The New Logo For The Proposed Combined Entity. (Graphic: Business Wire)

Apollo Gold Corporation (TSX: APG) (NYSE Amex: AGT) (“Apollo”) and Linear Gold Corp. (TSX: LRR) (“Linear”) announce a new corporate identity and name, Brigus Gold Corp. (“Brigus Gold”), which is expected to take effect following the closing of their proposed business combination (the “Merger”), subject to applicable respective shareholder approvals.

Pursuant to a definitive agreement executed by Apollo and Linear announced on April 1, 2010, Apollo and Linear agreed to the Merger by way of a court-approved plan of arrangement. The Merger is expected to close by the end of June 2010, subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of all necessary regulatory, court and shareholder approvals.

As a part of the Merger, Apollo and Linear believe that it is in the best interests of the combined company to effect a name change and to undertake a share consolidation on the basis of one post-consolidation combined entity common share for every four Apollo common shares outstanding immediately prior to the share consolidation. The trading ticker symbols for the combined entity on the TSX and NYSE Amex will be announced in due course.

The proposed share consolidation and name change will be submitted to the Apollo shareholders for approval at the shareholder meeting to approve, among other things, the issuance of 5.4742 Apollo common shares for each common share of Linear and other matters relating to the Merger and would only be effective upon the closing of the Merger. If approved by the Apollo shareholders, the proposed share consolidation would affect all combined entity shareholders uniformly. After giving effect to the Merger and the consolidation, Linear shareholders will receive approximately 1.37 combined entity shares for each Linear share on completion of the Merger (5.4742 divided by 4).

Wade K. Dawe, Chief Executive Officer and President of Linear, who is slated to become CEO and President of the combined entity, said, “We are proud to unveil Brigus Gold to Apollo and Linear shareholders to help brand a unique, strong and dynamic mid-tier gold investment vehicle of choice for new and existing shareholders. We plan to develop Brigus Gold into Canada’s next mid-tier gold producer based on our outlook for increased gold production and resources. We believe that Brigus Gold represents a solid platform for growth in shareholder value based on: (i) growing production and cash flow from the Black Fox Mine; (ii) an excellent development pipeline of projects in low-risk operating jurisdictions; (iii) a strengthened balance sheet that positions the company to capitalize on development and exploration opportunities; (iv) a strong management team with development, operational and financial expertise and (v) improved access to the capital markets and enhanced trading liquidity.”