Richard Trotman

Founded in 1969, HSBC Securities (U.S.A.) Inc. is an SEC-registered brokerage firm and registered futures commission merchant located in New York City. The firm is a wholly-owned subsidiary of HSBC North America Holdings, Inc. and their ultimate parent is HSBC Holdings Plc. (NYSE: HBC). HSBC Securities (U.S.A.) is a member of FINRA, the NYSE and the SIPC. Their securities and annuity products are provided by registered representatives and insurance agents of HSBC Securities (U.S.A.). In California, HSBC Securities (U.S.A.) conducts insurance business as HSBC Securities Insurance Services. Insurance products are offered through insurance agents of HSBC Insurance Agency (U.S.A.) Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of HSBC Bank U.S.A. NA and an indirectly wholly-owned subsidiary of HSBC Holdings plc. The company also engages in investment banking underwriting, dealing and brokering of debt and equity securities and futures contracts and is a primary dealer in U.S. Government and federal agency securities.

Founded in 2010, MLV & Co. LLC is a broker/dealer located in New York City. The firm is a direct subsidiary of FBR Capital Markets Holdings, Inc. and their ultimate parent is FBR & Co. (NASDAQ: FBRC), which acquired the firm in 2015. Their research focuses on small to mid-sized companies with disruptive technologies that have the potential to drive significant market changes. MLV & Co.'s coverage universe includes the life sciences, oil & gas and metals & mining sectors.

Yamana Gold, Inc. engages in the production of gold, silver, and copper. It operates through the following segments: El Peñón, Canadian Malartic, Jacobina, Minera Florida, Cerro Moro, and Corporates and Other. The company was founded by Peter J. Marrone on March 17, 1994 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada.

Meridian Gold, Inc. provided gold, silver and metal mining services. It was engaged in the mining and exploration of gold and other precious metals. The firm developed and processed gold from three properties in the United States and one in Peru. The company was founded in 1996 and was headquartered in Reno, NV.