Late on Tuesday night Anglo American sold its remaining 11.3% stake in AngloGold Ashanti to investment funds managed by Paulson & Co Inc. for $1.28 billion as part of their strategy to divest of non-core holdings.
Paulson & Co Inc. was founded by billionaire John Paulson, and is an American hedge fund. Mr. Paulson has become one of the most closely followed hedge fund managers after his bet against sub-prime mortgages in 2007 became the most profitable trade in history, securing profits in excess of $10bn. His fund and its management are well respected within the investment community.
The Paulson Fund's holding in AngloGold Ashanti will represent about 4% of the fund's value and will be their biggest gold investment. Their comments relating to the purchase of the shares were extremely positive. Not only do they back gold as being the only true 'hard currency' but they also state their belief that AngloGold Ashanti is one of the best managed and most undervalued of the major gold mining companies. Their investment is also a vote of confidence in the restructuring that has taken place at AngloGold Ashanti and the fund has made clear that they fully support the continuation of that work.
For AngloGold Ashanti, the transaction is the final step in a long process of disengagement from Anglo American. I'm personally excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for us.
Mark Cutifani
Chief Executive Officer
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