Barrick Gold eyes deals with rewritten M&A playbook

Toronto

BARRICK Gold Corp is actively reviewing acquisitions and in the past 18 months considered at least one transformational deal, as it seeks to boost looming production declines and drive growth, four people familiar with the company's thinking told Reuters.

It marks a shift for Barrick, which has focused on selling assets to reduce debt in recent years, and signals a possible return to familiar territory as the world's largest gold producer warms again to dealmaking.

A series of asset sales, including a 50-per-cent stake in Argentine gold mine Veladero to Shandong Gold Mining Co Ltd for US$960 million earlier this year, has helped put Barrick on a stronger footing and top its debt re…