Audrey T. Ho

Hecla Mining Company applied to cease trade a private placement by Dolly Varden Silver Corporation, arguing it was an abusive defensive tactic against Hecla's take-over bid.

Dolly Varden cross-applied to cease trade Hecla's bid for failing to include a formal valuation required for insider bids under MI 61-101.

The Ontario and British Columbia Securities Commissions held simultaneous hearings.

The Commissions dismissed Hecla's applications, finding the private placement was instituted for bona fide, non-defensive business purposes.

The OSC granted Dolly Varden's application in part, finding Hecla had board representation at Dolly Varden and thus did not qualify for an exemption from the formal valuation requirement, and cease traded the bid until a valuation was provided.

The BCSC dismissed Dolly Varden's application under its public interest jurisdiction.

Hecla Mining Company launched an insider take-over bid for Dolly Varden Silver Corporation.

Hecla applied to the Ontario and British Columbia Securities Commissions to cease trade a private placement announced by Dolly Varden, arguing it was an abusive defensive tactic.

Dolly Varden cross-applied to cease trade Hecla's bid for failing to include a formal valuation as required for insider bids.

The Commissions held simultaneous hearings.

They dismissed Hecla's application, finding the private placement was instituted for bona fide business purposes, not as a defensive tactic.

The OSC granted Dolly Varden's application, finding Hecla did not qualify for an exemption from the formal valuation requirement because it had board representation at Dolly Varden within the preceding 12 months.

The BCSC dismissed Dolly Varden's application under its public interest jurisdiction.