The Globe and Mail reports in its Tuesday edition that Barrick Gold has agreed to acquire rival gold miner Randgold Resources Ltd. for $6-billion (U.S.) in an all-stock deal that some investors said runs counter to the Canadian gold producer's conservative strategy and adds political risk by sharply increasing its exposure to Africa. The Globe's Niall McGee and Rachelle Younglai write that a combination of Barrick, one of the worst performing senior gold companies of the past decade, with Randgold, one of the best operators, was announced early on Monday. As executives at both companies touted the friendly takeover, investors and analysts also raised concerns about Barrick doubling down in the very region in which it has struggled the most in recent years. Some called the move back into Africa hypocritical, given that Barrick has been steadfast about moving away from risky regions and focusing on its core assets in the Americas, in particular Nevada. However, Barrick shareholders are also hoping that Randgold, which has proven itself to be a skilled operator in politically difficult jurisdictions in Africa, can help Barrick end an impasse that has resulted in the idling of a big chunk of its African gold production.