Apollo Gold (AGT)

[B7$4]

"AGT News" Apollo Gold and Linear Gold Enter into Definitive Arrangement Agreement

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/apollo-gold-and-linear-gold-enter-into-definitive-arrangement-agreement-2010-04-01?reflink=MW_news_stmp

DENVER & HALIFAX, Nova Scotia, Apr 01, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Apollo Gold Corporation /quotes/comstock/11t!apg (CA:APG 0.35, -0.01, -2.78%) /quotes/comstock/14*!agt/quotes/nls/agt (AGT 0.34, -0.01, -3.57%) ("Apollo") and Linear Gold Corp. /quotes/comstock/11t!lrr (CA:LRR 1.72, +0.02, +1.18%) ("Linear") are pleased to announce today that they have entered into a definitive arrangement agreement (the "Arrangement Agreement") in respect of the previously announced business combination (the "Merger") pursuant to which the businesses of Apollo and Linear will be combined by way of a court approved plan of arrangement. The Arrangement Agreement supercedes the letter of intent executed by Apollo and Linear on March 9, 2010 in respect of the Merger.

Wade Dawe, Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") and President of Linear, who will be appointed as CEO and President of the combined company, said, "The signing of the Arrangement Agreement is another step towards closing of the Merger which will create an emerging Canadian mid-tier gold producer. Our new company will be well positioned as the new gold investment vehicle of choice for investors seeking growing gold production in Canada, increasing gold mineral resources, a financially strong balance sheet and a superior pipeline of projects in politically stable jurisdictions."

R. David Russell, CEO and President of Apollo, added, "Both Apollo and Linear are working together to complete the Merger as well as prepare for a smooth transition to start a new chapter for the combined company in 2010. This year also marks the first full year of production from the Black Fox Mine in the Timmins Mining District, including the start of production from the new underground mine in the second half of 2010."

The consummation of the Merger as contemplated by the Arrangement Agreement is subject to a number of conditions precedent, including approval of the shareholders of each of Apollo and Linear. The parties currently anticipate that the Merger will be completed in June 2010. It is expected that proxy and management information circulars will be mailed to respective Apollo and Linear shareholders in May 2010.