Barrick Announces Commencement of Offer to Acquire Equinox, C$8.15 Per Share (ABX)

Barrick Gold Corporation ABX announced today that a wholly-owned subsidiary of Barrick, Barrick Canada, has commenced the previously announced offer to acquire, on and subject to the terms and conditions of the Offer, all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Equinox Minerals Limited at a price of C$8.15 per Equinox Share. The Offer values the total equity of Equinox at approximately C$7.3 billion. The Offer is open for acceptance until 5:00 p.m. on June 1, 2011, unless the Offer is extended or withdrawn.