngloGold Ashanti in connection with its
evaluation of the merger and the complexity of these matters,
AngloGold Ashanti did not consider it practical, nor did it try,
to rank or weigh the importance of each factor.
Golden
Cycles Reasons for the Merger
In evaluating the merger agreement and the merger, Golden
Cycles board of directors consulted with Golden
Cycles management and legal and financial advisors and, in
reaching its decision to approve the merger agreement and to
recommend that Golden Cycle shareholders vote for the approval
and adoption of the merger agreement, Golden Cycles board
of directors considered a variety of factors, including:
|
|
|
|
|
The original merger consideration on January 11, 2008
(prior to the adjustment to 0.3123) of 0.29 AngloGold Ashanti
ADSs for each share of Golden Cycle common stock, with each
AngloGold Ashanti ADS representing one AngloGold Ashanti
ordinary share, represents a premium of approximately:
|
|
|
|
|
|
32.93 percent above the closing price of Golden Cycle
common stock of $11.00 on January 10, 2008, the last
trading date prior to the meeting of Golden Cycles board
of directors to approve the merger agreement (based on the
closing price of AngloGold Ashanti ADSs of $50.42 on the same
date);
|
34
|
|
|
|
|
18.83 percent above the volume-weighted average price of
Golden Cycle common stock for the 30 trading days ending on
January 10, 2008 of $11.17 (based on the volume-weighted
average price of AngloGold Ashanti ADSs of $45.76 over the same
period); and
|
|
|
|
43.28 percent above the volume-weighted average price of
Golden Cycle common stock for the 90 trading days ending on
January 10, 2008 of $9.06 (based on the volume-weighted
average price of AngloGold Ashanti ADSs of $44.78 over the same
period);
|
|
|
|
|
|
The merger consideration represents a significant premium to
Golden Cycle shareholders, based on, among other things, the
historical trading price of AngloGold Ashanti ADSs relative to
that of Golden Cycle common stock;
|
|
|
|
Golden Cycles current portfolio of properties contains
only one significant property and the merger consideration is in
AngloGold Ashanti ADSs, which will allow shareholders of Golden
Cycle to participate in the benefits of AngloGold Ashantis
diversified portfolio of worldwide properties held by a company
with greater resources to realize future growth;
|
|
|
|
Golden Cycle common stock is currently thinly traded and
therefore has low liquidity (the average daily trading volume
for Golden Cycle common stock over the 30 trading days prior to
January 10, 2008, the last trading date prior to the
meeting of Golden Cycles board of directors to approve the
merger agreement, was 1,900 shares having a market value of
approximately $21,217); whereas AngloGold Ashanti ADSs are
regularly traded (the average daily trading volume for AngloGold
Ashanti ADSs over the 30 trading days prior to January 10,
2008 was 1,619,676 AngloGold Ashanti ADSs having a market value
of approximately $74.1 million);
|
|
|
|
Under the current terms of the CC&V joint venture
agreement, the CC&V joint venture must repay AngloGold
Ashanti substantial loans before any distributions from the
CC&V joint venture may be made to Golden Cycle and
therefore such distributions are not anticipated for several
years;
|
|
|
|
Golden Cycle currently receives a recoupable payment from the
CC&V joint venture of $250,000 each year to cover
administrative and other expenses, but the increasing costs of
public company corporate governance and compliance with federal
securities regulation and increasing general and administrative
expenses may render such payment insufficient to cover Golden
Cycles expenses;
|
|
|
|
Golden Cycle would be required to raise capital to acquire new
properties and diversify, which would dilute Golden Cycles
current shareholders equity interests in Golden Cycle and
would not necessarily yield future results, given the nature of
mineral exploration and development;
|
|
|
|
As early as 2006, Golden Cycles board of directors
determined that the best strategy for the future of Golden Cycle
and its shareholders was to actively seek a merger with another
company that had a substantial operating history, could offer an
increase in liquidity and could offer diversified holdings;
Golden Cycle engaged in multiple discussions with potential
buyers, but was unsuccessful in negotiating a successful
transaction;
|
|
|
|
Golden Cycles board of directors knowledge and
understanding of AngloGold Ashanti, gained through the CC&V
joint venture, led to the determination that AngloGold Ashanti
represented the best prospect for a merger or acquisition;
|
|
|
|
The fact that the merger agreement permits Golden Cycles
board of directors to furnish information to and conduct
negotiations with an unsolicited third party in certain
circumstances in connection with an alternative transaction
proposal, if the failure to do so would be reasonably likely to
violate the fiduciary obligations of Golden Cycles board
of directors under applicable law;
|
|
|
|
The fact that the merger agreement permits Golden Cycles
board of directors to change its recommendation of the merger to
Golden Cycle shareholders in connection with an unsolicited
superior proposal by a third party for an alternative
transaction if such action is necessary for Golden Cycles
board of directors to comply with its fiduciary duties under
applicable law;
|
35
|
|
|
|
|
The amount of the termination fee payable by Golden Cycle to
AngloGold Ashanti and the circumstances under which it is
payable; notwithstanding that the termination payment provisions
of the merger agreement could have the effect of discouraging
alternative transaction proposals, on balance, Golden
Cycles board of directors determined that the amount of
the termination fee that Golden Cycle may be obligated to pay to
AngloGold Ashanti, and the circumstances under which it may be
payable, are typical for transactions of this size and type, and
would not likely discourage an alternative transaction proposal
from an interested bidder and were necessary to induce AngloGold
Ashanti to enter into the merger agreement;
|
|
|
|
|
|
The financial presentation of PI Financial, made to Golden
Cycles board of directors on December 20, 2007, and
the opinion of PI Financial delivered to Golden Cycles
board of directors, dated as of January 11, 2008, to the
effect that, as of the date of the opinion and based on and
subject to various qualifications, factors, assumptions and
limitations described in its opinion, the merger consideration
to be received by the shareholders of Golden Cycle pursuant to
the merger was fair from a financial point of view to such
shareholders, as more fully described in Fairness
Opinion beginning on page 37; and
|
|
|
|
|
|
In evaluating the amendment to the merger agreement, dated
May 27, 2008, and the revised terms of the merger, Golden
Cycles board of directors consulted with its legal
counsel, Dorsey & Whitney LLP, regarding the legal
effect of the amendments to the merger agreement. Golden
Cycles board of directors also considered the oral
presentation to the board on May 27, 2008 by PI Financial
regarding the sufficiency of the increased merger consideration
of 0.0223 AngloGold Ashanti ADSs per share of Golden Cycle
common stock as compensation for the effect of the AngloGold
Ashanti rights offering.
|
Golden Cycles board of directors also considered the
following factors supporting the procedural fairness of the
merger:
|
|
|
|
|
The merger requires the approval of the holders of two-thirds of
the issued and outstanding shares of Golden Cycle common stock
entitled to vote at the special meeting;
|
|
|
|
Subject to certain conditions, the terms of the merger agreement
allow Golden Cycles board of directors to consider
unsolicited alternative transaction proposals if necessary to
comply with its fiduciary duties; and
|
|
|
|
The belief that the amount of the termination fee under the
merger agreement is reasonable compared to other similar public
company merger transactions, and would not unreasonably deter
another potential bidder from considering a transaction with
Golden Cycle at a higher price.
|
Golden Cycles board of directors also considered a variety
of risks and other potentially negative factors, including:
|
|
|
|
|
The possibility that, although the merger provides shareholders
of Golden Cycle the opportunity to realize a substantial premium
over the price at which Golden Cycle common stock traded prior
to public announcement of the merger, the price of Golden Cycle
common stock might increase in the future relative to the price
of AngloGold Ashanti ADSs, resulting in a decrease in the
premium per share of Golden Cycle common stock;
|
|
|
|
The merger agreement precludes Golden Cycle from actively
soliciting alternative transaction proposals from third parties;
|
|
|
|
|
|
If the merger is not consummated for certain reasons, Golden
Cycle may be required to pay a termination fee to AngloGold
Ashanti equal to $5,760,000;
|
|
|
|
|
|
The risks and costs to Golden Cycle if the merger is not
consummated, including the diversion of management attention and
the expenditure of Golden Cycles limited capital resources;
|
|
|
|
|
|
That the potential volatility of the market price of the
AngloGold Ashanti ADSs from the date of the execution of the
merger agreement on January 11, 2008, to the effective date
of the merger, has had and could have an adverse affect on the
value of the consideration Golden Cycle shareholders will
receive in the merger; and
|
36
|
|
|
|
|
That AngloGold Ashantis announced rights offering could
cause the market price of the AngloGold Ashanti ordinary shares
and ADSs to fall, and therefore result in a decrease in the
value of the consideration Golden Cycle shareholders will
receive in the merger.
|
Fairness
Opinion
General
Information
Golden Cycle engaged PI Financial to provide a fairness opinion
in connection with the merger pursuant to an engagement letter
dated December 18, 2007. Pursuant to the engagement letter,
PI Financial delivered its opinion to Golden Cycles Board
of Directors, dated as of January 11, 2008, to the effect
that, as of the date of the opinion and based on and subject to
various qualifications, factors, assumptions, and limitations
described in its opinion, the merger consideration to be
received by the shareholders of Golden Cycle pursuant to the
merger was fair from a financial point of view to such
shareholders.
On May 27, 2008, PI Financial made an oral presentation to
Golden Cycles board of directors to the effect that the
additional merger consideration of 0.0223 to be received by the
shareholders of Golden Cycle pursuant to the amended merger
agreement is sufficient to place Golden Cycle shareholders in
the same economic position after the AngloGold Ashanti rights
offering as they were before the rights offering.
PI Financial was formed in December 2003 and is a member of the
Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), the Securities
Investor Protection Corporation and the International Financial
Centre (British Columbia). PI Financial is a full service
registered securities firm engaged in corporate finance, mergers
and acquisitions, equity and fixed income sales and trading. PI
Financial is a wholly owned subsidiary of PI Financial Corp. PI
Financial Corp. is a leading Western Canadian based full-service
investment dealer serving over 30,000 individual, institutional
and corporate clients. In the ordinary course of its business,
PI Financial and its affiliates may actively trade the equity
securities of Golden Cycle for its own account and for the
accounts of its customers and, accordingly, may at any time hold
a long- or short-term position in such securities.
Golden Cycles board of directors selected PI Financial to
provide a fairness opinion in connection with the merger on the
basis of Golden Cycles previous experience in engaging PI
Financial to advise Golden Cycle on other transaction
opportunities, the board of directors knowledge and
understanding of PI Financials reputation in the financial
community, and PI Financials ability to render a fairness
opinion on a cost-effective basis.
Terms
of Engagement
Pursuant to the terms of the engagement letter, Golden Cycle
agreed to pay PI Financial a fee of $500,000 contingent upon the
consummation of the merger. Golden Cycle has also agreed to
reimburse PI Financial for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses
in connection with the engagement, which expenses will be
deducted from the total fee payable to PI Financial upon
closing. Golden Cycle has also agreed to indemnify PI Financial
and certain related parties against certain liabilities that may
arise out of or in connection with PI Financials
engagement, including certain liabilities under applicable
securities laws. In the past two years, Golden Cycle has engaged
PI Financial to provide financial services to Golden Cycle in
connection with the consideration by Golden Cycles board
of directors of other third party offers to enter into
transactions with Golden Cycle.
Summary
of Opinion and Methodology
On January 10, 2008, at a meeting of Golden Cycles
board of directors held to evaluate the merger, PI Financial
delivered to Golden Cycles board of directors an oral
opinion, which was confirmed by delivery of a written opinion
dated January 11, 2008, to the effect that, as of the date
of the opinion and based on and subject to various assumptions
and limitations described in the opinion, the per share merger
consideration to be received by holders of Golden Cycle common
stock from AngloGold Ashanti was fair, from a financial point of
view, to such holders. The amount of merger consideration was
determined through negotiations between Golden Cycle and
AngloGold Ashanti. PI Financial did not recommend to Golden
Cycle, prior to or during negotiations, or determine the amount
of merger consideration ultimately negotiated between the
parties.
37
On May 27, 2008, at a meeting of the board of directors of
Golden Cycle, PI Financial made an oral presentation to the
effect that the additional merger consideration of 0.0223 to be
received by the shareholders of Golden Cycle pursuant to the
amended merger agreement is sufficient to place Golden Cycle
shareholders in the same economic position after the AngloGold
Ashanti rights offering as they were before the rights offering.
The amount and terms of the increased consideration related to
the rights offering were determined through negotiations between
Golden Cycle and AngloGold Ashanti. PI Financial did not
recommend to Golden Cycle, prior to or during negotiations, or
determine, the amount of the increase in merger consideration
ultimately negotiated between the parties.
The full text of PI Financials written opinion to
Golden Cycles board of directors, which describes, among
other things, the assumptions made, procedures followed, factors
considered and limitations on the review undertaken, is included
as Annex C to this proxy statement/prospectus. The
following summary of PI Financials opinion is qualified in
its entirety by reference to the full text of the opinion.
Golden Cycle shareholders are encouraged to read PI
Financials opinion carefully in its entirety for a
description of the procedures followed, assumptions made,
factors considered and limitations on the review undertaken by
PI Financial in connection with its opinion. PI Financial
provided its opinion for the information and assistance of the
board of directors of Golden Cycle in connection with and for
purposes of its evaluation of the merger consideration and only
addresses the fairness, from a financial point of view, to the
shareholders of Golden Cycle of the merger consideration to be
received by them pursuant to the merger. PI Financial was not
requested to consider, and its opinion does not address, the
relative merits of the merger or any related transactions as
compared to any other transaction or business strategy in which
Golden Cycle might engage or the merits of the underlying
decision by Golden Cycle to engage in the merger or any related
transaction and is not intended to, and does not, constitute a
recommendation to any Golden Cycle shareholder as to how to vote
or act in connection with the proposed merger or any related
matters. PI Financials opinion was necessarily based on
economic, monetary, market and other conditions as in effect on,
and the information made available to PI Financial as of,
January 11, 2008, the date of the written opinion. PI
Financial assumes no responsibility for updating or revising its
opinion based on circumstances or events occurring after the
date of the opinion.
Scope of
Engagement
PI Financial was engaged by Golden Cycles board of
directors to prepare an opinion with respect to the fairness
from a financial point of view of the consideration to be
received by the shareholders of Golden Cycle in the merger. PI
Financial was not engaged to provide a formal valuation of
Golden Cycle or AngloGold Ashanti.
Analysis
and Methodology
In analyzing the merger, PI Financial considered, among other
things, the following:
|
|
|
|
|
The process undertaken by Golden Cycle prior to receiving
AngloGold Ashantis offer to consider and pursue strategic
alternatives;
|
|
|
|
Historical share trading prices and share price ratios in
comparison with the merger exchange ratio;
|
|
|
|
Comparison of the consideration offered for Golden Cycle to
current market trading values for selected comparable companies;
|
|
|
|
Comparison of the consideration offered for Golden Cycle to
values paid in selected recent and historical comparable
transactions;
|
|
|
|
Comparison of the consideration offered for Golden Cycle with
estimated net asset values for Golden Cycle; and
|
|
|
|
Various other considerations including strategic benefits and
risks associated with the merger.
|
38
Scope of
Review
In connection with rendering its opinion, PI Financial reviewed
and relied upon, among other things, the following:
|
|
|
|
|
Site visits to the CC&V joint ventures operations on
three occasions, most recently September 2007, hosted by Golden
Cycle;
|
|
|
|
|
|
The CC&V Mine Life Extension Project Pre-feasibility Study
(January 2007) as more fully described in
Assumptions Relating to the CC&V Joint
Venture beginning on page 40 below;
|
|
|
|
|
|
The 2008 CC&V Joint Venture Business Plan;
|
|
|
|
CC&V Gold Mining Company Monthly Activities Reports;
|
|
|
|
Various internal reports and documents and presentations by
Golden Cycle and AngloGold Ashanti personnel;
|
|
|
|
The audited financial statements for the years ended
December 31, 2005 and 2006 for Golden Cycle and the interim
financial statements for the quarters ending September 30,
2007, June 30, 2007 and March 31, 2007;
|
|
|
|
The audited financial statements for the years ended
December 31, 2005 and 2006 for AngloGold Ashanti and the
interim financial statements for quarters ending June 30,
2007 and March 31, 2007;
|
|
|
|
The draft Agreement and Plan of Merger dated December 17,
2007;
|
|
|
|
Discussions with senior management and operational personnel of
Golden Cycle concerning the CC&V joint venture, Golden
Cycles financial condition, its future business prospects,
the background to the merger and potential alternatives to the
merger; and
|
|
|
|
Various other disclosure documents filed by Golden Cycle and
AngloGold Ashanti with the SEC.
|
Assumptions
and Limitations
PI Financial relied upon and assumed, without independent
verification, the accuracy and completeness of the financial and
other information provided to or discussed with PI Financial by
Golden Cycles and AngloGold Ashantis management or
obtained by PI Financial from public sources, including, without
limitation, the Pre-feasibility Study referred to below. PI
Financial relied upon Golden Cycles managements due
diligence regarding the accuracy and completeness of all data
and information it provided to or discussed with PI Financial.
With respect to the Pre-feasibility Study, PI Financial was
directed by Golden Cycle, based on Golden Cycles
assessments as to the relative likelihood of achieving the
future results reflected in the Pre-feasibility Study, to rely
upon the Pre-feasibility Study for purposes of PI
Financials opinion. PI Financial assumed, at the direction
of the Golden Cycle board of directors, that the Pre-feasibility
Study was reasonably prepared on bases reflecting the best
currently available estimates and judgments as to reserves,
resources and future production. PI Financial did not assume any
responsibility for the independent verification of any such
information, including, without limitation, the Pre-feasibility
Study, and PI Financial further relied upon the assurances of
Golden Cycles management that they are unaware of any
facts that would make the information and Pre-feasibility Study
incomplete or misleading. The Golden Cycle board of directors
reviewed the financial and other information provided to or
discussed with PI Financial for accuracy and completeness, and
determined that PI Financials reliance on such information
was reasonable. Although the Pre-feasibility Study did not form
the principal basis for PI Financials opinion, but rather
constituted one of many items that PI Financial employed in
forming its opinion, changes to such Pre-feasibility Study could
affect its opinion.
In arriving at its opinion, PI Financial did not conduct any
independent valuation or appraisal of any assets or liabilities
(contingent or otherwise) of Golden Cycle or of the solvency or
fair value of Golden Cycle, and PI Financial was not furnished
with any such valuation or appraisal, other than the
Pre-feasibility Study, nor did PI Financial assume any
responsibility to obtain any such valuations or appraisals, and
other than visiting the CC&V joint venture operations, PI
Financial did not complete site visits to AngloGold
Ashantis operations. PI Financial
39
relied on a certificate of representation executed by two senior
officers of Golden Cycle as to the accuracy and completeness of
the all information, data and material provided (financial or
otherwise).
The Golden Cycle board of directors advised PI Financial, and PI
Financial assumed, that the merger would be consummated in a
timely manner and in accordance with the terms described in the
merger agreement, without any waiver, modification or amendment
of any material terms or conditions. PI Financial also assumed
that obtaining the necessary regulatory or third party approvals
and consents for the merger would not have an adverse effect on
Golden Cycle or the merger. In addition, PI Financial assumed
that there was no material change in the assets, financial
condition, business or prospects of Golden Cycle since the date
of the most recent financial statements of Golden Cycle made
available to PI Financial. PI Financial expressed no opinion as
to any tax or other consequences that might result from the
merger, and PI Financials opinion did not address any
legal, tax, regulatory or accounting matters, as to which PI
Financial understood that Golden Cycle obtained such advice as
it deemed necessary from qualified professionals. Except as
described above, the Golden Cycle board of directors imposed no
other instructions or limitations on PI Financial with respect
to the investigations made or the procedures followed by PI
Financial in rendering its opinion.
In its analyses, PI Financial considered industry performance,
general business, economic, market and financial conditions and
other matters, many of which are beyond the control of Golden
Cycle. An evaluation of the results of those analyses is not
entirely mathematical. None of the public companies used in the
comparable company analysis described below are identical to
Golden Cycle, and none of the transactions used in the precedent
transactions analysis described below are identical to the
merger. Rather, the analyses involve complex considerations and
judgments concerning financial and operating characteristics and
other factors that could affect the acquisition, public trading
or other values of the companies analyzed. The estimates
contained in PI Financials analyses and the ranges of
valuations resulting from any particular analysis are not
necessarily indicative of actual values or predictive of future
results or values, which may be significantly more or less
favorable than those suggested by the analyses. In addition,
analyses relating to the value of businesses or securities do
not purport to be appraisals or to reflect the prices at which
businesses or securities actually may be sold. Accordingly, the
estimates used in, and the results derived from, PI
Financials analyses are inherently subject to substantial
uncertainty. In addition, PI Financial did not express any
opinion as to the price or range of prices at which the shares
of Golden Cycles common stock may trade subsequent to the
announcement of the merger.
The summary of PI Financials analyses described below is
not a complete description of the analyses underlying PI
Financials opinion. The preparation of a fairness opinion
is a complex process and involves various judgments and
determinations as to the most appropriate and relevant
assumptions and financial analyses and the application of those
methods to the particular circumstances involved. Such opinion
is therefore not readily susceptible to partial analysis or
summary description, and taking portions of the analyses set out
below, without considering the analysis as a whole, would, in
the view of PI Financial, create an incomplete and misleading
picture of the processes underlying the analyses considered by
PI Financial in rendering the fairness opinion. In preparing its
opinion, PI Financial has considered the results of all of its
analyses as a whole and did not necessarily attribute any
particular weight to any analysis or factor considered. In
addition, PI Financial may have given various analyses more or
less weight than other analyses, and may have deemed various
assumptions more or less probable than other assumptions, so
that the range of valuation resulting from any particular
analysis described below should not be taken to be PI
Financials view of Golden Cycles actual value.
Accordingly, the conclusions reached by PI Financial are based
on all analyses and factors taken as a whole and also on the
application of PI Financials own experience and judgment.
Assumptions
Relating to the CC&V Joint Venture
In considering its opinion, PI Financial considered four primary
scenarios for the CC&V joint venture reserves and resources
and future production. The first was based on the current
disclosed reserves and resources for the CC&V joint venture
operations. The other three were based on the CC&V January
2007 Mine Life Extension
40
Project Pre-feasibility Study (the Pre-feasibility
Study). Some key assumptions for the three Pre-feasibility
Study scenarios are summarized in the following chart:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CC&V
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Base
|
|
|
CC&V 94M
|
|
|
CC&V 212M
|
|
|
Ore tons mined
|
|
million tons
|
|
|
131
|
|
|
|
224
|
|
|
|
343
|
|
Recoverable grade
|
|
oz/ton
|
|
|
0.0157
|
|
|
|
0.0157
|
|
|
|
0.0149
|
|
Recoverable oz mined
|
|
million oz
|
|
|
2.04
|
|
|
|
3.49
|
|
|
|
5.17
|
|
Ounces produced
|
|
million oz
|
|
|
2.59
|
|
|
|
3.98
|
|
|
|
5.67
|
|
Exploration budget
|
|
$US million
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12
|
|
|
|
45
|
|
Total capex
|
|
$US million
|
|
|
32
|
|
|
|
198
|
|
|
|
332
|
|
Cash cost per oz
|
|
$US/oz
|
|
|
256
|
|
|
|
272
|
|
|
|
292
|
|
Last mining year
|
|
|
|
|
2012
|
|
|
|
2016
|
|
|
|
2022
|
|
Last gold production year
|
|
|
|
|
2020
|
|
|
|
2024
|
|
|
|
2030
|
|
The Pre-feasibility Study assumes material in addition to the
CC&V joint venture-disclosed reserves in non-reportable
reserve, resource and
pre-resource categories. Estimates of material in
these non-reportable categories were based on various CC&V
joint venture internal assumptions including with respect to
permitting, land acquisition, costing and geotechnical and
metallurgical parameters. The CC&V Base case (or BP2007
Level 1 case) was based on placing 131 million tons of
ore on the existing valley fill leach facility (VLF-1), filling
VLF-1 to its capacity of 300 million tons. The CC&V
94M case assumed the construction of a second valley fill leach
facility (VLF-2) and with the placement of 94 million tons
on VLF-2. The CC&V 94M case assumed successful permitting
and construction of the VLF-2 facility (total life-of-mine
capital expenditures $198 million). The 94 million
tons includes material in the reserve,
resource and pre-resource categories.
The CC&V 212M case assumed an expanded VLF-2 facility and
the placement of a total of 212 million tons on VLF-2. The
CC&V 212M case as well assumed successful permitting and
construction of the expanded VLF-2 facility (total life-of-mine
capital expenditures $332 million). The additional
115 million tons placed on the expanded VLF-2 facility (as
compared to the CC&V 94M case) under the CC&V 212M
case is all in the pre-resource category.
PI Financial identified significant risks in the CC&V 94M
and 212M cases, including with respect to permitting, land
acquisition, costing and geotechnical and metallurgical
parameters. Further, resource and
pre-resource estimates were based on wide spaced
drilling in some areas.
PI Financial noted that the previous expansion of the CC&V
operations (completed in late 2002) did not meet AngloGold
Ashantis performance projections, and it believes it was
prudent to recognize the potential for significant deviation
from the current Pre-feasibility Study projections.
Approaches
PI Financial analyzed the fairness of the merger consideration
under four different approaches:
1. Trading Price versus Transaction
Price: Pursuant to this approach, PI
Financial analyzed the premium offered by the merger
consideration. PI Financial calculated premiums based on 20, 30,
60 and 90 day volume-weighted average prices to
December 19, 2007. The offer premiums calculated varied
from 16.3 percent to 45.6 percent. PI Financial
determined that the timing of the merger was favorable to Golden
Cycle based on the last 12 months of trading. PI Financial
cautioned that the calculation of offer premiums based on spot
prices is subject to considerable variability based on share
price volatility.
2. Comparable Companies: Pursuant
to this approach, PI Financial analyzed selected comparable
junior gold mining companies. PI Financial determined that
Golden Cycles estimated enterprise value per ounce of
contained reserve and resource ounce was $153 per reserve and
resource ounce based on December 19, 2007 closing prices,
ranging from $79 to $176 per reserve ounce depending upon the
assumed scenario relating to CC&V. The selected comparable
companies trade at an estimated average enterprise value of
$4,026 per ounce of annual production. Assuming 93,000 ounces of
annual production attributable to Golden
41
Cycle, the consideration offered by AngloGold Ashanti to Golden
Cycle equates to $2,377 per ounce of annual production. However,
since Golden Cycle is years away from realizing 33 percent
of the CC&V production, PI Financial expected Golden Cycle
to trade at a discount to market multiples of comparables.
3. Precedent
Transactions: Pursuant to this approach, PI
Financial compared the merger consideration to the estimated
enterprise value per reserve and resource ounce paid in selected
precedent transactions over the last two years. The average
estimated enterprise value per reserve and resource ounce paid
over the last two years in selected precedent transactions was
$85. In comparison, the merger consideration (based on AngloGold
Ashantis closing price on December 19, 2007)
represented an estimated enterprise value per reserve and
resource ounce of $91 based on published reserves and resources,
and ranged from $79 to $176 based on the assumptions in the
Pre-feasibility Study. In addition, PI Financial compared the
premium to market represented by the merger consideration to
market transaction premiums paid in selected precedent
transactions over the last two years.
4. Net Asset Value: Pursuant to
this approach, PI Financial estimated Golden Cycles net
asset value under the various CC&V joint venture
assumptions, as described above. The analysis concluded that at
current gold prices the merger consideration ranged from a
premium to a discount to Golden Cycles net asset value,
depending on the Pre-feasibility Study assumptions. At gold
prices significantly below the current price the merger
consideration represents a significant premium to Golden
Cycles net asset value, and at gold prices significantly
above the current price the merger consideration represents a
significant discount to Golden Cycles estimated net asset
value.
The above analysis assumes successful execution of the scenarios
identified in the Pre-feasibility Study. As previously noted PI
Financial believes there is significant risk of variation in the
actual performance of the CC&V joint venture.
On the basis of the above analyses, PI Financial delivered to
Golden Cycles board of directors an oral opinion, which
was confirmed by delivery of a written opinion dated
January 11, 2008, to the effect that, as of the date of the
opinion and based on and subject to various qualifications,
factors, assumptions and limitations described in its opinion,
the merger consideration to be received by the shareholders of
Golden Cycle pursuant to the merger was fair from a financial
point of view to such shareholders. Following the announcement
of the AngloGold Ashanti rights offering, the Golden Cycle board
of directors asked PI Financial to consider whether the
adjustment in the merger consideration (an increase in the
exchange ratio of 0.0223 AngloGold Ashanti ADSs per share of
Golden Cycle common stock) was sufficient to place Golden Cycle
shareholders in the same economic position, as of the date
AngloGold Ashanti finalized the terms of the rights offering,
being May 20, 2008 and based on the share price as of that
date, after the AngloGold Ashanti rights offering as they were
before the rights offering. On May 27, 2008, at a meeting of the
Golden Cycle board of directors, PI Financial made an oral
presentation to the board to the effect that the additional
merger consideration of 0.0223 to be received by the
shareholders of Golden Cycle pursuant to the amended merger
agreement is sufficient to place Golden Cycle shareholders in
the same economic position after the AngloGold Ashanti rights
offering as they were before the rights offering.
PI Financials opinion and financial analyses were only one
of many factors taken into consideration by the Golden Cycle
board of directors in its evaluation of the merger.
Consequently, the analyses described above should not be viewed
as determinative of the views of the Golden Cycle board of
directors with respect to the merger consideration or as to
whether the Golden Cycle board of directors would have been
willing to determine that a different merger consideration was
fair. Furthermore, the summary of the opinion contained herein
does not constitute a recommendation to the Golden Cycle board
of directors or any shareholder as to how to vote in connection
with the merger or otherwise.
Dissenters
Rights of Appraisal
Under the Colorado Business Corporations Act, you will not have
any right to dissent or receive an appraisal of the value of
your shares of Golden Cycle common stock in connection with the
merger if the adoption of the merger agreement is approved.
42
Accounting
Treatment
The merger of Golden Cycle with GCGC LLC will be accounted for
as a purchase, as such term is used under
U.S. GAAP, for accounting and financial reporting purposes.
Golden Cycle will be treated as the acquired corporation for
such purposes. Therefore, the total merger consideration paid by
AngloGold Ashanti in connection with the merger, together with
the direct costs of the merger, will be allocated to Golden
Cycles assets and liabilities based on their estimated
fair market values, with any excess being accounted for as
goodwill.
Regulatory
Approvals Required for the Merger
The merger agreement provides that each of Golden Cycle and
AngloGold Ashanti will use their commercially reasonable efforts
to obtain all consents and approvals and to do all other things
necessary for the completion of the merger. In addition, each of
Golden Cycle and AngloGold Ashanti agreed to make all regulatory
filings that it is required to make in connection with
completing the merger.
Approval
of the South African Reserve Bank
The approval of the South African Reserve Bank was obtained on
February 12, 2008.
Stock
Exchange Listing and Deregistration
In accordance with the terms of the merger agreement, AngloGold
Ashanti has made an application to list on the New York Stock
Exchange the AngloGold Ashanti ADSs that will be issued as
consideration in the merger. The AngloGold Ashanti ADSs that
will be issued as consideration in the merger have been approved
for listing by the New York Stock Exchange, subject to official
notice of issuance. Listing and trading of the AngloGold Ashanti
ADSs that will be issued as consideration in the merger will
commence on the New York Stock Exchange on the date of
effectiveness of the merger, which is expected to be on or
around June 30, 2008.
Shares of Golden Cycle common stock currently are listed and
traded on NYSE Arca under the symbol GCGC. If the
merger is completed, the shares of Golden Cycle common stock
will be delisted from NYSE Arca and cease to be publicly traded.
In addition, shares of Golden Cycle common stock are currently
registered under the Exchange Act. Following the merger,
AngloGold will make a filing with the SEC requesting the
suspension and termination of registration of Golden
Cycles common stock under the Exchange Act.
43
THE
MERGER AGREEMENT
The following is a summary of the material terms of the merger
agreement. This summary does not purport to describe all the
terms of the merger agreement and is qualified by reference to
the complete merger agreement which is attached as Annex A
to this proxy statement/prospectus and incorporated herein by
reference. We urge you to read the merger agreement carefully
and in its entirety because it, and not this summary or this
proxy statement/prospectus, is the legal document that governs
the merger.
General;
The Merger
At the effective time of the merger, upon the terms and subject
to the conditions of the merger agreement and in accordance with
the Colorado Business Corporations Act, Golden Cycle will merge
with and into GCGC LLC, a direct wholly owned subsidiary of
AngloGold Ashanti USA and the separate corporate existence of
Golden Cycle will cease. AngloGold Ashanti USA is a direct
wholly owned subsidiary of AngloGold Ashanti Limited. GCGC LLC
will be the surviving entity in the merger and is referred to in
this summary as such.
When the
Merger Becomes Effective
If Golden Cycle shareholders adopt the merger agreement, the
parties intend to close the merger as soon as practicable after
the day on which the last condition to the completion of the
merger set forth in the merger agreement is satisfied or validly
waived (other than those conditions that by their terms are to
be satisfied at the closing, but subject to the satisfaction of
those conditions).
GCGC LLC will file a statement of merger with the Secretary of
State of the State of Colorado as soon as practicable after the
satisfaction or waiver of all the closing conditions to the
merger but in no event prior to the closing of the merger. The
merger will become effective when the statement of merger is
filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Colorado or at
a later date and time as Golden Cycle and GCGC LLC agree and
specify in the statement of merger.
Consideration
to be Received Pursuant to the Merger
The merger agreement provides that, at the effective time of the
merger each issued and outstanding share of Golden Cycle common
stock (other than shares of Golden Cycle owned by Golden Cycle
as treasury shares), will be automatically converted into the
right to receive 0.3123 AngloGold Ashanti ADSs, with each whole
AngloGold Ashanti ADS representing one AngloGold Ashanti
ordinary share; and
The exchange ratio in the merger will be adjusted to reflect any
stock dividend, distribution, subdivision, reorganization,
reclassification, recapitalization, split, combination or
exchange of shares having a record date after the date of the
merger agreement and prior to the completion of the merger.
Upon conversion in the merger as described above, all of the
shares of Golden Cycle common stock will be retired, will cease
to be outstanding and will automatically be cancelled, and the
holder of a certificate that, immediately prior to the effective
time of the merger, represented shares of Golden Cycle common
stock, will cease to have any rights with respect thereto,
except the right to receive, upon the surrender of the
certificate, the AngloGold Ashanti ADSs as described above,
without interest, together with any dividends, if applicable.
Treatment
of Stock Options
The merger agreement provides that at the effective time of the
merger, each unexpired and unexercised option to purchase Golden
Cycle common stock granted under Golden Cycle stock option plans
will be automatically cancelled in exchange for a number of
Anglo Gold Ashanti ADSs equal to (a)(i) the aggregate fair
market value of AngloGold Ashanti ADSs that would have been
received for all Golden Cycle common stock (assuming the Golden
Cycle stock options were exercised) plus (ii) $1.23 for
each share underlying the Golden Cycle stock option ($1.23
represents consideration for early conversion of the options)
less (iii) the total aggregate exercise price of the Golden
Cycle stock option (assuming the Golden Cycle stock options were
exercised) divided by (b) the fair market value of each
AngloGold Ashanti ADS. For the purposes of the calculation, the
fair market value of each AngloGold Ashanti ADS is based on the
average closing price as reported by the New York Stock Exchange
of AngloGold
44
Ashanti ADSs for the twenty consecutive trading days ending on
the day prior to the special meeting of Golden Cycle
shareholders to approve the merger. The merger agreement
provides for the following conversion formula:
Where:
X = Number of ADSs Issuable for Golden Cycle Stock Option
|
|
|
|
A =
|
Number of Golden Cycle Shares Acquirable Upon Exercise of Golden
Cycle Stock Option
|
B = 0.3123
|
|
|
|
C =
|
Average of the per share closing prices as reported by the New
York Stock Exchange of ADSs for the twenty consecutive trading
days ending on the day prior to the Target Meeting (ADS Market
Price)
|
D = $1.23 (adjustment for lost opportunity cost based on a Black
Scholes valuation)
E = Option Exercise Price
If the exercise price per share of any such Target Stock Option
is greater than or equal to the ADS Market Price multiplied by
the Exchange Ratio, then such Target Stock Option shall be
exchanged for the aggregate number of ADSs (less any applicable
income or employment tax withholding) equal to (i) the
number of Target Company Shares acquirable upon exercise of
Target Stock Option multiplied by (ii) $1.23 divided by
(iii) the ADS Market Price.
If AngloGold Ashanti determines that any payment in respect of
options to purchase Golden Cycle common stock options gives rise
to compensation subject to withholding, then AngloGold Ashanti
(or the appropriate subsidiary thereof) will withhold the amount
required by applicable law.
Procedures
for Exchange of Certificates; No Fractional Shares
At or prior to the effective time of the merger, AngloGold
Ashanti will:
|
|
|
|
|
authorize one or more transfer agent(s) to act as exchange agent
with respect to the merger;
|
|
|
|
deposit with The Bank of New York Mellon, as depositary for the
AngloGold Ashanti ADSs, or any successor depositary to the
AngloGold Ashanti ADSs, a number of AngloGold Ashanti ordinary
shares equal to the aggregate number of AngloGold Ashanti ADSs
to be issued in connection with the conversion of the shares of
Golden Cycle common stock; and
|
|
|
|
deposit with the exchange agent the receipts representing the
aggregate number of AngloGold Ashanti ADSs.
|
As soon as practicable after the effective time of the merger,
the exchange agent will send to each holder of record of a
Golden Cycle common stock share certificate a letter of
transmittal and instructions for use in effecting the surrender
of certificates in exchange for the applicable AngloGold Ashanti
ADSs. You should not send in your Golden Cycle common stock
share certificates until you receive the letter of transmittal.
The letter of transmittal and instructions will tell you
what to do if you have lost a certificate, or if it has been
stolen or destroyed. You will have to provide an affidavit to
that fact and, if required by AngloGold Ashanti or the exchange
agent, post a bond in a reasonable amount and upon such terms as
AngloGold Ashanti and the exchange agent may require as
indemnity against any claim that may be made against it with
respect to the lost, stolen or destroyed certificate. The
exchange agent will pay in exchange for the lost, stolen or
destroyed certificate the AngloGold Ashanti ADSs payable in
respect of the shares of Golden Cycle common stock represented
by the certificate, without interest.
The exchange agent will pay your AngloGold Ashanti ADSs to you
(subject to any applicable withholding taxes) after you have
surrendered your certificates for cancellation to the exchange
agent and provided, together
45
with the letter of transmittal, properly completed and duly
executed, any other documents as may be required by the exchange
agent.
If payment is to be made to a person other than the person in
whose name the Golden Cycle common stock share certificate
surrendered is registered, it will be a condition of payment
that the surrendered certificate be properly endorsed or
otherwise in proper form for transfer and that the person
requesting the payment pay any transfer or other taxes required
as a result of the issuance to a person other than the
registered holder or establish to the exchange agents
satisfaction that the tax has been paid or is not applicable.
Any portion of the exchange fund held by the exchange agent that
remains unclaimed by holders of Golden Cycle common stock one
year after the effective time of the merger will be returned to
AngloGold Ashanti, and any holder who has not exchanged stock
certificates in accordance with the letter of transmittal and
exchange instructions will thereafter look only to the surviving
entity, as a general creditor, for payment of the AngloGold
Ashanti ADSs in the amount due to them under the merger
agreement.
No dividends or other distributions declared or made with
respect to AngloGold Ashanti ADSs with a record date after the
effective time of the merger will be paid to the holder of any
unsurrendered Golden Cycle common stock share certificate.
Following surrender of any Golden Cycle common stock share
certificate, the holder of AngloGold Ashanti ADSs will be paid,
without interest, the amount of any such dividends or other
distributions.
No certificates or scrip or fractional ADSs or book-entry credit
representing any fractional share interests will be issued upon
the surrender of Golden Cycle common stock share certificates.
Each holder of Golden Cycle common stock exchanged pursuant to
the merger agreement who would otherwise have been entitled to
receive a fraction of an AngloGold Ashanti ADS (after taking
into account all stock certificates delivered by such holder)
will receive, in lieu of such fractional share, one AngloGold
Ashanti ADS. The rounding up of fractional ADSs was not
separately bargained for consideration but merely represents a
mechanical rounding off for purposes of simplifying the
corporate and accounting problems that would otherwise be caused
by the issuance of fractional ADSs.
Representations
and Warranties
Golden Cycle has made customary representations and warranties
in the merger agreement to AngloGold Ashanti, AngloGold Ashanti
USA and GCGC LLC, including, among other things, as to:
|
|
|
|
|
corporate organization and valid existence, power to conduct
business, qualification and good standing of Golden Cycle;
|
|
|
|
validity of organizational documents and absence of a breach of
those documents;
|
|
|
|
ownership of subsidiaries and other investments;
|
|
|
|
capitalization of Golden Cycle;
|
|
|
|
Golden Cycles corporate authority to enter into and carry
out the obligations under the merger agreement, enforceability
of the merger agreement against Golden Cycle and the approval of
the board of directors of Golden Cycle;
|
|
|
|
absence of a conflict with its certificate of incorporation,
by-laws, permits, contracts, or any laws or the creation of any
liens or payment obligations as a result of the merger;
|
|
|
|
compliance of documents filed by it with all applicable
requirements of the Securities Act and Exchange Act, as the case
may be, and the applicable rules and regulations promulgated
thereunder and the accuracy and completeness of the information
in those documents;
|
|
|
|
absence of undisclosed liabilities;
|
|
|
|
absence of any material adverse effect and other
selected changes since December 31, 2006;
|
|
|
|
tax matters;
|
|
|
|
litigation;
|
|
|
|
employee benefit plans;
|
46
|
|
|
|
|
environmental matters;
|
|
|
|
compliance with applicable laws and regulations;
|
|
|
|
insurance;
|
|
|
|
properties and mining claims;
|
|
|
|
material contracts;
|
|
|
|
required shareholder vote at Golden Cycle;
|
|
|
|
accuracy and completeness of the information supplied for use in
this proxy statement/prospectus or any related filing;
|
|
|
|
intellectual property;
|
|
|
|
transactions with affiliates;
|
|
|
|
brokers and other transaction fees;
|
|
|
|
the opinion of its financial advisor;
|
|
|
|
maintenance of disclosure controls and procedures; and
|
|
|
|
inapplicability of anti-takeover statutes and rights agreements.
|
Many of the representations and warranties of Golden Cycle are
qualified by the concept of material adverse effect.
For the purposes of the merger agreement, a material
adverse effect on Golden Cycle means any result,
occurrence, condition, fact, change, violation, event or effect
that, individually or in the aggregate with any other
occurrences, is materially adverse to the financial condition,
business, assets, liabilities or results of operations of Golden
Cycle and its subsidiaries taken as a whole. However, the merger
agreement provides that when determining whether any material
adverse effect has occurred with respect to Golden Cycle and its
subsidiaries, taken as a whole, any occurrence affecting the
CC&V joint venture that is either (i) caused by
AngloGold Ashanti or its affiliates or (ii) within the
reasonable control of AngloGold Ashanti or its affiliates acting
in a commercially reasonable manner, will not be taken into
account.
The merger agreement also contains representations and
warranties made by AngloGold Ashanti, GCGC LLC and AngloGold
Ashanti USA to Golden Cycle, including, among other things, as
to:
|
|
|
|
|
their organization and valid existence, power to conduct
business, qualification and good standing;
|
|
|
|
validity of organizational documents of GCGC LLC and AngloGold
Ashanti and absence of a breach of those documents;
|
|
|
|
ownership by AngloGold Ashanti and GCGC LLC of subsidiaries and
other investments;
|
|
|
|
their authority to enter into and carry out the obligations
under the merger agreement, enforceability of the merger
agreement and the approval of the board;
|
|
|
|
in respect of AngloGold Ashanti and GCGC LLC, absence of a
conflict with the organizational documents, permits, contracts,
or any laws or the creation of any liens or payment obligations
as a result of the merger;
|
|
|
|
compliance of documents filed by AngloGold Ashanti with all
applicable requirements of the Securities Act and the Exchange
Act, as the case may be, and the applicable rules and
regulations promulgated thereunder and the accuracy and
completeness of the information in those documents;
|
|
|
|
lack of required vote of the AngloGold Ashanti shareholders with
respect to the merger;
|
|
|
|
formation of GCGC LLC for purposes of the merger;
|
|
|
|
accuracy and completeness of the information supplied for use in
this proxy statement/prospectus or any related filing;
|
47
|
|
|
|
|
absence of past discussions regarding the sale of the assets of
or AngloGold Ashantis interests in the CC&V joint
venture;
|
|
|
|
tax matters;
|
|
|
|
maintenance of disclosure controls and procedures; and
|
|
|
|
validity of the AngloGold Ashanti ADSs and options issued in
connection with the merger.
|
Many of the representations and warranties of AngloGold Ashanti,
GCGC LLC and AngloGold Ashanti USA are qualified by the concept
of material adverse effect. For the purposes of the
merger agreement, a material adverse effect on
AngloGold Ashanti or its subsidiaries means any result,
occurrence, condition, fact, change, violation, event or effect
that, individually or in the aggregate with any other
occurrences, is materially adverse to the financial condition,
business, assets, liabilities or results of operations of
AngloGold Ashanti and its subsidiaries taken as a whole.
The representations and warranties contained in the merger
agreement do not survive the effective time of the merger.
Agreements
Relating to Golden Cycles Operations Prior to Completion
of the Merger
In the merger agreement, Golden Cycle has agreed that until the
completion of the merger, it will conduct its business and the
business of its subsidiaries in the ordinary course consistent
with past practice and will use commercially reasonable efforts
to preserve intact its business organizations and relationships
with third parties. In addition, Golden Cycle has agreed,
subject to limited exceptions, that neither it nor any of its
subsidiaries will, prior to the completion of the merger, do any
of the following without the prior written consent of AngloGold
Ashanti:
|
|
|
|
|
adopt or propose any change to its articles of incorporation or
by-laws or other organizational documents;
|
|
|
|
(i) declare, set aside or pay any dividend or other
distribution with respect to any shares of its capital stock,
(ii) repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any
outstanding shares of its capital stock or other securities or
(iii) split, combine or reclassify any shares of its
capital stock;
|
|
|
|
issue any securities (whether through the issuance or granting
of options, warrants, rights or otherwise, other than upon the
exercise of its stock options outstanding on the date of merger
agreement), or enter into any amendment of any term of any
outstanding security;
|
|
|
|
(i) incur or assume any indebtedness except in the ordinary
course of business and consistent with past practice and in no
event exceeding $25,000 in the aggregate, (ii) modify the
terms of any indebtedness, (iii) assume, guarantee, endorse
or otherwise become liable or responsible for the obligations of
any other person (other than a wholly owned subsidiary), except
in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past
practice and in no event exceeding $25,000 in the aggregate,
(iv) make any loans, advances or capital contributions to,
or investments in, any other person (other than to or from
wholly owned subsidiaries of Golden Cycle and other than
short-term investments of cash in the ordinary course of
business);
|
|
|
|
subject any assets to any lien other than those specifically
permitted by the merger agreement;
|
|
|
|
increase the compensation payable or the benefits provided to
its directors, officers or employees, except for increases in
the ordinary course of business;
|
|
|
|
adopt, amend or assume an obligation to contribute to any
employee benefit plan or arrangement of any type or collective
bargaining agreement or enter into any employment, severance or
similar contract with any person;
|
|
|
|
engage in any transaction which could subject Golden Cycle or
its subsidiaries to either a civil penalty assessed pursuant to
specified sections of the Employee Retirement Income Security
Act of 1974, as amended (which we sometimes refer to in this
proxy statement/prospectus as ERISA), or a tax penalty assessed
pursuant to specified sections of the Internal Revenue Code;
|
48
|
|
|
|
|
terminate any of its benefit plans, or take any other action
with respect to a benefit plan that could result in liability;
|
|
|
|
take any action that could adversely affect Golden Cycles
compliance with the applicable requirements of ERISA;
|
|
|
|
fail to make full payment when due of all amounts under Golden
Cycles benefit plans;
|
|
|
|
fail to file, on a timely basis, all reports and forms required
by federal regulations with respect to any benefit plans;
|
|
|
|
acquire, by merging or consolidating with, or by purchasing an
equity interest in or the assets of, or in any other manner, any
business or person, or enter a new line of business or commence
business operations in any country in which it is not operating
as of the date of the merger agreement;
|
|
|
|
sell, lease, license or otherwise surrender, relinquish or
dispose of any assets with an aggregate fair market value
exceeding $25,000;
|
|
|
|
incur or commit to any capital expenditures, or become bound or
obligated to participate in any operation, or consent to
participate in any operation;
|
|
|
|
make any change to any material tax method of accounting, make
or change any material tax election, authorize any indemnities
for taxes, extend any period for assessment of any tax, file any
request for ruling or determination, amend any material tax
return or settle or compromise any material tax liability,
except where the action would not have a material effect on the
tax position of Golden Cycle and its subsidiaries taken as a
whole;
|
|
|
|
(i) pay, discharge or satisfy any material account payable
or other material liability beyond or in advance of its due date
or the date when the account payable or liability would have
been paid in the ordinary course of business and consistent with
past practice or (ii) compromise, settle, grant any waiver
or release relating to any action, suit or proceeding, other
than settlements or compromises where the amount paid or to be
paid does not exceed $25,000 in the aggregate for all claims;
|
|
|
|
change any method of accounting or accounting practice or
procedure except for any change required by U.S. GAAP;
|
|
|
|
enter into any agreement, understanding or commitment that
materially restrains, limits or impedes its ability, or would
materially limit the ability of the surviving entity or any of
its affiliates after the effective time, to compete in or
conduct any line of business or compete with any person or in
any geographic area or during any period of time;
|
|
|
|
enter into any joint venture, partnership or other similar
arrangement or materially amend or modify the terms of (or waive
any material rights under) any existing joint venture,
partnership or other similar arrangement (other than
(i) any arrangement between Golden Cycle and its wholly
owned subsidiaries and (ii) the CC&V joint venture);
|
|
|
|
terminate or modify any material contract to which it is a party
or waive or assign any of its rights or claims under any
contract or enter into any new material contract;
|
|
|
|
enter into any agreement or transaction with any officers,
directors or affiliates (or affiliates of the officers and
directors) of Golden Cycle or any of its subsidiaries;
|
|
|
|
adopt a plan of complete or partial liquidation, dissolution, or
reorganization; or
|
|
|
|
agree or commit to do any of the foregoing.
|
49
No
Solicitation of Competing Proposals; Fiduciary Termination
Right
The merger agreement provides that Golden Cycle and its
subsidiaries, and their respective officers, directors,
investment bankers, attorneys, accountants, financial advisors,
agents and other representatives, will not:
|
|
|
|
|
initiate, solicit or knowingly encourage or facilitate
(including by furnishing non-public information) any inquiries
regarding, or the making or submission of any proposal that
constitutes, or that may reasonably be expected to lead to, an
acquisition proposal of the type described below;
|
|
|
|
participate or engage in discussions or negotiations with, or
disclose any non-public information regarding Golden Cycle or
any of its subsidiaries or afford access to the properties,
books or records of Golden Cycle or any of its subsidiaries to
any person that has made an acquisition proposal or
to any person that Golden Cycle, any of its subsidiaries or any
of their respective representatives knows or has reason to
believe is contemplating making an acquisition
proposal; or
|
|
|
|
accept an acquisition proposal or enter into any
agreement, including any letter of intent, (i) constituting
or related to an acquisition proposal (other than a
confidentiality agreement) or (ii) requiring it to abandon,
terminate or fail to consummate the merger with an indirect
subsidiary of AngloGold Ashanti.
|
Under the merger agreement, Golden Cycle also agreed to cease
and terminate any existing activities, discussions or
negotiations as of the date of the merger agreement relating to
any possible acquisition proposal.
However, under the merger agreement, Golden Cycle and its board
of directors may participate or engage in discussions or
negotiations with respect to any person that has made an
acquisition proposal or is contemplating making an
acquisition proposal at any time prior to obtaining
the Golden Cycle shareholders approval at the special
meeting if, prior to that time:
|
|
|
|
|
Golden Cycle receives an acquisition proposal from a
person (and the proposal was not initiated, solicited or
knowingly encouraged or facilitated by Golden Cycle, its
subsidiaries or any of their respective representatives after
the date of the merger agreement and in violation of the
restrictions on solicitation described above);
|
|
|
|
Golden Cycles board of directors determines in good faith
(after consultation with outside legal counsel and receipt of
the written opinion of an independent investment bank that the
acquisition proposal constitutes a superior
proposal of the type described below, a copy of which will
immediately be provided to AngloGold Ashanti) that the proposal
constitutes a superior proposal, and that engaging
in discussion or negotiations with the person making the
superior proposal is necessary for Golden
Cycles board of directors to comply with its fiduciary
duties under applicable law;
|
|
|
|
contemporaneously with furnishing any information to, or
entering into discussions with the person, Golden Cycle
(i) enters into a confidentiality agreement with the person
on terms no less restrictive than those in its confidentiality
agreement with AngloGold Ashanti and (ii) provides written
notice to AngloGold Ashanti to the effect that it is furnishing
information to, or entering into discussions or negotiations
with, the person; and
|
|
|
|
to the extent permitted by applicable law, Golden Cycle keeps
AngloGold Ashanti promptly informed, in all material respects,
of the status and terms of any negotiations or discussions
(including the identity of the person with whom the negotiations
or discussions are being held) and promptly provides to
AngloGold Ashanti copies of any written proposals, amendments or
related correspondence.
|
For purposes of the merger agreement, an acquisition
proposal means any proposal or indication of interest
(other than by AngloGold Ashanti or any of its subsidiaries),
whether or not in writing, for the (i) merger,
consolidation or other business combination of Golden Cycle or
any of its subsidiaries, (ii) a restructuring,
recapitalization or liquidation of Golden Cycle or any of its
subsidiaries, or (iii) an acquisition or disposition of any
stock or material assets of Golden Cycle or any of its
subsidiaries.
For purposes of the merger agreement, a superior
proposal means any bona fide written acquisition
proposal with respect to Golden Cycle that was not
initiated, solicited or knowingly facilitated or encouraged in
violation of the restrictions on solicitation described above,
made by a third party on terms which the majority of the
50
Golden Cycles board of directors determines (after
consultation with its outside legal counsel and receipt of the
written opinion of an independent investment bank concluding
that the proposal constitutes a superior proposal)
in good faith by resolution duly adopted (i) would result
in a transaction that, if completed, is more favorable to the
shareholders of Golden Cycle from a financial point of view,
than the merger and the other transactions with AngloGold
Ashanti, taking into account all the terms and conditions of
both proposals, and (ii) is reasonably capable of being
completed on the terms proposed, taking into account all
financial, regulatory, legal and other aspects of the proposal.
However, no proposal will be deemed to be a superior
proposal if any financing required to consummate the
proposal is not committed (unless it is reasonable to conclude
that the proposed acquiror has adequate financial resources to
consummate the transaction without the financing).
Recommendation
of Golden Cycles Board of Directors
The Golden Cycle board of directors unanimously recommends that
the Golden Cycle shareholders vote FOR the adoption
of the merger agreement and FOR the approval of the
adjournment of the special meeting, if necessary or appropriate.
Subject to limited exceptions, the merger agreement prohibits
Golden Cycles board of directors or any committee thereof
from withdrawing or amending in a manner adverse to AngloGold
Ashanti, its approval, recommendation or declaration in support
of the merger or recommending, adopting or approving any
acquisition proposal other than that of AngloGold
Ashanti. Either of these actions is referred to in this proxy
statement/prospectus as an adverse recommendation
change.
However, if Golden Cycles board of directors determines in
good faith that changing its recommendation is necessary to
comply with its fiduciary duties under applicable law, it may
make an adverse recommendation change, subject to
the reimbursement of certain costs and expenses and payment of a
termination fee in certain circumstances pursuant to the terms
and conditions of the merger agreement.
Even if Golden Cycles board of directors withdraws or
modifies its recommendation of the merger, Golden Cycle is still
required to submit the merger agreement at the special meeting
of the Golden Cycle shareholders, unless the merger agreement is
otherwise terminated.
Indemnification
and Insurance of Golden Cycles Directors and
Officers
The merger agreement provides that for a period of six years
after the effective time of the merger, the surviving entity
will honor all rights to indemnification and exculpation
existing in favor of a director or officer of Golden Cycle and
its subsidiaries under Golden Cycles articles of
incorporation and by-laws as in effect on the date of the merger
agreement.
In addition, for a period of three years after the closing date
of the merger, the surviving entity will also maintain in
effect, for the benefit of Golden Cycles officers and
directors with respect to acts or omissions occurring prior to
the closing date, the existing policy of directors and
officers liability insurance maintained by Golden Cycle as
of the date of the merger agreement. However, the surviving
entity may substitute the existing policy for a policy or
policies of comparable coverage. In addition, if the aggregate
amount paid for this insurance at any time during the three year
period exceeds $42,000, then the surviving entity will only be
required to provide the amount of coverage as may be obtained
for an aggregate amount equal to $42,000.
Employee
Matters
The merger agreement provides that:
|
|
|
|
|
other than Golden Cycles stock option plans, all Golden
Cycle benefit plans covering its employees will be terminated on
or before the effective time of the merger;
|
|
|
|
all obligations of Golden Cycle to its employees as of the
effective date of the merger will have been paid by Golden
Cycle; and
|
|
|
|
at the effective time of the merger, all officers and employees
of Golden Cycle or its subsidiaries will resign and, following
payment at the closing of any applicable severance obligations,
the surviving entity will have no liability to any persons
following the effective time.
|
51
Listing
of AngloGold Ashanti ADSs on the New York Stock
Exchange
The merger agreement provides that AngloGold Ashanti will use
its reasonable best efforts to cause the AngloGold Ashanti ADSs
to be issued in the merger to be approved for listing on the New
York Stock Exchange at or prior to the effective time of the
merger, subject to official notice of issuance.
CC&V
Joint Venture
The merger agreement provides that, during the period commencing
on the date of the agreement and ending on the
90th day
following the closing date of the merger, AngloGold Ashanti, its
subsidiaries and their representatives will refrain from
participating or engaging in discussions or negotiations with,
or disclosing any non-public information regarding Golden Cycle
or the CC&V joint venture or affording access to the
properties, books or records of Golden Cycle or the CC&V
joint venture to, any person that has made an offer to purchase
all or substantially all of the capital stock or assets of
Golden Cycle or the CC&V joint venture.
Other
Agreements
The merger agreement further provides that:
|
|
|
|
|
from the date of the merger agreement until the effective time
of the merger, Golden Cycle will (i) provide to AngloGold
Ashanti (and AngloGold Ashantis officers, directors,
employees, accountants, consultants, legal counsel, agents and
other representatives) reasonable access during normal business
hours, upon prior notice, to its officers, employees, agents,
properties, offices and other facilities and to its books and
records and (ii) furnish promptly to AngloGold Ashanti any
information concerning the business, properties, contracts,
assets, liabilities, personnel and other aspects of Golden Cycle
as reasonably requested;
|
|
|
|
subject to compliance with applicable law, from the date of the
merger agreement until the effective time of the merger, Golden
Cycle will confer on a regular and frequent basis with AngloGold
Ashanti to report Golden Cycles material operational
matters and the general status of ongoing operations;
|
|
|
|
each of Golden Cycle and AngloGold Ashanti will make all
required filings in connection with the merger agreement,
including with respect to obtaining the approval of the South
African Reserve Bank;
|
|
|
|
Golden Cycle will use its reasonable best efforts to obtain and
deliver a letter from its independent auditors, a
comfort letter, dated (i) the date that is two
business days prior to the effectiveness of this proxy
statement/prospectus and (ii) the closing date of the
merger, and addressed to AngloGold Ashanti;
|
|
|
|
Golden Cycle and AngloGold Ashanti will promptly notify the
other after becoming aware of:
|
|
|
|
|
|
the occurrence or non-occurrence of any event which would be
reasonably likely to cause any representation or warranty of any
party contained in the merger agreement to be untrue or
inaccurate in any material respect or otherwise cause any
condition to the obligations of any party not to be satisfied;
|
|
|
|
any failure of Golden Cycle or AngloGold Ashanti to comply with
or satisfy in any material respect any covenant or agreement to
be complied with or satisfied pursuant to the merger
agreement; and
|
|
|
|
|
|
each party will use its reasonable best efforts to cause the
merger to qualify as a reorganization under the provisions of
Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code.
|
Conditions
to the Merger
The obligation of each of Golden Cycle and AngloGold Ashanti to
complete the merger is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of
the conditions described in this section.
Closing
Conditions for Each Party
The obligations of Golden Cycle and AngloGold Ashanti to
complete the merger are subject to the fulfillment, at or prior
to the effective time of the merger, of the following conditions:
|
|
|
|
|
approval of the Golden Cycle shareholders at the special meeting
of Golden Cycle shareholders;
|
52
|
|
|
|
|
the absence of any statute, rule, regulation, executive order,
decree, temporary restraining order, injunction or other order
issued by a court or other governmental entity preventing the
completion of the merger;
|
|
|
|
this proxy statement/prospectus must be effective in accordance
with the provisions of the Securities Act and no stop order
suspending the effectiveness of this proxy statement/prospectus
may be in effect and no proceeding for the purpose of suspending
or stopping the effectiveness of this proxy statement/prospectus
may be pending before or threatened by the SEC;
|
|
|
|
the issuance of the AngloGold Ashanti ADSs in the merger must be
approved for listing on the New York Stock Exchange, subject to
official notice of issuance;
|
|
|
|
the expiration or termination of any applicable waiting period
under the
Hart-Scott-Rodino
Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended; and
|
|
|
|
approval of any governmental authority of competent jurisdiction
(including the South African Reserve Bank) or expiration or
satisfaction of waiting periods under any applicable law of any
governmental authority of competent jurisdiction (without the
imposition of any condition that is likely to have a material
adverse effect).
|
Additional
Closing Conditions for AngloGold Ashanti
AngloGold Ashantis obligation to complete the merger is
subject to satisfaction or waiver, at or prior to the effective
time of the merger, of the following additional conditions:
|
|
|
|
|
the representations and warranties of Golden Cycle set forth in
the merger agreement that are qualified by material adverse
effect or materiality must be true and accurate and the
representations and warranties of Golden Cycle set forth in the
merger agreement that are not qualified by material adverse
effect or materiality must be true and accurate in all material
respects, in each case, as of the closing date of the merger
(except, in either case, to the extent that the representation
or warranty speaks as of another date);
|
|
|
|
Golden Cycle must have performed in all material respects all
obligations and complied in all material respects with all
agreements and covenants in the merger agreement to be performed
and complied with by it;
|
|
|
|
AngloGold Ashanti must have received a certificate signed on
behalf of Golden Cycle to the effect that the conditions
described in the preceding two bullet points have been satisfied;
|
|
|
|
from the date of the merger agreement through the effective time
of the merger, no material adverse effect must have occurred
with respect to Golden Cycle and no event, change or
circumstance that would reasonably be likely to result in a
material adverse effect with respect to Golden Cycle must have
occurred;
|
|
|
|
Golden Cycle must have delivered to its counsel, AngloGold
Ashanti and AngloGold Ashantis counsel a certificate
signed on behalf of Golden Cycle certifying as to specified tax
representations;
|
|
|
|
AngloGold Ashanti must have received an opinion, dated as of the
closing date of the merger, of its counsel, based upon facts,
representations and assumptions set forth in the opinion which
are consistent with the state of facts at the effective time of
the merger, to the effect that the acquisition of shares of
Golden Cycle common stock will qualify as a
reorganization within the meaning of
Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code;
|
|
|
|
AngloGold Ashanti must have received a comfort
letter from Golden Cycles independent public
accountants; and
|
|
|
|
|
|
AngloGold Ashanti must have received evidence reasonably
satisfactory to it that the aggregate amount of all unpaid costs
and expenses incurred by Golden Cycle or its subsidiaries in
connection with the merger agreement and related transactions is
not in excess of $275,000.
|
53
Additional
Closing Conditions for Golden Cycle
Golden Cycles obligation to complete the merger is subject
to satisfaction or waiver, at or prior to the effective time of
the merger, of the following additional conditions:
|
|
|
|
|
Representations and Warranties:
|
(1) the representations and warranties of AngloGold Ashanti
and GCGC LLC set forth in the merger agreement relating to
organization and valid existence, authority to enter into and
carry out the obligations under the merger agreement and
enforceability of the merger agreement (in each case, read
without giving effect to any materiality or material adverse
effect qualifiers set forth in those representations and
warranties) must be true and correct in all material respects as
of the closing date of the merger except to the extent that the
representation or warranty speaks as of another date; and
(2) the remainder of the representations and warranties of
AngloGold Ashanti and GCGC LLC set forth in the merger agreement
(in each case, read without giving effect to any materiality or
material adverse effect qualifiers set forth in those
representations and warranties) must be true and accurate as of
the closing date of the merger except to the extent that the
representation or warranty speaks as of another date, except
where the failure to be so true and correct, individually or in
the aggregate, has not had, and would not be reasonably likely
to have or result in, a material adverse effect with respect to
AngloGold Ashanti;
|
|
|
|
|
AngloGold Ashanti and GCGC LLC must have performed in all
material respects all obligations and complied in all material
respects with all agreements and covenants in the merger
agreement to be performed and complied with by them;
|
|
|
|
Golden Cycle must have received a certificate signed on behalf
of AngloGold Ashanti and GCGC LLC to the effect that the
conditions described in the preceding two bullet points have
been satisfied;
|
|
|
|
AngloGold Ashanti must have delivered to its counsel, Golden
Cycle and Golden Cycles counsel a certificate signed on
behalf of AngloGold Ashanti certifying as to specified tax
representations; and
|
|
|
|
Golden Cycle must have received an opinion, dated as of the
closing date of the merger, of its counsel, based upon facts,
representations and assumptions set forth in the opinion which
are consistent with the state of facts at the effective time of
the merger, to the effect that the acquisition of shares of
Golden Cycle common stock will qualify as a
reorganization within the meaning of
Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code.
|
Termination
of the Merger Agreement
Circumstances
Under Which Either Party May Terminate the Merger
Agreement
The merger agreement may be terminated by either party at any
time before the effective time of the merger:
|
|
|
|
|
by mutual written consent of AngloGold Ashanti and Golden Cycle;
|
|
|
|
|
|
if the merger is not completed on or before June 30, 2008
(however, the right to terminate will not be available to a
party whose failure to fulfill any obligation under the merger
agreement has been the cause of, or resulted in, the failure of
the merger to have been completed on or before June 30,
2008 (and the June 30, 2008 deadline will be extended to
July 15, 2008 if either (i) this proxy
statement/prospectus has not been mailed to Golden Cycles
shareholders on or before June 2, 2008 or (ii) the
special meeting is not convened on or before June 30, 2008.
|
|
|
|
|
|
if any applicable law makes completion of the merger illegal or
if any judgment, injunction, order or decree of a court
restrains or prohibits the completion of the merger (however,
the right to terminate is not available to any party whose
failure to fulfill any obligation under the merger agreement has
been the cause of or resulted in court action); or
|
|
|
|
if Golden Cycle shareholders approval is not obtained
because of the failure to obtain approval for the merger upon a
vote of the shareholders at the Golden Cycle special meeting.
|
54
Circumstances
Under Which Golden Cycle May Terminate the Merger
Agreement
The merger agreement may be terminated by Golden Cycle at any
time before the effective time of the merger:
|
|
|
|
|
if there has been a breach by AngloGold Ashanti or GCGC LLC of
any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement set forth in
the merger agreement that (i) would give rise to the
failure of selected closing conditions and (ii) if
susceptible to cure, has not been cured in all material respects
prior to the earlier to occur of (x) 20 business days
following delivery by Golden Cycle and receipt by AngloGold
Ashanti of written notice of the breach or
(y) June 30, 2008; or
|
|
|
|
if (i) Golden Cycle delivers to AngloGold Ashanti a written
notice of its intent to enter into a merger, acquisition or
other agreement to consummate a superior proposal,
(ii) five business days elapse following delivery to
AngloGold Ashanti of the notice of superior
proposal, (iii) during the five business day period
Golden Cycle fully cooperates with AngloGold Ashanti, including
providing AngloGold Ashanti with the terms and conditions of
such proposal, the identity of the person making such proposal
and a copy of the acquisition agreement, (iv) Golden Cycle
pays to AngloGold Ashanti the termination fee as described below
in Termination Fees and Expenses and (v) Golden
Cycle enters into a merger, acquisition or other agreement to
consummate the superior proposal.
|
Circumstances
Under Which AngloGold Ashanti May Terminate the Merger
Agreement
The merger agreement may be terminated by AngloGold Ashanti at
any time before the effective time of the merger:
|
|
|
|
|
if (i) Golden Cycle breaches or fails to perform in any
material respect its non-solicitation obligations, the
obligation of its board of directors to recommend the merger to
the Golden Cycle shareholders or its obligation to hold the
special meeting of its shareholders to approve the merger
agreement, or (ii) the Golden Cycle board of directors or
any committee thereof makes an adverse recommendation
change; or
|
|
|
|
if there has been a breach by Golden Cycle of any
representation, warranty, covenant or agreement set forth in the
merger agreement which breach (i) would give rise to the
failure of the applicable closing condition and (ii) if
susceptible to cure, has not been cured in all material respects
prior to the earlier to occur of (x) 20 business days
following delivery by AngloGold Ashanti and receipt by Golden
Cycle of written notice of the breach or (y) June 30,
2008.
|
Effects
of Terminating the Merger Agreement
If the merger agreement is terminated, the merger agreement
becomes null and void and there will be no liability or
obligation on the part of AngloGold Ashanti, GCGC LLC or Golden
Cycle except for the provisions relating to confidentiality,
expenses (including the payment of the termination fee described
below) and other general provisions contained in Article XI
of the merger agreement.
Termination
Fees and Expenses
Under the merger agreement, Golden Cycle has agreed to pay
AngloGold Ashanti a termination fee of $5,760,000 in any of the
following circumstances:
|
|
|
|
|
AngloGold Ashanti terminates the merger agreement because Golden
Cycle breached or failed to perform in any material respect its
non-solicitation obligations, the obligation of its board of
directors to recommend the merger to the Golden Cycle
shareholders or its obligation to hold the special meeting of
its shareholders to approve the merger agreement;
|
|
|
|
(i) AngloGold Ashanti terminates the merger agreement
because the Golden Cycle board of directors or any committee
thereof makes an adverse recommendation change and
(ii) within 18 months after the termination of the
merger agreement Golden Cycle consummates a transaction
constituting an acquisition proposal;
|
|
|
|
Golden Cycle terminates the merger agreement by delivering to
AngloGold Ashanti a written notice of its intent to enter into
an agreement in order to consummate a superior
proposal;
|
55
|
|
|
|
|
(i) after the date of the merger agreement any person
publicly proposes an acquisition proposal to Golden
Cycle, (ii) AngloGold Ashanti terminates the merger
agreement because the closing of the merger has not occurred on
or before June 30, 2008 and (iii) within
18 months after the termination of the merger agreement
Golden Cycle consummates a transaction constituting an
acquisition proposal;
|
|
|
|
(i) after the date of the merger agreement any person
publicly proposes an acquisition proposal to Golden
Cycle, (ii) AngloGold Ashanti or Golden Cycle terminates
the merger agreement because Golden Cycle shareholders fail to
approve the merger agreement and (iii) within
18 months after the termination of the merger agreement
Golden Cycle consummates a transaction constituting an
acquisition proposal;
|
|
|
|
AngloGold Ashanti terminates the merger agreement because there
has been a breach by Golden Cycle of any representation,
warranty, covenant or agreement set forth in the merger
agreement which would give rise to the failure of the applicable
closing condition; or
|
|
|
|
Golden Cycle terminates the merger agreement because the merger
has not been completed on or before June 30, 2008 and at
the time of the termination all closing conditions have been
satisfied or waived by AngloGold Ashanti and AngloGold Ashanti
is willing and able to consummate the merger.
|
Under the merger agreement, AngloGold Ashanti has agreed to pay
Golden Cycle a termination fee of $1,440,000 in any of the
following circumstances:
|
|
|
|
|
Golden Cycle terminates the merger agreement because there has
been a breach by AngloGold Ashanti or GCGC LLC of any
representation, warranty, covenant or agreement set forth in the
merger agreement that would give rise to the failure of the
applicable closing condition; or
|
|
|
|
AngloGold Ashanti terminates the merger agreement because the
merger has not been completed on or before June 30, 2008
and at the time of the termination all closing conditions have
been satisfied or waived by Golden Cycle and Golden Cycle is
willing and able to consummate the merger.
|
Unless otherwise described in the bullet points above, any
termination fee payable by either Golden Cycle or AngloGold
Ashanti is required to be paid within one business day after
termination of the merger agreement.
Under the merger agreement, Golden Cycle agreed to reimburse
AngloGold Ashantis reasonable, documented costs and
expenses up to an amount equal to $500,000 in the event that
AngloGold Ashanti terminates the merger agreement as the result
of an adverse recommendation change. However, in the
event that Golden Cycle is also required to pay a termination
fee in connection with such termination, the amount of expenses
paid by Golden Cycle will be deducted from the termination fee.
Amendment
of the Merger Agreement
At any time before or after approval of the merger agreement by
Golden Cycle shareholders and prior to the effective time, the
merger agreement may be amended or supplemented in writing by
AngloGold Ashanti and Golden Cycle with respect to any of its
terms, except as otherwise provided by law.
Following approval of the merger agreement by Golden Cycle
shareholders, there will be no amendment or change to its
provisions unless permitted by the Colorado Business
Corporations Act without further approval by the Golden Cycle
shareholders.
Governing
Law
The merger agreement is to be governed by and construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of Colorado, regardless of
the laws that might otherwise govern under applicable principles
of conflicts of laws.
56
THE
SHAREHOLDER SUPPORT AGREEMENTS
The following is a summary of the material terms of the
shareholder support agreements. This summary does not purport to
describe all the terms of the shareholder support agreements and
is qualified by reference to the complete form of shareholder
support agreement which is attached as Annex B to this
proxy statement/prospectus and incorporated herein by this
reference. We urge you to read the form of shareholder support
agreement carefully and in its entirety for a more complete
description of its terms and conditions.
Concurrently with the signing of the merger agreement, AngloGold
Ashanti entered into separate shareholder support agreements
with each of the following shareholders of Golden Cycle: David
W. Tice & Associates, Inc., OCM Gold Fund, R. Herbert
Hampton, Estate of Rex H. Hampton, Dr. Taki N. Anagnoston,
James C. Ruder, Robert T. Thul, Donald L. Gustafson and MIDAS
Fund, Inc./Midas Management Corporation. Together, the
shareholder support agreements cover an aggregate of
4,343,680 shares of Golden Cycle common stock, which, as of
May 13, 2008, represented approximately 44.3 percent
of all of the issued and outstanding shares of Golden Cycle
common stock.
Agreement
to Vote and Irrevocable Proxy
Pursuant to the shareholder support agreements, each supporting
shareholder granted to AngloGold Ashanti an irrevocable proxy
and irrevocably appointed a representative or representatives to
be determined by AngloGold Ashanti as proxies to exercise all
voting, consent and similar rights with respect to their shares
of Golden Cycle common stock at every annual, special or other
meeting of shareholders of Golden Cycle, and in any consent in
lieu of a meeting, as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
in favor of the merger, the adoption of the merger agreement and
the approval of its terms and each of the other transactions
contemplated by the merger agreement;
|
|
|
|
in favor of any other matter necessary to the consummation of
the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger
agreement;
|
|
|
|
against any other merger agreement or merger (other than the
merger agreement with AngloGold Ashanti and the merger with an
indirect subsidiary of AngloGold Ashanti), consolidation,
combination, sale of substantial assets, reorganization,
recapitalization, dissolution, liquidation or winding up of or
by Golden Cycle or any of its subsidiaries or any other
acquisition proposal;
|
|
|
|
against any amendment of Golden Cycles articles of
incorporation or by-laws or other proposal or transaction
involving Golden Cycle or any of its subsidiaries, which
amendment or other proposal or transaction would in any manner
impede, frustrate, prevent or nullify the merger with an
indirect subsidiary of AngloGold Ashanti, the merger agreement
or any of the other transactions contemplated by the merger
agreement or change in any manner the voting rights of any class
of capital stock of Golden Cycle; and
|
|
|
|
against any action that would result in a breach of any
representation, warranty or covenant made by Golden Cycle in the
merger agreement.
|
Nothing in the irrevocable proxy will prohibit a supporting
shareholder who is a director or officer of Golden Cycle from
acting in his or her capacity as a director or officer or from
taking any action as a director or officer of Golden Cycle that
may be required as a director or officer of Golden Cycle,
including acting in compliance with the merger agreement or his
or her fiduciary duties.
Transfer
Restrictions
In addition, each of the supporting shareholders agreed not to:
|
|
|
|
|
sell, transfer (including by operation of law), pledge, assign,
encumber or otherwise dispose of (including by gift), or enter
into any contract, option or other arrangement (including any
profit-sharing arrangement) with respect to the transfer of the
supporting shareholders shares to any person; or
|
57
|
|
|
|
|
enter into any voting arrangement (other than the shareholder
support agreements with AngloGold Ashanti), whether by proxy,
voting agreement or otherwise, or grant or appoint any power of
attorney in relation to the supporting shareholders shares.
|
Other
Covenants
Each of the supporting shareholders agreed not to authorize any
investment banker, consultant, attorney, agent or other advisor
or representative of that shareholder to:
|
|
|
|
|
initiate, solicit or knowingly encourage or facilitate
(including by furnishing non-public information) any inquiries
regarding, or the making or submission of any proposal that
constitutes, or that may reasonably be expected to lead to, an
acquisition proposal (as defined in the merger
agreement); or
|
|
|
|
participate or engage in discussions or negotiations with, or
disclose any non-public information regarding Golden Cycle or
any of its subsidiaries or afford access to the properties,
books or records of Golden Cycle or any of its subsidiaries to
any person that has made an acquisition proposal (as defined in
the merger agreement) or to any person that the supporting
shareholder knows or has reason to believe is contemplating
making an acquisition proposal (as defined in the merger
agreement).
|
58
DIRECTORS
AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT FOLLOWING THE MERGER
Upon completion of the merger, the board of directors and
executive officers of AngloGold Ashanti will remain unchanged.
See AngloGold Ashantis 2007
Form 20-F,
which is incorporated herein by reference, for further
information concerning the board of directors and executive
officers of AngloGold Ashanti.
Upon completion of the merger the entire board of directors and
all the management of Golden Cycle will resign.
59
INTERESTS
OF CERTAIN PERSONS IN THE MERGER
In considering the recommendation of Golden Cycles board
of directors to vote for the approval and adoption of the merger
agreement, you should be aware that certain members of Golden
Cycles board of directors and executive officers of Golden
Cycle may have interests in the merger that differ from, or are
in addition to, their interests as Golden Cycle shareholders.
Golden Cycles board of directors was aware of these
interests and considered them, among other matters, in approving
the merger agreement and the merger. These interests are
described below.
The directors of AngloGold Ashanti have unanimously confirmed
that they have no interest, direct or indirect, in the merger
other than in their capacities as directors of AngloGold Ashanti.
Shareholder
Support Agreements
In connection with the merger agreement, AngloGold Ashanti
required that each of Messrs. Hampton, Anagnoston, Ruder, Thul
and Gustafson and their respective affiliates enter into
shareholder support agreements in which, among other things,
they each severally agree to grant an irrevocable proxy to
AngloGold Ashanti to vote their shares of Golden Cycle common
stock:
|
|
|
|
|
in favor of (i) the merger, the adoption of the merger
agreement and the approval of its terms and each of the other
transactions contemplated by the merger agreement and
(ii) any other matter necessary to the consummation of the
merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger
agreement;
|
|
|
|
against other any merger agreement or merger (other than the
merger agreement with AngloGold Ashanti and the merger with an
indirect subsidiary of AngloGold Ashanti), consolidation,
combination, sale of substantial assets, reorganization,
recapitalization, dissolution, liquidation or winding up of or
by Golden Cycle or any of its subsidiaries or any other
acquisition proposal;
|
|
|
|
against any amendment of Golden Cycles articles of
incorporation or by-laws or other proposal or transaction
involving Golden Cycle or any of its subsidiaries, which
amendment or other proposal or transaction would in any manner
impede, frustrate, prevent or nullify the merger with an
indirect subsidiary of AngloGold Ashanti, the merger agreement
or any of the other transactions contemplated by the merger
agreement or change in any manner the voting rights of any class
of capital stock of Golden Cycle; and
|
|
|
|
against any action that would result in a breach of any
representation, warranty or covenant made by Golden Cycle in the
merger agreement.
|
Messrs. Hampton, Anagnoston, Ruder, Thul and Gustafson and their
respective affiliates beneficially owned approximately
0.8 percent, 5.0 percent, less than 0.1 percent,
less than 0.1 percent and zero percent, respectively,
of the shares of Golden Cycle common stock outstanding as of
May 13, 2008 (excluding shares of Golden Cycle common stock
which such person had the right to acquire as of such date upon
exercise of stock options). For a more detailed description of
the shareholder support agreements, see The Shareholder
Support Agreements beginning on page 57.
Indemnification
and Insurance of Golden Cycles Directors and
Officers
The merger agreement requires the surviving company in the
merger to indemnify Golden Cycle directors and officers and to
honor all rights to indemnification and exculpation existing in
favor of a director or officer of Golden Cycle and its
subsidiaries under Golden Cycles articles of incorporation
and by-laws as in effect on the date of the merger agreement for
a period of six years after the effective time of the merger and
to maintain for a period of three years after the closing date
of the merger director and officer liability insurance for the
benefit of Golden Cycles officers and directors with
respect to acts or omissions occurring prior to the closing
date. Please see The Merger Agreement
Indemnification and Insurance of Golden Cycles Directors
and Officers on page 51.
60
Stock
Options
All of the issued and outstanding options to purchase Golden
Cycle common stock are held by the following executive officers
and directors of Golden Cycle:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Individual
|
|
Title
|
|
Options Held
|
|
R. Herbert Hampton
|
|
Chief Executive Officer and Director
|
|
|
200,000
|
|
Donald L. Gustafson
|
|
Director
|
|
|
85,000
|
|
James Ruder
|
|
Director
|
|
|
100,000
|
|
Dr. Taki Anagnoston
|
|
Director
|
|
|
75,000
|
|
Robert Thul
|
|
Director
|
|
|
100,000
|
|
The merger agreement provides that at the effective time of the
merger, each unexpired and unexercised option to purchase Golden
Cycle common stock granted under Golden Cycle stock option plans
will be automatically cancelled in exchange for a number of
Anglo Gold Ashanti ADSs equal to (a)(i) the aggregate fair
market value of AngloGold Ashanti ADSs that would have been
received for all Golden Cycle common stock (assuming the Golden
Cycle stock options were exercised) plus (ii) $1.23 for
each share underlying the Golden Cycle stock option ($1.23
represents consideration for early conversion of the options)
less (iii) the total aggregate exercise price of the Golden
Cycle stock option (assuming the Golden Cycle stock options were
exercised) divided by (b) the fair market value of each
AngloGold Ashanti ADS. For the purposes of the calculation, the
fair market value of each AngloGold Ashanti ADS is based on the
average closing price as reported by the New York Stock Exchange
of AngloGold Ashanti ADSs for the twenty consecutive trading
days ending on the day prior to the special meeting of Golden
Cycle shareholders to approve the merger. The merger agreement
provides for the following conversion formula:
Where:
X = Number of ADSs Issuable for Golden Cycle Stock Option
|
|
|
|
A =
|
Number of Golden Cycle Shares Acquirable Upon Exercise of Golden
Cycle Stock Option
|
B = 0.3123
|
|
|
|
C =
|
Average of the per share closing prices as reported by the New
York Stock Exchange of ADSs for the twenty consecutive trading
days ending on the day prior to the Target Meeting (ADS Market
Price)
|
D = $1.23 (adjustment for lost opportunity cost based on a Black
Scholes valuation)
E = Option Exercise Price
If the exercise price per share of any such Target Stock Option
is greater than or equal to the ADS Market Price multiplied by
the Exchange Ratio, then such Target Stock Option shall be
exchanged for the aggregate number of ADSs (less any applicable
income or employment tax withholding) equal to (i) the
number of Target Company Shares acquirable upon exercise of
Target Stock Option multiplied by (ii) $1.23 divided by
(iii) the ADS Market Price.
If AngloGold Ashanti determines that any payment in respect of
options to purchase Golden Cycle common stock options gives rise
to compensation subject to withholding, then AngloGold Ashanti
(or the appropriate subsidiary thereof) will withhold the amount
required by applicable law.
Upon consummation of the merger all Golden Cycle stock option
plans and any document or agreement previously evidencing Golden
Cycle options will be terminated and of no further force or
effect.
61
Severance
Pay
Pursuant to a resolution of Golden Cycles board of
directors, Golden Cycle has agreed to pay Mr. Hampton
severance following the closing of the merger in a lump sum
amount equal to $8,404 per month from the closing of the merger
through August 1, 2008.
Executive
Bonus
On February 4, 2008, pursuant to a resolution of Golden
Cycles board of directors, Golden Cycle paid
Mr. Hampton a bonus of $50,000.
62
SECURITY
OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND
MANAGEMENT OF GOLDEN CYCLE
The following table sets forth the number and percentage of
outstanding shares of Golden Cycle common stock beneficially
owned as of May 13, 2008 by:
|
|
|
|
|
each director and named executive officer of Golden Cycle;
|
|
|
|
all Golden Cycle directors and executive officers as a
group; and
|
|
|
|
beneficial owners of 5 percent or more of Golden
Cycles common stock.
|
As at May 13, 2008, 9,794,250 shares of Golden Cycle common
stock were issued and outstanding.
For purposes of the following table a person or group of persons
is deemed to have beneficial ownership of any shares of Golden
Cycle common stock as of a given date which such person or group
of persons has the right to acquire within 60 days after
May 13, 2008 upon exercise of vested portions of stock
options.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Shares
|
|
|
|
|
Beneficial Owner
|
|
Beneficially Owned
|
|
|
Percentage of Ownership
|
|
|
MIDAS Fund,
Inc.(1)
|
|
|
1,964,500
|
|
|
|
20.1%
|
|
11 Hanover Square
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
New York, NY 10005
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
David W. Tice & Associates,
LLC(2)
|
|
|
1,298,265
|
|
|
|
13.3%
|
|
Prudent Bear Funds, Inc.
8140 Walnut Hill Lane, Ste 300
Dallas, Texas 75231
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
R. Herbert
Hampton(3)
|
|
|
338,510
|
|
|
|
3.4%
|
|
Donald L.
Gustafson(4)
|
|
|
85,000
|
|
|
|
1.0%
|
|
James
Ruder(5)
|
|
|
101,000
|
|
|
|
1.0%
|
|
Dr. Taki
Anagnoston(6)
|
|
|
559,280
|
|
|
|
5.7%
|
|
Robert
Thul(7)
|
|
|
100,125
|
|
|
|
1.0%
|
|
Directors and officers as a group
|
|
|
1,183,915
|
|
|
|
12.1%
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
MIDAS Fund, Inc. is a registered, open-end, investment company
and is an advisory client of Midas Management Corporation (MMC).
Mr. Thomas B. Winmill, a former director of Golden Cycle,
is President of MIDAS Fund, Inc., and its investment manager.
MMC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Winmill & Co.
Incorporated (Winco). Mr. Bassett S. Winmill owns 100% of
the outstanding voting stock of Winco and is the principal
shareholder of Winco. MMC, Winco and Mr. Bassett S. Winmill
each disclaim any economic interest or beneficial ownership in
the securities shown above owned by advisory clients of Winco
subsidiaries. |
|
(2) |
|
David W. Tice & Associates, LLC is a registered
investment advisor and Prudent Bear Funds, Inc. is a registered
investment company. Prudent Bear Funds, Inc. includes two
operating portfolios, Prudent Bear Fund and Prudent Global
Income Fund. David W. Tice and Associates, LLC is the investment
adviser to Prudent Bear Funds, Inc. |
|
|
|
(3) |
|
R. Herbert Hampton is an officer and director of Golden Cycle.
Beneficial ownership includes 81,110 shares of common stock
and 200,000 stock options exercisable to acquire common stock.
57,400 shares of common stock beneficially owned by R.
Herbert Hampton are held by the Estate of Rex H. Hampton. |
|
|
|
(4) |
|
Donald L. Gustafson is a director of Golden Cycle. Beneficial
ownership includes 85,000 stock options exercisable to acquire
common stock. |
|
(5) |
|
James Ruder is a director of Golden Cycle. Beneficial ownership
includes 1,000 shares of common stock and 100,000 stock
options exercisable to acquire common stock. |
|
(6) |
|
Dr. Taki Anagnoston is a director of Golden Cycle.
Beneficial ownership includes 484,280 shares of the common
stock and 75,000 stock options exercisable to acquire common
stock. |
|
(7) |
|
Robert Thul is a director of Golden Cycle. Beneficial ownership
includes 125 shares of common stock and 100,000 stock
options exercisable to acquire common stock. |
63
Concurrently with the signing of the merger agreement, AngloGold
Ashanti entered into separate shareholder support agreements
with each of the following shareholders of Golden Cycle: David
W. Tice & Associates, Inc., OCM Gold Fund, R.
Herbert Hampton, Estate of Rex H. Hampton, Dr. Taki N.
Anagnoston, James C. Ruder, Robert T. Thul, Donald L. Gustafson
and MIDAS Fund, Inc./Midas Management Corporation. Together, the
shareholder support agreements cover an aggregate of
4,343,680 shares of Golden Cycle common stock, which, as of
May 13, 2008, represented approximately 44.3 percent
of all of the issued and outstanding shares of Golden Cycle
common stock.
64
THE
COMPANIES
AngloGold
Ashanti Limited
Company
Overview
AngloGold Ashanti is headquartered in Johannesburg, South
Africa, and is a global gold company with a diversified
portfolio of assets in many key gold producing regions. As at
December 31, 2007, AngloGold Ashanti had gold reserves of
72.2 million ounces. For the year ended December 31,
2007, AngloGold Ashanti had consolidated total revenues of
$3,095 million and gold production of 5.5 million
ounces.
AngloGold Ashanti was formed following the consolidation of the
gold interests of Anglo American plc into a single company in
1998. At that time, AngloGold Ashantis production and
reserves were primarily located in South Africa (97 percent
of 1997 production and 99 percent of reserves as at
December 31, 1997) and one of AngloGold Ashantis
objectives was to achieve greater geographic and orebody
diversity. Through a combination of mergers, acquisitions,
disposal initiatives and organic growth, and through the
operations in which AngloGold Ashanti has an interest, AngloGold
Ashanti has developed a high quality, well diversified asset
portfolio, including:
|
|
|
|
|
production from 20 operations in ten countries: Argentina,
Australia, Brazil, Ghana, Guinea, Mali, Namibia, South Africa,
Tanzania and the United States;
|
|
|
|
|
|
production and reserves for the year ended December 31,
2007 of 57 percent and 57 percent, respectively, from
operations outside South Africa; and
|
|
|
|
|
|
production from a broad variety of orebody types as well as a
variety of open-pit and underground operations.
|
AngloGold Ashanti (formerly AngloGold Limited) (Registration
number
1944/017354/06)
was incorporated in the Republic of South Africa in 1944 under
the name of Vaal Reefs Exploration and Mining Company Limited
and in South Africa is subject to the South African Companies
Act. On April 26, 2004, AngloGold Ashanti acquired the
entire issued share capital of Ashanti Goldfields Company
Limited and changed its name to AngloGold Ashanti Limited on the
same day. AngloGold Ashantis principal executive office is
located at 76 Jeppe Street, Newtown, 2001
(P.O. Box 62117, Marshalltown, 2107) South Africa
(Telephone +27
(11) 637-6000).
Strategy
AngloGold Ashantis business strategy has three principal
elements:
|
|
|
|
|
portfolio optimization and capital deployment; and
|
Managing the Business. AngloGold
Ashanti seeks to enhance shareholder value through endeavoring
to plan and implement operating strategies that identify optimal
ore body capability, applying appropriate methods and design
ensuring efficient operating performance, detailed planning and
scheduling, coupled with the application of best practices
across all aspects of the production and service activities
associated with each asset. Safe work practices and working in
compliance with industry and company standards informs all
aspects of AngloGold Ashantis business process.
Successfully managing the business means delivering on AngloGold
Ashantis commitments, which includes ensuring safe work
practices, meeting production targets on time and within budget,
managing its costs and associated escalations, maximizing
revenues, which includes reducing its hedge commitments, whilst
also seeking to ensure that its business partners share in the
value creation process.
|
|
|
|
|
Safety & Health. Safety is
AngloGold Ashantis first value, which is reflected in all
leadership behaviors and is the foundation on which AngloGold
Ashanti builds all value enhancing processes in the business.
|
65
|
|
|
|
|
Managing Costs. AngloGold Ashanti
intends to manage its input costs taking into account revenues
in order to ensure that it protects margins and returns on
capital employed. In particular:
|
|
|
|
|
|
resource development strategies will be applied to ensure
AngloGold Ashanti maintains operating margins over time and
within the respective life cycle of assets. Initiatives include
reviewing, and interventions to improve, mining practices, both
at under-performing operations and to further improve
performance at other operations;
|
|
|
|
|
|
where AngloGold Ashanti has protected or hedged revenues it will
endeavor to protect input costs in order to ensure it protects
critical margins; and
|
|
|
|
|
|
maintain core business costs below mean industry costs to ensure
appropriate downside risk on cash flow and returns in a volatile
price environment. These initiatives include AngloGold
Ashantis global procurement efforts.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues. AngloGold Ashanti will seek
to ensure that it extracts full value from its products by
maximizing its revenue through the following initiatives:
|
|
|
|
|
|
AngloGold Ashanti is currently committed to reducing its hedge
book so as to ensure that its shareholders more fully benefit in
gold price upside; and
|
|
|
|
|
|
where possible and appropriate, AngloGold Ashanti supports the
beneficiation of its products, so as to enhance value creation
opportunities.
|
Portfolio Optimization and Capital
Deployment. AngloGold Ashanti also seeks to
optimize its operations through effective capital deployment and
asset management, supported by world class processes and skills,
which encompass good safety standards.
|
|
|
|
|
Optimizing Capital
Deployment. AngloGold Ashanti intends to
allocate capital to leverage maximum value and returns from
existing assets and growth opportunities. With the goal of most
efficiently deploying capital effectively across its existing
assets, AngloGold Ashanti will review, and rank internally, each
asset on an annual basis as part of the annual business planning
process. As part of the initial asset review process AngloGold
Ashanti has determined that maximum value leverage will be
obtained from:
|
|
|
|
|
|
furthering its key greenfields and brownfields exploration and
its brownfields development initiatives as outlined below;
|
|
|
|
|
|
further increasing exploration spent at certain existing mine
sites (in addition to those initiatives outlined below) that are
believed to have considerable potential beyond that realized to
date, particularly at its South American operations (Brazil
Mineração, Serra Grande and Cerro Vanguardia) and
certain operations in Africa (namely Siguiri and Navachab). In
the case of Navachab, in addition to increased exploration, the
deployment of dense media separation technology that will allow
for the processing of lower grade ore and increase gold
production is under consideration);
|
|
|
|
|
|
improving mining practices (including improving mine layouts,
optimizing and accelerating ore reserve development and reducing
ore loss and waste dilution) and continued re-capitalization of
operations in order to enhance recovered grades and gold
production at Obuasi, as well as further accelerating grade
control and brownfields exploration as well as continuing to
identify appropriate processing routes for certain refractory
ores, at Geita, in addition to enhancing maintenance systems and
skill levels at these currently under-performing
operations; and
|
|
|
|
|
|
selling or restructuring certain assets that are deemed no
longer consistent with AngloGold Ashantis asset profile or
from which assets of greater value could be leveraged from sale
or restructuring thereby raising cash and deploying it in value
enhancing initiatives, as outlined above.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Asset Management. AngloGold Ashanti is
developing a management framework that will seek to ensure that
maximum value is attained from each asset in its portfolio.
AngloGold Ashanti has developed a pathway to value
framework to highlight the key value drivers and opportunities
at each of its operations. Value optimization opportunities will
be identified across the spectrum of scoping potential
(exploration),
|
66
|
|
|
|
|
operating strategy and optimization, incorporating ore body
capability, mining methods and design and operating performance.
These strategies are to be developed through best practices with
the aim of achieving an optimal output.
|
Growing the Business. AngloGold Ashanti
seeks to further enhance shareholder value by:
|
|
|
|
|
leveraging its current ground holdings and asset positions
through greenfields exploration and brownfields exploration and
development;
|
|
|
|
|
|
selectively pursuing merger and acquisition
opportunities; and
|
|
|
|
|
|
maximizing the value of other commodities within its existing
and developing asset portfolio.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Greenfields and Brownfields Exploration and
Development. AngloGold Ashanti prioritizes organic
growth through greenfields exploration and brownfields
exploration and development leveraging its current ground
holding and asset position as the most value efficient path to
growth. During 2008, greenfields exploration activities are
being undertaken in six countries: Australia, China, Colombia,
the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Philippines and Russia.
Brownfields exploration
and/or
brownfields development is currently underway at all of
AngloGold Ashantis operations.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recent greenfields exploration successes include:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Colombia. In Colombia, AngloGold Ashanti has
developed a 3 level participation model comprising
its own exploration initiatives, exploration joint ventures with
established players (B2Gold, Mineros and Glencore) and equity
positions in other exploration companies that are also active in
Colombia, such as its 15.9 percent equity interest in, and
warrants to acquire additional equity of, B2Gold (AngloGold
Ashanti has entered into a binding agreement with B2Gold that
has resulted in its holding a 15.9 percent interest in this
company, together with warrants which could increase this
interest in B2Gold to 26 percent). AngloGold Ashantis land
holding position in Colombia, which includes that held with its
joint venture partners, is some 37,500 square kilometres.
AngloGold Ashantis exploration initiatives in Colombia
include La Colosa (a large porphyry deposit) where a
mineral resource has already been defined where it is intended
that a pre-feasibility study (focused on assessing the viability
and options for developing an open pit gold mining operation)
will commence during 2008. AngloGold Ashantis most
advanced joint venture interest is currently Gramalote in which
it holds a 49 percent interest and where a mineral resource has
already been defined and exploration continues with a view to
concluding a feasibility study by no later than 2010. B2Gold has
agreed to acquire the remaining 51 percent interest in Gramalote
and will solely fund the remainder of this project to the
completion of the feasibility study.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Australia. The Tropicana Joint Venture (in
which AngloGold Ashanti has a 70 percent interest) covers
approximately 12,000 square kilometers and is located to
the east and north-east of Kalgoorlie in western Australia.
Exploration has already defined a mineral resource and a
pre-feasibility study (focused on assessing the viability and
options for developing an open pit gold mining operation) is
currently being completed. Reconnaissance exploration drilling
is also continuing in parallel within the area of the Tropicana
Joint Venture.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Democratic Republic of Congo. Exploration
activities undertaken in the 10,000 square kilometers
Concession 40 tenement (located in Ituri Province in
northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo) include the
advancement of resource delineation drilling on the known
mineralization at the Mongbwalu deposit. A conceptual economic
study for the Mongbwalu deposit was completed by the end of 2007
and drill testing of the highest priority regional targets is
expected to be undertaken during 2008.
|
AngloGold Ashanti intends to leverage its first
mover positions in greenfields exploration, with the focus
on building coherent regional portfolios, while continuing to
access its land positions utilizing, where possible, the
3 level participation model as successfully
implemented in Colombia.
Brownfields exploration, which is aimed at identifying ounces
for production at or around existing mines, is being undertaken
around all of AngloGold Ashantis current operations. In
2007, the most successful brownfields exploration programs were
undertaken in Ghana, the United States of America, Australia and
Guinea. AngloGold
67
Ashanti intends to increase its focus on brownfields
opportunities with clear accountability for delivery of
brownfields exploration targets lying within its operating
leadership.
In 2008, exploration expenditure is budgeted at
$220 million, of which $105 million is budgeted to be
spent on greenfields exploration and $115 million is
budgeted to be spent on brownfields exploration. In 2007,
exploration expenditure amounted to $167 million, of which
$92 million was spent on greenfields exploration and
$75 million was spent on brownfields exploration.
Current key brownfields development initiatives approved or
under consideration include:
|
|
|
|
|
Boddington. The Boddington project, which was
approved in March 2006, involves the mining of the basement
reserves beneath previously mined oxide pits. Based on the
current mine plan, mine life is estimated to be more than
20 years, with attributable life-of-mine gold production
expected to be greater than 5.7 million ounces of gold.
Production is anticipated to commence at Boddington in late 2008
or early 2009.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mponeng Ventersdorp Contact Reef. This
project, which was approved in February 2007, entails exploiting
the Ventersdorp Contact Reef ore reserves at Mponeng located
below 120 level. AngloGold Ashanti estimates that this project
will add up to 2.5 million ounces to production over the
life of the project.
|
|
|
|
|
|
TauTona Carbon Leader Reef. This project,
which was approved in July 2003, entails accessing and
exploiting the Carbon Leader Reef ore reserves at TauTona
located below 120 level. Production was planned to begin in 2009
and it was estimated that this project would produce up to
2.5 million ounces of gold from 2009 to 2019. This project
is currently under review as it is possible that part of the ore
reserves forming this project could also be accessed from the
neighboring Mponeng mine in the Mponeng Carbon Leader Reef
Project.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mponeng Carbon Leader Reef. This project aims
to exploit the Carbon Leader Reef ore reserves at Mponeng, which
are located about 900 meters below the Ventersdorp Contact Reef.
Initial estimates are that this project has the potential to
contribute up to 7.4 million ounces to production over the
life of the project (excluding any ore reserves currently
attributable to the TauTona Carbon Leader Reef Project) with
production from this project estimated to commence in 2018. Ore
reserves of 3.4 million ounces were added at Mponeng in
2007 as a result of initiatives related to this project.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Moab Khotsong (Zaaiplaats). A study for phase
2 of the development at Moab Khotsong, which will extend below
the level of the currently planned phase 1 operations, was
approved and completed during 2007. Ore reserves of
3.8 million ounces were added in 2007 as a result of these
initiatives. Studies continue with a view to presenting this
project to the directors for consideration and final approval.
It is estimated that the project could contribute
4.5 million ounces of gold over the life of the project
with production estimated to commence in 2014.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Córrego do Sitio. The Córrego do
Sítio Underground Sulphide Project is investigating the
viability of exploiting the potential sulphide ore resources of
the Córrego do Sítio underground ore bodies.
Underground development to further access and explore these ore
bodies, as well as trial mining, is in progress. The project is
expected to produce approximately 100,000 ounces of gold
annually over 14 years and is scheduled to commence
production in mid-2011.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lamego. The Lamego Project currently involves
the exploration (primarily via underground development) of the
ore bodies located on the Lamego property. This project includes
2 phases. Phase 1 includes a study, which is currently in
progress, involving determining the viability of mining parts of
these ore bodies to produce 450,000 ounces over nine years with
production estimated to commence in 2009. Phase 2, which is also
currently in progress, involves a three year exploration and
underground development program to evaluate the further
potential of the Lamego ore bodies beyond phase 1 of the project.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obuasi Deeps. Exploration and studies continue
at Obuasi with a view to developing the large ore body situated
below current working levels.
|
68
|
|
|
|
|
Obuasi Tailings Sulphide Plant. This
project, which was approved in April 2008, entails the
construction of a flotation circuit to enable the treatment of
lower grade underground sulphide ore (than is being treated at
the existing Sulphide Treatment Plant) that currently treats all
ore produced from underground operations as well as low grade
surface sulphide stockpilings and tailings. The project is
anticipated to produce 702,000 ounces of gold over its life and
increase annual gold production at Obuasi by between 50,000 and
85,000 ounces per annum. Production via this plant is
anticipated to commence in the first half of 2009.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Iduapriem Plant Expansion. This project, which
was approved in November 2006, involves the addition and
modification of metallurgical treatment and infrastructure at
Iduapriem. These initiatives are being implemented to increase
plant capacity, improve gold recovery and also reduce operating
expenditure. It is estimated that these initiatives will add
some 117,000 ounces of production over the life of mine at
Iduapriem and increase annual gold production by some 50,000
ounces (albeit over a shorter life of mine assuming no further
growth in ore reserves at Iduapriem). The project is expected to
be commissioned in the fourth quarter of 2008.
|
|
|
|
|
|
CC&V. The proposed mine life extension
project is to include the development of new sources of ore, an
extension to the existing heap leach facility, as well as a
possible additional heap leach facility. Development drilling,
engineering analysis and permitting requirements for this
project are currently in progress. The extension of the existing
heap leach facility could contribute a further 1.4 million
ounces of gold production at CC&V. Construction for this
project is planned to commence in 2009 with first gold
production anticipated in late 2011 or early 2012. The possible
additional heap leach facility is also under consideration and
this could also further extend the life of CC&V.
|
For further details regarding these projects, please see
Purpose of the Rights Offering and use of
Proceeds below.
|
|
|
|
|
Mergers and Acquisitions. AngloGold
Ashanti intends to continue to pursue value accretive
acquisition opportunities with a view to enhancing its ground
holding asset positions and its regional presence and achieving
further growth in its business.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Commodities. AngloGold Ashanti
produces uranium and silver as by-products of its existing gold
production and, once the Boddington mine commences gold
production, AngloGold Ashanti will also produce copper and
silver at this mine. AngloGold Ashanti is increasing its uranium
production with the upgrade of the uranium plant which will be
commissioned in 2009, and the ramp up of gold production at Moab
Khotsong (with a similar increase and ramp up of uranium
production from this mine). Other uranium producing initiatives
at both its Vaal River and West Wits operations in South Africa
are also under consideration. AngloGold Ashanti may also add
further copper ore reserves and produce further copper from
gold-copper deposits forming part of its exploration portfolio.
|
Please refer to AngloGold Ashantis 2007 Annual Report on
Form 20-F,
together with all of the other information included or
incorporated by reference in this proxy statement/prospectus,
for information about AngloGold Ashanti.
Rights
Offering
On May 21, 2008, AngloGold Ashanti announced that it
intends to proceed, subject to certain conditions, with a
renounceable rights offering of 69,470,442 new AngloGold Ashanti
ordinary shares to AngloGold Ashanti ordinary and E shareholders
and AngloGold Ashanti ADS holders at a subscription price of
ZAR194.00 per rights offer share or ADS and in the ratio of
24.6403 rights offer shares for every 100 AngloGold Ashanti
ordinary shares or ADSs held.
Purpose
of the Rights Offering and use of Proceeds
The net proceeds received by AngloGold Ashanti from the rights
offer, after deduction of underwriting commissions and estimated
expenses, are estimated to be approximately
ZAR13.1 billion, which was the equivalent
69
of $1.7 billion on May 22, 2008 using an exchange
rate of 7.6735 rands per U.S. dollar (the Federal Reserve
Bank of New Yorks noon buying rate on May 22, 2008).
The principal purpose of the rights offer is to provide
AngloGold Ashanti with additional financial resources to improve
its financial flexibility. In particular, the net proceeds from
the rights offer will allow AngloGold Ashanti both to
significantly restructure and reduce its existing gold hedging
position, which has adversely affected its financial performance
in recent years, while also being able to continue to fund its
principal development projects and exploration growth
initiatives. Pending this use of proceeds, as described in
further detail below, the net proceeds of the rights offer may
in the interim be used to reduce AngloGold Ashantis
short-term borrowings and the borrowings outstanding on its
revolving credit facility or retained as cash in accordance with
its cash management policies.
Reducing
AngloGold Ashantis gold hedging position
AngloGold Ashanti has traditionally used gold hedging
instruments to protect the selling price of some sales against
declines in the market price of gold. The use of these
instruments has prevented AngloGold Ashanti from fully
participating in the significant increase in the market price
for gold in recent years. Since 2001, AngloGold Ashanti has been
reducing its gold hedge commitments through hedge buy-backs,
physical settlement of contracts and other restructurings in
order to allow for greater participation in the rising gold
price environment. As at December 31, 2007, the total net
delta tonnage of AngloGold Ashantis hedge positions was
10.39 million ounces and the total committed hedge position
was 11.28 million ounces, an increase of 0.16 million
ounces and a reduction of 0.34 million ounces against the
December 31, 2006 hedge delta and hedge committed position,
respectively. As at December 31, 2007, the marked-to-market
value of all hedge transactions making up the hedge positions
was negative $4.27 billion.
As at March 31, 2008, hedging positions of approximately
3.28 million ounces of hedge delta and 3.66 million
ounces of commitments against AngloGold Ashantis gold
production will mature in 2008 and 2009. Since the beginning of
2008, prevailing spot gold prices have been significantly higher
than those prevailing during 2007. If these high prices continue
to prevail, AngloGold Ashanti estimates that, due to its gold
hedging arrangements, the prices AngloGold Ashanti will receive
for its gold production during 2008 and 2009 will be
significantly lower than the prevailing spot prices during those
years.
AngloGold Ashanti has taken, and continues to take, steps to
increase its participation in the higher prevailing spot prices
for gold or that will allow it to reduce its hedge position as a
percentage of its current or future gold production, including:
|
|
|
|
|
Continuing to deliver into maturing gold hedges or
implementing hedge buy-backs thereby reducing its gold hedge
position over time. During the three months ended
March 31, 2008, AngloGold Ashanti reduced the net delta
tonnage of its gold hedge by 1.13 million ounces to
9.26 million ounces by delivering into maturing gold hedges
and also effecting opportunistic hedge buybacks (limited to
non-hedge derivatives).
|
|
|
|
|
|
Acquiring minority interests at its existing mines and
pursuing other merger and acquisition opportunities with a view
to increasing its level of gold production and its ore reserves,
thereby reducing its total hedged position as a percentage of
its total gold production and ore reserves. For
example, during the fourth quarter of 2007 AngloGold Ashanti
acquired the remaining 15 percent minority interest in the
Iduapriem & Teberebie (Iduapriem) mine in Ghana. In
addition, in January 2008, AngloGold Ashanti signed a merger
agreement with Golden Cycle Gold Corporation which, if the
acquisition is completed, will allow it to continue to
consolidate 100 percent ownership of the CC&V mine in
Colorado.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Increasing brownfields exploration and development programs,
both in and around its existing mine sites, with a view to
increasing its gold production and ore reserves, thereby
reducing its total hedged position as a percentage of its total
ore reserves. Over the past two years, AngloGold
Ashantis total ore reserves have increased from
63.3 million ounces to 72.2 million ounces (net of
depletion of approximately 11.1 million ounces over the
same period). As at December 31, 2007, the net delta
tonnage of AngloGold
|
70
|
|
|
|
|
Ashantis gold hedge represented approximately
14 percent of its total ore reserves, or approximately two
years worth of current annual gold production.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Continuing to increase its greenfield exploration activities
in new geographical areas. In 2008, the majority of
AngloGold Ashantis greenfields exploration expenditures of
approximately $105 million is expected to be incurred in:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Colombia, where it has achieved significant exploration success
in the recent past both at its wholly owned properties, in
particular La Colosa where a pre-feasibility study will
commence during 2008, as well as at its various joint ventures;
|
|
|
|
|
|
Australia, where it is completing a pre-feasibility study at the
Tropicana joint venture; and
|
|
|
|
|
|
the Democratic Republic of Congo in respect of its Mongbwalu
Concession.
|
Given exploration successes at the above greenfields exploration
projects to date, AngloGold Ashanti expects that in the
foreseeable future these exploration projects are likely to add
to its ore reserves and medium to longer term gold production.
|
|
|
|
|
Identified, as part of a recently completed asset review,
those assets which are no longer considered to be consistent
with its desired asset profile. AngloGold Ashanti
intends to sell or restructure these assets over approximately
the next 15 months. AngloGold Ashanti expects that the
reduced funding requirements of these assets, together with the
proceeds from any asset sales, will further enhance its
financial position and flexibility and may allow further
reductions of its gold hedge position.
|
Notwithstanding the steps AngloGold Ashanti has taken to date,
its gold hedging position has continued to have a significant
adverse affect upon its financial performance. AngloGold Ashanti
believes that this has also negatively affected the market price
of its ordinary shares, further constraining its financial
flexibility. In order to address this issue, the directors have
resolved to reduce AngloGold Ashantis gold hedging
position significantly. In order to achieve this AngloGold
Ashanti intends to procure early settlement of certain contracts
otherwise due to mature in 2009 and 2010 during the course of
2008 in addition to settling contracts already due to mature in
2008. Given the low committed prices of these contracts,
AngloGold Ashanti expects that if these measures were
implemented it would result in a realization of previously
recognized losses measured by the difference between the
committed price of the contracts and the prevailing gold price
at the time that these contracts are settled. If the
restructuring is implemented as anticipated the received price
for the last nine months of 2008 should be approximately $475
per ounce assuming a gold price of $900 per ounce and gold
production for the last nine months of 2008 of 3.8 million
ounces. AngloGold Ashanti also continues to give consideration
to the early settlement of contracts not currently recorded on
its balance sheet (normal purchase normal sale exemption, or
NPSE) by means of physical delivery. Such early settlement, if
it were to occur, would result in a significant adverse impact
on the revenues recorded in AngloGold Ashantis income
statement, as sales that would have otherwise been executed at
the spot gold price will be replaced with sales based on the
contracted prices of such NPSE contracts that are settled,
during the year. Furthermore should AngloGold Ashanti conclude
that such early physical settlement of NPSE contracts represents
a tainting event, it would be required to recognize on balance
sheet the fair value of a portion of, or potentially all of, the
existing NPSE contracts, which would result in a significant
adverse impact on its financial statements. No such conclusion
has yet been made by AngloGold Ashanti and it is still
considering the potential impact of any such transaction.
In addition to the settlement of certain contracts during 2008
AngloGold Ashanti also intends to restructure some of the
remainder of its hedge book in order to achieve greater
participation in the spot price for gold beyond 2009. The exact
nature and extent of the restructuring will depend upon
prevailing and anticipated market conditions at the time of such
restructuring, particularly the prevailing gold price and
exchange rates and other relevant economic factors.
If the restructuring is executed as currently anticipated the
overall impact would be to reduce AngloGold Ashantis hedge
book to approximately 6.25 million ounces, which would
represent 8.6 percent of AngloGold Ashantis ore
reserves as at December 31, 2007. As a result of this
reduction the discount to the spot gold price
71
realized during 2009 is estimated to be approximately
6 percent and at a similar level thereafter assuming a gold
price of $900 per ounce.
Funding
AngloGold Ashantis development projects and exploration
initiatives
In addition to restructuring and reducing its gold hedge
position, a portion of the net proceeds from the rights offering
may be applied to the funding of AngloGold Ashantis
existing development projects and exploration initiatives
consistent with its strategic objective of pursuing growth
initiatives to enhance shareholder value.
In 2008, exploration expenditure is budgeted at
$220 million, of which $105 million is budgeted to be
spent on greenfields exploration and $115 million is
budgeted to be spent on brownfields exploration.
Current key brownfields development initiatives underway in 2008
include:
|
|
|
|
|
Boddington. The Boddington project, which
involves mining the basement reserves beneath the oxide pits,
was approved by AngloGold Ashantis directors in March
2006. The project has a current attributable capital budget of
$735 million (attributable capital expenditure of
$392 million is budgeted for 2008). By the end of 2007,
overall project progress was approximately 65 percent
complete, with engineering and procurement activities nearing
completion and construction of the treatment plant approximately
32 percent complete. Based on the current mine plan, mine
life is estimated to be more than 20 years, with
attributable life-of-mine gold production expected to be greater
than 5.7 million ounces of gold. Production is anticipated
to commence at Boddington in late 2008 or early 2009.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mponeng Ventersdorp Contact Reef below 120
level. AngloGold Ashanti estimates that this
project which entails accessing and exploiting the Ventersdorp
Contact Reef ore reserves at Mponeng below 120 level, will add
2.5 million ounces to production over the life of the
project. The cost of this project is estimated to be
$252 million, of which capital expenditure of
$35 million is budgeted for 2008. This project was approved
by AngloGold Ashantis directors in February 2007,
following which construction began. On-reef development and thus
the start of production are scheduled for 2013 with full
production expected to commence in 2015.
|
|
|
|
|
|
TauTona Carbon Leader Reef below 120
level. This project, which was approved in July
2003, entails accessing and exploiting the Carbon Leader Reef
ore reserves at TauTona located below 120 level. Production was
planned to begin in 2009 and AngloGold Ashanti estimated that
this project would produce up to 2.5 million ounces of gold
from 2009 to 2019. Total budgeted capital expenditure for this
project was $172 million, of which $73 million had
been spent by the end 2007. However, this project is currently
under review as it is possible that part of the ore reserves
forming this project could also be accessed from the neighboring
Mponeng mine. Capital expenditure of $17 million was
budgeted for this project for 2008.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obuasi Tailings Sulphide Plant. This project,
which was approved in April 2008, entails the construction of a
flotation circuit to enable the treatment of lower grade
underground sulphide ore (than is being treated at the existing
Sulphide Treatment Plant that currently treats all ore produced
from underground operations) as well as low grade surface
sulphide stockpilings and tailings. The project is anticipated
to produce 702,000 ounces of gold over its life and increase
annual gold production at Obuasi by between 50,000 and 85,000
ounces per annum. Production via this plant is anticipated to
commence in the first half of 2009. Capital expenditure of
$44 million is budgeted for this project for 2008.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Iduapriem Plant Expansion. This project, which
was approved in November 2006, involves the addition and
modification of metallurgical treatment and infrastructure at
Iduapriem. These initiatives are being implemented to increase
plant capacity, improve gold recovery and also reduce operating
expenditure. It is estimated that these initiatives will add
some 117,000 ounces of production over the life of mine at
Iduapriem and increase annual gold production by some 50,000
ounces (albeit over a shorter life of mine assuming no further
growth in ore reserves at Iduapriem). Capital expenditure of
$42 million is budgeted for this project for 2008. The
project is expected to be commissioned in the fourth quarter of
2008.
|
72
AngloGold Ashanti estimates that the total cost to continue to
fund its existing development projects, including those projects
outlined above, will be approximately $1,262 million in
2008.
AngloGold
Ashanti USA Incorporated
AngloGold Ashanti USA Incorporated is a Delaware corporation and
a direct wholly owned subsidiary of AngloGold Ashanti Limited.
AngloGold Ashanti USA Incorporated has no employees and serves
as the holding company for all of AngloGold Ashantis North
American interests.
GCGC
LLC
GCGC LLC is a Colorado limited liability company and a direct
wholly owned subsidiary of AngloGold Ashanti USA. It was created
solely for the purpose of entering into the transactions
contemplated by the merger agreement and has not conducted any
other business activities.
Golden
Cycle Gold Corporation
Company
Overview
Golden Cycle was incorporated under the laws of the State of
Colorado on May 19, 1972 for the purpose of acquiring and
developing the mining properties of the Golden Cycle
Corporation, located in the Cripple Creek Mining District of
Colorado. The primary business of Golden Cycle has been its
participation in the Cripple Creek & Victor Gold
Mining Company (CC&V), a joint venture (the CC&V joint
venture) with AngloGold Ashanti (Colorado) Corp., formerly Pikes
Peak Mining Company. The CC&V joint venture engages in gold
mining activity in the Cripple Creek area of Colorado. Golden
Cycles interest in the CC&V joint venture is Golden
Cycles primary asset.
In addition to its CC&V joint venture activities, Golden
Cycle incorporated Golden Cycle Philippines, Inc. (GCPI), a
wholly-owned subsidiary, under the laws of the Philippines on
November 12, 1996. GCPI entered into an agreement with
Benguet Corporation, a Philippine mining company, providing for
their joint participation in the exploration, development and
production of mining properties in certain areas of the
Philippines. All GCPI exploration work has currently been placed
on a standby basis.
In 2002, Golden Cycle incorporated Golden Cycle Gold
Exploration, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary, to conduct
exploration activities for Golden Cycle. As of the date of this
proxy statement/prospectus, Golden Cycle has not funded Golden
Cycle Gold Exploration, Inc.
Description
of CC&V Joint Venture Interest
Golden Cycles interest in the CC&V joint venture was
received in exchange for Golden Cycles rights to gold
mining properties in the Cripple Creek Mining District of
Colorado. The rights and obligations of the parties are covered
by an Amended and Restated Joint Venture Agreement (the
CC&V joint venture agreement) dated and effective as of
January 1, 1991, between AngloGold Ashanti (Colorado) Corp.
and Golden Cycle. The CC&V joint venture engages in gold
mining activity in the Cripple Creek area of Colorado and the
Companys participation in the CC&V joint venture
constitutes its primary business activity. The CC&V joint
ventures principal mining operations are conducted at the
Cresson mine, where commercial production commenced in the first
half of 1995.
The CC&V joint venture completed construction of the
required infrastructure for the Cresson mine and began mining
operations in 1995, with the first Cresson mine gold pour
occurring on February 14, 1995. In 1996, the CC&V
joint venture completed its first full year of Cresson mine
operations. The development of the East and North Cresson mines
began during the second quarter of 1999. The CC&V joint
venture began construction of expanded facilities during early
2002, completing the new truck shop, crushing facility, expanded
process facility, and expanded valley leach facility by
September 2003. The last step in the mine expansion, a
$15.5 million expansion of the valley fill leach facility,
was completed during the fall of 2004.
Golden Cycles rights and obligations relating to its
CC&V joint venture interest are governed by the CC&V
joint venture agreement. The CC&V joint venture is
currently, and for the foreseeable future will be, operating in
the
73
initial phase, as defined in the CC&V joint venture
agreement. In accordance with the CC&V joint venture
agreement, AngloGold Ashanti (Colorado) Corp. manages the
CC&V joint venture, and is required to finance all
operations and capital expenditures during the initial phase.
During the initial phase or until the mining of ore by the
CC&V joint venture ceases due to the exhaustion of
economically recoverable reserves, Golden Cycle is generally
entitled to receive an annual minimum distribution of $250,000.
The CC&V joint venture agreement provides that, during the
period from January 1, 1991 until the end of the initial
phase, all funds required for operations and mine development by
the CC&V joint venture will be loaned to the CC&V
joint venture by either AngloGold Ashanti (Colorado) Corp. or,
if such loans are available at a lower cost than from AngloGold
Ashanti (Colorado) Corp., financial institutions. Except for the
annual minimum distribution to Golden Cycle, the initial loans
and interest thereon must be repaid prior to distributions of
net proceeds to the CC&V joint venturers. As of the end of
the third quarter of 2007, the balance of the initial loans and
interest due to AngloGold Ashanti was approximately $336,384,000.
The CC&V joint venture agreement states that the initial
phase will end when (i) the initial loans to AngloGold
Ashanti (Colorado) Corp. have been repaid, (ii) a cash
reserve has been established to fund accrued reclamation and
severance tax obligations, plus an amount approximating nine
months of estimated operating costs, plus an amount
approximating twelve months of estimated capital costs, and
(iii) net proceeds (defined in the CC&V joint venture
agreement generally as gross revenues less costs) in the amount
of $58 million have been distributed as follows: 80% to
AngloGold Ashanti (Colorado) Corp. and 20% to Golden Cycle.
After the initial phase, the CC&V joint venture will
distribute metal in kind in the proportion of 67% to AngloGold
Ashanti (Colorado) Corp. and 33% to Golden Cycle, and the
venture participants will be responsible for their proportionate
share of the CC&V joint venture costs.
Other
Projects
Golden
Cycle Philippines, Inc. (GCPI)
In addition to its CC&V joint venture activities, Golden
Cycle incorporated Golden Cycle Philippines, Inc. (GCPI), a
wholly-owned subsidiary, under the laws of the Philippines on
November 12, 1996. GCPI entered into an agreement with
Benguet Corporation, a Philippine mining company, providing for
their joint participation in the exploration, development and
production of mining properties in certain areas of the
Philippines. All GCPI exploration work has currently been placed
on a standby basis.
Illipah
Pursuant to the Mining Claims Purchase and Royalty Agreement
with Options to Terminate Operations and Obligations, effective
August 31, 2001, among Golden Cycle, Carl Pescio and Janet
Pescio, Golden Cycle acquired 139 unpatented mining claims
located in White Pine County, Nevada in consideration for the
payment by Golden Cycle to Pescio of a series of advance mineral
royalties. Golden Cycle subsequently located an additional 52
unpatented mining claims located in White Pine County, Nevada,
which are collectively referred to as the Illipah property.
Golden Cycle transferred the Illipah property to Tornado Gold
International Corp. pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreement,
dated August 23, 2006, in consideration for: (1) cash
payments by Tornado Gold equal to approximately $200,000;
(2) the issuance of an aggregate of 350,000 shares of
common stock of Tornado Gold (50,000 shares to be issued on
the 90-day
anniversary of the agreement, 100,000 shares to be issued
on the
180-day
anniversary of the agreement and 200,000 shares to be
issued on the one-year anniversary of the agreement);
(3) production royalties granted to Golden Cycle; and
(4) a commitment by Tornado Gold to undertake an
exploration program on the Illipah property and incur
exploration and development expenditures in the amount of at
least $250,000 within one year of the agreement and at least
$750,000 within two years of the agreement.
74
MATERIAL
TAX CONSIDERATIONS
Material
U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations
The following is a summary of material anticipated
U.S. federal income tax consequences of the merger and the
ownership of AngloGold Ashanti ADSs received by Golden Cycle
shareholders in the merger. This summary is based upon the
U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, which we
refer to as the Internal Revenue Code, its legislative history,
regulations promulgated under the Internal Revenue Code,
administrative rulings, judicial decisions, and the convention
between the Governments of the United States of America and the
Republic of South Africa for the avoidance of double taxation
and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on
income and capital gains, signed February 17, 1997 (the
Treaty), all as in effect as of the date hereof and
all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive
effect.
This summary is general in nature and does not address the
effects of any state or local taxes, federal taxes other than
income taxes, or the tax consequences in jurisdictions other
than the United States. This summary applies to you only if you
hold shares of Golden Cycle common stock and will hold AngloGold
Ashanti ADSs as a capital asset within the meaning of
Section 1221 of the Internal Revenue Code. In addition, it
does not address all tax consequences that may be relevant to
you in your particular circumstances, nor does it apply to you
if you are a holder of Golden Cycle common stock or AngloGold
Ashanti ADSs with a special status, such as:
|
|
|
|
|
a person that has owned, owns or will own, directly or under
certain attribution rules, 5 percent or more of Golden
Cycles voting stock;
|
|
|
|
a person that owns or will own, directly or under certain
attribution rules, 5 percent or more, by vote or value, of
AngloGold Ashanti ordinary shares;
|
|
|
|
a broker, dealer or trader in securities or currencies;
|
|
|
|
a bank, mutual fund, life insurance company or other financial
institution;
|
|
|
|
a tax-exempt organization;
|
|
|
|
a qualified retirement plan or individual retirement account;
|
|
|
|
|
|
a person who received shares of Golden Cycle common stock
pursuant to the exercise, disposition or cancellation of
employee stock options or similar securities or otherwise as
compensation;
|
|
|
|
|
|
a person that holds options to purchase Golden Cycle common
stock;
|
|
|
|
a person that holds shares of Golden Cycle common stock as part
of a straddle, hedge, constructive sale or other integrated
transaction for tax purposes;
|
|
|
|
a partnership, S corporation, small business investment
company or pass-through entity;
|
|
|
|
an investor in a partnership, S corporation, small business
investment company or pass-through entity;
|
|
|
|
a person whose functional currency for tax purposes is not the
U.S. dollar, or who will sell AngloGold Ashanti ADSs for
payment in a currency other than the U.S. dollar;
|
|
|
|
a person liable for alternative minimum tax; or
|
|
|
|
a person who recognizes passive activity losses.
|
If a partnership (including for this purpose any entity treated
as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes)
holds shares of Golden Cycle common stock or AngloGold Ashanti
ADSs, the tax treatment of a partner will generally depend upon
the status of the partner and upon the activities of the
partnership. A partner of a partnership that owns shares of
Golden Cycle common stock should consult the partners tax
advisor regarding the specific tax consequences of the merger
and subsequent ownership of AngloGold Ashanti ADSs.
This summary is based upon certain assumptions, including the
assumptions that there will be full compliance without waiver
with all of the provisions in the merger agreement, that no
substantive condition to the merger will be waived or the merger
agreement amended and that the representations and covenants
contained in the merger
75
agreement, this proxy statement/prospectus and certificates of
officers of AngloGold Ashanti, AngloGold USA, Golden Cycle, and
others are currently true, correct and complete and will remain
so, and will be complied with, at all relevant times. This
discussion also assumes that AngloGold Ashanti is not, and will
not become, a passive foreign investment company for
U.S. federal income tax purposes, as described below.
YOU SHOULD CONSULT YOUR OWN TAX ADVISOR REGARDING THE
U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER AND
SUBSEQUENT OWNERSHIP OF ANGLOGOLD ASHANTI ADSs IN LIGHT OF YOUR
PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES, AND REGARDING APPLICABLE STATE, LOCAL
AND FOREIGN TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER AND OWNERSHIP OF
ANGLOGOLD ASHANTI ADSs.
Tax
Status of the Merger
Under the merger agreement, it is a condition to the obligation
of each of AngloGold Ashanti and Golden Cycle to effect the
merger that such party receives an opinion from counsel that the
merger will qualify as a reorganization within the
meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code. It
is also a condition to the obligation of Golden Cycle to effect
the merger that Golden Cycle receive an opinion of its counsel
to the effect that the requirements set forth in
U.S. Treasury
Regulation Section 1.367(a)-3(c)(1)
(other than subsections (iii)(A) and (B)) are satisfied with
respect to the merger. In rendering such opinion, counsel may
require and rely upon factual representations contained in
certificates of the officers of the parties to the merger
agreement. Except where otherwise noted, this summary assumes
that such opinions will be given and that the foregoing
conclusions of such opinions are accurate.
No ruling has been or will be sought from the Internal Revenue
Service (the IRS) as to the U.S. federal income
tax consequences to Golden Cycle shareholders of the merger or
the ownership of AngloGold Ashanti ADSs received in the merger.
Opinions of counsel are not binding on the IRS or the courts,
and there can be no assurance that the IRS will not take a
position contrary to the opinions of counsel or that a court
will not agree with a contrary position of the IRS in the event
of litigation.
As described below, the U.S. federal income tax
consequences of the merger to a particular Golden Cycle
shareholder may depend on whether the shareholder is a
U.S. Holder or a
non-U.S. Holder
(each as defined below).
Tax
Consequences to U.S. Holders
The following description applies to you if you are a
U.S. Holder. For purposes of this description,
a U.S. Holder means a beneficial owner of shares of Golden
Cycle common stock and AngloGold Ashanti ADSs that is, for
U.S. federal income tax purposes:
|
|
|
|
|
an individual citizen or resident of the United States;
|
|
|
|
a corporation created or organized in or under the laws of the
United States or any political subdivision thereof;
|
|
|
|
an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal
income taxation regardless of its source; or
|
|
|
|
a trust (1) that validly elects to be treated as a
U.S. person for U.S. federal income tax purposes, or
(2) the administration over which a U.S. court can
exercise primary supervision and all of the substantial
decisions of which one or more U.S. persons have the
authority to control.
|
Exchange
of Shares of Golden Cycle Common Stock for AngloGold Ashanti
ADSs in the Merger
A U.S. Holder who exchanges shares of Golden Cycle common
stock for AngloGold Ashanti ADSs pursuant to the merger will not
recognize a gain or loss on the exchange. The aggregate adjusted
tax basis of the AngloGold Ashanti ADSs received by a Golden
Cycle shareholder will equal the Golden Cycle shareholders
aggregate adjusted tax basis in the shares of Golden Cycle
common stock surrendered in the merger. The holding period of
the AngloGold Ashanti ADSs received pursuant to the merger will
include the holding period of the shares of Golden Cycle common
stock surrendered in the merger. Golden Cycle shareholders who
bought shares of Golden Cycle
76
common stock at different prices or times, or otherwise own
shares with unequal bases or holding periods, must determine the
holding period and adjusted tax basis for AngloGold Ashanti ADSs
received in the merger by taking into account the adjusted tax
basis and holding period of each surrendered share and a pro
rata portion of the aggregate consideration received by the
Golden Cycle shareholder.
A U.S. Holder that receives AngloGold Ashanti ADSs pursuant
to the merger will be treated as the owner of the underlying
AngloGold Ashanti ordinary shares for U.S. federal income
tax purposes. Accordingly, if the AngloGold Ashanti ADSs are
later exchanged for AngloGold Ashanti ordinary shares, no gain
or loss will be recognized on the exchange.
A U.S. Holder that receives AngloGold Ashanti ADSs in the
merger will be required to retain permanent records regarding
the amount, basis and fair market value of Golden Cycle common
stock surrendered in the merger.
The foregoing discussion applies only if the merger qualifies as
a reorganization for U.S. federal income tax purposes. If the
IRS were to successfully challenge the qualification of the
merger as a reorganization, a U.S. Holder would generally
be required to recognize U.S.-source gain or loss with respect
to the shares of Golden Cycle common stock surrendered in the
merger equal to the difference between such holders
adjusted tax basis in the surrendered stock and the fair market
value, as of the effective time of the merger, of the AngloGold
Ashanti ADSs received or to be received in the merger.
Generally, in such event, the U.S. Holders tax basis
in the AngloGold Ashanti ADSs received would equal the fair
market value of such AngloGold Ashanti ADSs as of the date of
the merger, and the U.S. Holders holding period for
the AngloGold Ashanti ADSs would begin on the day after the
merger. Any loss that a U.S. Holder recognizes with respect
to its shares of Golden Cycle common stock will be a capital
loss, the deductibility of which will be subject to limitation.
U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisors regarding
the allowance or deductibility of any loss they may have with
respect to their shares of Golden Cycle common stock should the
merger not qualify as a reorganization.
Tax
Consequences of Ownership of AngloGold Ashanti ADSs Received in
the Merger
Taxation
of Dividends
The gross amount of any distribution (including the amount of
any South African withholding tax paid thereon) paid to a
U.S. Holder with respect to AngloGold Ashanti ordinary
shares or ADSs generally will be taxable as dividend income to
the U.S. Holder for U.S. federal income tax purposes
on the date the distribution is actually or constructively
received by the U.S. Holder, in the case of AngloGold
Ashanti ordinary shares, or by the depositary, in the case of
AngloGold Ashanti ADSs. Corporate U.S. Holders will not be
eligible for the deduction in respect of dividends paid by
AngloGold Ashanti. For foreign tax credit limitation purposes,
dividends paid by AngloGold Ashanti will be income from sources
outside the United States. At present, South Africa does not
impose a withholding tax or any other form of tax on dividends
paid to U.S. Holders with respect to shares or ADSs. The
South African government, however, has recently announced its
intent to enact a 10 percent dividend withholding tax,
which will be phased in during 2008 and 2009. See Material
Tax Considerations Material South African Income
Taxation Considerations Taxation of Dividends.
The amount of any distribution paid in foreign currency
(including the amount of any South African withholding tax paid
thereon) generally will be includible in the gross income of a
U.S. Holder of AngloGold Ashanti ordinary shares or ADSs in
an amount equal to the U.S. dollar value of the foreign
currency calculated by reference to the spot rate in effect on
the date of receipt by the U.S. Holder, in the case of
AngloGold Ashanti ordinary shares, or by the depositary, in the
case of AngloGold Ashanti ADSs, regardless of whether the
foreign currency is converted into U.S. dollars on such
date. If the foreign currency is converted into
U.S. dollars on the date of receipt, a U.S. Holder of
AngloGold Ashanti ordinary shares generally should not be
required to recognize foreign currency gain or loss in respect
of the dividend. If the foreign currency received is not
converted into U.S. dollars on the date of receipt, a
U.S. Holder of AngloGold Ashanti ordinary shares generally
will have a tax basis in the foreign currency equal to its
U.S. dollar value on the date of receipt. Any gain or loss
recognized upon a subsequent conversion or other disposition of
the foreign currency generally will be treated as
U.S. source ordinary income or loss. In the case of a
U.S. Holder of AngloGold Ashanti ADSs, the amount of any
distribution paid in a foreign currency generally will be
converted into U.S. dollars by the depositary upon its
receipt. Accordingly, a
77
U.S. Holder of AngloGold Ashanti ADSs generally will not be
required to recognize foreign currency gain or loss in respect
of the distribution. Special rules govern and specific elections
are available to accrual method taxpayers to determine the
U.S. dollar amount includible in income in the case of
taxes withheld in a foreign currency. Accrual basis taxpayers
are therefore urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding
the requirements and elections applicable in this regard.
Subject to certain limitations, it is anticipated that South
African withholding taxes will be treated as foreign taxes
eligible for credit against a U.S. Holders
U.S. federal income tax liability. The limitation on
foreign taxes eligible for credit is calculated separately with
respect to specific classes of income. Dividend income generally
will constitute passive category income or, in the
case of certain U.S. Holders, general category
income. The use of foreign tax credits is subject to complex
conditions and limitations. In lieu of a credit, a
U.S. Holder who itemizes deductions may elect to deduct all
of such holders foreign taxes in the taxable year. A
deduction does not reduce U.S. tax on a dollar-for-dollar
basis like a tax credit, but the deduction for foreign taxes is
not subject to the same limitations applicable to foreign tax
credits. U.S. Holders are urged to consult their own tax
advisors regarding the availability of foreign tax credits.
Certain non-corporate U.S. Holders (including individuals)
are eligible for reduced rates of U.S. federal income tax
(currently a maximum of 15 percent) in respect of
qualified dividend income received in taxable years
beginning before January 1, 2011. For this purpose,
qualified dividend income generally includes dividends paid by a
non-U.S. corporation
if, among other things, the U.S. Holder meets certain
minimum holding period and other requirements and the
non-U.S. corporation
satisfies certain requirements, including either that
(i) the ordinary shares (or ADSs) with respect to which the
dividend has been paid are readily tradable on an established
securities market in the United States, or (ii) the
non-U.S. corporation
is eligible for the benefits of a comprehensive U.S. income
tax treaty (such as the Treaty) which provides for the exchange
of information. We currently believe that dividends paid with
respect to AngloGold Ashanti ordinary shares and ADSs should
constitute qualified dividend income for U.S. federal
income tax purposes. We anticipate that AngloGold Ashanti
dividends will be reported as qualified dividends on
Forms 1099-DIV.
Each individual U.S. Holder of AngloGold Ashanti ordinary
shares or ADSs is urged to consult his or her own tax advisor
regarding the availability of the reduced dividend tax rate in
light of his or her own particular situation.
The U.S. Treasury has expressed concern that parties to
whom ADSs are pre-released may be taking actions that are
inconsistent with the claiming of foreign tax credits for
U.S. Holders of ADSs. Such actions would also be
inconsistent with the claiming of the reduced rate of tax
described above, applicable to dividends received by certain
non-corporate holders. Accordingly, the analysis of the
creditability of South African withholding taxes or the
availability of qualified dividend treatment could be affected
by actions that may be taken by parties to whom AngloGold
Ashanti ADSs are pre-released.
Taxation
of Capital Gains and Losses
A U.S. Holder that sells or otherwise disposes of AngloGold
Ashanti ADSs (or that is deemed to have sold or disposed of
them) in a taxable disposition:
|
|
|
|
|
will recognize a gain or loss equal to the difference (if any)
between the U.S. dollar value of the amount realized on
such sale or other taxable disposition and the U.S.
Holders adjusted tax basis, determined in
U.S. dollars, in such AngloGold Ashanti ADSs; and,
|
|
|
|
any gain or loss will be U.S.-source capital gain or loss and
will be a long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S.
Holders holding period for the AngloGold Ashanti ADSs sold
is more than one year at the time of such sale or other taxable
disposition.
|
If the U.S. Holder is an individual, any capital gain
generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at
preferential rates if specified minimum holding periods are met.
The deductibility of capital losses is subject to significant
limitations. Deposits or withdrawals by a U.S. Holder of
AngloGold Ashanti ordinary shares for AngloGold Ashanti ADSs, or
of AngloGold Ashanti ADSs for AngloGold Ashanti ordinary shares,
will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax.
78
Passive
Foreign Investment Company Considerations
A
non-U.S. corporation
will be a passive foreign investment company (which we refer to
as a PFIC) for any taxable year in which at least
75 percent of its gross income consists of passive income
(such as dividends, interest, rents or royalties other than
rents or royalties derived in the active conduct of a trade or
business and received from an unrelated person, certain
commodities income, or gains on the disposition of certain
minority interests), or at least 50 percent of the average
value of its assets consists of assets that produce, or are held
for the production of, passive income. We believe that AngloGold
Ashanti was not a PFIC for the taxable year ended
December 31, 2007 and we do not expect AngloGold Ashanti to
become a PFIC in the foreseeable future. If AngloGold Ashanti is
a PFIC for any taxable year, a U.S. Holder would suffer
adverse tax consequences. These consequences may include having
gains realized on the disposition of AngloGold Ashanti ordinary
shares or ADSs treated as ordinary income rather than capital
gains and being subject to punitive interest charges on the
receipt of certain dividends and on the proceeds of the sale or
other disposition of AngloGold Ashanti ordinary shares or ADSs.
Furthermore, dividends paid by AngloGold Ashanti would not be
qualified dividend income and would be taxed at the
higher rates applicable to other items of ordinary income.
U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors
regarding the potential application of the PFIC rules to
ownership of AngloGold Ashanti ordinary shares or ADSs.
Tax
Consequences to
Non-U.S.
Holders
The following summary applies to you if you are a
non-U.S. Holder
of Golden Cycle common stock. A
non-U.S. Holder
is a beneficial owner of Golden Cycle common stock that is not a
U.S. Holder, as defined above.
Exchange
of Shares of Golden Cycle Common Stock for AngloGold Ashanti
ADSs in the Merger
A
non-U.S. Holder
who exchanges shares of Golden Cycle common stock for AngloGold
Ashanti ADSs pursuant to the merger will generally be subject to
U.S. federal income tax on gain realized in the merger if
Golden Cycle is or has been a United States real property
holding corporation for U.S. federal income tax
purposes, unless Golden Cycles shares are regularly
traded on an established securities market within the
meaning of Section 897 of the Internal Revenue Code as
described below. A non-U.S. Holder who exchanges Golden Cycle
shares for AngloGold Ashanti ADSs in the merger will not
recognize loss with respect to such exchange for U.S. federal
income tax purposes. A United States real property holding
corporation is a domestic corporation whose trade or
business and real property assets consist primarily of
United States real property interests. We believe
that Golden Cycle is, and has been, a United States real
property holding corporation.
If shares of Golden Cycle common stock are treated as regularly
traded on an established securities market, a
non-U.S. Holder
will not recognize taxable gain on the exchange of shares of
Golden Cycle common stock for AngloGold Ashanti ADSs pursuant to
the merger unless the
non-U.S. Holder
has owned, either actually or under certain attribution rules,
more than 5 percent of shares of Golden Cycle common stock
at any time during the five-year period ending on the date of
the merger or, if shorter, the
non-U.S. Holders
holding period for such shares. Shares of Golden Cycle common
stock will be treated as regularly traded on an established
securities market for any calendar quarter during which they are
regularly quoted by brokers or dealers making a market in shares
of Golden Cycle common stock, provided the shares are traded on
an established securities market in the United States. Although
shares of Golden Cycle common stock may not have been regularly
traded on an established securities market when the merger
agreement was executed, Golden Cycle warrants in the merger
agreement that its shares will, as of the closing date of the
merger, be regularly traded on an established securities market
under applicable U.S. Treasury Regulations. Thus, if shares of
Golden Cycle common stock are regularly traded on an established
securities market on the closing date of the merger, a
non-U.S. Holder
should not recognize taxable gain for U.S. federal income
tax purposes with respect to the exchange of shares of Golden
Cycle common stock in the merger, unless the
non-U.S. Holder
has owned, either actually or under certain attribution rules,
more than 5 percent of Golden Cycles shares at any
time during the time period described above.
The foregoing discussion applies only if the merger qualifies as
a reorganization for U.S. federal income tax purposes. If the
IRS were to successfully challenge the qualification of the
merger as a reorganization, a non-U.S. Holder will generally not
recognize gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes
unless (i) gain with respect to the Golden Cycle shares
transferred in the merger is effectively connected with such
non-U.S. Holders conduct of a trade or business in the
United States, (ii) in the case of gain realized by an
individual non-U.S. Holder, such non-
79
U.S. Holder is present in the United States for 183 days or more
in the taxable year of the sale and certain other conditions are
met or (iii) Golden Cycle common stock is not treated under
applicable U.S. Treasury Regulations as regularly traded on an
established securities market.
Tax
Consequences of Ownership of AngloGold Ashanti ADSs Received in
the Merger
A
non-U.S. Holder
of AngloGold Ashanti ADSs will not be subject to
U.S. federal income or withholding tax on dividends
received on such ADSs, unless such income is effectively
connected with the conduct of such
non-U.S. Holders
trade or business in the United States. A
non-U.S. Holder
will also generally not be subject to U.S. federal income
or withholding tax in respect of gain realized on the sale or
other disposition of AngloGold Ashanti ADSs unless (i) such
gain is effectively connected with such
non-U.S. Holders
conduct of a trade or business in the United States or
(ii) in the case of gain realized by an individual
non-U.S. Holder,
such
non-U.S. Holder
is present in the United States for 183 days or more in the
taxable year of the sale and certain other conditions are met. A
corporate
non-U.S. Holder
with income effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or
business in the United States may, under certain circumstances,
be subject to an additional branch profits tax. The provisions
of an applicable tax treaty may provide for more favorable
treatment of dividends or gains with respect to AngloGold
Ashanti ADSs.
Information
Reporting and Backup Withholding
U.S. Holders of AngloGold Ashanti ADSs (i) may be
subject to information reporting and (ii) may be subject to
backup withholding (currently at a rate of 28 percent) on
distributions with respect to AngloGold Ashanti ADSs or on the
proceeds from a sale or exchange of AngloGold Ashanti ADSs.
Payments of distributions on, or the proceeds from the
disposition of, AngloGold Ashanti ADSs through a foreign office
of a broker generally will not be subject to backup withholding,
although information reporting may apply to those payments in
certain circumstances. Backup withholding will generally not
apply, however, to a U.S. Holder who:
|
|
|
|
|
furnishes a correct taxpayer identification number and certifies
that the U.S. Holder is not subject to backup withholding
on IRS Form
W-9 (or
substitute form); or
|
|
|
|
is otherwise exempt from backup withholding.
|
Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts
withheld from a payment to a holder under the backup withholding
rules may be credited against the holders
U.S. federal income tax liability, and a holder may obtain
a refund of any excess amounts withheld by filing the
appropriate claim for refund with the IRS in a timely manner.
Material
South African Income Taxation Considerations
The following description summarizes material South African tax
consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of
AngloGold Ashanti ordinary shares or ADSs by a U.S. Holder
(as defined above). This summary is based upon current South
African tax law and South African tax authorities
practice, the Treaty, and in part upon representations of the
depositary, and assumes that each obligation provided for in, or
otherwise contemplated by, a deposit agreement and any related
agreement will be performed in accordance with its respective
terms. The following summary of South African tax considerations
does not address the tax consequences to a U.S. Holder that
is resident in South Africa for South African tax purposes,
whose holding of AngloGold Ashanti ordinary shares or ADSs is
effectively connected with a permanent establishment in South
Africa through which such U.S. Holder carries on business
activities or, in the case of an individual who performs
independent personal services, with a fixed base situated
therein, or who is otherwise not entitled to full benefits under
the Treaty. The statements of law set forth below are subject to
any changes (which may be applied retroactively) in South
African law or in the interpretation thereof by the South
African tax authorities, or in the Treaty, occurring after the
date hereof. It should be expressly noted that South African tax
law does not specifically address the treatment of ADSs.
However, it is reasonable to assume (although no assurance can
be made) that the tax treatment of U.S. Holders of shares
is also applicable to U.S. Holders of ADSs. Holders are
strongly urged to consult their own tax advisors as to the
consequences under South African, U.S. federal, state and
local, and other applicable laws, of the acquisition, ownership
and disposition of AngloGold Ashanti ordinary shares or ADSs.
80
Taxation
of Dividends
South Africa currently imposes a corporate tax known as
Secondary Tax on Companies (STC) on the distribution
of earnings in the form of dividends. Under the terms of an
option granted to gold mining corporations, AngloGold Ashanti
has elected not to be subject to STC. As a result, although
AngloGold Ashanti dividend payments are not subject to STC,
AngloGold Ashanti pays corporate income tax at a slightly higher
rate than would otherwise have been the case. STC is being
phased out over the next two years and replaced by a dividend
withholding tax. South Africa does not currently impose any
withholding tax or any other form of tax on dividends paid to
U.S. Holders with respect to shares, but there has been a
recent announcement (referred to below) that this is about to
change. In the case of a South African withholding tax on
dividends paid to a U.S. Holder with respect to shares, the
Treaty would limit the rate of this tax to 5 percent of the
gross amount of the dividends if a U.S. Holder holds
directly at least 10 percent of AngloGold Ashanti voting
stock and 15 percent of the gross amount of the dividends
in all other cases.
On February 21, 2007, the South African Minister of
Finance, Mr. Trevor Manuel, delivered his 2007 budget
speech in which he stated that the STC, currently levied at
12.5 percent, would be replaced by a 10 percent
withholding tax that will be levied on shareholders in respect
of dividends distributed by South African companies. This change
is being implemented in two phases. On October 1, 2007, the
STC rate was reduced from 12.5 percent to 10 percent
and thereafter STC would be phased out and replaced by a
10 percent withholding tax. When STC is finally replaced by
the new withholding tax system, the marginal tax rates of
AngloGold Ashantis South African operations are expected
to reduce by a further 6 to 8 percent. However, since STC
is being replaced by the 10 percent withholding tax
referred to, the dividend received after the withholding tax is
deducted will result in holders of AngloGold Ashanti ordinary
shares and ADSs receiving a net after-tax dividend amount which
is equivalent to the after-tax dividend they would have received
under the STC regime at a rate of 10 percent.
Taxation
of Gains on Sale or Other Disposition
South Africa imposes a tax on capital gains, which applies
mainly to South African residents and, in the case of an
individual, if the gains are derived from a source within South
Africa to non-residents. Gains on the disposal of securities
which are not capital in nature are subject to South African
income tax. However, under the Treaty, South Africa may not tax
gains on the sale or other disposition of ADSs or shares by a
U.S. Holder. Accordingly, gains from the sale or other
disposition of ADSs or shares by a U.S. Holder will not be
subject to South African tax.
Uncertificated
Securities Tax (UST)
The change of beneficial ownership of shares listed on an
exchange in South Africa is subject to UST at the rate of
0.25 percent of the taxable amount of the shares. Any
change of beneficial ownership of shares listed on an exchange
outside South Africa
and/or the
transfer of ADSs is not subject to UST or to any other South
African tax. Where a change in beneficial ownership on a
purchase of shares listed on an exchange in South Africa:
|
|
|
|
|
takes place through a sharebroker, UST will be payable on the
actual consideration; and,
|
|
|
|
takes place off market (where either the change in beneficial
ownership is effected by the Central Securities Depository
Participant (CSDP) or the seller continues to hold the
securities as nominee on behalf of the purchaser) and the
consideration for the shares is less than the lowest traded
price of the securities on the date of the relevant transaction,
UST is payable on the closing traded price of the shares.
|
81
DESCRIPTION
OF ANGLOGOLD ASHANTI ORDINARY SHARES
AngloGold
Ashanti Ordinary Shares
There are 400,000,000 authorized AngloGold Ashanti ordinary
shares of par value 25 South African cents each. The ordinary
shares have voting rights though there is no provision in
AngloGold Ashantis memorandum and articles of association
for cumulative voting. There is no limitation imposed by the
memorandum and articles of association or by South African law
on the rights of any persons, including non-residents, to own
AngloGold Ashanti ordinary shares or to exercise voting rights
in respect of AngloGold Ashanti ordinary shares. As of
March 31, 2008, 277,745,007 ordinary shares were
issued and fully-paid and are not subject to further calls or
assessment by AngloGold Ashanti. The number of authorized but
unissued ordinary shares in the capital of AngloGold Ashanti at
March 31, 2008 was 122,254,993. AngloGold Ashanti is
currently offering 69,470,442 new AngloGold Ashanti ordinary
shares in a renounceable rights offering. See The
Companies AngloGold Ashanti Limited
Rights Offering beginning on page 69.
The table below details changes in the ordinary issued share
capital of AngloGold Ashanti since December 31, 2003.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Period to
|
|
Description
|
|
Number of Shares
|
|
|
December 31, 2003
|
|
|
|
|
223,136,342
|
|
Ordinary shares issued during 2004
|
|
AngloGold Share Incentive Scheme
|
|
|
192,800
|
|
|
|
Business combination swap shares
|
|
|
38,400,021
|
|
|
|
Business combination regulatory shares
|
|
|
2,658,000
|
|
|
|
Business combination warrants
|
|
|
75,731
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2004
|
|
|
|
|
264,462,894
|
|
Ordinary shares issued during 2005
|
|
AngloGold Share Incentive Scheme
|
|
|
475,538
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2005
|
|
|
|
|
264,938,432
|
|
Ordinary shares issued during 2006
|
|
AngloGold Share Incentive Scheme
|
|
|
398,399
|
|
|
|
$500 million equity raise
|
|
|
9,970,732
|
|
|
|
Bokamoso Employee Share ownership programme
|
|
|
928,590
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2006
|
|
|
|
|
276,236,153
|
|
Ordinary shares issued during 2007
|
|
AngloGold Share Incentive Scheme
|
|
|
1,181,882
|
|
|
|
Bokamoso Employee Share ownership program
|
|
|
39,436
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2007
|
|
|
|
|
277,457,471
|
|
Ordinary shares issued to May 20, 2008
|
|
AngloGold Ashanti Share Incentive Scheme
|
|
|
424,954
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 20, 2008
|
|
|
|
|
277,882,425
|
|
All existing AngloGold Ashanti ordinary shares are in registered
form. The holding of ordinary shares in uncertificated form is
permitted under South African law and AngloGold Ashantis
articles of association and the transfer of ordinary shares is
permitted through the STRATE (Share Transactions Totally
Electronic) settlement system. Ordinary shares are not eligible
for settlement within CREST.
Registration
AngloGold Ashanti is governed by its memorandum and articles of
association, which are available for inspection as set out in
Documents on Display under Item 10.H of
AngloGold Ashantis 2007 Annual Report on
Form 20-F,
which is incorporated herein by reference, and a summary of
pertinent provisions, including rights of the holders of shares
in AngloGold Ashanti, are set out below.
This summary does not contain all the information concerning the
rights of holders of AngloGold Ashantis ordinary shares
and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the law of
South Africa and AngloGold Ashantis governing corporate
documents. As well as being governed by the provisions of the
memorandum and articles of association, the rights of holders of
AngloGold Ashanti ordinary shares are governed by the South
African
82
Companies Act, the South African Securities
Regulation Code on Take-Overs and Mergers and the Listing
Requirements of the JSE Limited. In addition, rights of holders
of AngloGold Ashanti ADSs are governed by the deposit agreement
between AngloGold Ashanti and The Bank of New York.
Allotment
and Issue of AngloGold Ashanti Ordinary Shares
Any unissued ordinary shares can be disposed of or dealt with in
such manner as AngloGold Ashanti shareholders may direct in a
general meeting. AngloGold Ashanti shareholders may resolve that
all or any of such ordinary shares are at the disposal of the
directors who may allot, grant options over or otherwise deal
with or dispose of the ordinary shares to such persons at such
times and on such terms and conditions and for such
consideration as the directors may determine.
Any ordinary shares may be issued with such rights or
restrictions as AngloGold Ashanti shareholders in a general
meeting may from time to time determine.
No ordinary shares may be issued at a discount except in
accordance with section 81 of the South African Companies
Act. Section 81 states that a company can issue shares
at a discount to the par value shares of such shares, if such
shares are of a class already in issue, if such issue is
authorized by a special resolution, if the company has been
trading for at least one year, if the issue is sanctioned by the
court and if the issue occurs within one month of the sanction.
If shares are issued at a discount, every prospectus issued by
the company thereafter relating to the issue of any shares shall
contain particulars of the discount allowed on the issue of
those shares, or so much of the discount as has not been written
off at the date of the issue of such prospectus.
Dividends,
Rights and Distributions
The ordinary shares participate fully in all dividends, other
distributions and entitlements as and when declared by AngloGold
Ashanti in respect of fully paid ordinary shares. Under South
African law, AngloGold Ashanti may declare and pay dividends
from any reserves included in total shareholders equity
calculated in accordance with IFRS, subject to its solvency and
liquidity. AngloGold Ashantis memorandum and articles of
association prohibit any larger dividend being declared by
shareholders in general meeting than is recommended by the
directors. Dividends are payable to shareholders registered at a
record date that is after the date of declaration.
Dividends may be declared in any currency at the discretion of
the board of directors. Currently, dividends are declared in
South African rand and paid in Australian dollars, South African
rand, Ghanaian cedis or British pounds. Dividends paid to
registered holders of AngloGold Ashanti ADSs are paid in
U.S. dollars converted from South African rand by The Bank
of New York Mellon, as depositary, in accordance with the
deposit agreement.
Any dividend may be paid and satisfied, either wholly or in
part, by the distribution of specific assets, or in
paid-up
securities of AngloGold Ashanti or of any other company, or in
cash, or in any one or more of such ways as the directors or the
shareholders of AngloGold Ashanti in general meeting may at the
time of declaring the dividend determine and direct.
All dividends remaining unclaimed for a period of not less than
three years from the date on which they became payable may be
forfeited by resolution of the directors for the benefit of
AngloGold Ashanti.
All of the issued ordinary shares are fully paid and are not
subject to further calls or assessment by AngloGold Ashanti.
Voting
Rights
Each ordinary share confers upon the member the right to vote at
all general meetings. Each member present in person or, in the
case of a corporate entity, represented, has one vote on a show
of hands. If a poll is held, members present or any duly
appointed proxy or proxies will have one vote for each ordinary
share held. A holder of ordinary shares is entitled to appoint a
proxy to attend, speak and vote at any meeting on his or her
behalf and the proxy need not be a shareholder. Holders of ADSs
are not entitled to vote in person at meetings, but may vote by
way of proxy through The Bank of New York Mellon as the ADS
issuer.
83
There are no limitations on the right of non-South African
shareholders to hold or exercise voting rights attaching to any
of the ordinary shares.
AngloGold Ashantis memorandum and articles of association
do not provide for cumulative voting in respect of any of the
classes of AngloGold Ashanti shares.
AngloGold Ashantis memorandum and articles of association
specify that if new classes of shares are issued, the rights
relating to any class of shares may be modified or abrogated
either with the consent in writing of the holders of at least
75 percent of the issued shares of that class, or with the
sanction of a resolution passed as if it were a special
resolution of the company at a separate general meeting of the
holders of the shares of that class.
Transfer
of Ordinary Shares
Dematerialized shares which have been traded on the JSE are
transferred on the STRATE settlement system and delivered within
five business days after each trade.
The dematerialization of shares is not mandatory and holders of
ordinary shares in AngloGold Ashanti may elect to retain their
certificated securities. Subject to any statutory restrictions
on transfer, any member may transfer all or part of his or her
certificated securities, to the extent it is not prohibited by
section 91A of the South African Companies Act. Every
transfer of certificated shares must be in writing in the usual
common form or in such other form as the directors may approve
and must be left at the transfer office where the register of
transfers is kept or at such other place as the directors
prescribe and must be accompanied by the share certificate and
such other evidence as the directors or registrar may require to
prove title and capacity of the intending transferor or
transferee.
The directors may refuse to register any transfer of
certificated securities unless the instrument of transfer, duly
stamped, is lodged with AngloGold Ashanti accompanied by the
share certificate, the transfer is in respect of only one class
of securities or the transfer, if in respect of securities
subject to any of AngloGold Ashantis incentive schemes, is
permitted by the terms of the relevant scheme.
Conversion
of Ordinary Shares into Stock
AngloGold Ashanti may by special resolution convert any
paid-up
shares into stock and may reconvert any stock into
paid-up
shares of any denomination. The holders of stock may transfer
their respective interests but the directors may fix the minimum
amount of stock transferable. The holders of stock have the same
rights, privileges and advantages as regards participation in
profits and voting at general meetings of AngloGold Ashanti as
if they held the shares from which the stock arose. All of the
provisions of AngloGold Ashantis memorandum and articles
of association apply equally to stock as to shares.
Increase
and Reduction of Capital
AngloGold Ashanti shareholders may by way of special resolution
in a general meeting and in accordance with the provisions of
the South African Companies Act resolve to:
|
|
|
|
|
increase its capital by any sum divided into shares of any
amount;
|
|
|
|
consolidate and divide all or any part of its share capital into
shares of larger amounts;
|
|
|
|
sub-divide its shares or any of them into shares of smaller
amounts than fixed by the memorandum and articles of association;
|
|
|
|
vary, modify or amend any rights attached to any shares whether
issued or not, including the conversion of any shares into
preference shares; and
|
|
|
|
convert any of its shares whether issued or not into shares of
another class.
|
In addition, AngloGold Ashanti shareholders may by ordinary
resolution in a general meeting and subject to the requirements
of the South African Companies Act and the rules and
requirements of the stock exchange on which the securities are
listed, reduce, dispose of, distribute or otherwise deal with in
any manner its share capital, share premium, stated capital,
reserves and capital redemption reserve fund.
84
Share
Premium Account and Capital Redemption Reserve
Fund
AngloGold Ashanti shareholders may by ordinary resolution in a
general meeting authorize the directors to distribute or deal
with, in any way recommended by the directors, all or any part
of the amount outstanding to the credit of any share premium
account or capital redemption reserve fund of AngloGold Ashanti,
subject to compliance with the provisions of the South African
Companies Act.
Rights
upon Liquidation
In the event of a winding up of AngloGold Ashanti:
|
|
|
|
|
The B redeemable preference shares confer the right, in priority
to any payment in respect of the ordinary shares or the A
preference shares in the capital of AngloGold Ashanti, to
receive only so much of the net proceeds from the disposal of
the assets relating to the Moab Lease Area as is available for
distribution, but not exceeding a return for each B redeemable
preference share of the capital paid up on that share and any
share premium paid on the issue of the B redeemable preference
shares outstanding at that time.
|
|
|
|
The A redeemable preference shares confer the right, in priority
to any payment in respect of the ordinary shares but after any
payment in respect of the B preference shares, to receive only
so much of the net proceeds from the disposal of the assets
relating to the Moab Lease Area as is then available for
distribution.
|
|
|
|
The A redeemable and B redeemable shares do not confer the right
to participation in the surplus funds of AngloGold Ashanti
arising in any other manner.
|
|
|
|
The ordinary shares and E ordinary shares confer the equal
rights to any surplus arising from the liquidation of all other
assets of AngloGold Ashanti.
|
Please see Items 10.A and 10.B of AngloGold Ashantis 2007
Form 20-F, which is incorporated herein by reference, for a
description of the A redeemable preference shares, B redeemable
preference shares and E ordinary shares.
Shareholders
Meetings
The directors may convene general meetings of AngloGold Ashanti
shareholders. Subject to the provisions of the South African
Companies Act, the shareholders may requisition for the
convening of a general meeting.
An AngloGold Ashanti annual general meeting and a meeting of
AngloGold Ashanti shareholders for the purpose of passing a
special resolution may be called by giving 21 clear days
notice in writing of that shareholders meeting. For any
other meeting of AngloGold Ashanti shareholders, 14 clear
days notice must be given. Clear days means
calendar days excluding the day on which the notice is given and
the date of the meeting. All shareholders are entitled to attend.
AngloGold Ashantis memorandum and articles of association
provide that a quorum for a general meeting of members (other
than a meeting at which a special resolution will be passed)
consists of three members present personally, or if the member
is a corporate entity, represented and entitled to vote. If a
general meeting requisitioned by members is not quorate, the
meeting is dissolved and a new meeting will have to be called
following the relevant notice provision. In any other case, the
meeting will stand adjourned and if at the adjourned meeting a
quorum is not present then those members present will constitute
a quorum.
The quorum for a members meeting convened for the purpose
of passing a special resolution consists of three members
holding at least 25 percent of the total member votes and
present in person or by proxy. If the meeting is not quorate, it
will be adjourned to a date between seven and 21 days after
the adjourned meeting, and the members present at the second
meeting will constitute a quorum as long as there are at least
three of them at the second meeting. A special resolution must
be passed on a show of hands by a majority of 75 percent of
the members entitled to vote and present at the meeting,
personally or by proxy or, on a poll, by a majority of
75 percent of the total votes to which these members
present in person or by proxy are entitled to vote.
If the meeting is not quorate and is convened upon the
requisition of members, the meeting is dissolved.
85
Disclosure
of Interest in Shares
Under South African law, a registered holder of AngloGold
Ashanti ordinary shares who is not the beneficial owner of such
shares is required to disclose, every three months to AngloGold
Ashanti, the identity of the beneficial owner and the number and
class of securities held on behalf of the beneficial owner.
Moreover, AngloGold Ashanti may, by notice in writing, require a
person who is a registered shareholder, or whom AngloGold
Ashanti knows or has reasonable cause to believe has a
beneficial interest in AngloGold Ashanti ordinary shares, to
confirm or deny whether or not such person holds the ordinary
shares or beneficial interest and, if the ordinary shares are
held for another person, to disclose to AngloGold Ashanti the
identity of the person on whose behalf the ordinary shares are
held. AngloGold Ashanti may also require the person to give
particulars of the extent of the beneficial interest held during
the three years preceding the date of the notice. AngloGold
Ashanti is obligated to establish and maintain a register of the
disclosures described above and to publish in its annual
financial statements a list of the persons who hold beneficial
interest equal to or in excess of 5 percent of the total
number of ordinary shares issued by AngloGold Ashanti together
with the extent of those beneficial interests.
Rights of
Minority Shareholders
Majority shareholders of South African companies have no
fiduciary obligations under South African common law to minority
shareholders. However, under the South African Companies Act, a
shareholder may, under certain circumstances, seek relief from
the court if he or she has been unfairly prejudiced by the
company. There may also be common law personal actions available
to a shareholder of a company.
86
DESCRIPTION
OF ANGLOGOLD ASHANTI AMERICAN DEPOSITARY SHARES
The Bank of New York, as depositary, will register and deliver
American Depositary Shares, also referred to as ADSs. Each
AngloGold Ashanti ADS will represent one ordinary share (or a
right to receive one share) deposited with The Standard Bank of
South Africa Limited, Société Générale South
Africa Limited, FirstRand Bank Limited, National Australia Bank
Limited of Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited, each
as a custodian for the depositary, and all of which are referred
to collectively as the custodian. Each AngloGold Ashanti ADS
will also represent any other securities, cash or other property
which may be held by the depositary. The depositarys
corporate trust office at which the ADSs will be administered is
located at 101 Barclay Street, New York, New York 10286. The
Bank of New Yorks principal executive office is located at
One Wall Street, New York, New York 10286.
AngloGold Ashanti ADSs may be held either (A) directly
(i) by having an American Depositary Receipt, also referred
to as an ADR, which is a certificate evidencing a specific
number of ADSs, registered in the name of the ADS holder, or
(ii) by having ADSs registered in the name of the ADS
holder in the Direct Registration System, or (B) indirectly
by holding a security entitlement in ADSs through the ADS
holders broker or other financial institution. If
AngloGold Ashanti ADSs are held directly, then such person is an
ADS holder. This description applies to an ADS holder. If
AngloGold Ashanti ADSs are held indirectly, ADS holders must
rely on the procedures of their broker or other financial
institution to assert the rights of ADS registered holders
described in this section. Holders of AngloGold Ashanti ADSs
should consult with their broker or financial institution to
find out what those procedures are.
The Direct Registration System, or DRS, is a system administered
by the Depository Trust Company, also referred to as DTC,
pursuant to which the depositary may register the ownership of
uncertificated ADSs, which ownership shall be evidenced by
periodic statements sent by the depositary to the registered
holders of uncertificated ADSs.
AngloGold Ashanti ADS holders will not be treated as an
AngloGold Ashanti shareholder and will not have shareholder
rights. South African law governs shareholder rights. The
depositary will be the holder of the shares underlying AngloGold
Ashanti ADSs. A registered holder of ADSs will have ADS holder
rights. A deposit agreement among AngloGold Ashanti, the
depositary and an ADS holder, and all other persons indirectly
holding ADSs, sets out ADS holder rights as well as the rights
and obligations of the depositary. New York law governs the
deposit agreement and the ADSs.
The following is a summary of the material provisions of the
deposit agreement. For more complete information, holders of
AngloGold Ashanti ADSs should read the entire deposit agreement
and the form of ADR, which has been filed with the SEC as an
exhibit to the registration statement on
Form F-6/A
(File No. 333-133049)
on May 27, 2008. The
Form F-6/A
is available for inspection at the offices of the SEC in the
manner described in Where You Can Find More
Information on page 110 of this proxy
statement/prospectus.
Dividends
and Other Distributions
The Bank of New York has agreed to pay to holders of AngloGold
Ashanti ADSs the cash dividends or other distributions it or a
custodian receives on AngloGold Ashanti ordinary shares or other
deposited securities after deducting any fees and expenses and
any applicable withholding taxes. Holders of AngloGold Ashanti
ADSs will receive these distributions in proportion to the
number of AngloGold Ashanti ordinary shares that their AngloGold
Ashanti ADSs represent.
Cash
The Bank of New York will convert any cash dividend or other
cash distribution AngloGold Ashanti pays on AngloGold Ashanti
ordinary shares into U.S. dollars (unless AngloGold Ashanti
pays it in U.S. dollars), if it can do so on a reasonable
basis and can transfer the U.S. dollars to the United
States. Currently, AngloGold Ashanti pays dividends on ordinary
shares in South African rand. AngloGold Ashanti may declare
dividends and distributions on ordinary shares in any currency
that the board of directors or shareholders at a general meeting
approve.
87
The Bank of New York will convert the South African rand it
receives from AngloGold Ashanti to U.S. dollars and
distribute dividends in U.S. dollars to registered holders
of AngloGold Ashanti ADSs. If that is no longer possible or if
any approval from any government is needed and cannot be
obtained, The Bank of New York may distribute
non-U.S. currency
only to those AngloGold Ashanti ADS holders to whom it is
possible to make this type of distribution.
The Bank of New York may hold the
non-U.S. currency
it cannot convert for the account of holders of AngloGold
Ashanti ADSs who have not been paid. It will not invest the
non-U.S. currency,
and it will not be liable for the interest. Before making a
distribution, any withholding taxes that must be paid will be
deducted. See Payment of Taxes below. The Bank of
New York will distribute only whole U.S. dollars and cents
and will round fractional cents to the nearest whole cent. If
the exchange rates fluctuate during a time when The Bank of New
York cannot convert the
non-U.S. currency,
holders of AngloGold Ashanti ADSs may lose some or all of the
value of the distribution.
Ordinary
Shares
The Bank of New York may distribute to holders of AngloGold
Ashanti ADSs additional ADSs representing AngloGold Ashanti
ordinary shares that AngloGold Ashanti distributes as a dividend
or free distribution, if AngloGold Ashanti provides it promptly
with satisfactory evidence that it is legal to do so. If The
Bank of New York Mellon does not distribute additional ADSs, the
outstanding ADSs will also represent the newly distributed
AngloGold Ashanti ordinary shares. The Bank of New York will
only distribute whole ADSs. It will sell AngloGold Ashanti
ordinary shares that would require it to deliver a fraction of
an ADS and distribute the net proceeds in the same way as it
distributes cash. The depositary may sell a portion of the
distributed shares sufficient to pay its fees and expenses in
connection with that distribution.
Rights
to Subscribe for Additional Ordinary Shares
If AngloGold Ashanti offers holders of AngloGold Ashanti
ordinary shares any rights to subscribe for additional AngloGold
Ashanti ordinary shares or any other rights, The Bank of New
York, after consultation with AngloGold Ashanti, may make these
rights available to holders of AngloGold Ashanti ADSs or sell
the rights and distribute the proceeds in the same way as it
distributes cash. If The Bank of New York cannot do either of
these things for any reason, it may allow these rights to lapse.
In that case, holders of AngloGold Ashanti ADSs will receive no
value for them.
If The Bank of New York makes these types of subscription rights
available to holders of AngloGold Ashanti ADSs upon instruction
from holders of AngloGold Ashanti ADSs, it will exercise the
rights and purchase AngloGold Ashanti ordinary shares on their
behalf. The Bank of New York will then deposit the AngloGold
Ashanti ordinary shares and deliver ADSs to the holders of
AngloGold Ashanti ADSs. It will only exercise these rights if
holders of AngloGold Ashanti ADSs pay it the exercise price and
any other charges the rights require them to pay.
U.S. securities laws may restrict the sale, deposit,
cancellation and transfer of the ADSs issued after exercise of
rights. For example, holders of ADSs may not be able to trade
the ADSs freely in the United States. In this case, The Bank of
New York may deliver ADSs which are restricted
securities within the meaning of Rule 144 which will
have the same provisions as the ADSs described here, except for
the changes needed to put the restrictions in place.
Other
Distributions
The Bank of New York will send to holders of AngloGold Ashanti
ADSs any other distributions that AngloGold Ashanti makes on
deposited securities by any means it thinks is legal, fair and
practical. If it cannot make the distribution in that way, The
Bank of New York may decide to sell what AngloGold Ashanti
distributes, and then distribute the net proceeds in the same
way as it distributes cash, or it may decide to hold what
AngloGold Ashanti distributes, in which case the outstanding
ADSs will also represent the newly distributed property.
However, the depositary is not required to distribute any
securities (other than ADSs) to ADS holders unless it receives
satisfactory evidence from AngloGold Ashanti that it is legal to
make that distribution. The depositary may sell a portion of the
distributed securities or property sufficient to pay its fees
and expenses in connection with that distribution.
88
The Bank of New York is not responsible if it decides that it is
unlawful or impractical to make a distribution available to any
AngloGold Ashanti ADS holders. AngloGold Ashanti has no
obligation to register AngloGold Ashanti ADSs, AngloGold Ashanti
ordinary shares, rights or other securities under the Securities
Act. AngloGold Ashanti also has no obligation to take any other
action to permit the distribution of AngloGold Ashanti ADSs,
AngloGold Ashanti ordinary shares, rights or anything else to
AngloGold Ashanti ADS holders. This means that the holders of
AngloGold Ashanti ADSs may not receive the distribution
AngloGold Ashanti makes on its ordinary shares or any value for
them if it is illegal or impracticable for AngloGold Ashanti to
make them available to the holders of AngloGold Ashanti ADSs.
Deposit,
Withdrawal and Cancellation
The Bank of New York will deliver AngloGold Ashanti ADSs if a
holder of AngloGold Ashanti ordinary shares or its broker
deposits AngloGold Ashanti ordinary shares or evidence of rights
to receive ordinary shares with the custodian. Upon payment of
its fees and expenses and of any taxes or charges, such as stamp
taxes or stock transfer taxes or fees, The Bank of New York will
register the appropriate number of AngloGold Ashanti ADSs in the
names such holder of AngloGold Ashanti ordinary shares requests
and will deliver the AngloGold Ashanti ADSs at its Corporate
Trust Office to the persons such holders request.
Holders of AngloGold Ashanti ADSs may turn in their ADSs at The
Bank of New Yorks Corporate Trust Office. Upon
payment of its fees and expenses and of any taxes or charges,
such as stamp taxes or stock transfer taxes or fees, The Bank of
New York will deliver (1) the underlying AngloGold Ashanti
ordinary shares to an account designated by the relevant holder
of AngloGold Ashanti ADSs and (2) any other deposited
securities underlying the AngloGold Ashanti ADSs at the office
of the custodian. Or, at the request, risk and expense of
AngloGold Ashanti ADS holders, The Bank of New York will deliver
the deposited securities at its Corporate Trust Office.
How do
ADS holders interchange between certificated ADSs and
uncertificated ADSs?
ADS holders may surrender their ADR to the depositary for the
purpose of exchanging their ADR for uncertificated ADSs. The
depositary will cancel that ADR and will send to the ADS
registered holder a statement confirming that the ADS registered
holder is the registered holder of uncertificated ADSs.
Alternatively, upon receipt by the depositary of a proper
instruction from a registered holder of uncertificated ADSs
requesting the exchange of uncertificated ADSs for certificated
ADSs, the depositary will execute and deliver to the ADS
registered holder an ADR evidencing those ADSs.
Voting
Rights
ADS registered holders may instruct the depositary to vote the
number of deposited shares their ADSs represent. The depositary
will notify ADS registered holders of shareholders
meetings and arrange to deliver AngloGold Ashantis voting
materials to them if AngloGold Ashanti asks it to. Those
materials will describe the matters to be voted on and explain
how ADS registered holders may instruct the depositary how to
vote. For instructions to be valid, they must reach the
depositary by a date set by the depositary.
Otherwise, an AngloGold Ashanti ADS holder wont be able
to exercise the right to vote unless such holder withdraws the
shares. However, an AngloGold Ashanti ADS holder may not know
about the meeting enough in advance to withdraw the shares.
The Bank of New York will try, as far as practicable, to vote or
to have its agents vote the AngloGold Ashanti ordinary shares or
other deposited securities as holders of AngloGold Ashanti ADSs
instruct, but this is subject to South African law, the
provisions of AngloGold Ashantis Memorandum and Articles
of Association and of the deposited securities and any
applicable rule of the JSE. The Bank of New York will only vote
or attempt to vote as such holders of AngloGold Ashanti ADSs
instruct.
AngloGold Ashanti cannot assure the holders of AngloGold Ashanti
ADSs that they will receive the voting materials in time for
them to instruct The Bank of New York to vote their AngloGold
Ashanti ordinary shares. In addition, The Bank of New York and
its agents are not responsible for failing to carry out voting
instructions or for
89
the manner of carrying out voting instructions. This means that
holders of AngloGold Ashanti ADSs may not be able to exercise
their right to vote and there may be nothing they can do if
their ordinary shares are not voted as they requested.
Fees and
Expenses
|
|
|
AngloGold Ashanti ADS holders must pay:
|
|
For:
|
|
$5.00 (or less) per 100 ADSs
|
|
Each issuance of an ADS, including as a result of a distribution
of AngloGold Ashanti ordinary shares or rights or other property
|
|
|
|
|
|
Each cancellation of an ADS, including if the Deposit Agreement
terminates
|
$0.02 (or less) per ADS
|
|
Any cash payment
|
|
|
|
A fee equivalent to the fee that would have been payable if the
securities distributed had been ordinary shares deposited for
issuance of ADSs
|
|
Distribution of securities distributed to holders of deposited
securities that are distributed by The Bank of New York to ADS
holders
|
|
|
|
$0.02 (or less) per ADS per year
|
|
Depositary services
|
|
|
|
Registration or transfer fees
|
|
Transfer and registration of AngloGold Ashanti ordinary shares
on the AngloGold Ashanti share register to or from the name of
The Bank of New York or its agent when AngloGold Ashanti
ordinary shares are deposited or withdrawn
|
|
|
|
Expenses of The Bank of New York
|
|
Conversion of non-U.S. currency to U.S. dollars
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cable, telex and facsimile transmission expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
Servicing the deposited securities
|
|
|
|
Taxes and other governmental charges The Bank of New York or any
custodian has to pay on any ADS or AngloGold Ashanti ordinary
share underlying an ADS, for example, stock transfer taxes,
stamp duty or withholding taxes
|
|
As necessary
|
Payment
of Taxes
Holders of AngloGold Ashanti ADSs will be responsible for any
taxes or other governmental charges payable on their ADSs or on
the deposited securities underlying their ADSs. The Bank of New
York may refuse to transfer their ADSs or allow them to withdraw
the deposited securities underlying their ADSs until such taxes
or other charges are paid. It may apply payments owed to holders
of AngloGold Ashanti ADSs or sell deposited securities
underlying their ADSs to pay any taxes they owe, and they will
remain liable for any deficiency. If it sells deposited
securities, it will, if appropriate, reduce the number of ADSs
to reflect the sale and pay to holders of ADSs any proceeds, or
send to them any property, remaining after it has paid the taxes.
90
Reclassifications
|
|
|
If AngloGold Ashanti:
|
|
Then:
|
|
Changes the nominal or par value of the ordinary shares;
Reclassifies, splits or consolidates any of the deposited
securities;
|
|
The cash, ordinary shares or other securities received by The
Bank of New York will become deposited securities. Each ADS will
automatically represent its equal share of the new deposited
securities.
|
|
|
|
Distributes securities on the ordinary shares that are not
distributed to holders of ADSs; or
Recapitalizes, reorganizes, merges, liquidates, sells all or
substantially all of AngloGold Ashantis assets, or takes
any similar action.
|
|
The Bank of New York may, and will if AngloGold Ashanti asks it
to, distribute some or all of the cash, AngloGold Ashanti
ordinary shares or other securities it receives. It may also
issue new ADSs or ask holders of ADSs to surrender their
outstanding ADSs in exchange for new ADSs identifying the new
deposited securities.
|
Amendment
and Termination
AngloGold Ashanti may agree with The Bank of New York to amend
the deposit agreement and the AngloGold Ashanti ADSs without the
consent of holders for any reason. If the amendment adds or
increases fees or charges (except for taxes and other
governmental charges or registration fees, cable, telex or
facsimile transmission costs, delivery costs or other such
expenses) or if the amendment prejudices an important right of
AngloGold Ashanti ADS holders, it will only become effective
30 days after The Bank of New York notifies holders of
AngloGold Ashanti ADSs of the amendment. At the time an
amendment becomes effective, holders of AngloGold Ashanti ADSs
are considered, by continuing to hold their ADSs, to agree to
the amendment and to be bound by the AngloGold Ashanti ADSs and
the agreement as amended.
The Bank of New York may terminate the deposit agreement by
mailing notice of termination to AngloGold Ashanti ADS holders
at least 30 days prior to the date fixed in the notice if
AngloGold Ashanti asks it to do so. The Bank of New York may
also terminate the deposit agreement if The Bank of New York has
told AngloGold Ashanti that it would like to resign and
AngloGold Ashanti has not appointed a new depositary bank within
90 days. In both cases, The Bank of New York must notify
holders of AngloGold Ashanti ADSs at least 30 days before
termination.
After termination, The Bank of New York and its agents will be
required to do only the following under the deposit agreement:
collect distributions on the deposited securities, sell rights,
and, upon surrender of AngloGold Ashanti ADSs, deliver AngloGold
Ashanti ordinary shares and other deposited securities. Four
months after the date of termination or later, The Bank of New
York may sell any remaining deposited securities by public or
private sale and will hold the proceeds of the sale, as well as
any other cash it is holding under the deposit agreement, for
the pro rata benefit of the AngloGold Ashanti ADS holders who
have not surrendered their ADSs. It will not invest the money
and will have no liability for interest. The Bank of New
Yorks only obligations will be to account for the proceeds
of the sale and other cash. After termination, AngloGold
Ashantis only obligations will be with respect to
indemnification of, and payment of certain amounts to, The Bank
of New York.
Limitations
on Obligations and Liability to ADS Holders
The deposit agreement expressly limit AngloGold Ashantis
obligations and the obligations of The Bank of New York, and
they limit AngloGold Ashantis liability and the liability
of The Bank of New York. AngloGold Ashanti and The Bank of New
York:
|
|
|
|
|
are only obligated to take the actions specifically set forth in
the deposit agreement without negligence or bad faith;
|
|
|
|
|
|
are not liable if either of AngloGold Ashanti or The Bank of New
York is prevented or delayed by law or circumstances beyond
AngloGold Ashantis control from performing AngloGold
Ashantis obligations under the deposit agreement;
|
|
|
|
|
|
are not liable if either of AngloGold Ashanti or The Bank of New
York exercises discretion permitted under the deposit agreement;
|
91
|
|
|
|
|
are not liable for the inability of any holder of AngloGold
Ashanti ADSs to benefit from any distribution on deposited
securities that is not made available to holders of AngloGold
Ashanti ADSs under the terms of the deposit agreement, or for
any special, consequential or punitive damages for any breach of
the terms of the deposit agreement;
|
|
|
|
|
|
have no obligation to become involved in a lawsuit or other
proceeding related to the AngloGold Ashanti ADSs or the
agreement on behalf of the holders of AngloGold Ashanti ADS
holders or on behalf of any other party;
|
|
|
|
may rely on advice of or information from legal counsel,
accountants, and any persons presenting AngloGold Ashanti
ordinary shares for deposit, any registered holder or any other
person believed by AngloGold Ashanti in good faith to be
competent to give such advice or information; and
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pursuant to the deposit agreement, Anglo Gold Ashanti and The
Bank of New York agree to indemnify each other under certain
circumstances.
|
Requirements
for Depositary Action
Before The Bank of New York will issue, transfer or register the
transfer of an AngloGold Ashanti ADS, make a distribution on an
AngloGold Ashanti ADS, or allow withdrawal of AngloGold Ashanti
ordinary shares, The Bank of New York may require:
|
|
|
|
|
payment of stock transfer or other taxes or other governmental
charges and transfer or registration fees charged by third
parties for the transfer of any ordinary shares or other
deposited securities;
|
|
|
|
production of satisfactory proof of the identity and genuineness
of any signature or other information it deems
necessary; and
|
|
|
|
|
|
compliance with regulations it may establish, from time to time,
consistent with the deposit agreement, including presentation of
transfer documents.
|
The Bank of New York may refuse to deliver, transfer or register
transfers of AngloGold Ashanti ADSs generally when the books of
The Bank of New York or AngloGold Ashanti are closed, or at any
time if either AngloGold Ashanti or The Bank of New York thinks
it advisable to do so.
Holders of ADSs have the right to cancel their ADSs and withdraw
the underlying ordinary shares at any time except:
|
|
|
|
|
when temporary delays arise because: (1) either AngloGold
Ashanti or The Bank of New York have closed AngloGold
Ashantis transfer books; (2) the transfer of the
AngloGold Ashanti ordinary shares is blocked in connection with
voting at a general meeting of shareholders; or
(3) AngloGold Ashanti is paying a dividend on the AngloGold
Ashanti ordinary shares;
|
|
|
|
|
|
when AngloGold Ashanti ADS holders seeking to withdraw the
ordinary shares owe money to pay fees, taxes and similar
charges; or
|
|
|
|
when it is necessary to prohibit withdrawals in order to comply
with any laws or governmental regulations that apply to
AngloGold Ashanti ADSs or to the withdrawal of the ordinary
shares or other deposited securities.
|
This right of withdrawal may not be limited by any other
provision of the deposit agreement.
Pre-release
of ADSs
In certain circumstances, subject to the provisions of the
deposit agreement, The Bank of New York may deliver AngloGold
Ashanti ADSs before deposit of the underlying ordinary shares.
This is called a pre-release of the ADS.
The Bank of New York may also deliver AngloGold Ashanti ordinary
shares upon cancellation of pre-released ADSs (even if the ADSs
are cancelled before the pre-release transaction has been closed
out). A pre-release is
92
closed out as soon as the underlying AngloGold Ashanti ordinary
shares are delivered to The Bank of New York. The Bank of New
York may receive ADSs instead of ordinary shares to close out a
pre-release.
The Bank of New York may pre-release ADSs only under the
following conditions:
|
|
|
|
|
before or at the time of the pre-release, the person to whom the
pre-release is being made must represent to The Bank of New York
in writing that it or its customer: (a) owns the ordinary
shares or ADSs to be remitted, (b) assigns all beneficial
rights, title and interest in such ADSs or ordinary shares, as
the case may be, to The Bank of New York in its capacity as the
depositary and for the benefit of the ADS holders, and
(c) will not take any action with respect to such ADSs or
ordinary shares, as the case may be, that is consistent with the
transfer of beneficial ownership (including, without the consent
of The Bank of New York, disposing of such ADSs or ordinary
shares, as the case may be) other than satisfaction of such
pre-release;
|
|
|
|
|
|
the pre-release must be fully collateralized with cash,
U.S. government securities, or other collateral that The
Bank of New York considers appropriate; and
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Bank of New York must be able to close out the pre-release
on not more than five business days notice. Each
pre-release will be subject to any further indemnities and
credit regulations that The Bank of New York deems appropriate.
The Bank of New York will normally limit the number of AngloGold
Ashanti ordinary shares not deposited but represented by
AngloGold Ashanti ADSs outstanding at any time as a result of
pre-release
so that they do not exceed 30 percent of the ordinary
shares deposited, although The Bank of New York may
disregard this limit from time to time, if it thinks it is
appropriate to do so.
|
Direct
Registration System
In the deposit agreement, all parties to the deposit agreement
acknowledge that the DRS and Profile Modification System, or
Profile, will apply to uncertificated ADSs upon acceptance
thereof to DRS by DTC. DRS is the system administered by DTC
pursuant to which the depositary may register the ownership of
uncertificated ADSs, which ownership shall be evidenced by
periodic statements sent by the depositary to the registered
holders of uncertificated ADSs. Profile is a required feature of
DRS which allows a DTC participant, claiming to act on behalf of
a registered holder of ADSs, to direct the depositary to
register a transfer of those ADSs to DTC or its nominee and to
deliver those AngloGold Ashanti ADSs to the DTC account of that
DTC participant without receipt by the depositary of prior
authorization from the ADS registered holder to register that
transfer.
In connection with and in accordance with the arrangements and
procedures relating to DRS/Profile, the parties to the deposit
agreement understand that the depositary will not verify,
determine or otherwise ascertain that the DTC participant which
is claiming to be acting on behalf of an ADS holder in
requesting registration of transfer and delivery described in
the paragraph above has the actual authority to act on behalf of
the ADS holder (notwithstanding any requirements under the
Uniform Commercial Code). In the deposit agreement, the parties
agree that the depositarys reliance on and compliance with
instructions received by the depositary through the DRS/Profile
System and in accordance with the deposit agreement shall not
constitute negligence or bad faith on the part of the depositary.
Shareholder
Communications; Inspection of Register of Holders of
ADSs
The depositary will make available for a holder of AngloGold
Ashanti ADSs inspection at its office all communications that it
receives from AngloGold Ashanti as a holder of deposited
securities that AngloGold Ashanti makes generally available to
holders of deposited securities. The depositary will send a
holder of AngloGold Ashanti ADSs copies of those communications
if AngloGold Ashanti asks it to. A holder of AngloGold Ashanti
ADSs has a right to inspect the register of holders of ADSs, but
not for the purpose of contacting those holders about a matter
unrelated to AngloGold Ashantis business or the ADSs.
93
COMPARISON
OF RIGHTS OF SHAREHOLDERS UNDER COLORADO AND
SOUTH AFRICAN LAW
Upon consummation of the merger, holders of Golden Cycle shares
will become holders of AngloGold Ashanti ordinary shares, and
their rights will be governed by AngloGold Ashantis
memorandum and articles of association, which differ in material
respects from Golden Cycles articles of incorporation and
by-laws. The following is a summary of certain material
differences between the rights of holders of Golden Cycle shares
and holders of AngloGold Ashanti ordinary shares. These
differences arise from differences between the Colorado Business
Corporation Act (CBCA), and the corporate laws of South Africa
as well as from differences between the respective governing
documents of Golden Cycle and AngloGold Ashanti. This summary is
not a complete description of the laws of the State of Colorado
or of the Republic of South Africa, Golden Cycles articles
of incorporation and by-laws or AngloGold Ashantis
memorandum and articles of association. For information on how
to obtain Golden Cycles articles of incorporation and
by-laws and AngloGold Ashantis memorandum and articles of
association, see Where You Can Find More
Information. This summary should be read in conjunction
with Description of AngloGold Ashanti Ordinary
Shares and Description of AngloGold Ashanti American
Depositary Shares beginning on pages 82 and 87,
respectively.
Voting
Rights
|
|
|
Golden Cycle
|
|
AngloGold Ashanti
|
|
Under the CBCA, each shareholder is entitled to one vote per
share, unless the articles of incorporation provide otherwise.
In addition, the articles of incorporation may provide for
cumulative voting at all elections of directors of the
corporation. A majority of the votes entitled to be cast on the
matter by the voting group constitutes a quorum unless otherwise
provided in the articles of incorporation, but in no event will
a quorum consist of less than one-third of the shares entitled
to vote at a meeting.
|
|
Each AngloGold Ashanti ordinary share confers upon the member
the right to vote at all general meetings. Each member present
in person or, in the case of a corporate entity, represented,
has one vote on a show of hands. If a poll is held, members
present or any duly appointed proxy will have one vote for each
ordinary share held. A holder of AngloGold Ashanti ordinary
shares is entitled to appoint a proxy or proxies to attend,
speak and vote at any meeting on his or her behalf and the proxy
need not be a member.
|
Golden
Cycles articles of incorporation and by- laws prohibit
shareholders from cumulating their shares in the election of its
directors.
Golden
Cycles by-laws provide that the holders of a majority of
the stock issued and outstanding entitled to vote, present in
person or represented by proxy, shall constitute a quorum at all
shareholders meetings. If such a majority is not present at a
shareholder meeting, the shareholders present and entitled to
vote shall have the power to adjourn the meeting until a quorum
is present. The by-laws state further that when a quorum is
present, the vote of the holders of a majority of the stock
having power to vote shall govern and control the decision.
Pursuant to Golden Cycles by-laws, any proxy seeking to
vote at any meeting must be appointed as such by the
shareholders written instrument bearing a date not more
than 90 days prior to the meeting, unless the instrument
specifically confers the right to vote for a longer period.
|
|
There
are no limitations on the right of non-South African
shareholders to hold or exercise voting rights attaching to any
of the ordinary shares.
AngloGold Ashantis memorandum and articles of association
do not provide for cumulative voting in respect of any of the
classes of AngloGold Ashantis shares.
AngloGold Ashantis memorandum and articles of association
specify that if new classes of shares are issued, the rights
relating to any class of shares may be modified or abrogated
either with the consent in writing of the holders of at least
75 percent of the issued shares of that class, or with the
sanction of a resolution passed as if it were a special
resolution of the company at a separate general meeting of the
holders of the shares of that class.
|
94
Amendment
of Charter Documents
|
|
|
Golden Cycle
|
|
AngloGold Ashanti
|
|
Under the CBCA, amendments to the Golden Cycle articles of
incorporation, other than ministerial amendments authorized by
the directors without shareholder action, may be proposed by the
companys board of directors or by the holders of shares
representing at least ten percent of all of the votes entitled
to be cast on the amendment. The companys board of
directors must recommend the amendment to the shareholders,
unless the amendment is being proposed by the shareholders, or
unless the board of directors determines that because of a
conflict of interest or other special circumstances it should
make no recommendation and communicates the basis for its
determination to the companys shareholders with the
amendment. The recommendation or lack thereof must be followed
by a majority vote of the holders of the outstanding shares
entitled to vote on such amendment and, in certain
circumstances, of the holders of a majority of the outstanding
shares of each class entitled to vote on such amendment as a
class, unless a greater number or proportion is specified in the
articles of incorporation or by other provisions of the CBCA.
|
|
Under the South African Companies Act, a company may amend its
memorandum and articles of association by special resolution of
shareholders. A resolution shall be a special resolution if it
is passed, on a show of hands, by not less than 75 percent
of the number of shareholders entitled to vote who are present,
in person or by proxy, or, on a poll, by not less than
75 percent of the total votes to which shareholders present
in person or by proxy are entitled, at a general meeting which
has been called on not less than 21 clear days notice and
at which shareholders holding an aggregate of not less than
25 percent of the total voting power of all shareholders
entitled to vote at the meeting are present, in person or by
proxy. Clear days means calendar days excluding the
day on which the notice is given and the date of the meeting.
|
Golden
Cycles articles of incorporation reserve the right to
amend the articles of incorporation in the manner prescribed by
the CBCA.
|
|
|
Under
the CBCA, by-laws may be amended by the board, unless the
articles reserve such power exclusively to the shareholders or
the by-laws prohibit such amendment by the shareholders.
|
|
|
Golden
Cycles by-laws provide for amendment of the by-laws by
either the affirmative vote of the issued and outstanding stock
at any regular meeting or special meeting of the shareholders
where a quorum is present or by the affirmative vote of a
majority of the board.
|
|
|
Appraisal
Rights/Dissenters Rights
|
|
|
Golden Cycle
|
|
AngloGold Ashanti
|
|
Under the CBCA, shareholders are entitled to exercise
dissenters rights in the event of certain mergers, share
exchanges, sales, leases, exchanges or other dispositions of all
or substantially all of the property of the corporation.
Shareholders may also dissent in the case of a reverse stock
split that reduces the number of shares owned to a fraction of a
share or to scrip if such scrip is to be acquired for cash or
voided. Dissenters rights in Colorado are available to
both record holders and beneficial holders.
Under
the CBCA, dissenters rights are not available for any
shares of the constituent corporation surviving the merger if
the merger did not require for its approval
|
|
Under the South African Companies Act, every shareholder has a
remedy in cases of oppressive or unfairly prejudicial conduct.
Any shareholder who believes that a particular act or omission
of the company is unfairly prejudicial, unjust or inequitable
may apply to court for an order seeking relief. The court may,
with a view to ending the conduct complained of, make such
orders as it deems fit. These may include orders which regulate
the future conduct of the company, require the company or
another shareholder to purchase the shares of any shareholder of
the company or alter the companys memorandum or articles
of association.
|
95
|
|
|
Golden Cycle
|
|
AngloGold Ashanti
|
|
the vote of the holders of the surviving corporation. In
addition, no appraisal rights are available to holders of shares
of any class of shares which, as of the record date, are either:
(a) listed on a national securities exchange or on the national
market system of the national association of securities dealers
automated quotation system or (b) held of record by more than
2,000 holders, unless such holders are required by the terms of
the merger to accept anything other than: (1) shares of the
surviving corporation; (2) shares of another corporation which
are or will be so listed on a national securities exchange or on
the national market system of the national association of
securities dealers automated quotation system or held of record
by more than 2,000 holders; (3) cash in lieu of fractional
shares; or (4) any combination of the above.
|
|
|
Preemptive
Rights
|
|
|
Golden Cycle
|
|
AngloGold Ashanti
|
|
Under the CBCA, shareholders have no preemptive rights to
subscribe to additional issues of shares or to any security
convertible into such shares unless, and except to the extent
that, such rights are expressly provided for in the articles of
incorporation.
Golden
Cycles articles of incorporation prohibit, as a matter of
right, the ability of a shareholder to subscribe for or receive
additional shares of any class or any securities convertible to
stock. However, the board has authority to issue and dispose of
additional shares or other convertible securities as it, in its
discretion, shall deem advisable.
|
|
Any unissued AngloGold Ashanti ordinary shares can be disposed
of or dealt with in such manner as AngloGold Ashanti
shareholders may direct in a general meeting. Holders of
AngloGold Ashanti ordinary shares may resolve that all or any of
such ordinary shares are at the disposal of the directors who
may allot, grant options over or otherwise deal with or dispose
of the ordinary shares to such persons at such times and on such
terms and conditions and for such consideration as the directors
may determine.
Any
ordinary shares may be issued with such rights or restrictions
as holders of AngloGold Ashanti shares in a general meeting may
from time to time determine.
|
|
|
No
ordinary shares may be issued at a discount except in accordance
with section 81 of the South African Companies Act. Section
81 states that a company can issue shares at a discount to
the par value of such shares, if such shares are of a class
already in issue, if such issue is authorized by a special
resolution, if the company has been trading for at least one
year, if the issue is sanctioned by the court and if the issue
occurs within one month of the sanction. If shares are issued at
a discount, every prospectus issued by the company thereafter
relating to the issue of any shares, shall contain particulars
of the discount allowed on the issue of those shares, or so much
of the discount as has not been written off at the date of the
issue of such prospectus.
|
|
|
The
Listings Requirements of the JSE require new issues of ordinary
shares for cash to be made to ordinary shareholders on a pro
rata basis unless such requirement has been waived by a
resolution of shareholders in general meeting passed by a
75 percent majority vote of those shareholders present at
the meeting.
|
96
Action by
Written Consent of Shareholders
|
|
|
Golden Cycle
|
|
AngloGold Ashanti
|
|
The CBCA provides that any action that may be taken at a meeting
of shareholders may be taken without a meeting and without a
vote, if all of the shareholders entitled to vote consent to
such action in writing or, if specifically provided in a
corporations articles of incorporation, the holders of the
outstanding shares having not less than the minimum number of
votes that would be necessary to authorize such action at a
meeting, consent in writing.
Golden
Cycles articles of incorporation are silent with respect
to written consent of the shareholders and therefore, when
acting by written consent, the shareholders may only do so
unanimously.
|
|
Under the South African Companies Act, a company need not hold
an annual general meeting if all shareholders entitled to attend
that meeting agree in writing that an annual general meeting
shall not be held. In such event, a written resolution dealing
with and disposing of the matters required by the South African
Companies Act to be dealt with and disposed of at an annual
general meeting of a company must be signed by all shareholders
entitled to vote at that meeting. The written resolution will be
deemed to have been passed at an annual general meeting held on
the date on which the last signatory signs the resolution.
There
is no provision in AngloGold Ashantis memorandum and
articles of association for a resolution of shareholders to be
taken without a meeting.
|
Shareholders
Meetings
|
|
|
Golden Cycle
|
|
AngloGold Ashanti
|
|
Under the CBCA, an annual meeting of shareholders must be held
for the election of directors on a date and at a time designated
by or in the manner provided in the by-laws. If not so
designated, directors may convene general meetings of
shareholders by resolution. Any other proper business may be
transacted at the annual meeting.
Under
the CBCA, a special meeting of shareholders must be held on call
of the board where authorized by the by-laws of the corporation
or upon written demand by at least ten percent of shareholders
representing all the votes entitled to be cast on any issue
proposed. Only business within the purpose or purposes described
in the notice of meeting may be conducted at the special
meeting.
Under
the CBCA, a majority of the votes entitled to be cast on the
matter by the voting group constitutes a quorum unless otherwise
provided in the articles of incorporation, but in no event will
a quorum consist of less than one-third of the shares entitled
to vote at a meeting.
Under
the CBCA, unless waived, a corporation must give notice to
shareholders of each annual or special shareholders
meeting no fewer than ten days nor more than 60 days before
the meeting; except that, if the number of authorized shares is
to be increased, at least 30 days notice shall be
given.
Golden Cycles by-laws mandate at least a 15 day
written notice to each shareholder entitled to vote for notice
of the annual meeting or any special meeting and further provide
that a special meeting of the shareholders may be called by a
majority vote
|
|
The directors may convene general meetings of AngloGold Ashanti
shareholders. Subject to the provisions of the South African
Companies Act, the shareholders may requisition for the
convening of a general meeting.
An
AngloGold Ashanti annual general meeting and a meeting of
AngloGold Ashanti shareholders for the purpose of passing a
special resolution may be called by giving 21 clear days
notice in writing of that shareholders meeting. For any
other meeting of AngloGold Ashanti shareholders, 14 clear
days notice must be given. All shareholders are entitled
to attend.
AngloGold Ashantis memorandum and articles of association
provide that a quorum for a general meeting of members (other
than a meeting at which a special resolution will be passed)
consists of three members present personally, or if the member
is a corporate entity, represented and entitled to vote. If a
general meeting requisitioned by shareholders is not quorate,
the meeting is dissolved and a new meeting will have to be
called following the relevant notice provision. In any other
case the meeting stands adjourned and those shareholders present
at the adjourned meeting constitute a quorum.
The
quorum of a members meeting convened for the purpose of
passing a special resolution consists of three members holding
at least 25 percent of the total member votes present in
person or by proxy. If the meeting is not quorate, it will be
adjourned to a date between seven and 21 days after the
adjourned
|
97
|
|
|
Golden Cycle
|
|
AngloGold Ashanti
|
|
of the board, the president and secretary of the corporation or
any number of shareholders which may be provided for by the
CBCA.
|
|
meeting, and the members present at the second meeting shall
constitute a quorum as long as there are at least three of them
at the second meeting. A special resolution must be passed, on a
show of hands, by a vote of 75 percent of the members,
entitled to vote who are present at the meeting, personally or
by proxy, or by a vote of 75 percent of the total votes to
which, on a poll, members present in person or by proxy are
entitled.
|
|
|
If
the meeting is not quorate and is convened upon the requisition
of members, the meeting is dissolved.
|
Election
of Directors and Representation
|
|
|
Golden Cycle
|
|
AngloGold Ashanti
|
|
Under the CBCA, the board of directors of a corporation must
consist of one or more members. The number of directors must be
fixed in accordance with the by-laws. Each director will hold
office until his or her successor is elected and qualified or
until his or her earlier resignation or removal. The directors
are elected at the annual meeting of shareholders. The directors
may be divided into one, two or three classes. Golden
Cycles articles of incorporation require Golden Cycle to
have at least three directors.
Golden
Cycles by-laws provide that the number of directors which
will constitute its board of directors may from time to time be
increased or decreased by resolution of the board of directors,
provided that the number of directors shall not be less than
three nor more than eleven.
Golden
Cycle currently has five directors.
|
|
AngloGold Ashantis memorandum and articles of association
require AngloGold Ashanti to have at least four directors.
The
board of directors may appoint any person to be a director and
any director so appointed shall hold office only until the
following annual general meeting and shall then be eligible for
re-election. The directors who retire at the annual general
meeting in this manner shall not be taken into account in
determining the directors who are to retire by rotation at such
meeting.
At
every annual general meeting at least one-third of the directors
must retire from office, but are eligible for re- election. The
directors so to retire at such annual general meeting shall be
those who have been the longest in office since their last
election. Where more than one director has served for an equal
length of time, unless they agree between themselves, the
director to resign will be determined by lot.
|
|
|
As a
result, at least two annual general meetings of shareholders
will be required for shareholders to change the majority of
AngloGold Ashantis board of directors.
|
Removal
of Directors
|
|
|
Golden Cycle
|
|
AngloGold Ashanti
|
|
Under the CBCA, any director or the entire board of directors
may be removed, with or without cause, by the holders of a
majority of the shares then entitled to vote at an election of
directors at a meeting where special notice has been given,
except (a) if the articles of incorporation provide otherwise,
in the case of a corporation whose board is classified,
shareholders may effect such removal only for cause, or (b) in
the case of a corporation having cumulative voting, if less than
the entire board is to be removed, no director may be removed
without cause if the votes cast against his or her removal would
be sufficient to elect him or her if then cumulatively
|
|
The South African Companies Act provides that directors may be
removed by the vote of the majority of shareholders at a meeting
where special notice has been given.
AngloGold Ashantis memorandum and articles of association
provide that a director will no longer act as a director of the
company if he or she becomes insolvent or subject to insolvency
procedures, is found to be of unsound mind, is requested to
resign by at least three-quarters of the directors, is removed
by a resolution of AngloGold Ashanti, is prohibited from
|
98
|
|
|
Golden Cycle
|
|
AngloGold Ashanti
|
|
voted at an election of the entire board of directors, or, if
there are classes of directors, at an election of the class of
directors of which he or she is a part.
Golden
Cycles articles of incorporation are silent with respect
to the vote required to remove directors and, therefore, Golden
Cycles directors may be removed in the manner described
above.
|
|
acting as a director by applicable law or is absent from board
meetings without leave of the directors for six consecutive
months. A director can resign with one months written
notice unless he or she obtains the permission of the directors
to shorten his or her notice period.
|
Filling
of Vacancies
|
|
|
Golden Cycle
|
|
AngloGold Ashanti
|
|
The CBCA provides that vacancies and newly created directorships
may be filled by a majority of the directors then in office
(even though less than a quorum) unless (1) otherwise provided
in the articles of incorporation or by-laws of the corporation
or (2) the articles of incorporation directs that a particular
class of share is to elect such director, in which case any
other directors elected by such class, or a sole remaining
director elected by such class, will fill such vacancy.
|
|
AngloGold Ashantis memorandum and articles of association
provide that the shareholders in general meeting or the
directors may appoint any person as a director either to fill a
casual vacancy or as an addition to the board, provided that the
number of directors does not exceed the maximum number of
directors, if any. Directors so appointed shall retain office
until the next annual general meeting and shall then be eligible
for re-election.
|
Golden
Cycles by-laws state that, should a board position become
vacant by reason of death, resignation, retirement, removal,
enlargement of the board, disqualification or other reason, a
majority of the directors then holding office, though less than
a quorum, may choose a successor who shall hold office until the
next election of directors.
|
|
|
Shareholder
Nominations and Proposals
|
|
|
Golden Cycle
|
|
AngloGold Ashanti
|
|
Generally, the law of a corporations state of
incorporation, together with its articles of incorporation and
by-laws, govern what matters shareholders may present for a vote
at a shareholder meeting, and the U.S. federal securities laws
prescribe the procedural mechanisms for presentation and the
related disclosures necessary to ensure informed voting
decisions once proxies are solicited
Neither the CBCA nor Golden Cycles articles of
incorporation and by-laws contain any provision regarding
advance notice of shareholder nominations of directors or notice
of business to be brought before meetings of shareholders.
Similarly, the CBCA and Golden Cycles organization
documents are silent as to the proper subject matter for
shareholder proposals other than to direct the operation of the
corporation to the board of directors.
Rule
14a-8 of the Exchange Act generally states that companies must
include shareholder proposals in proxy materials unless an
exception applies. Common exceptions include proposals that
concern an improper matter under state law, an operational
|
|
The South African Companies Act provides that shareholders
holding at least 5 percent of the votes at any general
meeting of the company, or at least 100 shareholders
entitled to vote at any general meeting, may requisition the
directors to convene a general meeting of the company. The
requisition must state the objects of the meeting. The company
is then obliged to give notice to shareholders not less than
21 days but not more than 35 days before the date of
the meeting. If the directors do not deliver such notice within
14 days of receipt of the requisition, the shareholders who
requisitioned the general meeting or any portion of them
numbering more than 50 or representing more than half of the
total voting rights of all the shareholders who requisitioned
the general meeting, may themselves on 21 days notice
convene a meeting stating the objects thereof. All reasonable
expenses incurred by the shareholders arising from the failure
of the directors to convene a general meeting may be recovered
from the company by the relevant shareholders of the company.
The advance notice requirement does not give AngloGold
Ashantis board of directors any power to approve or
disapprove director
|
99
|
|
|
Golden Cycle
|
|
AngloGold Ashanti
|
|
matter which accounts for less than 5 percent of the
issuers total assets, less than 5 percent of its net
earnings and gross sales and is not otherwise significantly
related to the issuers business, matters concerning the
ordinary business of the corporation and matters beyond the
power of the corporation to effectuate.
|
|
nominations or proposals by shareholders, but it may have the
effect of precluding nominations or proposals from being
considered at a meeting if the proper notice procedures are not
followed.
Two
or more shareholders holding not less than 10 percent of
the issued share capital of a company may also call a general
meeting of the company.
|
Dividends
|
|
|
Golden Cycle
|
|
AngloGold Ashanti
|
|
The CBCA states that the payment of dividends or distributions
is generally permissible unless after giving effect to the
dividend or distribution, the corporation would be unable to pay
its debts as they became due in the usual course of business, or
if the total assets of the corporation would be less than the
sum of its total liabilities plus the amount that would be
needed, if the corporation were dissolved at the time the
dividend was paid, to satisfy the preferential rights of
shareholders whose preferential rights upon dissolution of the
corporation are greater than those of the shareholders receiving
the dividend.
Golden
Cycles by-laws provide that dividends may be declared by
the board of directors at any regular or special meeting and
paid in cash, property or in shares of capital stock.
|
|
The AngloGold Ashanti ordinary shares participate fully in all
dividends, other distributions and entitlements as and when
declared by AngloGold Ashanti in respect of ordinary shares.
Under South African law, AngloGold Ashanti may declare and pay
dividends from any reserves included in total shareholders
equity calculated in accordance with IFRS, subject to compliance
with the solvency and liquidity requirements of the South
African Companies Act. No larger dividend may be declared by
shareholders in general meeting than is recommended by the
directors. Dividends are payable to shareholders registered at a
record date that is after the date of declaration.
Dividends may be declared in any currency at the discretion of
the board of directors. Currently, dividends are declared in
South African rand and paid in Australian dollars, South African
rand, Ghanaian cedis or British pounds.
|
Rights of
Purchase and Reduction of Share Capital
|
|
|
Golden Cycle
|
|
AngloGold Ashanti
|
|
Under the CBCA, a corporation may acquire its own shares, except
with respect to any preemptive rights granted. Shares so
acquired constitute authorized but unissued shares.
|
|
AngloGold Ashantis shareholders may, by way of a special
resolution, approve a repurchase of AngloGold Ashanti shares by
AngloGold Ashanti or a subsidiary of AngloGold Ashanti, subject
to satisfaction of certain solvency and liquidity tests and
provisions of the South African Companies Act, the Listing
Requirements of the JSE Limited and the rules of any other stock
exchange on which the shares of AngloGold Ashanti are listed.
|
Limitation
of Directors Liability/Indemnification of Officers and
Directors
|
|
|
Golden Cycle
|
|
AngloGold Ashanti
|
|
Unless limited by its articles of incorporation, the CBCA
requires a corporation to indemnify any person who was wholly
successful in the defense of any proceeding to which the person
was a party by virtue of directorship, against reasonable
expenses incurred by the person in connection with the
proceeding.
|
|
Under South African common law, directors are required to comply
with certain fiduciary obligations that they owe to the company
and to exercise proper skill in discharging their
responsibilities. In this regard, a director owes to the
company a fiduciary duty to exercise his or her powers in what
he or she honestly believes is in the best interest of the
company. Such fiduciary duties include:
|
100
|
|
|
Golden Cycle
|
|
AngloGold Ashanti
|
|
The
CBCA permits a corporation to include in its articles of
incorporation a provision eliminating or limiting a
directors personal liability to the corporation or its
shareholders for monetary damages resulting from certain of the
directors breaches of fiduciary duty. Generally, the CBCA
permits a corporation to indemnify certain persons made a party
to any action, suit or proceeding by reason of the fact that
such person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of
the corporation or is or was serving at the request of the
corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another
corporation or enterprise provided that such person acted in
good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be
in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation. To
the extent that person has been successful in any such matter,
that person will be indemnified against expenses actually and
reasonably incurred by him or her. In the case of an action by
or in the right of the corporation, no indemnification may be
made in respect of any matter as to which that person was
adjudged liable to the corporation unless and only to the extent
that the court in which the action was brought determines that
despite the adjudication of liability that person is fairly and
reasonably entitled to indemnity for proper expenses.
The
CBCA expressly provides that the liability of a director may not
be eliminated or limited for (1) breaches of his or her duty of
loyalty to the corporation or its shareholders, (2) acts or
omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional
misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (3) the unlawful
purchase or redemption of shares or unlawful payment of
dividends or (4) any transaction from which the director derived
an improper personal benefit. The CBCA further provides that no
such provision will eliminate or limit the liability of a
director for any act or omission occurring prior to the date
when such provision becomes effective.
The
CBCA also allows a corporation to advance reasonable expenses
incurred by a director who is a party to a proceeding in advance
of final disposition of the proceeding under limited
circumstances. With respect to indemnification under the CBCA,
the corporation is required to give shareholders, with or before
the notice for the next shareholders meeting, a notice of
all indemnification of, or advancement of expenses to, the
companys directors in connection with a proceeding by or
in the right of the company.
Golden
Cycles articles of incorporation provide for the
elimination of liability of directors to Golden Cycle or its
shareholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty
as a directory to the fullest extent permitted by the CBCA. It
also provides for
|
|
to act in good faith;
to exercise his or her powers for a proper
purpose;
not to fetter his or her discretion;
to avoid conflicts of interest;
not to use corporate property, information or
opportunities for personal profit;
to exercise care and skill; and
to disclose or account for secret profits.
In addition to these common law duties, directors of South
African companies are required to comply with a number of
statutory duties imposed by the South African Companies Act.
Under the South African Companies Act, shareholders are entitled
to approach a court to hold a director or officer personally
responsible, without any limitation of liability, for any debts
or other liabilities of the company as the court may direct
where that director or officer is knowingly a party to the
company conducting business recklessly, or with the intent to
defraud creditors of the company or any other person or for any
fraudulent purpose.
Section 247 of the South African Companies Act voids any
provision, whether in the companys articles of association
or contract with the company and whether express or implied,
which purports to (1) exempt any director or officer of the
company from any liability which by law would otherwise attach
to the director or officer in respect of any negligence,
default, breach of duty or breach of trust of which they may be
guilty in relation to the company or (2) indemnify the director
or officer against any such liability. It is valid, however, to
obtain insurance to cover claims brought by the company itself
but not by creditors.
Section 247 of the South African Companies Act also provides
that the prohibition described above will not be construed as
prohibiting a company from indemnifying a director, officer or
auditor in respect of any liability incurred by that person in
defending any proceedings against them (in their capacity as
director, officer or auditor of the company), whether civil or
criminal (including a proceeding under U.S. securities laws), in
which judgment is given in their favor or in which they are
acquitted or in respect of any such proceedings which are
abandoned. The indemnity may include expenses, including
attorneys fees, judgments, fines and amounts paid in
settlement reasonably incurred by such person in connection with
the action, suit or proceedings. The indemnification is
contained in AngloGold Ashantis memorandum and articles of
association.
Section 248 of the South African Companies Act allows a court to
grant relief to any director, officer or auditor of a company if
it appears to the court that the person concerned is or may be
liable in respect of the
|
101
|
|
|
Golden Cycle
|
|
AngloGold Ashanti
|
|
indemnification of directors, officers, employees or agents of
Golden Cycle to the fullest extent permitted by the CBCA.
|
|
negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust, but has
acted honestly and reasonably, and that having regard to all the
circumstances of the case, including those connected with the
appointment, that person ought fairly to be excused from such
negligence, default or breach of trust, the court may relieve
them, either in whole or in part, from liability on such terms
as the court may deem fit.
|
Special
Meetings
|
|
|
Golden Cycle
|
|
AngloGold Ashanti
|
|
See Shareholders Meetings above.
|
|
See Shareholders Meetings above.
|
Shareholder
Votes on Certain Reorganizations
|
|
|
Golden Cycle
|
|
AngloGold Ashanti
|
|
Under the CBCA, a majority vote of the outstanding shares
entitled to vote thereon generally is necessary to approve a
merger or consolidation. However, for corporations incorporated
under the CBCA prior to June 30, 1994, unless the articles of
incorporation contain a provision establishing the vote of
shareholders required to approve a plan of merger, a plan of
merger must be approved by each voting group entitled to vote
separately on the plan by two-thirds of all the votes entitled
to be cast on the plan by that voting group. Golden Cycle was
incorporated prior to June 30, 1994 and its articles of
incorporation do not contain a provision establishing the vote
of shareholders required to approve a plan of merger. Therefore,
two-thirds of the outstanding shares of Golden Cycle entitled to
vote thereon is necessary to approve a plan of merger.
The
CBCA permits a corporation to include in its articles of
incorporation a provision requiring for any corporate action the
vote of a larger portion of the shares or of any class or series
of shares than would otherwise be required. Golden Cycles
articles of incorporation do not contain such a provision.
Under
the CBCA, no vote of the shareholders of a surviving corporation
to a merger is needed, however, unless required by the articles
of incorporation, if (1) the agreement of merger does not amend
in any material respect the articles of incorporation of the
surviving corporation, (2) the shares of the surviving
corporation are not changed in the merger and (3) the number of
shares of common stock of the surviving corporation into which
any other shares, securities or obligations to be issued in the
merger may be converted does not exceed 20 percent of the
surviving corporations common shares outstanding
immediately prior to the effective date of the merger.
|
|
Under the South African Companies Act, AngloGold Ashanti may, by
special resolution, amend its memorandum and articles of
association.
The
South African Companies Act requires, among other things, the
following additional matters also to be resolved by way of a
special resolution:
the change of name of a company;
any amendment to the existing share
capital of a company;
the conversion of a company from one
type or form to another; and
a decision to wind-up the company.
Under
the South African Companies Act, a special resolution may be
passed by the company at a meeting of shareholders called on not
less than 21 clear days notice, which notice states the
intention to propose a special resolution, and at least three
shareholders holding at least 25 percent of the total vote
of the shareholders entitled to vote are present, in person or
by proxy, at the meeting. If the meeting does not have a quorum,
it will stand adjourned to a date not earlier than seven days
and not later than 21 days after the adjourned meeting, and
the shareholders present at the second meeting shall constitute
a quorum. A special resolution may only be passed, on a show of
hands, by a vote of 75 percent of shareholders entitled to
vote who are present, in person or by proxy, and, on a poll, by
a majority vote of 75 percent of the total votes to which
shareholders present in person or by proxy are entitled.
If an
amendment to AngloGold Ashantis memorandum or articles of
association will result in the amendment or cancellation of any
rights attaching to a specific class of shares, shareholders of
that class must approve the amendment either with the consent in
writing of the holders of at least 75 percent of the
|
102
|
|
|
Golden Cycle
|
|
AngloGold Ashanti
|
|
|
|
issued shares of that class or by a resolution passed as if it
were a special resolution at a separate general meeting of
members of that class. At such meeting, at least three
shareholders holding at least one-third of the issued shares of
that class must be present, in person or by proxy, to constitute
a quorum.
|
Certain
Provisions Relating to Business Combinations
|
|
|
Golden Cycle
|
|
AngloGold Ashanti
|
|
The CBCA does not contain any business combination provisions.
|
|
Depending on the size of an acquisition in relation to
thresholds established by the JSE, if the acquisition
constitutes a Category 1 transaction for the purposes of the
Listings Requirements of the JSE, the approval of AngloGold
Ashantis shareholders for such acquisition may be
required.
|
|
|
An
acquisition of control (35 percent or more of the voting
rights of a company) of a public company in South Africa or a
private company in South Africa where shareholders
interests, valued at the offer price and the shareholders
loan capital, exceeds 5 million South African rand and where
there are more than 10 beneficial shareholders, would be subject
to compliance with the provisions of the South African
Securities Regulation Code on Take-overs and Mergers.
|
|
|
Depending on the size of the merger, an acquisition of control
of a South African entity may require a filing with the South
African Anti-trust authorities and be subject to their approval.
|
Rights of
Inspection
|
|
|
Golden Cycle
|
|
AngloGold Ashanti
|
|
Under the CBCA, any record or beneficial shareholder of the
corporation may, upon five days written demand, inspect
certain records, including shareholder actions, minutes of
shareholder meetings, communications with shareholders and
recent financial statements during regular business hours at the
corporations principal office. In addition, upon five
days written demand, any such shareholder may inspect the
list of shareholders and certain other corporate records,
including minutes of the meetings of the corporations
board of directors, if the shareholder either (i) has been a
shareholder for at least three months or (ii) is a shareholder
of at least five percent of all outstanding shares of any class
of shares when the demand is made, provided that the demand is
made in good faith for a proper purpose reasonably related to
such persons interests as a shareholder.
|
|
Under the South African Companies Act, every shareholder of a
company, on the payment of the prescribed fee, may obtain a copy
of the companys memorandum and articles of association,
including any alteration to them. A copy of the certificate of
incorporation and the memorandum and articles of association,
certified by a notary public, must be kept at the registered
office of the company and shareholders are entitled to make
copies of them. In addition, these documents are public
documents and upon payment of the prescribed fee can be obtained
by any member of the public from the office of the Registrar of
Companies.
Under
the South African Companies Act, the register of shareholders of
AngloGold Ashanti must be open for inspection during business
hours by any shareholder or his or her authorized agent free of
charge and by any other member of the public upon payment of a
prescribed fee. Any person may apply to AngloGold Ashanti for a
copy of the extract from the register of shareholders which the
company must furnish upon
|
103
|
|
|
Golden Cycle
|
|
AngloGold Ashanti
|
|
|
|
payment of the prescribed fee. This also applies in respect of
any register of share transfers kept by the company as well as
the register of directors, officers, company secretaries and
auditors of the company. The above registers must be kept at the
registered office of AngloGold Ashanti or at any office in South
Africa where the work of making up the registers is done, and if
the registers are moved, the Registrar of Companies must be
informed.
|
Shareholder
Suits
|
|
|
Golden Cycle
|
|
AngloGold Ashanti
|
|
Under Colorado law, a shareholder may bring a derivative action
on behalf of the corporation to enforce the rights of the
corporation. A person may institute and maintain such a suit
only if such person was a shareholder at the time of the
transaction which is the subject of the suit. Colorado law also
requires that the derivative plaintiff make a demand on the
directors of the corporation to assert the corporate claim
before the suit may be prosecuted by the derivative plaintiff,
unless such demand would be futile. Also, an individual
shareholder or a group of shareholders may commence a suit
against the corporation on behalf of such shareholder or group
of shareholders. However, in such instances, the alleged injury
must be unique to the individual or group of
shareholders and not suffered generally be other shareholders.
Under
the CBCA, if a court finds that a derivative action was brought
without reasonable cause, the court may require the plaintiff to
pay the defendants reasonable expenses attributable to the
defense of such action, exclusive of attorneys fees. In
addition, under the CBCA, a corporation may, at any time before
final judgment, require the plaintiff to give a security for the
costs and reasonable expenses which may be incurred by it or
other parties named as defendants in the defense of such action,
but not including attorneys fees, if the shareholder
instituting the action holds less than five percent of the
outstanding shares of any class of a corporations capital
stock, unless the shares so held have a market value in excess
of $25,000. If the court then finds that the action was
instituted without cause, the corporation may have recourse to
such security in the amount determined by the court.
|
|
Under the common law of South Africa, a company is the proper
plaintiff to bring an action in respect of a wrong done to it.
However, shareholders of a company have a choice between the
common law action or a statutory derivative action to sue on
behalf of the company, assert the companys rights and to
seek relief for the company. A common law derivative action may
also be commenced by a shareholder of the company. It is
generally accepted that such action may be instituted if a
ratifiable wrong has been done to the company and the company
cannot or will not institute action against the wrongdoers
because such wrongdoers control the company.
Under
the South African Companies Act, a statutory derivative action
may be instituted by a shareholder of a company if that company
has suffered damages or loss or has been deprived of any benefit
as a result of a wrong, a breach of trust or a breach of faith
that has been committed by any director or officer of the
company or any past director or officer of the company while he
or she was a director or officer of that company, where that
company has refused to redress the wrong. However, this action
is limited to the extent that it can only be instituted in
respect of damages or loss suffered by the company and not the
shareholders. Furthermore, the action is only available if the
company has not itself instituted an action. Such proceedings
can be instituted even if the company has ratified or condoned
the cause of action or any conduct or omission relating thereto.
|
Conflict
of Interest Transactions
|
|
|
Golden Cycle
|
|
AngloGold Ashanti
|
|
Colorado law and the CBCA generally permit transactions
involving a Colorado corporation and an interested director of
that corporation if (a) the material facts as to his or her
relationship or interest are disclosed and a majority of
disinterested directors
|
|
A director who is in any way, whether directly or indirectly,
interested in a contract or arrangement or proposed contract or
arrangement with AngloGold Ashanti or any of AngloGold
Ashantis subsidiaries must declare the nature of his or
her interest to
|
104
|
|
|
Golden Cycle
|
|
AngloGold Ashanti
|
|
consents, (b) the material facts are disclosed as to his or her
relationship or interest and a majority of shares entitled to
vote thereon consents or (c) the transaction is fair to the
corporation at the time it is authorized by the board of
directors, a committee or the shareholders.
Golden
Cycles by-laws state that no director shall vote on a
question in which he or she is interested other than as a
shareholder, except the election of a president or other officer
or employee, or be present at the meeting of the board while the
same is being considered; but if his or her retirement from the
board in such case reduces the number present below a quorum,
the question may nevertheless be decided by those who remain.
|
|
AngloGold Ashanti in accordance with the South African
Companies Act. A director may not vote nor be counted in the
quorum and if he or she shall do so his or her vote shall not be
counted on any resolution for his or her own appointment to any
other office or position under AngloGold Ashanti or in respect
of any contract or arrangement in which he or she is interested,
but this prohibition shall not apply to:
(i) any arrangement for giving to any director
any security or indemnity in respect of money lent by him or her
to, or obligations undertaken by him or her for the benefit of,
AngloGold Ashanti,
(ii) any arrangement for the giving by
AngloGold Ashanti of any security to a third party in respect of
a debt or obligation of AngloGold Ashanti which the director has
himself guaranteed or secured,
|
|
|
(iii) any contract by a director to subscribe
for or underwrite securities, or
|
|
|
(iv) any contract or arrangement with a company
in which he or she is interested by reason only of being a
director, officer, creditor or member of such company (and note
that these prohibitions may at any time be suspended or relaxed
to any extent either generally, or in respect of any particular
contract or arrangement, by AngloGold Ashanti in general
meeting).
|
|
|
Where
proposals are under consideration concerning the appointment
(including fixing or varying the terms of appointment) of two or
more directors to offices or employments with AngloGold Ashanti
or any company in which AngloGold Ashanti is interested, such
proposals may be divided and considered in relation to each
director separately and in such cases each of the directors
concerned shall be entitled to vote (and be counted in the
quorum) in respect of each resolution except that concerning his
or her own appointment.
|
|
|
If
any question arises at any meeting as to the entitlement of any
directors to vote and such question is not resolved by his or
her voluntarily agreeing to abstain from voting, such question
must be referred to the chairman of the meeting and his or her
ruling in relation to any other director must be final and
conclusive except in a case where the nature or extent of the
interests of the director concerned have not been fairly
disclosed.
|
|
|
The
directors may exercise the voting powers conferred by the shares
in any other company held or owned by AngloGold Ashanti in such
manner and in all respects as they think fit, including the
exercise thereof in favor of any resolution appointing
themselves or any of them to be directors or officers of such
other company or voting or providing for the
|
105
|
|
|
Golden Cycle
|
|
AngloGold Ashanti
|
|
|
|
payment of remuneration to the directors or officers of such
other company.
|
Financial
Information Available to Shareholders
AngloGold Ashanti and Golden Cycle are each required to file
Annual Reports with the SEC containing certain financial
information. Golden Cycle files Annual Reports on
Form 10-K,
which contain audited financial statements prepared in
accordance with U.S. GAAP, and Quarterly Reports on
Form 10-Q,
which contain unaudited quarterly financial statements prepared
in accordance with U.S. GAAP, proxy statements on Schedule
14A and Current Reports on Form 8-K. AngloGold Ashanti files
Annual Reports on
Form 20-F,
which contain audited annual financial statements prepared in
accordance with U.S. GAAP. AngloGold Ashanti, as a foreign
private issuer, is not required, however, to file Quarterly
Reports, but chooses to furnish quarterly financial information
prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP under cover of a
Report on
Form 6-K.
106
MARKET
PRICE AND DIVIDEND DATA
Market
Prices
AngloGold
Ashanti
AngloGold Ashanti ADSs, each representing one AngloGold Ashanti
ordinary share, par value 25 South African cents per share, are
listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol
AU. AngloGold Ashanti ordinary shares are listed on
the JSE under the symbol ANG, the London Stock
Exchange under the symbol AGD, Euronext Paris under
the symbol VA, the Australian Stock Exchange in the
form of CHESS depositary interests, each representing one-fifth
of an ordinary share, under the symbol AGG, the
Ghana Stock Exchange where its shares are quoted under the
symbol AGA and in the form of GhDSs under the symbol
AADS, each representing one-hundredth of an ordinary
share, and Euronext Brussels where its shares are quoted in the
form of unsponsored international depositary receipts under the
symbol ANG.
The following tables set forth, for the periods indicated, the
high and low sales prices per share of AngloGold Ashanti
ordinary shares and ADSs as reported on the JSE and the New York
Stock Exchange, respectively.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
New York
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock Exchange
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
American
|
|
|
|
JSE
|
|
|
Depositary
|
|
|
|
Ordinary Shares
|
|
|
Shares
|
|
|
|
High
|
|
|
Low
|
|
|
High
|
|
|
Low
|
|
|
|
(South African cents
|
|
|
(U.S. $ per ADS)
|
|
|
|
per share)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended December 31
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2003
|
|
|
33,900
|
|
|
|
19,100
|
|
|
|
49.95
|
|
|
|
27.10
|
|
2004
|
|
|
31,900
|
|
|
|
18,620
|
|
|
|
48.25
|
|
|
|
29.91
|
|
2005
|
|
|
31,990
|
|
|
|
18,700
|
|
|
|
49.88
|
|
|
|
30.50
|
|
2006
|
|
|
38,700
|
|
|
|
24,700
|
|
|
|
62.20
|
|
|
|
35.58
|
|
2007
|
|
|
35,899
|
|
|
|
25,400
|
|
|
|
49.42
|
|
|
|
33.80
|
|
Year ended December 31, 2006
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First Quarter
|
|
|
38,700
|
|
|
|
29,005
|
|
|
|
62.20
|
|
|
|
46.51
|
|
Second Quarter
|
|
|
35,621
|
|
|
|
24,700
|
|
|
|
58.36
|
|
|
|
37.17
|
|
Third Quarter
|
|
|
36,050
|
|
|
|
27,500
|
|
|
|
51.07
|
|
|
|
37.10
|
|
Fourth Quarter
|
|
|
35,000
|
|
|
|
28,250
|
|
|
|
48.91
|
|
|
|
35.58
|
|
Year ended December 31, 2007
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First Quarter
|
|
|
35,889
|
|
|
|
30,300
|
|
|
|
49.34
|
|
|
|
41.10
|
|
Second Quarter
|
|
|
35,322
|
|
|
|
26,100
|
|
|
|
49.42
|
|
|
|
37.10
|
|
Third Quarter
|
|
|
33,600
|
|
|
|
25,400
|
|
|
|
47.92
|
|
|
|
33.80
|
|
Fourth Quarter
|
|
|
33,600
|
|
|
|
29,100
|
|
|
|
48.64
|
|
|
|
40.00
|
|
Year ended December 31, 2008
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First Quarter
|
|
|
34,900
|
|
|
|
24,801
|
|
|
|
51.35
|
|
|
|
30.50
|
|
Monthly Information
|
December 2007
|
|
|
33,600
|
|
|
|
27,281
|
|
|
|
48.64
|
|
|
|
40.00
|
|
January 2008
|
|
|
34,900
|
|
|
|
28,100
|
|
|
|
51.35
|
|
|
|
40.44
|
|
February 2008
|
|
|
31,500
|
|
|
|
25,501
|
|
|
|
42.29
|
|
|
|
33.44
|
|
March 2008
|
|
|
30,350
|
|
|
|
24,801
|
|
|
|
37.75
|
|
|
|
30.50
|
|
April 2008
|
|
|
29,982
|
|
|
|
25,052
|
|
|
|
37.96
|
|
|
|
32.90
|
|
May 2008 (through May 23, 2008)
|
|
|
30,999
|
|
|
|
24,700
|
|
|
|
40.91
|
|
|
|
32.94
|
|
The trading volume of AngloGold Ashanti securities on the London
Stock Exchange, Euronext Paris, the Australian Stock Exchange,
the Ghana Stock Exchange and Euronext Brussels is immaterial.
107
As at May 23, 2008, the latest practicable date prior to
the date hereof, the quoted price of AngloGold Ashanti ordinary
shares on the JSE was R303.95 and the quoted price of AngloGold
Ashanti ADSs on the New York Stock Exchange was $39.29.
Golden
Cycle
As of March 6, 2006, Golden Cycles listing was moved
to the NYSE Arca, on which it trades under the symbol
GCGC. For the relevant periods prior to
March 6, 2006, Golden Cycle common stock was listed on the
Pacific Exchange. The table below sets forth the highest and
lowest quoted prices of Golden Cycle common stock on the NYSE
Arca or the Pacific Exchange, as applicable. All stock prices
for periods in 2004 prior to the five-for-one stock split in
July 2004 have been adjusted to reflect the split.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Golden Cycle Common Stock
|
|
|
|
High
|
|
|
Low
|
|
|
|
(U.S. $ per share)
|
|
|
Year ended December 31
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2003
|
|
|
3.60
|
|
|
|
2.10
|
|
2004
|
|
|
5.00
|
|
|
|
0.51
|
|
2005
|
|
|
4.10
|
|
|
|
1.90
|
|
2006
|
|
|
11.00
|
|
|
|
2.00
|
|
2007
|
|
|
13.00
|
|
|
|
4.00
|
|
Year ended December 31, 2006
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First Quarter
|
|
|
4.20
|
|
|
|
3.03
|
|
Second Quarter
|
|
|
11.00
|
|
|
|
2.00
|
|
Third Quarter
|
|
|
8.50
|
|
|
|
5.25
|
|
Fourth Quarter
|
|
|
7.90
|
|
|
|
4.20
|
|
Year ended December 31, 2007
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First Quarter
|
|
|
9.74
|
|
|
|
5.00
|
|
Second Quarter
|
|
|
7.35
|
|
|
|
5.48
|
|
Third Quarter
|
|
|
8.50
|
|
|
|
4.00
|
|
Fourth Quarter
|
|
|
13.00
|
|
|
|
7.10
|
|
Year ended December 31, 2008
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First Quarter
|
|
|
14.97
|
|
|
|
8.68
|
|
Monthly Information
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December
|
|
|
13.00
|
|
|
|
8.50
|
|
January
|
|
|
14.97
|
|
|
|
9.78
|
|
February
|
|
|
13.00
|
|
|
|
9.40
|
|
March
|
|
|
10.90
|
|
|
|
8.68
|
|
April
|
|
|
10.89
|
|
|
|
9.56
|
|
May (through May 23, 2008)
|
|
|
11.68
|
|
|
|
9.50
|
|
As at May 23, 2008, the latest practicable date prior to
the date hereof, the quoted price per share of Golden Cycle
common stock on the NYSE Arca was $11.07.
108
Dividends
AngloGold
Ashanti
The table below sets forth, for the periods indicated, the
amounts of interim, final and total dividends paid per AngloGold
Ashanti ordinary share.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interim
|
|
|
Final
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
Interim
|
|
|
Final
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
|
(South African cents per
|
|
|
(U.S. cents per ordinary
|
|
|
|
ordinary share)
|
|
|
share)(1)
|
|
|
Year ended December 31
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2003
|
|
|
375
|
|
|
|
335
|
|
|
|
710
|
|
|
|
50.73
|
|
|
|
49.82
|
|
|
|
100.55
|
|
2004
|
|
|
170
|
|
|
|
180
|
|
|
|
350
|
|
|
|
25.62
|
|
|
|
30.37
|
|
|
|
55.99
|
|
2005
|
|
|
170
|
|
|
|
62
|
|
|
|
232
|
|
|
|
26.09
|
|
|
|
9.86
|
|
|
|
35.95
|
|
2006
|
|
|
210
|
|
|
|
240
|
|
|
|
450
|
|
|
|
29.40
|
|
|
|
32.38
|
|
|
|
61.78
|
|
2007
|
|
|
90
|
|
|
|
53
|
|
|
|
143
|
|
|
|
12.44
|
|
|
|
6.60
|
|
|
|
19.04
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Dividends for these periods were declared in South African
cents. U.S. dollar cents per share figures have been calculated
based on exchange rates prevailing on each of the respective
payment dates. |
Future dividends will be dependent on AngloGold Ashantis
cash flow, earnings, planned capital expenditures, financial
condition and other factors. AngloGold Ashanti does not
currently intend to substantially change its practice of paying
out dividends from funds available after providing for capital
expenditure and long-term growth. Under South African law,
AngloGold Ashanti may declare and pay dividends from any capital
and reserves included in total stockholders equity
calculated in accordance with IFRS, subject to its solvency and
liquidity. As at December 31, 2007, AngloGold
Ashantis total stockholders equity on an
unconsolidated basis as calculated under IFRS amounted to
R18,377 million ($2,699 million). Dividends are
payable to shareholders registered at a record date that is
after the date of declaration. Given that AngloGold Ashanti is
in its highest ever capital expenditure phase, it will continue
to manage capital expenditure in line with profitability and
cash flow and its approach to the dividend on the basis of
prudent financial management.
Under the terms of AngloGold Ashantis memorandum and
articles of association, dividends may be declared in any
currency at the discretion of its board of directors or its
shareholders at a general meeting. Currently, dividends are
declared in South African rand and paid in Australian dollars,
South African rand, British pounds and Ghanaian cedis. Dividends
paid to registered holders of AngloGold Ashanti ADSs are paid in
U.S. dollars converted from South African rand by The Bank
of New York Mellon, as depositary, in accordance with the
deposit agreement.
Golden
Cycle
Golden Cycle has never paid a dividend.
109
WHERE YOU
CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
AngloGold Ashanti files Annual Reports on
Form 20-F
with, and furnishes other information under cover of a Report on
Form 6-K
to, the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Exchange
Act. As a foreign private issuer, AngloGold Ashanti is exempt
from the rules under the Exchange Act prescribing the furnishing
and content of proxy statements and will not be required to file
proxy statements with the SEC, and AngloGold Ashantis
officers, directors and principal shareholders are exempt from
the reporting and short-swing profit recovery
provisions contained in Section 16 of the Exchange Act.
Golden Cycle files annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy
statements and other information with the SEC under the Exchange
Act. You may read and copy this information at the SECs
public reference room, located at 100 F Street, N.E.,
Washington, D.C. 20549.
You may obtain information on the operation of the Public
Reference Room by calling the SEC at
1-800-SEC-0330.
You may also obtain copies of this information by mail from the
Public Reference Section of the SEC at the above address, at
prescribed rates.
The SEC also maintains an internet website that contains reports
and other information about issuers, like AngloGold Ashanti and
Golden Cycle, who file electronically with the SEC. The address
of that site is
http://www.sec.gov.
AngloGold Ashanti has filed a registration statement on
Form F-4
to register with the SEC the issuance of the AngloGold Ashanti
ordinary shares pursuant to the merger. This proxy
statement/prospectus is a part of that registration statement.
This proxy statement/prospectus does not contain all the
information you can find in the registration statement or the
exhibits to the registration statement. You may obtain copies of
the registration statement, including the exhibits to the
registration statement, on
Form F-4
(and any amendments to those documents) in the manner described
above.
The SEC allows AngloGold Ashanti and Golden Cycle to
incorporate by reference information into this proxy
statement/prospectus, which means that AngloGold Ashanti and
Golden Cycle can disclose important information to you by
referring you to another document filed separately with the SEC.
The information incorporated by reference is deemed to be part
of this proxy statement/prospectus, except for any information
superseded by information contained directly in this proxy
statement/prospectus or subsequent filings deemed incorporated
by reference herein.
This proxy statement/prospectus incorporates by reference the
documents set forth below that AngloGold Ashanti and Golden
Cycle have previously filed with the SEC. These documents
contain important information about AngloGold Ashanti and Golden
Cycle and their financial condition.
|
|
|
ANGLOGOLD ASHANTI SEC FILINGS (File No. 001-14846)
|
|
Period
|
|
Annual Report on Form 20-F
|
|
Year ended December 31, 2007, filed with the SEC on
May 19, 2008
|
Reports on Form 6-K
|
|
Furnished to the SEC on:
|
|
|
May 22, 2008 (filing regarding first quarter earnings prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP)
|
|
|
|
GOLDEN CYCLE SEC FILINGS (File No. 001-09385)
|
|
Period
|
|
Annual Report on Form 10-K
|
|
Year ended December 31, 2007, filed with the SEC on
March 21, 2008
|
Quarterly Reports on
Form 10-Q
|
|
Quarter ended:
|
|
|
March 31, 2008, filed with the SEC on May 14, 2008
|
AngloGold Ashanti and Golden Cycle also incorporate by reference
into this proxy statement/prospectus additional documents that
they may file with or furnish to the SEC from the date of this
proxy statement/prospectus to the date of the special meeting of
Golden Cycle shareholders. These include reports such as Annual
Reports on
Form 10-K
or
Form 20-F,
Quarterly Reports on
Form 10-Q,
Current Reports on
Form 8-K
filed with (as opposed to furnished to) the SEC, any Reports on
Form 6-K
designated as being incorporated by reference into this proxy
statement/prospectus, as well as proxy statements filed by
Golden Cycle.
110
You should rely only on the information contained in, or
incorporated by reference into, this proxy statement/prospectus
in deciding how to vote on the merger. No one has been
authorized to provide you with information that is different
from what is contained in, or incorporated by reference into,
this proxy statement/prospectus. This proxy statement/prospectus
is accurate as of its date. You should not assume that the
information contained in, or incorporated by reference into,
this proxy statement/prospectus is accurate as of any date other
than that date. Neither the mailing of this proxy
statement/prospectus to Golden Cycle shareholders nor the
issuance of AngloGold Ashanti ordinary shares or ADSs in
connection with the merger will create any implication to the
contrary.
111
ENFORCEABILITY
OF CIVIL LIABILITIES UNDER U.S. SECURITIES LAWS
AngloGold Ashanti is a public company incorporated under the
laws of South Africa. All except one of AngloGold Ashantis
directors, all except one of AngloGold Ashantis officers
and certain of the experts named herein reside outside the
United States, principally in South Africa. You may not be able,
therefore, to effect service of process within the United States
upon those persons with respect to matters arising under the
federal securities laws of the United States.
In addition, substantially all of AngloGold Ashantis
assets and the assets of AngloGold Ashantis directors and
officers are located outside the United States. As a result, you
may not be able to enforce against AngloGold Ashanti or its
directors and officers judgments obtained in U.S. courts
predicated on the civil liability provisions of the federal
securities laws of the United States.
AngloGold Ashanti has been advised by Taback &
Associates (Pty) Limited, AngloGold Ashantis South African
counsel, that there is doubt as to the enforceability in South
Africa, in original actions or in actions for enforcement of
judgments of U.S. courts, of liabilities predicated on the
U.S. federal securities laws.
112
LEGAL
MATTERS
The validity of the AngloGold Ashanti ordinary shares offered in
the merger through this proxy statement/prospectus will be
passed upon for AngloGold Ashanti by Taback &
Associates (Pty) Limited.
The material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the
merger will be passed upon for AngloGold Ashanti by Davis
Graham & Stubbs LLP, Denver, Colorado. The material
U.S. federal income tax consequences of the merger for
Golden Cycle, and of the ownership of AngloGold Ashanti ADSs
received by Golden Cycle shareholders in the merger, will be
passed upon by Dorsey & Whitney LLP, Denver, Colorado.
113
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements of AngloGold Ashanti
included in AngloGold Ashantis Annual Report on
Form 20-F
as of December 31, 2007, and for each of the years in the
period then ended and incorporated by reference in this
registration statement, have been audited by Ernst &
Young, independent registered public accounting firm, as set
forth in their report thereon included in the Annual Report on
Form 20-F
and incorporated by reference in this registration statement.
These consolidated financial statements are incorporated herein
by reference in reliance upon such report given on the authority
of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
The financial statements of Société des Mines de
Morila S.A. included in AngloGold Ashantis 2007 Annual
Report on
Form 20-F
and incorporated in this registration statement by reference
have been so incorporated, in respect of the year ended
December 31, 2006, in reliance on the report by
Ernst & Young, independent registered public
accounting firm, given on the authority of said firm as experts
in auditing and accounting and, in respect of the year ended
December 31, 2005, in reliance on the report by
PricewaterhouseCoopers, independent registered public accounting
firm, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing
and accounting.
The financial statements of Société
dExploitation des Mines dOr de Sadiola S.A. and the
financial statements of Société dExploitation
des Mines dOr de Yatela S.A., included in AngloGold
Ashantis 2007 Annual Report on
Form 20-F
and incorporated in this registration statement by reference
have been so incorporated in reliance on the reports by KPMG
Inc., independent registered public accounting firm, given on
the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.
The consolidated financial statements of Golden Cycle included
in Golden Cycles Annual Report on
Form 10-K
as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, and for each of the years
in the period then ended and included in this registration
statement, have been audited by Ehrhardt Keefe
Steiner & Hottman P.C., independent registered public
accounting firm, as stated in their report which is included in
this registration statement and have been so included in
reliance upon the report of such firm given upon their authority
as experts in auditing and accounting.
114
PART II
|
|
Item 20.
|
Indemnification
of Directors and Officers.
|
Section 247 of the South African Companies Act provides
that a company may indemnify a director, officer or auditor in
respect of any liability incurred by that person in defending
any proceedings against them (in their capacity as director,
officer or auditor of the company), whether civil or criminal,
in which judgment is given in their favor or in which they are
acquitted, or in the circumstance where the proceedings are
abandoned.
Section 248 of the South African Companies Act allows the
court to grant relief to any director, officer or auditor of a
company if it appears to the court that the person concerned is
or may be liable for negligence, default, breach of duty or
breach of trust, but has acted honestly and reasonably, and
that, in light of all the circumstances, including those
connected with such persons appointment, that person ought
fairly to be excused for the negligence, default, breach of duty
or breach of trust. In this situation, the court may relieve the
person, either wholly or partly, from his or her liability on
such terms as the court may deem fit.
AngloGold Ashantis memorandum and articles of association
provide that, subject to the provisions of the South African
Companies Act, AngloGold Ashanti will indemnify its directors,
managers, secretaries, and other officers or servants against
all costs, losses and expenses they may incur or become liable
to pay by reason of any contract entered into, or any act or
deed done by them in the discharge of their duties as such.
AngloGold Ashanti has purchased directors and
officers liability insurance.
|
|
Item 21.
|
Exhibits
and Financial Statement Schedules.
|
(a) The following exhibits are filed herewith unless
otherwise indicated:
|
|
|
|
|
Exhibit No.
|
|
Description
|
|
|
2
|
.1*
|
|
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of January 11, 2008,
by and among AngloGold Ashanti Limited, AngloGold Ashanti USA
Incorporated, GCGC LLC and Golden Cycle Gold Corporation
(included as Annex A to the proxy statement/prospectus)
|
|
2
|
.2
|
|
First Amendment to Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of May
27, 2008, by and among AngloGold Ashanti Limited, AngloGold
Ashanti USA Incorporated, GCGC LLC and Golden Cycle Gold
Corporation (included as Annex A to the proxy
statement/prospectus)
|
|
3
|
.1
|
|
Memorandum and Articles of Association of AngloGold Ashanti
Limited (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 19.1 to AngloGold
Ashantis Form 20-F filed with the SEC on May 19, 2008)
|
|
4
|
.1
|
|
Deposit Agreement, dated May 27, 2008, with The Bank of New
York (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1 to AngloGold
Ashantis registration statement on Form F-6/A
(Registration No. 333-133049 filed with the SEC on May 27, 2008))
|
|
5
|
.1
|
|
Opinion of Taback & Associates (Pty) Limited, South
African counsel to AngloGold Ashanti Limited, regarding the
validity of the securities being registered
|
|
8
|
.1
|
|
Opinion of Davis Graham & Stubbs LLP regarding
material United States federal income tax consequences relating
to the merger
|
|
8
|
.2
|
|
Opinion of Dorsey & Whitney LLP regarding material
United States federal income tax consequences relating to the
merger
|
|
10
|
.1*
|
|
Shareholder Support Agreement, dated January 11, 2008,
between David W. Tice & Associates, LLC and AngloGold
Ashanti Limited
|
|
10
|
.2*
|
|
Shareholder Support Agreement, dated January 11, 2008,
between Donald L. Gustafson and AngloGold Ashanti Limited
|
|
10
|
.3*
|
|
Shareholder Support Agreement, dated January 11, 2008,
between Dr. Taki N. Anagnoston and AngloGold Ashanti
Limited
|
II-1
|
|
|
|
|
Exhibit No.
|
|
Description
|
|
|
10
|
.4*
|
|
Shareholder Support Agreement, dated January 11, 2008,
between Robert T. Thul and AngloGold Ashanti Limited
|
|
10
|
.5*
|
|
Shareholder Support Agreement, dated January 11, 2008,
between Estate of Rex H. Hampton and AngloGold Ashanti Limited
|
|
10
|
.6*
|
|
Shareholder Support Agreement, dated January 11, 2008,
between Rex H. Hampton Jr. and AngloGold Ashanti Limited
|
|
10
|
.7*
|
|
Shareholder Support Agreement, dated January 11, 2008,
between James C. Ruder and AngloGold Ashanti Limited
|
|
10
|
.8*
|
|
Shareholder Support Agreement, dated January 11, 2008,
between Midas Fund, Inc. and AngloGold Ashanti Limited
|
|
10
|
.9*
|
|
Shareholder Support Agreement, dated January 11, 2008,
between OCM Gold Fund and AngloGold Ashanti Limited
|
|
10
|
.10
|
|
Registration Rights Agreement, dated March 3, 2006, between
AngloGold Ashanti Limited and Anglo South African Capital
(Proprietary) Limited (incorporated by reference to AngloGold
Ashantis Form 6-K filed with the SEC on March 23, 2006)
|
|
21
|
.1
|
|
List of subsidiaries of AngloGold Ashanti Limited (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 19.8 to AngloGold Ashantis Form
20-F filed with the SEC on May 19, 2008)
|
|
23
|
.1
|
|
Consent of Ernst & Young, independent registered
public accounting firm to AngloGold Ashanti Limited
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 19.15.1a to AngloGold
Ashantis
Form 20-F
filed with the SEC on May 19, 2008)
|
|
23
|
.2
|
|
Consent of KPMG Inc., independent registered public accounting
firm to Société dExploitation des Mines
dOr de Sadiola S.A. (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 19.15.2b to AngloGold Ashantis
Form 20-F
filed with the SEC on May 19, 2008)
|
|
23
|
.3
|
|
Consent of KPMG Inc., independent registered public accounting
firm to Société dExploitation des Mines
dOr de Yatela S.A. (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 19.15.2a to AngloGold Ashantis
Form 20-F
filed with the SEC on May 19, 2008)
|
|
23
|
.4
|
|
Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers, independent registered public
accounting firm to Société des Mines de Morila S.A.
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 19.15.3 to AngloGold
Ashantis
Form 20-F
filed with the SEC on May 19, 2008)
|
|
23
|
.5
|
|
Consent of Ernst & Young, independent registered public
accounting firm to Société des Mines de Morila S.A.
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 19.15.1b to AngloGold
Ashantis
Form 20-F
filed with the SEC on May 19, 2008)
|
|
23
|
.6
|
|
Consent of Ehrhardt Keefe Steiner & Hottman P.C.,
independent registered public accounting firm to Golden Cycle
Gold Corporation
|
|
23
|
.7
|
|
Consent of PI Financial (US) Corp., dated May 28, 2008
|
|
23
|
.8
|
|
Consent of Taback & Associates (Pty) Limited, South
African counsel to AngloGold Ashanti Limited (included in the
opinion filed as Exhibit 5.1 to this registration statement)
|
|
23
|
.9
|
|
Consent of Davis Graham & Stubbs LLP (included in the
opinion filed as Exhibit 8.1 to this registration statement)
|
|
23
|
.10
|
|
Consent of Dorsey & Whitney LLP (included in the
opinion filed as Exhibit 8.2 to this registration statement)
|
|
99
|
.1
|
|
Form of Golden Cycle Gold Corporation Proxy
|
|
|
|
* |
|
Previously filed as an exhibit to the registrants
registration statement on Form F-4 (File No.
333-149068) filed with the Commission on February 5, 2008. |
(b) Financial Statement Schedules
II-2
Not Applicable
(a) In accordance with Item 512 of
Regulation S-K,
the undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:
i. to file, during any period in which offers or sales are
being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration
statement:
(1) to include any prospectus required by
Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;
(2) to reflect in the prospectus any facts or events
arising after the effective date of the registration statement
(or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which,
individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change
in the information set forth in the registration statement.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in
volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of
securities offered would not exceed that which was registered)
and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated
maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of
prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to
Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and
price represent no more than a 20 percent change in the
maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the
Calculation of Registration Fee table in the
effective registration statement;
(3) to include any material information with respect to the
plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the
registration statement or any material change to such
information in the registration statement;
ii. that, for the purpose of determining any liability
under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective
amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement
relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of
such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial
bona fide offering thereof;
iii. to remove from registration by means of a
post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered
which remain unsold at the termination of the offering; and
iv. to file a post-effective amendment to the registration
statement to include any financial statements required by
Item 8.A of
Form 20-F
at the start of any delayed offering or throughout a continuous
offering.
(b) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for
the purposes of determining any liability under the Securities
Act of 1933, each filing of the registrants annual report
pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an
employee benefit plans annual report pursuant to
Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934) that is incorporated by reference in the registration
statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement
relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of
such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial
bona fide offering thereof.
(c) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to deliver
or cause to be delivered with the prospectus, to each person to
whom the prospectus is sent or given, the latest annual report,
to security holders that is incorporated by reference in the
prospectus and furnished pursuant to and meeting the
requirements of
Rule 14a-3
or
Rule 14c-3
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and, where interim
financial information required to be presented by Article 3
of
Regulation S-X
is not set forth in the prospectus, to deliver, or cause to be
delivered to each person to whom the prospectus is sent or
given, the latest quarterly period that is specifically
incorporated by reference in the prospectus to provide such
interim financial information.
(d)
(1) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes as
follows: that prior to any public reoffering of the securities
registered hereunder through use of a prospectus which is a part
of this registration statement, by any person or party who is
deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of
Rule 145(c), the issuer undertakes that such reoffering
prospectus will contain the information called for by the
applicable registration form with respect to reofferings by
persons who may be deemed underwriters, in addition to the
information called for by the other items of the applicable form.
II-3
(2) The registrant undertakes that every prospectus:
(i) that is filed pursuant to paragraph
(1) immediately preceding or (ii) that purports to
meet the requirements of Section 10(a)(3) of the Act and is
used in connection with an offering of securities subject to
Rule 415, will be filed as a part of an amendment to the
registration statement and will not be used until such amendment
is effective, and that, for purposes of determining any
liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such
post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new
registration statement relating to the securities offered
therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall
be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(e) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:
(i) to respond to requests for information that is
incorporated by reference into the prospectus pursuant to
Items 4, 10(b), 11 or 13 of this Form, within one business
day of receipt of such request, and to send the incorporated
documents by first class mail or other equally prompt means, and
(ii) to arrange or provide for a facility in the United
States for the purpose of responding to such requests. The
undertaking in subparagraph (i) above includes information
contained in documents filed subsequent to the effective date of
the registration statement through the date of responding to the
request.
(f) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to supply
by means of a post-effective amendment all information
concerning a transaction, and the company being acquired
involved therein, that was not the subject of and included in
the registration statement when it became effective.
(g) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising
under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to
directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant
pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the
registrant has been informed that in the opinion of the
Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is
against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore,
unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification
against such liabilities (other than the payment by the
registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer
or controlling person of the registrant in the successful
defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
director, officer or controlling person in connection with the
securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the
opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by
controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is
against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be
governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
II-4
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the
registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be
signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized, in Denver, Colorado, on May 27, 2008.
ANGLOGOLD ASHANTI LIMITED
|
|
|
|
By:
|
/s/ Donald
C. Ewigleben
|
Name: Donald C. Ewigleben
|
|
|
|
Title:
|
President and Chief Executive Officer AngloGold
Ashanti North America Inc.
|
POWER OF
ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose
signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints
Srinivasan Venkatakrishnan, Donald C. Ewigleben, Peter V.
OConnor, and each of them acting individually, as true and
lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, each with full power of
substitution and resubstitution, to sign on his or her behalf,
individually and in any and all capacities, including the
capacities stated below, any and all amendments (including
post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement and
any registration statements filed by the registrant pursuant to
Rule 462(b) of the Securities Act of 1933 relating thereto
and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other
documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, granting to said attorneys-in-fact and
agents, with full power of each to act alone, full power and
authority to do and perform each and every act and thing
requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as
fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do
in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, or his or her or their substitute
or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue
hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the
registration statement has been signed by the following persons
in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Russell
P. Edey
|
|
Non-Executive
Director and Chairman
|
|
Date
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thokoana
J. Motlatsi
|
|
Non-Executive
Director and Deputy
Chairman
|
|
Date
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Mark
Cutifani
Mark
Cutifani
|
|
Executive
Director and Chief Executive
Officer
|
|
May 27, 2008
Date
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Frank
B. Arisman
Frank
B. Arisman
|
|
Non-Executive
Director
|
|
May 27, 2008
Date
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Reginald
E. Bannerman
Reginald
E. Bannerman
|
|
Non-Executive
Director
|
|
May 27, 2008
Date
|
|
|
|
|
|
Elisabeth
Le R. Bradley
|
|
Non-Executive
Director
|
|
Date
|
II-5
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Joseph
H. Mensah
Joseph
H. Mensah
|
|
Non-Executive
Director
|
|
May 27, 2008
Date
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ William
A. Nairn
William
A. Nairn
|
|
Non-Executive
Director
|
|
May 27, 2008
Date
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Wiseman
L. Nkuhlu
Wiseman
L. Nkuhlu
|
|
Non-Executive
Director
|
|
May 27, 2008
Date
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Sipho
M. Pityana
Sipho
M. Pityana
|
|
Non-Executive
Director
|
|
May 27, 2008
Date
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Simon
R. Thompson
Simon
R. Thompson
|
|
Non-Executive
Director
|
|
May 27, 2008
Date
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Srinivasan
Venkatakrishnan
Srinivasan
Venkatakrishnan
(Venkat)
|
|
Executive
Director and Chief Financial
Officer
(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)
|
|
May 27, 2008
Date
|
Authorized Representative in the United States
|
|
|
By:
|
/s/ Donald
C. Ewigleben
|
|
Name: Donald C. Ewigleben
|
|
|
|
|
Title:
|
President and Chief Executive Officer AngloGold
Ashanti North America Inc.
|
|
II-6
EXHIBIT INDEX
|
|
|
|
|
Exhibit No.
|
|
Description
|
|
|
2
|
.1*
|
|
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of January 11, 2008,
by and among AngloGold Ashanti Limited, AngloGold Ashanti USA
Incorporated, GCGC LLC and Golden Cycle Gold Corporation
(included as Annex A to the proxy statement/prospectus)
|
|
2
|
.2
|
|
First Amendment to Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of
May 27, 2008, by and among AngloGold Ashanti Limited,
AngloGold Ashanti USA Incorporated, GCGC LLC and Golden Cycle
Gold Corporation (included as Annex A to the proxy
statement/prospectus)
|
|
3
|
.1
|
|
Memorandum and Articles of Association of AngloGold Ashanti
Limited (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 19.1 to AngloGold
Ashantis Form 20-F filed with the SEC on May 19, 2008)
|
|
4
|
.1
|
|
Deposit Agreement, dated May 27, 2008, with The Bank of New
York (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1 to AngloGold
Ashantis registration statement on Form F-6/A
(Registration No. 333-133049 filed with the SEC on May 27,
2008))
|
|
5
|
.1
|
|
Opinion of Taback & Associates (Pty) Limited, South
African counsel to AngloGold Ashanti Limited, regarding the
validity of the securities being registered
|
|
8
|
.1
|
|
Opinion of Davis Graham & Stubbs LLP regarding
material United States federal income tax consequences relating
to the merger
|
|
8
|
.2
|
|
Opinion of Dorsey & Whitney LLP regarding material
United States federal income tax consequences relating to the
merger
|
|
10
|
.1*
|
|
Shareholder Support Agreement, dated January 11, 2008,
between David W. Tice & Associates, LLC and AngloGold
Ashanti Limited
|
|
10
|
.2*
|
|
Shareholder Support Agreement, dated January 11, 2008,
between Donald L. Gustafson and AngloGold Ashanti Limited
|
|
10
|
.3*
|
|
Shareholder Support Agreement, dated January 11, 2008,
between Dr. Taki N. Anagnoston and AngloGold Ashanti Limited
|
|
10
|
.4*
|
|
Shareholder Support Agreement, dated January 11, 2008,
between Robert T. Thul and AngloGold Ashanti Limited
|
|
10
|
.5*
|
|
Shareholder Support Agreement, dated January 11, 2008,
between Estate of Rex H. Hampton and AngloGold Ashanti Limited
|
|
10
|
.6*
|
|
Shareholder Support Agreement, dated January 11, 2008,
between Rex H. Hampton Jr. and AngloGold Ashanti Limited
|
|
10
|
.7*
|
|
Shareholder Support Agreement, dated January 11, 2008,
between James C. Ruder and AngloGold Ashanti Limited
|
|
10
|
.8*
|
|
Shareholder Support Agreement, dated January 11, 2008,
between Midas Fund, Inc. and AngloGold Ashanti Limited
|
|
10
|
.9*
|
|
Shareholder Support Agreement, dated January 11, 2008,
between OCM Gold Fund and AngloGold Ashanti Limited
|
|
10
|
.10
|
|
Registration Rights Agreement, dated March 3, 2006, between
AngloGold Ashanti Limited and Anglo South African Capital
(Proprietary) Limited (incorporated by reference to AngloGold
Ashantis Form 6-K filed with the SEC on March 23, 2006)
|
|
21
|
.1
|
|
List of subsidiaries of AngloGold Ashanti Limited (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 19.8 to AngloGold Ashantis Form
20-F filed with the SEC on May 19, 2008)
|
|
23
|
.1
|
|
Consent of Ernst & Young, independent registered
public accounting firm to AngloGold Ashanti Limited
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 19.15.1a to AngloGold
Ashantis
Form 20-F
filed with the SEC on May 19, 2008)
|
II-7
|
|
|
|
|
Exhibit No.
|
|
Description
|
|
|
23
|
.2
|
|
Consent of KPMG Inc., independent registered public accounting
firm to Société dExploitation des Mines
dOr de Sadiola S.A. (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 19.15.2b to AngloGold Ashantis
Form 20-F
filed with the SEC on May 19, 2008)
|
|
23
|
.3
|
|
Consent of KPMG Inc., independent registered public accounting
firm to Société dExploitation des Mines
dOr de Yatela S.A. (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 19.15.2a to AngloGold Ashantis
Form 20-F
filed with the SEC on May 19, 2008)
|
|
23
|
.4
|
|
Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers, independent registered public
accounting firm to Société des Mines de Morila S.A.
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 19.15.3 to AngloGold
Ashantis
Form 20-F
filed with the SEC on May 19, 2008)
|
|
23
|
.5
|
|
Consent of Ernst & Young, independent registered public
accounting firm to Société des Mines de Morila S.A.
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 19.15.1b to AngloGold
Ashantis
Form 20-F
filed with the SEC on May 19, 2008)
|
|
23
|
.6
|
|
Consent of Ehrhardt Keefe Steiner & Hottman P.C.,
independent registered public accounting firm to Golden Cycle
Gold Corporation
|
|
23
|
.7
|
|
Consent of PI Financial (US) Corp, dated May 28, 2008
|
|
23
|
.8
|
|
Consent of Taback & Associates (Pty) Limited, South
African counsel to AngloGold Ashanti Limited (included in the
opinion filed as Exhibit 5.1 to this registration statement)
|
|
23
|
.9
|
|
Consent of Davis Graham & Stubbs LLP (included in the
opinion filed as Exhibit 8.1 to this registration statement)
|
|
23
|
.10
|
|
Consent of Dorsey & Whitney LLP (included in the
opinion filed as Exhibit 8.2 to this registration statement)
|
|
99
|
.1
|
|
Form of Golden Cycle Gold Corporation Proxy
|
|
|
|
* |
|
Previously filed as an exhibit to the registrants
registration statement on Form F-4 (File No.
333-149068) filed with the Commission on February 5, 2008. |
II-8