Deals

East Africa Resources has become the 36th Perth-based company to announce a backdoor listing deal in the past 18 months, with plans to exit uranium exploration and acquire local security services business Threat Protect Australia.

Students at the University of Western Australia have partnered with Nedlands-based money manager Viburnum Funds to set up a $20,000 student-run managed fund.

Metals explorer TNG has secured a $2 million placement to progress a feasibility study on its planned Mount Peake vanadium project in the Northern Territory.

Exploration firm Resource Star has announced plans to acquire a 60 per cent interest in a Chinese company which holds an exclusive licence to produce and distribute Candy Crush confectionery in Asia.

Fortescue Metals Group shares surged today after it surprised the market by completing a $US2.3 billion ($A2.9 billion) debt refinancing, while also benefiting from a much-needed lift in iron ore prices.

Maca and GR Engineering Services have become the preferred contractors for work at Cassini Resources’ Nebo-Babel nickel project while also committing to the mining company’s $8 million capital raising.

Sino Gas & Energy Holdings has completed an $80 million capital raising to fund a development plan for its onshore gas projects in China.

Five weeks after announcing a $7.2 million rights issue, and three weeks after getting a loan from two of its directors, Viento Group has called a trading halt on its shares while it considers funding options.

Liberty Resources is ticking the remaining boxes on its list of requirements to be met for its proposed acquisition of Cirrus Networks, with an independent expert giving the transaction its stamp of approval today, ahead of a shareholders meeting next month.

Regal Resources has entered into an agreement to acquire a 90 per cent interest in several tenements held by Vancouver-based Ivanhoe Mines, in close proximity to its Regal's copper project in Africa.

Copper explorer Avanco Resources has launched a $64 million capital raising to fund construction of its Antas project in Brazil into production.

Nedlands-based Mustera Property Group has bought a 2,223 square metre lot in East Perth from Georgiou Capital for $4 million, and has the option to buy an adjoining lot for a further $8.5 million.

Iron ore miner Centaurus Metals says it can no longer afford to develop its Candonga project in Brazil on its own, and will be seeking to either bring in a joint venture partner or sell the mine in order to survive in the tough economic climate.

Gold company Evolution Mining has finalised its purchase of La Mancha Resources' Australian assets and secured $100 million in financial firepower to continue its growth opportunities.

Copper and gold miner Oz Minerals is on the hunt for acquisitions as part of a major restructure.

Oil and gas explorer Discovery Resources has announced plans to leave the resources industry through the purchase of the Canberra Casino.

Kibaran Resources has kicked off a $5.1 million capital raising to fund ongoing work on its flagship Epanko graphite project in Africa.

Nedlands-based Proteomics International Laboratories has made a solid debut on the ASX today, closing 2.5 cents above its issue price at 22.5 cents per share, with about 1.13 million shares changing hands.

La Mancha Resources has signed an agreement to acquire up to 70 per cent of Perth-based explorer Intermin Resources’ Binduli gold project near Kalgoorlie.

Social Ventures Australia has launched its first state-based venture philanthropy fund, with the new fund designed to invest in a portfolio of high-impact not-for-profit ventures in Western Australia.

Stratum Metals has become the sixth Western Australian company to cancel a backdoor listing deal in the past year, with the Nedlands-based business reviewing its future options, including plans for the East Menzies gold project, after walking away from a planned reverse takeover of a US technology venture.

Gold and copper miner PanAust has rejected a state owned Chinese company's $1.1 billion takeover bid, describing the offer as inadequate.

Henderson-based construction services company Civmec plans to purchase a 21-hectare waterfront site in Indonesia from engineering group Technip, as it seeks to lower its cost base by building up its overseas operations.

Social media company migme has received firm commitments for a $7 million capital raising, which it says was oversubscribed by $2 million.

Former mining magnate Nathan Tinkler has secured a job as an adviser to nickel explorer Rumble Resources as he steps up his return to the resources sector.

Nedlands-based gold explorer Promesa has announced plans to shift its focus to technology by acquiring social media platform and app developer Thredit.

Woodside Petroleum has closed its $US854 million ($A1.1 billion) purchase of Apache Corporation’s interests in the Kitimat LNG project in Canada, a week after finalising the WA component of the sale.

A new supply deal struck this week by Western Australia’s largest buyer of domestic gas, Alcoa of Australia, has confirmed the availability of gas for customers prepared to pay the going price.

Oil and gas company Zeta Petroleum has launched a proposal to acquire full ownership of Sydney-based Pan Pacific Petroleum by buying all the shares it doesn’t already own in the company, in a deal worth $29.4 million.

Window blinds manufacturer and retailer Kresta Holdings has backed out of its proposed $10 million acquisition of Queensland-based Franklyn Blinds Awnings Security.

Pioneer Credit has taken a 14.1 per cent stake in Kalgoorlie-based financial institution Goldfields Money for $2.3 million as the two companies make plans for a joint working relationship.

Perth-based gold miner Minera Gold has raised $US1.55 million ($A2 million) from existing shareholders and a new investor, while also announcing a number of board changes that includes the retirement of both its chairman and chief executive.