Expert: Steven Taylor - 5/27/2009

Question
QUESTION: Can you give me information on the following stocks that were in my father's safety deposit box.
Gerrard Realty Incorporated, Pelican Mines Limited, Silmil Explorations Inc., Marcon Mines Limited, Southport Mines Limited, Pitt Gold Mining Company Limited, Ultra Shawkey Mines Limited,....The previous are all in Ontario. Wendell Mineral Products Limited, Bateman Bay Mining Company, Massval Mines Limited... These are Quebec Companies.  Also have Class B Warrants for Canadian Gas and Energy Fund Limited.  Hope you can help me.

ANSWER: Kaye, I don't have any information on several of those companies. It appears there may be some value in a couple of them: Pelican went through many name changes and some reverse stock splits and is currently ATSI Communications, which trades for about 5 cents per share, and Silmil is now Advantex Marketing which trades for about 1 cent per share.

Since you have so many certificates, and they are not in your name, I suggest you take them to a broker and have them perform a more detailed search for you. If they do find any value, they can also help you reorganize the certificates both into the new company and for the new ownership.

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QUESTION: I am not sure any of these are worth going to a broker.  I believe I read in one of the letters on line that there is a cost for this.  At 5 cents and 1 cent a share it would appear going to a broker would not be cost effective. What is your take?

Answer
Kaye, many brokers will perform such searches at no charge, especially if you have an existing relationship with them. It is part of the service they will provide to their clients. However, if any value is found, the transfer agents will charge a fee for reorganizing certificates. It varies by agent and company, but it typically ranges from $40 to $100.

In regards to being worth it, I cannot say. Of the companies I was able to track down in your list, it certainly does not look especially promising, but just because I cannot find references to the remainder does not mean they are worthless.