RE: VOTE NO22 Jan 2026 19:14
What does a large salary increase mean during an acquisition? A salary jump from $405,000 → $550,000 (about +35%) at a moment when: SolGold is under financial pressure, a takeover offer is on the Table, The BOD is cooperating with JCC …is not a coincidence. Moves like this usually happen in three situations: °) Retention bonus / keeping key personnel during an acquisition, buyers (like JCC) want certain executives to stay in order to: guide the transition, preserve knowledge about projects and permits, show stability to investors and government, a salary increase signals that this person is important for the deal. Interpretation: -> JCC and the BOD are preparing for a post‑acquisition structure. -> This strengthens the idea that the deal is already well advanced. °) Compensation for future loss of stock options during a takeover, it is common that: options are cancelled, bonuses are restructured, contracts are renegotiated, a salary increase can compensate a director for what they will lose once SolGold is absorbed. Interpretation: -> The BOD expects the acquisition to go through. -> They are already securing their own positions. °) A signal that the BOD is not in panic; if a company is truly in crisis, salaries are not increased. They are frozen or even reduced. A raise of this size means: the BOD feels comfortable, there is no immediate cash crisis, they expect stability through the JCC deal. Interpretation: -> This is not a panic-driven fire sale. -> It looks more like a controlled strategic exit.
What does this mean for you as a shareholder? It confirms that JCC and the BOD are working closely together. They are clearly aligned.
It confirms that the deal is likely to go through. You almost never see raises like this when a deal is uncertain. It confirms that the BOD is protecting itself. Not pretty, but very typical in takeovers. It does NOT mean SolGold is going bankrupt. On the contrary — raises like this show confidence in the future (with JCC). And what does this mean for your strategy (voting NO)? It actually strengthens your reasoning: JCC wants the deal - The BOD wants the deal - They are already preparing post‑deal structures. JCC has room to increase the offer. A raise to 3?–3?p is absolutely possible if enough shareholders vote NO.
Your NO vote is not irrational. It is a way to put pressure on a buyer who is already far along in the process. conclusion; This salary increase essentially says: “The deal is almost done, and the BOD is already taking care of itself.” And that means: -> JCC likely has room to raise the offer -> A NO vote can be effective -> You are not wrong to expect 3?p.