09:47 AM EST - Yamana Gold Inc. : is declaring success in its $3.5-billion takeover bid for Meridian Gold Inc. after 78 per cent of Meridian's stock was tendered. The acquisition creates one of the world's top five gold producers. Toronto-based Yamana said Monday it will pay $559 million plus 179 million shares while extending its offer for the remaining stock to Nov. 2 from Oct. 12. Yamana Gold Inc.
shares T.YRI are trading up 45 cents at $13.76.
