Winsome Resources has agreed to be acquired by Li-FT Power Limited in a deal offering a substantial premium to shareholders, backed by strong lithium exploration results and strategic partnerships.
- Binding Scheme Implementation Deed with Li-FT Power for 100% acquisition
- Offer price implies 62-68% premium to Winsome’s recent share prices
- High-grade lithium intercepts reinforce Adina Project’s resource potential
- C$1.8 million sale of offtake rights to Albemarle Corporation
- C$13.5 million funding secured for critical minerals infrastructure development
Corporate Deal Accelerates Winsome’s Growth Trajectory
In a transformative move for the lithium exploration sector, Winsome Resources Limited (ASX, WR1) has entered into a binding Scheme Implementation Deed with Li-FT Power Limited (TSXV, LIFT), setting the stage for a full acquisition. The deal offers Winsome shareholders 0.107 Li-FT shares for each Winsome share held, translating to an implied offer price of A$0.501 per share. This represents a significant premium of 62% to Winsome’s closing price on December 8, 2025, and a 68% premium to its 20-day volume weighted average price, underscoring the attractiveness of the transaction.
The acquisition is subject to a series of customary conditions, including shareholder and court approvals, as well as Li-FT’s admission to the ASX via CHESS Depository Interests. Winsome’s board unanimously recommends the transaction, with key shareholders, including Waratah Capital Advisors, expressing support. Post-completion, existing Winsome shareholders are expected to hold approximately 35.3% of the combined entity, positioning them well within a larger, more liquid lithium development platform.
Robust Exploration Results Bolster Adina Lithium Project
Winsome’s recent drilling campaign at the flagship Adina Lithium Project in Quebec has delivered encouraging results, with multiple high-grade lithium intercepts reported. Notable assays include 38.3 metres at 1.81% lithium oxide from near surface and 50.9 metres at 1.72% lithium oxide, reinforcing the project's substantial Mineral Resource Estimate of 78 million tonnes at 1.15% lithium oxide. These results support ongoing efforts to upgrade resource confidence and refine mine planning, including geotechnical and hydrogeological studies critical for future development.
Additionally, Winsome secured an exclusive 12-month option to acquire adjoining claims covering an extra 20 kilometres of prospective greenstone belt, potentially expanding the lithium-bearing pegmatite footprint. This strategic landholding complements the existing Adina resource and aligns with the combined company’s growth ambitions.
Strategic Partnerships and Funding Strengthen Development Pathway
Winsome has also monetised its offtake rights to lithium, cesium, and tantalum from the Case Lake Area in Eastern Ontario, selling them to a subsidiary of Albemarle Corporation for C$1.8 million. This transaction not only provides immediate liquidity but also aligns with a broader industry trend of securing partnerships with established lithium producers.
On the infrastructure front, Winsome’s subsidiary Miyunaakun Lithium Inc. has entered into a collaboration agreement with Eskan Consulting Group, which recently secured up to C$13.5 million in non-repayable funding from Natural Resources Canada’s Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund. This funding targets the Trans-Atikh Project, aiming to develop multi-user road infrastructure that will enhance access to rail and port facilities, a critical enabler for regional lithium projects.
Community Engagement and ESG Commitments
Winsome continues to prioritise environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors, holding a well-attended community open house in the Cree Nation of Mistissini. The company has completed its second year of biophysical baseline studies to inform the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment for the Adina Project, demonstrating a commitment to responsible development and Indigenous partnership.
Looking ahead, the combined entity under Li-FT Power is poised to leverage enhanced financial capacity, technical expertise, and market presence to accelerate lithium project development in Canada’s established mining jurisdictions.
Bottom Line?
As the acquisition progresses, investors will watch closely how the combined company capitalises on its strengthened resource base and funding to advance lithium development.
Questions in the middle?
- Will regulatory and shareholder approvals for the Li-FT acquisition proceed smoothly and on schedule?
- How will the integration of Winsome’s assets influence Li-FT’s strategic focus and capital allocation?
- When will the pending exploration results from the Sirmac-Clapier project be released, and what impact might they have?