Aura Minerals to sell receipts; Zoomer raises funds for acquisition; EnergyMixx to issue stock

By Stephanie N. Rotondo

Portland, Ore., June 15 - There seemed to be little rhyme or reason to Monday's private placement market, as deals came from a variety of sectors. However, of the announced transactions, many were on the larger side.

Aura Minerals Inc. said it will sell subscription receipts in its effort to raise C$100.1 million. Proceeds will be used to acquire new mining assets in Honduras and Brazil.

Among other companies planning placements for acquisitions, ZoomerMedia Ltd. will use funds from an equity placement of more than C$17 million to acquire Vision TV Digital Inc.

EnergyMixx AG announced a €5.82 million private placement of ordinary shares. The company called the deal a "precursor" to forthcoming larger deals.

Hanmi Financial Corp. will sell equity to raise $11.02 million. China Direct Industries Inc. will meanwhile issue both stock and warrants to take in $5 million.

Aura to sell receipts

Aura Minerals is looking to raise C$100.1 million through a private placement of subscription receipts, according to a press release.

The Vancouver, B.C.-based company will issue 182 million of the receipts at C$0.55 each. The deal also includes a C$25.03 million greenshoe.

The funds raised will be placed in escrow and each receipt will immediately convert into one common share as of the escrow release date.

"The company intends to use the net proceeds of the offering to acquire from Yamana Gold Inc. the San Andrés Gold Mine located in Honduras and the Sao Francisco and Sao Vicente Gold Mines located in Brazil," said the release.

Aura's equity (Toronto ORA) fell 2 cents, or 3.12%, to C$0.62. Market capitalization is C$355 million.

Aura Minerals is a mineral exploration company.

Zoomer raises funds for acquisition

ZoomerMedia will take in C$17.6 million via private placement of equity.

Under the terms of the deal, the company will sell 176 million common shares at C$0.10 per share to Fairfax Financial Holdings Ltd.

The funds will be used to finance Zoomer's acquisition of Vision TV Digital Inc.

"VisionTV has been broadcasting for 20 years and we believe that this network as well as the JoyTV stations and One: the Body, Mind & Spirit channel will add tremendous value to ZoomerMedia," said Moses Znaimer, Zoomer's president, CEO and majority shareholder, in a press release. "These acquisitions will enrich Zoomer's media assets to include radio and television broadcasting, as well as video production. In addition to being attractive businesses in their own right, we expect their complementary nature to Zoomer's magazine and on-line/web holdings will further facilitate the expansion of the Zoomer concept, and will assist CARP significantly in expanding its membership base. It also puts me back into TV, where I have a little experience, and a few ideas that should grow shareholder value."

"This value transaction is in the best interests of our viewers, our stakeholders and the VisionTV Charity - and at a time of consolidation in the media industry, it represents a bold and affirming commitment to diversity and independent Canadian broadcasting," added Bill Roberts, president and CEO of VisionTV. "Our respective brands share complementary audience demographics and a common commitment to high-quality, award-winning Canadian content, and we welcome the opportunity to pursue exciting new opportunities together. We are also pleased that this business arrangement will re-energize the VisionTV Charity, providing the ample resources it needs to re-invent itself for the 21st century."

Zoomer's stock (TSX Venture: ZUM) gained 12 cents, or 135.29%, to C$0.20. Market capitalization is C$15.4 million.

ZoomerMedia is a Toronto-based Canadian web site producer for adults over 45 year of age.

EnergyMixx to take in €5.82 million

EnergyMixx is planning a €5.82 million private placement of ordinary shares, the company said.

The company will sell 11.64 million shares at an "off market" price of €0.50 per share, according to a press release.

"This transaction is the precursor for a larger placement which will significantly increase the capitalization of EnergyMixx, employing a combination of equity and convertible instruments," the release stated.

"I am particularly pleased to announce the increase of capital at this time and which is made at a significant premium to the market," said Artur Dela, the chief executive officer, in the statement. "We are now perfectly placed to make a breakthrough in the construction of our solar energy assets in Italy. It is a vindication of the group's determination to focus on most profitable and dynamic markets and shows that investors share our confidence. This transaction is just the first step in increasing the capital of the group such that we can enjoy the expansion and the growth in secure earnings our shareholders expect."

Proceeds will fund the company's plan to build out its solar and wind energy concessions in Italy and to support its growth in Europe, as well as United States and Brazil.

EnergyMixx's shares (Frankfurt: EM2) fell a penny, or 5%, to 19 cents.

EnergyMixx is a Zug, Switzerland-based investor in renewable energy assets.

Hanmi plans stock deal

Hanmi Financial will sell new shares of stock in a private placement aimed at bringing in $11.02 million.

The company will sell approximately 8.04 million shares at $1.37 per share to Leading Investment & Securities Co., Ltd., a Korean securities broker-dealer. The deal will come in two tranches and the initial portion is expected to close by July 31.

"We welcome the proposed investment by Leading Investment & Securities," said Jay Yoo, president and CEO of Hanmi, in a statement. "In addition to enhancing Hanmi's capital levels, it demonstrates a confidence in Hanmi's ability to weather what is proving to be a severe and prolonged recession."

Upon completion of the transaction, Leading will hold 14.9% of Hanmi's outstanding shares.

Hanmi's stock (Nasdaq: HAFC) increased 51 cents, or 34.46%, to $1.99. Market capitalization is $76.2 million.

Hanmi Financial is a Los Angeles-based holding company for Hanmi Bank.

China Direct to conduct offering

China Direct Industries aims to raise $5 million through a registered direct offering of stock and warrants, according to a regulatory filing and company news release.

According to the deal's terms, China Direct will issue approximately 2.7 million shares of common stock at $1.85. Warrants equal to an additional 1.35 million shares will also be issued, carrying a strike price of $2.31 per share.

The warrants are exercisable beginning 183 days after the deal settles and expire on the fifth anniversary of the first exercise date.

Proceeds will be used for general working capital, including possible acquisitions of operations in China.

"This new capital provides our company with the additional financial flexibility we need to aggressively pursue internal and external opportunities in front of us in these challenging times," said Dr. James Wang, chairman and CEO, in the release. "We continue to anticipate a stronger second half of 2009 and this cash infusion will allow us to capitalize on an improving economic environment in China as it occurs."

China Direct's equity (Nasdaq: CDII) dipped 40 cents, or 17.86%, to $1.84.

China Direct Industries is a Deerfield Beach, Fla.-based holding company operating in pure magnesium production and distribution, as well as distribution of basic materials in China.

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