A spot of "googling" has revealed that PALA Investments has had a busy November: it's taken a major stake and board position in a company callled Nevada Copper: see details of announcement below.
A few positive indications from this IMO:
- Indicative of a general long-term, deeply involved investment approach (almost private equity like) - its not just a slogan, its actually what they do;
- The fact that they were willing to increase their stake in WDS while this deal was on the go (or after it was consumated) is indicative that they are serious about their involvement with, and have some focus on, WDS.
Note that Nevada Copper's sp appears to have reacted very favrouably:
http://www.nevadacopper.com/s/StockInfo.asp
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November 17, 2010 Nevada Copper Announces Investment by Pala, Exercise of Warrants and Appointment of Director
November 17, 2010 - Nevada Copper Corp. (TSX: NCU) ("Nevada Copper") The Board of Directors of Nevada Copper is pleased to announce that Pala Investments Holdings Limited ("Pala") has acquired an additional 10% of Nevada Copper's outstanding common shares, bringing Pala's total ownership in Nevada Copper to approximately 29.1%.
By way of a private transaction, Pala acquired 5,647,531 common shares of Nevada Copper at CDN$4.00 per common share.
Mr. Giulio Bonifacio, President and CEO, commented, "On behalf of Nevada Copper's Board of Directors, we welcome the additional investment by Pala as a further positive endorsement of the outstanding potential of our Pumpkin Hollow copper project."
Mr. Jan Castro, Managing Director of Pala Investments AG, exclusive investment advisor to Pala, said, "Pala is very excited about its investment in Nevada Copper and the ongoing development of the Pumpkin Hollow project. We look forward to working with Nevada Copper to advance Pumpkin Hollow through permitting and into development."
Additionally, 2,250,000 warrants were exercised at CDN$3.00 per share for total proceeds of $6,750,000. Nevada Copper currently has 56,496,920 shares outstanding and is well funded with approximately $27.8 million in cash.
The Board of Directors of Nevada Copper is also pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Jan Castro to its Board of Directors. Mr. Castro will be replacing Mr. Michael Barton on the Board. The appointment follows the additional investment in Nevada Copper by Pala.
Mr. Castro is the Managing Director of Pala Investments AG, the exclusive advisor to Pala Investments Holdings Limited, a US$ 1.0 billion investment company focused on the mining and natural resources sector. As a long-term partner, Pala leverages its extensive mining and natural resources sector experience to provide strategic advice and innovative financing solutions.
Prior to founding Pala in July 2006, Mr. Castro was Senior Vice President of Investments and Corporate Affairs for Mechel OAO, where his primary responsibilities covered mergers and acquisitions, non-core asset disposals and investor and public relations. Mechel is a NYSE-listed company and one of Russia's largest integrated mining and steel companies, focused on coal, iron ore, nickel and steel products, Mr. Castro was responsible for Mechel's IPO in 2004. Mr. Castro is currently a Director of Anatolia Minerals Development Ltd (TSX:ANO), Avoca Resources Limited (ASX:AVO), Churchill Mining PLC (AIM:CHL), Titanium Resources Group (AIM:TXR), Dumas Contracting Ltd and Norcast Wear Solutions Limited.
For additional information about Nevada Copper please visit our website at www.nevadacopper.com.
For additional information about Pala please refer to the Early Warning Report posted on SEDAR or contact Colin Murray at 011 41 41 560 9070.
NEVADA COPPER CORP.
WDS Price at posting:
63.5¢ Sentiment: LT Buy Disclosure: Held