The Globe and Mail reports in its Saturday edition that Barrick Gold is actively reviewing acquisitions and in the past 18 months considered at least one transformational deal, as it seeks to boost looming production declines and drive growth. A Reuters dispatch to The Globe says this marks a shift for Barrick, which has focused on selling assets to reduce debt in recent years, and signals a possible return to familiar territory as the world's largest gold producer warms back up to deal making. A series of asset sales, including a 50-per-cent stake in Argentine gold mine Veladero to Shandong Gold Mining for $960-million (U.S.) earlier this year, has helped put Barrick on a stronger footing and top its debt reduction target this year. Barrick, whose gold production has declined every year from 2012 to 2016, has historically been acquisitive but has spent recent years focused on debt reduction. Since the 2013 sell-off in commodity prices, portfolio managers have been speaking out against companies about overspending, investments in risky growth and high levels of debt. Barrick is on the lookout for deals of scale. With such a framework in place, Barrick weighed the takeover of rival Goldcorp late in 2016.