Expert: Steven Taylor - 3/22/2009

Question
Hello Mr. Taylor -
In going through some old papers, I found an old stock certificate from January 1981 for 100 shares of Ventora Resources Ltd (which I believe was a mining company).  In 1984 the company changed its name to Torrent Resources and I subsequently received a request to send in the old certificate in exchange for a new certificate in the new name of Torrent.  Somehow it got lost in the shuffle and I never pursued it.  Would you know if this company still exists, if the shares are worth anything, etc?  Any help would be greatly appreciated.  Many thanks.  Paula

Answer
Paula, Ventora went through numerous name changes, and was eventually acquired by Homestake, which was later acquired by Barrick. The problem for you is that due to numerous reverse stock splits, I think your 100 Ventora would have been reversed down to below 1 share before the Homestake acquisition. Therefore, I don't really see any real value for you. There might have been a small payment for less than 1 share in the acquisition (a dollar or so), but that is probably all.

HOWEVER, I suggest you contact a broker to confirm the information for you. I don't think contacting Barrick's transfer agent in this case would be of any help, as I think your shares would have been paid off during the original Homestake acquisition, and Barrick would not even have you on their rolls.