Benton Appoints Thomas Weisel Partners as Strategic Advisor
THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO -- (Marketwire) -- 06/21/10 -- Benton Resources Corp. (TSX VENTURE: BTC) ('Benton' or the 'Company') announces that its board of directors today approved the appointment of Thomas Weisel Partners International Limited as exclusive financial advisor to the Company in relation to a wide-ranging review of the strategic options that are available to the Company.
The review will focus on efforts to unlock the underlying value of Benton's assets, which include both diverse interests in mining projects and equity interests in other exploration and development companies. Benton believes that there is a significant dislocation between those underlying asset values and its stock price and that the ability of its shareholders to realize the full potential of their investment will benefit from an active approach to the entire asset portfolio.
Thomas Weisel Partners International Limited is a member of the Thomas Weisel Partners group, is an international investment banking group founded in 1998 and focused principally on the growth sectors of the economy. It has extensive experience in the mining sector having been involved as adviser in numerous equity financings and M&A transactions over recent years. Benton has access to the resources and expertise of the Thomas Weisel Partners group as a whole and will take full advantage of its extensive international network.
The board of Benton and Thomas Weisel Partners will be working together during the coming months to formulate a strategy that is in the best interests of all shareholders.
Benton is a Canadian based junior with multiple joint ventures and a diversified property portfolio in Gold, Nickel, Copper, and Platinum group elements. The company currently has approximately $9.4 million in cash and owns approximately 38.7 million shares and 18.9 million warrants in Coro Mining Corp (TSX: COP). Benton is also in the process of splitting out the Company's 100% owned Bermuda property to it shareholders into a new company to be named Coldwell Copper Corp.
On behalf of the Board of Directors of Benton Resources Corp.
Stephen Stares, President
Forward-looking statements in this release are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties.
THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE HAS NOT REVIEWED AND DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.
Contacts:
Benton Resources Corp.
Stephen Stares
(807)475-7474
(807)475-7200 (FAX)
Benton Resources Corp.
Clair Calvert
Investor Relations
204-799-2086
www.bentonresources.ca